Daniel 7:26

KJV

But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the judgment {H1780} shall sit {H3488}, and they shall take away {H5709} his dominion {H7985}, to consume {H8046} and to destroy {H7} it unto {H5705} the end {H5491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when the court goes into session, he will be stripped of his rulership, which will be consumed and completely destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

But the court will convene, and his dominion will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.

American Standard Version

But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:26 is a pivotal declaration within Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the "little horn," pronouncing the definitive and irreversible judgment against this oppressive power. It underscores the ultimate sovereignty of God, revealing that despite the temporary triumph of evil, a divine tribunal will convene, stripping the wicked dominion of its authority and utterly annihilating its influence and existence, thereby ensuring the triumph of divine justice and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:26 is the climactic pronouncement of judgment following Daniel's vision of four great beasts, representing successive world empires, and the emergence of a blasphemous "little horn" from the fourth beast. The preceding verses detail the little horn's oppressive reign, its persecution of the saints, and its audacious attempts to alter times and laws ([Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's Reign")). Crucially, verses [Daniel 7:9-10](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9-10 - The Ancient of Days and the Heavenly Court") set the scene for a dramatic heavenly court session, where the "Ancient of Days" takes His seat, books are opened, and judgment is rendered. Thus, Daniel 7:26 serves as the divine verdict, directly addressing the fate of the "little horn" and its dominion, transitioning the narrative from the description of oppression to the assurance of its definitive end.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Daniel was written during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval for the Jewish people, spanning the Babylonian exile and the Persian empire, with prophecies extending into the Hellenistic period. The imagery of beasts rising from the sea was common in ancient Near Eastern apocalyptic literature, symbolizing powerful, often chaotic, empires. The "little horn" is widely interpreted as a future oppressive power, often linked historically to Antiochus IV Epiphanes (who persecuted Jews in the Maccabean era) but also prophetically to a final, eschatological anti-God power. The concept of a divine court (a "judgment sitting") would have resonated deeply with a people familiar with legal proceedings and the expectation of divine justice for their oppressors, drawing on Israel's covenantal understanding of God as a righteous judge who intervenes in human history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that despite the apparent chaos and oppressive power of earthly kingdoms, God remains in ultimate control of history and human destiny. The "judgment shall sit" highlights **Divine Justice**, assuring that God will meticulously and decisively intervene to rectify wrongs and hold wicked powers accountable. It also reinforces the theme of the **Ultimate Defeat of Evil**, demonstrating that no earthly dominion, no matter how formidable or blasphemous, can withstand God's decree; its power is temporary and its end is certain. This sets the stage for the subsequent theme of the **Establishment of God's Eternal Kingdom**, which is described in [Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Everlasting Kingdom of the Saints"), following the destruction of the oppressive dominion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judgment (Aramaic, _dîyn'_):** This term refers to a formal legal process, a judicial decision, or the tribunal itself. Its use here emphasizes that the downfall of the oppressive power is not a mere accident or natural decline, but a deliberate, divinely ordained legal proceeding in the heavenly court, where justice is meticulously administered and a verdict is rendered.
* **Dominion (Aramaic, _sholṭân'_):** This word denotes empire, authority, or ruling power. The declaration that this "dominion" will be "taken away" signifies the complete and formal termination of its authority, influence, and control. It underscores that the power of the "little horn" is not inherent or eternal, but granted and can be revoked by a higher authority.
* **Destroy (Aramaic, _ʼăbad'_):** This term means to wander away, lose oneself, perish, or, causatively, to destroy. When combined with "consume," it conveys a sense of thorough and utter annihilation. It implies not just a defeat or removal, but a complete obliteration, leaving nothing behind of the oppressive system or its power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the judgment shall sit,"**: This clause dramatically shifts the focus from the oppressive reign of the "little horn" to the divine response. It signals the commencement of a formal, authoritative heavenly court session, presided over by the Ancient of Days, as described in [Daniel 7:9-10](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9-10 - The Ancient of Days' Judgment"). The sitting of the judgment implies a settled, deliberate, and irreversible decision.
* **"and they shall take away his dominion,"**: This phrase declares the immediate consequence of the judgment. The "they" refers to the heavenly court, the divine agents of God's justice. The dominion, or ruling authority, of the oppressive power (the "little horn") is not merely diminished but definitively removed. This signifies a complete revocation of its power and influence, demonstrating God's ultimate authority over all earthly kingdoms.
* **"to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end."**: This final clause specifies the absolute and permanent nature of the judgment. The terms "consume" (Aramaic, _shᵉmad'_, to desolate) and "destroy" (Aramaic, _ʼăbad'_, to perish) are strong, emphasizing utter annihilation. The phrase "unto the end" reinforces the finality and totality of this destruction, indicating that the oppressive power will not simply be weakened or temporarily suppressed, but will cease to exist as a force, never to rise again.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:26 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The primary device is **Personification**, as "judgment" itself is depicted as "sitting," giving an active, almost sentient quality to the abstract concept of divine justice. This vividly portrays the formal and deliberate nature of God's judicial process. There is also strong **Contrast** between the temporary, blasphemous power of the "little horn" and the eternal, decisive authority of the heavenly court. The phrase "to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end" uses **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to emphasize the absolute and irreversible nature of the destruction, leaving no doubt about the finality of the wicked dominion's demise. This serves to comfort the persecuted and warn the oppressor, assuring that God's justice is not partial or temporary but complete and ultimate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:26 is a profound statement on divine justice and sovereignty, affirming that God is not a passive observer of human history but an active, righteous judge who will ultimately intervene to dismantle all oppressive systems that oppose His rule and persecute His people. This verse provides immense theological comfort, assuring believers that despite the apparent triumph of evil in any age, its reign is strictly limited by divine decree and will culminate in a definitive judgment. It highlights the certainty of God's timetable for justice, where every act of rebellion and oppression will be met with a just and final reckoning, paving the way for the establishment of His eternal and righteous kingdom.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Jesus Destroys the Lawless One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:26 offers a profound anchor of hope and a powerful call to endurance for believers across generations, especially those who have faced or are currently enduring persecution and oppression. In a world where evil often seems to flourish unchecked, this verse reminds us that God is not indifferent to injustice. There is a heavenly court, and a judgment has been set, ensuring that every oppressive dominion, every system that exalts itself against God and His people, will ultimately be stripped of its power and utterly destroyed. This truth should embolden us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that the reign of evil is temporary and its end is certain. It encourages us to persevere in righteousness, to pray for justice, and to trust in the unfailing sovereignty of God, who will have the final word in history. Our hope is not in the collapse of human systems by human effort alone, but in the divine intervention that guarantees the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of divine judgment in Daniel 7:26 impact your perspective on current global injustices or personal struggles with oppression?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage you to persevere in faith when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or powerful adversaries?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in light of the truth that all earthly dominions are temporary, and only God's kingdom is eternal?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the judgment shall sit" in Daniel 7:26?**

