In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream of some very unusual animals. God showed him in symbols, what was going to happen in world leadership clear to the end of the world. Daniel saw four different animals. He watched until he saw the wings pulled off the lion. It stood up and walked like a man. The man's heart was given it. This lion with wings was a symbol of Babylon.

Wings were a symbol of speed. The kingdom of Babylon lasted from 607BC to 539BC

The next animal that Daniel saw was a bear the humped up on one side. It was chewing on bones that looked like ribs. It devoured much flesh. 

The Meds and Persians were represented by this animal. One side humped up was the stronger side of the two united kingdoms which worked together to rule the world.

The Persians ruled the world for almost 200 years. 

The third animal looked like a leopard which had four wings and four heads. It was given power to rule.

In 331 B.C. Darius III (Codomannus) fought with Alexander the Great at the battle of Arbela. Alexander became the next world leader. When Alexander died, his kingdom was ruled by 4 different leaders who did not get along. Since they fought among themselves, it was easier for the next power to take them. Rome took over the different sections of Greece in different years. The Syrian section was taken in 190BC.

After this 4 headed leopard, a fourth beast was seen that was horrible. It was very strong. It broke things up and stamped on things with its feet. While Daniel was counting the ten horns on its head, another horn showed up. It grew from little to big. It pushed till three other horns did not have room and they were pushed off the head of the beast. Now this was not an ordinary horn power, it started yelling things and claiming that it could change laws and that it was equal and better than God.

Daniel watched this beast bruising people and breaking people. He became sick and stayed sick for days after seeing all the violent things this beast did and said. Later he watched this beast destroyed but the other three animals lived a little longer but did not have power over a kingdom.

Out of his mouth came words against God. He wore out the patience of God's people. But then he was destroyed.

The information from this dream helps all of us see what the future holds. Persecution of God's people will not last forever. It will all end and God will be our King forever and ever.

Daniel saw Jesus go to God being brought before Him on a cloud. This cloud was a group of angels. This must be like when a captain is carried home on the shoulders of his soldiers. 

At this point, Daniel saw Jesus receive his kingdom. He saw Him receive owner over all people, nations, and languages. His kingdom would last forever. Remember the rock of Daniel chapter two?  Now, finally here is a kingdom that will last forever. It has the best kindest king that ever ruled the earth. I know this King, there is no need to fear or dread this world leader. He gave His life for you and me that we can live forever.

1. Describe the first animal that Daniel saw in his dream.

2. What did the wings mean?

3. State the years that Babylon was leading the world.

4. What was the next animal and describe its shoulder and mouth. What did it all mean?

5. The next animal had 4 heads. Tell why.

6. What leader conquered  the Medes and Persians?

7. How many wings did this power have? Why?

8. Describe the feet and teeth of the fourth terrible animal.

9. What was on the head of the 4th beast?

10. What happened as a little horn grew?

11. What type of things did the horn say?

12. What does the horn symbolize in prophecy?

13. What happened to all these beast powers?

14. Who became the world leader in this prophecy that ruled forever?

15. Describe Gods eyes, clothe, and hair.

Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns. 
7:8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 

Look at the similar words in Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. 
13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 
13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 
13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.