Daniel 7:12

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.

As concerning the rest {H7606} of the beasts {H2423}, they had their dominion {H7985} taken away {H5709}: yet their lives {H2417} were prolonged {H3052} for {H5705} a season {H2166} and time {H5732}.

As for the other animals, their rulership was taken away; but their lives were prolonged for a time and a season.

As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was removed, but they were granted an extension of life for a season and a time.

And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 7 presents a pivotal prophetic vision given to the prophet Daniel, detailing the succession of four great beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing powerful earthly kingdoms. These are traditionally interpreted as Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and a final, dreadful kingdom (often associated with Rome and its subsequent manifestations, culminating in an end-time empire). Verse 12 specifically refers to "the rest of the beasts" – meaning the first three (the lion-like, bear-like, and leopard-like beasts) whose dominion had already been superseded by the next in line. The vision culminates in the dramatic scene of divine judgment before the Ancient of Days and the establishment of an everlasting kingdom by one like the Son of Man.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Over Empires: This verse underscores God's absolute control over the rise and fall of human kingdoms. Even after their political power is stripped, their continued existence for a "season and time" is entirely within God's predetermined plan.
  • Gradual Decline, Not Immediate Annihilation: Unlike the sudden, decisive judgment on the fourth beast (Daniel 7:11), the earlier empires experienced a more gradual fading. Their dominion was taken, but their influence, culture, or remnants of their existence were prolonged, indicating that historical transitions often involve lingering effects rather than instant erasure.
  • The Temporary Nature of Earthly Power: The fleeting nature of all human dominion is contrasted with the eternal and unshakeable kingdom that God will establish, as seen in Daniel 7:14. This provides hope and perspective for those living under oppressive regimes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "season and time" (Aramaic: zeman and 'iddan) signifies a divinely appointed, specific, yet limited duration. It implies that even the lingering influence or existence of these former empires is not indefinite but operates within a precise, controlled timeframe set by God. This reinforces the theme of God's meticulous timing and ultimate authority over all historical events, even those that appear to be in decline or transition.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:12 offers powerful reassurance that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, is beyond God's control. It teaches us that:

  • God's Plan Unfolds Systematically: Just as empires don't vanish overnight, God's larger redemptive plan often unfolds in stages, with remnants of past eras influencing the present. This calls for patience and trust in His process.
  • Hope in God's Ultimate Victory: The temporary nature of all human kingdoms, even those whose "lives were prolonged," points to the certainty of God's final and everlasting kingdom. This perspective encourages believers to place their ultimate hope not in political systems or human leaders, but in the divine King and His coming reign (Revelation 11:15).
  • Discernment of Lingering Influences: The verse reminds us that even when a dominant power falls, its ideologies or cultural impacts can persist. Believers are called to discern and stand firm against such lingering influences that are contrary to God's will.
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Cross-References

  • Daniel 8:7 (1 votes)

    And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

  • Daniel 7:4 (0 votes)

    The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

  • Daniel 7:6 (0 votes)

    After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.