Answer: The phrase "the judgment shall sit" signifies the formal and authoritative commencement of a divine court session in heaven. It emphasizes that the downfall of the oppressive power (the "little horn") is not a random event or a mere consequence of human actions, but a deliberate, pre-ordained, and legally binding verdict issued by God Himself. This heavenly tribunal, presided over by the Ancient of Days ([Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days")), ensures that justice is administered meticulously and decisively, guaranteeing the ultimate accountability of all earthly powers.

**Who is "his dominion" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: "His dominion" refers to the authority and ruling power of the "little horn" described earlier in Daniel 7. This "little horn" emerges from the fourth beast, symbolizing a powerful, blasphemous, and persecuting entity that sets itself against God and His saints ([Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Little Horn's War on the Saints")). While historically interpreted in various ways (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes, or the Roman Empire and its successors), prophetically it points to a final, eschatological anti-God power whose reign, though formidable, is ultimately temporary and subject to divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:26 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the divine Judge and the King of the everlasting kingdom. While the judgment against the "little horn" speaks of the defeat of an oppressive, anti-God power, it foreshadows Christ's comprehensive victory over all sin, death, and evil. Jesus, as the Son of Man ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion")), is given "dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him." His first advent inaugurated His kingdom, and His second advent will bring about the full and final "taking away" of all opposing dominions. The judgment that "shall sit" is ultimately executed by Christ, who is appointed by the Father as judge of the living and the dead ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, but Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). The "consuming and destroying" of the oppressive power "unto the end" is realized in Christ's triumph over Satan and his forces, culminating in the complete annihilation of all evil at the end of the age ([Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - The Devil Thrown into the Lake of Fire"), [2 Thessalonians 2:8](/2_thessalonians/2-8 "2 Thessalonians 2:8 - The Lord Jesus Destroys the Lawless One")). Thus, Daniel 7:26 is a powerful prophetic declaration of the certain and ultimate victory of Christ's eternal kingdom over every earthly power that opposes God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 20:10

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Daniel 7:10

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7:11

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

Daniel 7:22

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: