SERMON: “An Alarming Appearance of Antichrist” (Dan. 7:15–28)
“An Alarming Appearance of
Antichrist”
(Dan. 7:15–28)
Series: “Daniel:
God’s Sovereign Plans” #19 Text: Daniel 7:15–28
By: Shaun
Marksbury Date: February 1, 2026
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church Occasion: PM Service
I.
Introduction
End-times literature might just be the best-selling
Christian material. People want to know
how everything will end. Over the past several
decades, fictionalized novels about the rapture and tribulation have sold tens
of millions of copies. Major motion
pictures on the subject have also illuminated screens in theaters around the
country. Even our own website stats show
that sermons on this topic quickly outpace any other. People are curious about the end, and
sometimes even concerned.
If you consider yourself a student in eschatology (the study
of the end-times), you are not alone.
Daniel interpreted dreams and even received prophetic visions from God
about the end. Yet, he didn’t always
know what the visions meant, and he often found them disturbing, especially in
their implications for God’s people. Yet,
he asked, and he published this chapter in particular in the common language of
his day everyone could know.
As we finish this consequential chapter, we see Daniel
focusing on one figure in particular, and how he competes with the people of
God. This figure causes to bookend these
verses with discomfort (vv. 15, 28), though there is good news in the vision. We’ll see what this beast does in three parts
this evening: the beasts and the kingdom of the saints (vv. 15–18), the fourth
beast and its power over the saints (vv. 19–22), and the rise and fall of the
antichrist and rise of the saints (vv. 23–28).
Let’s dive into the first point of this dramatic scene:
II.
First, the Beasts and the Kingdom of the Saints (vv.
15–18)
As for me, Daniel,
my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming
me. I approached one of those who were
standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the
interpretation of these things: “These great beasts, which are four in number,
are four kings who will arise from the earth. But the saints of the Highest One will receive
the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.”
In this section, we have a brief reminder and explanation of
what we read about earlier in the chapter.
In a sense, all the beasts provoke distress within Daniel. The word translated “distressed” carries the
idea of being troubled, grieved, or anxious deep within. Daniel says this turmoil was “in the midst of its sheath”[1] or
at the very core of his being. He was disheartened
to see such an end of history.[2]
His disturbance is a common response to God’s revelation.[3]
Joseph was similarly troubled by
Pharaoh’s dreams (Gen. 41:8), and Nebuchadnezzar was upset by his visions (Dan.
2:1; 4:5). In the New Testament, John
fell as though dead before the risen Christ (Rev. 1:17). This tells us that many of the people “inflated
without cause” as they gleefully report supposed visions are not to be believed
(cf. Col. 2:18). When God pulls back the
curtain on future judgment, the human response is often fear and trembling, and
Daniel experienced ongoing agitation.
Because Daniel was so unsettled, he asked the meaning of the
vision in v. 16. The figure Daniel
approaches is almost certainly an angelic attendant standing near the throne of
God (cf. v. 10).[4] Angels often serve as interpreters in
apocalyptic literature (cf. Zech 1:9; Rev 7:13–14), and we’ll see them help
Daniel a couple more times in this book (Dan. 8:13–16; 9:21–27).[5] In fact, this might even be Gabriel (9:21).[6] The one who had interpreted dreams for kings
now needs interpretation himself,[7]
reminding us that no servant of God is self-sufficient, and that God doesn’t
always work in the same ways in the lives of His people.
The angel responds in v. 17 with a summary. The four beasts correspond to four kings — and
by extension, four kingdoms.[8] Scripture regularly uses kings and kingdoms
interchangeably (cf. Dan 8:21). Thus, we
don’t interpret these beasts to be literal animals, but rather, representations
of the character and works of real historical empires — Babylon, Medo-Persia,
Greece, and Rome. As the MacArthur
Study Bible explains, “The ‘kings’ are the most notable leaders over these
empires, such as Nebuchadnezzar (2:37, 38), Cyrus, Alexander the Great, and
finally the ‘little horn’ (Antichrist).”[9] These are the great and terrible beasts of the
peoples of earth.[10]
Thankfully, the angel does not end there. Verse 18 introduces the great reversal: “But
the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom
forever, for all ages to come.” This
single verse reframes everything, for the time of the beasts is limited. The saints of God, on the other hand, receive
the kingdom.
Who are they? The
word “saints” literally means “holy ones,” just as it does in the New
Testament. This isn’t a reference to the
angels, then, but to God’s redeemed people.[11] They are the ones who belong to the Highest
One, the Most High God. We will share rule
with Him, even over the angels (1 Cor. 6:1–3; Rev. 2:26–27)
To be clear, just as the four beasts had kings and kingdoms,
so Christ reigns.[12] This dominion, here given to the saints, is
inseparable from the dominion of the Son of Man in vv. 13–14. Christ rules, and His people reign with Him,
all under the kingdom of God.
If the eternality here is confusing, it’s because we are
limiting kingdom to the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Remember that the kingdom is present but
heavenly at the moment. Then, Christ
will return and establish an earthly millennial kingdom, after the tribulation. Then, after the end of the thousand years,
the kingdom of God will roll into the eternal state.[13]
Already, Daniel is being shown this truth: History doesn’t belong
to the nations, but to God and His saints.
This sovereignty will comfort believers in hard trials, which is
especially important for what comes next.
Daniel continues by looking more closely at the fourth beast rather than
the eternal kingdom, so let’s turn there next.
III.
Second, the Fourth Beast and Its Power Over the
Saints (vv. 19–22)
Then I desired to
know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the
others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and
which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, and the
meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came
up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a
mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its
associates. I kept looking, and that
horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of
Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One,
and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom.
This begins to narrow focus — from four beasts to one, and
then to the little horn. Of all the
vision, this is the part that troubles Daniel the most, as it was “different”
and “exceedingly dreadful.” This beast
is the Roman Empire which changes over time.
Eventually, one rises up to become what John will later call the
Antichrist (1 John 2:18), one who will prompt all God’s people to suffer.[14]
Daniel is especially troubled by the horns (v. 20). It’s not so much the ten horns but the eleventh
that has his attention.[15] This “little horn” is small at first, but it
becomes dominant. Not only that, but it
has eyes — symbolizing intelligence — and a mouth uttering great boasts — symbolizing
its arrogance and blasphemy.[16]
Verse 21 reveals why this horn alarms Daniel so deeply: “I
kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering
them.” This is not symbolic hostility — it
is violent persecution. The horn makes
war on God’s people and prevails over them.
This is the beast of Revelation, as that book later picks up
this exact language. In Revelation 11:7,
we read that the beast that will make war with the two witnesses “and overcome
them and kill them.” This language is revisited
in 13:7, which says, “It was also given to him to make war with the saints and
to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and
nation was given to him.” He will have
this power.
There’s debate as to who this could reference. This certainly cannot be referring to
Antiochus Epiphanies, who came before Christ.
Considering that the Book of Revelation is most likely penned toward the
end of the first century, this cannot refer to the Roman Emperor Nero, either,
as he was dead by this point. This is a
yet future despot — the Antichrist.
Thankfully, his power is limited. We read in v. 22 that this will happen “them
until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints
of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the
kingdom.” The phrase “until” is crucial
for understanding this, for the Antichrist prevails only for a time. As one commentary notes, “The saints are no
match for Satan and his evil representative, the Antichrist, and the little
horn will continue his persecution until the Ancient of Days comes and renders
a just decision on behalf of the saints.”[17] God’s people can know that the Ancient of
Days Himself intervenes.
His court convenes, renders judgment, and the verdict favors
the saints. As v. 10 here says, “The
court sat, and the books were opened.” Judgment
will fall upon the Antichrist, Satan, and all those who follow him,[18] and
the saints will then take possession of the kingdom. This future reality is essential as we
consider the remainder of the text:
IV.
Third, the Rise and Fall of the Antichrist and Rise
of the Saints (vv. 23–28)
Thus he said: “The
fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different
from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down
and crush it. As for the ten horns, out
of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he
will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. He will speak out against the Most High and
wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations
in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times,
and half a time. But the court will sit for
judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed
forever. Then the sovereignty, the
dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be
given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an
everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.” At this point the revelation ended. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts were greatly
alarming me and my face grew pale, but I kept the matter to myself.
The angel now provides a final, detailed interpretation. The fourth kingdom is global in scope. While Rome historically ruled much of the
known world, this future expression is worldwide.[19] Revelation 13:7 tells us that that authority
will be given to the Antichrist over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation. So, he will have dominion unlike any other
ruler in history.[20]
How does this relate to the horns, though? Verse 24 tells us that they are ten kings who
will arise from this kingdom. This doesn’t
match anything known from the Roman Empire.
Some wonder if this might be a symbolic number to speak of complete
rule, and some go on to say this could represent the nations of the current
age.[21] Yet, since there are three of the ten horns
torn from place by an eleventh horn, that seems to discount this theory. It seems better to view these as ten kings who
rule contemporaneously as a confederation near the end of time, especially true
since it’s Christ’s return that ends this dominion.[22]
From this order comes the little horn. As one study notes, “The little horn (vv. 8,
11, 20–22) previously identified as a person is now interpreted as a king
(ruler) of the last days. He is called
in Scripture, among other names, the ‘man of lawlessness’ (2 Thess 2:3), the ‘Antichrist’
(1 John 2:18), and the ‘beast’ (Rev 13:1ff.).”[23] It seems that he comes to dominance with the
existence of an established ten-kingdom empire,[24] though this doesn’t mean
that he isn’t working behind the scenes to make this happen.
There is some kind of discord, for he makes war with three
of the other kings. Just as he will
overpower the saints, he subdues them. One
study notes, “Evil can never manufacture enough glue to keep itself together;
it has no lasting cohesion, the dissension always seems to surface. The iron and clay (2:41–43) just can’t seem to
bond. The evil regime may crush with
vicious power, but that power always seems to have cracks in it.”[25] Even Satan’s kingdoms eventually fracture.
In v. 25, we see some of the Antichrist’s character and
actions. He’ll utter blasphemies specifically
against the true God, and given how Western culture has turned on Christianity,
this is believably close. Daniel 11:36
says “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify
himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of
gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is
decreed will be done.” The attack will
be directed at the true God, and this is part of his demand for exclusive worship.[26]
If he turns on God, then he will, of course, turn his gaze
to persecuting God’s people. The phrase
“wear down” literally means to grind down, to exhaust. This is sustained oppression — religious,
economic, and social pressure intended to crush faith.[27] Revelation 13 details some of this harassment.
We read that he also intends “to make alterations in times
and in law.” This means he will try, whether
or not he is able.[28] This is something like what the secular revolutionaries
attempted during the French revolution, changing dates to omit reference to
Christ and setting up a ten-day workweek.[29] This also parallels what Antiochus did by
suspending Jewish religious observance.”[30] Making alterations in times and in law is an
ability owed to God (Dan. 2:21), but the Antichrist will take it upon himself.
Sadly, the saints are given into his hand “for a time,
times, and half a time” (v. 25). This
phrase refers to three and a half years — the latter half of the seventieth
week of Daniel 9. Scripture consistently
equates this period with 42 months or 1,260 days (cf. Rev 11:2–3; 12:6; 13:5).[31] This is the Great Tribulation, when the saints
of God will feel the full persecution of the Antichrist.[32]
But v. 26 brings more hope, though. We read again of the court sitting for
judgment, and we read that the Antichrist’s dominion will be taken away, just
as Belshazzar’s was. As Revelation 17:14
says, “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them,
because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and
faithful.” The Antichrist’s reign won’t end
gradually, but decisively. His power will
never returns.
The hope of v. 26 rolls into the repeated good news of v.
27. “Then the sovereignty, the dominion
and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to
the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting
kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.” Here, the Son of Man’s kingdom and the Most
High’s kingdom are shown to be one and the same.[33] Of the kingdom, we read elsewhere, “For you
will spread abroad to the right and to the left. And your descendants will possess nations and
will resettle the desolate cities” (Isa. 54:3).
Jesus Christ reigns — and His people reign with Him. [34]
Nonetheless, Daniel ends as he began — alarmed. Still, Daniel stores these truths in his
heart. He doesn’t hide them, but he preserves
them for God’s people.
V.
Conclusion
What Daniel 7 describes parallels what Nebuchadnezzar learned
in chapter two.[35] Throughout the earthly kingdoms, there will
be suffering and persecution, and it will only get worse closer to the end. What was once pockets of oppression becomes
worldwide in scope.
But, the text tells us is far more important: evil has an
expiration date. A wicked king like no
other will rise — but he also falls. Meanwhile,
the saints suffer, but they will inherit the kingdom. And that kingdom will be everlasting.
History is not moving toward chaos. It is moving toward Christ. And while we wait, we know that God is sovereign,
so we can trust in Him.
[1] Footnote, New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update, (La
Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995).
[2] John MacArthur Jr., Ed., The MacArthur Study Bible,
electronic ed., (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 1239.
[3] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael
S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R.
Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study Bible, (Bellingham, WA:
Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Da 7:15.
[4] Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne
House, The
Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version, (Nashville: T.
Nelson Publishers, 1997), Da 7:16.
[5] MacArthur, 1240.
[6] Barry, et. al., Da 7:16.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Radmacher, et. al., Da 7:17.
[9] MacArthur.
[10] “Here it is specified that the ‘sea’ in v. 3 is
symbolic of the ‘earth.’ ” Stephen R.
Miller, Daniel,
The New American Commentary, (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers,
1994), 18:211.
[11] Radmacher, et. al., Da 7:18.
[12] MacArthur.
[13] Miller.
[14] Dale Ralph Davis, The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail,
eds. Alec Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today, (Nottingham,
England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2013), 104.
[15] MacArthur.
[16] Miller, 18:212.
[17] Miller, 18:213.
[18] MacArthur.
[19] J. Dwight Pentecost, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures,
1985, 1, 1353–1354.
[20] Miller.
[21] Pentecost, 1354.
[22] Miller.
[23] Ibid.
[24] Ibid.
[25] Davis, 103.
[26] Miller, 18:214.
[27] Ibid.
[28] Ibid.
[29] Ibid.
[30] Barry, et. al., Da 7:25.
[31] Miller, 18:214–215.
[32] Miller, 18:215.
[33] “Verses 13–14 related that the ‘son of man’ will be
coronated as the ruler of a great kingdom, be worshiped by all the peoples of
the earth, and have an everlasting dominion. Verse 27 indicates that the kingdom in
question is that of the ‘Most High.’ Therefore
the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, is equated with the Most High God.” Miller, 18:217.
[34] Miller, 18:216.
[35] Pentecost, 1354–1355.