Daniel Chapter 7 Explained — A Prophetic Link to Revelation and the Coming Mark of the Beast System
Introduction: From Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream to Daniel’s Vision
In Daniel 2, we studied King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream — a divine revelation outlining the progression of four specific world empires from Babylon to the final kingdom of the Antichrist. Why these four in particular? There have not been any other world empires who’ve directly come against the nation of Israel. That image of the great statue gave us a metallic and pride based outward view of human power from man’s perspective.
Now, in Daniel’s dream of four beasts, the curtain is pulled back even further. Daniel himself receives a dream — one that mirrors Nebuchadnezzar’s but this time reveals how God sees these empires. They are not seen as glorious metals, but as ferocious beasts.
This vision adds powerful, prophetic details to the original dream. It helps us understand how the spirit of Babylon continues through every empire. This continues until the final Restored Roman Empire, which will birth the Antichrist and his Mark of the Beast system.
(Daniel 7:1–3) — Daniel’s Dream of Four Beasts Begins
“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying in bed.”
(Verses 1-3) Unlike Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, this vision came directly to Daniel, years before the fall of Babylon. He sees four great beasts rising from the sea — the “sea” representing the turbulent mass of humanity and nations.
Each beast represents an empire from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel 2 — but now seen in their true, beastly nature. In Daniel’s dream of four beasts, God was showing him the spiritual corruption and predatory power behind each kingdom. A spirit that will carry through up to its destruction at the end of the Tribulation.
(Daniel 7:4) — The First Beast: The Lion with Eagle’s Wings (Babylonian Empire)
“The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle.”
(Verse 4) The lion with eagle’s wings represents Babylon, the same as the head of gold in Daniel 2. Lions symbolized power and majesty, and eagles represented swift conquest — both fitting for Nebuchadnezzar’s empire.
When Daniel says the wings were plucked and the beast was made to stand like a man, it reflects Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation and restoration (Daniel 4). The lion learned humility — a temporary moment of grace in Babylon’s proud history.
This first beast sets the foundation for Daniel’s dream of four beasts, showing the proud beginnings of mankind’s empires under the spirit of Babylon.
Archeologist’s have found inscriptions and statues of lion’s with wings in and around the city of Babylon. This symbol represented royal power, dominion and strength. It’s likely Daniel would’ve recognized this having been held in captivity for 70 years in Babylon.
(Daniel 7:5) — The Second Beast: The Bear (Mede-Persian Empire)
“And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth.”
(Verse 5) This bear corresponds to the chest and arms of silver in Daniel 2 — the Mede-Persian Empire. The bear raised on one side reflects Persia’s dominance over the Medes. The three ribs represent the three major conquests: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.
The bear’s slow, crushing strength symbolizes the relentless way this empire expanded its rule— continuing the succession of powers outlined in Daniel’s dream of four beasts.
(Daniel 7:6) — The Third Beast: The Leopard with Four Wings (Greek Empire)
“After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird.”
(Verse 6) This beast parallels the belly and thighs of bronze in Daniel 2 — the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great.
The leopard symbolizes speed and agility, while the four wings signify Alexander’s rapid conquests. He conquered the known world before he was thirty. After his death, his empire split into four parts. This is represented by the leopard’s four heads (Daniel 8:8).
Each of these prophetic creatures in Daniel’s dream of four beasts adds depth to our understanding of history’s empires and their spiritual characteristics.
(Daniel 7:7) — The Fourth Beast: Terrifying and Powerful (Roman Empire)
“After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful.”
(Verse 7) Unlike the others, this beast is not compared to any known animal — it is too dreadful to describe. This represents the Roman Empire, the same as the legs of iron in Daniel 2.
The iron teeth symbolize Rome’s unmatched power. The ten horns represent ten kings or nations that would emerge from its legacy (Daniel 7:24).
Rome destroyed and devoured everything in its path — including Jerusalem and the Second Temple in A.D. 70. This fulfilled Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:2, “Not one stone here will be left on another.”
Daniel’s dream of four beasts reaches its most dreadful climax here — the empire of iron that devoured the ancient world and foreshadows the final empire to come.
(Daniel 7:8) — The Little Horn: The Rise of the Antichrist
“While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them.”
(Verse 8) This “little horn” arises out of the ten. It begins small but grows to dominate — symbolizing the Antichrist, who will rise out of a Restored Roman Empire.
He will overthrow three of the ten kings (Daniel 7:24) — three nations that will resist his global agenda. This act solidifies his absolute power.
