July 13, 2022 - Daniel 7-8

The first six chapters record events and experiences in the life of Daniel and his friends and contrast them, as children of God, to the pagans who held them captive. These last six chapters record various visions and revelations given to Daniel, which tell of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and people. These chapters remind us that it is inevitable that God’s people should suffer because of our stand against evil. However, in any emergency God is able to make a way of escape for his people, and the kingdom of God is certain to triumph over all attempts to destroy it.

In the midst of history and all the kingdoms of rulers, Daniel reports, “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (7:13-14). We know the Victor!

Crown him with many crowns,

the Lamb upon his throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns

all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing

of him who died for thee,

and hail him as thy matchless king

through all eternity. -- Matthew Bridges (1851)