This directly connects to the Beast of Revelation 13. He demands worship and introduces the Mark of the Beast system. It controls buying and selling through allegiance to his name (Revelation 13:16–17).
The “little horn” is the final outgrowth of Daniel’s dream of four beasts, completing the prophetic chain that began with Babylon.
Modern day Europe and the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea made up the ancient Roman Empire. It will be out of this land that the restored Roman Empire will rise up. Today, Europe is ripe for a leader, such as the Antichrist. Europe is heavily divided (iron and clay), politically, economically and culturally. It sits on the brink of collapse.
The Antichrist will lead 10 nations out of Europe to form this Restored Roman Empire. Three nations will not fully agree with the Antichrist and will be removed. This restored empire will come as a global empire seeking to control the masses. This is being set up as we speak through the works of global initiatives.
Connecting Daniel 7, Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation
In Daniel 9:27, we’re told the Antichrist will make a seven-year covenant with Israel but will break it halfway through. That moment — the breaking of the covenant — begins the Great Tribulation, the second half of Daniel’s 70th week. This covenant will include the rebuilding of a third Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering.” (Daniel 9:27)
This perfectly aligns with Revelation 13 and Matthew 24:15, where Jesus refers to the “abomination of desolation” standing in the holy place. Here, the Antichrist declares himself as god.
We see it forming even now. The divided Europe of today, with its fragile unity and cultural fragmentation, mirrors the iron and clay of Daniel 2’s feet — strong in part, weak in part. The groundwork is being laid for the rise of a single powerful leader to unite it — the coming Antichrist.
This is why Daniel’s dream of four beasts is so crucial — it provides the prophetic framework connecting Daniel, Revelation, and our present world.
(Daniel 7:9–14) — The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man
(Verses 9-14) In the midst of these terrifying visions, Daniel sees the Ancient of Days — God Himself — seated on His throne, judging the nations. Then he sees “one like a Son of Man” coming with the clouds of heaven. This is a prophetic glimpse of Jesus Christ returning in glory at His Second Coming (Matthew 24:30, Revelation 19:11–16).
The Antichrist’s reign will be temporary. His dominion will be destroyed when the Rock — Christ Himself — strikes the final kingdom. This is just as the stone destroyed the statue in Daniel 2. This will occur at the end of the seven year Tribulation and before the start of Jesus’ Millennial Kingdom.
Daniel 7 ultimately points to this divine moment — when human kingdoms fall and God’s eternal Kingdom prevails.
(Daniel 7:15–28) — Daniel Interprets the Dream
(Verses 15-28) Daniel is deeply troubled, yet the angel helps him understand the meaning. The four beasts represent four kingdoms. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever (Daniel 7:18).
This is the ultimate hope — after the tribulation, after the Beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20), Christ will reign for a thousand years on earth, fulfilling all prophecy.
Through Daniel chapter 7, we see that even in judgment, God’s plan is precise and purposeful — leading to the final victory of His Son.
Signs of the Nearness of This Final Empire
- Europe is politically divided yet striving for unity, fulfilling the imagery of iron and clay.
- Global governance systems are forming — from digital currency to international law and AI-driven control.
- Religious unity movements are emerging, preparing for a false world religion.
- The technology for the Mark of the Beast — digital ID, implantable chips, and financial tracking — already exists.
The world is ready for a “savior” — a global leader promising peace and security. They’ll be desperate to believe anyone who can claim to provide just that. He will appear with a smooth tongue and love for humanity. But his heart will be filled with evil.
And as 1 Thessalonians 5:3 says: “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly.”
Closing Reflection
Friends, Daniel’s dream of four beasts is more than ancient prophecy. It’s a mirror reflecting our times. The empires have come and gone, yet their spiritual legacy lives on in the systems, governments, and ideologies shaping our world today.
We are watching the final pieces fall into place. The ten nations will soon emerge, the “little horn” will rise, and the Mark of the Beast system will take form.
But for believers, fear gives way to faith. Our hope isn’t in the kingdoms of this world but in the coming Kingdom of Christ. The Rock is coming — and when He does, every false empire will fall.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing through Daniel and through Your Word the things that must soon take place. Help us to recognize the signs of the times, to stay alert, and to live in purity and faithfulness.
Give us courage to stand firm when deception increases and to proclaim Your truth in a darkening world. As the kingdoms of this world rise and fall, fix our hearts on Your eternal Kingdom.
Lord Jesus, You are the Rock that crushes every false throne. Come quickly, and may we be found ready when You return.
In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.