Meaning of Daniel 7:18

Daniel 7:18 declares a foundational prophetic promise: that the "holy people of the Most High" will ultimately inherit and eternally possess the kingdom. This pronouncement follows Daniel's vision of four great beasts, representing successive earthly empires, which are ultimately overcome by a divine power. The verse signifies a radical shift in dominion, moving from the transient and often oppressive rule of human empires to an everlasting kingdom established by God and entrusted to His faithful followers. This inheritance is not a reward for inherent merit but a gift bestowed by the Most High upon those who belong to Him, signifying a vindication of righteousness and a final triumph over evil.

Context and Background

The vision in Daniel chapter 7 unfolds within a context of Babylonian exile, where the people of Israel experienced subjugation under foreign powers. The four beasts—lion, bear, leopard, and a terrifying fourth beast with iron teeth and ten horns—symbolize the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, respectively. These empires, while powerful, are depicted as predatory and ultimately destined for judgment. The "Ancient of Days" (God) intervenes, and sovereignty is given to "one like a son of man," representing a divine ruler and, by extension, His people. This verse, therefore, stands as a beacon of hope amidst political turmoil, assuring the faithful that their present suffering is temporary and their future reign is eternal.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty: The verse underscores God's ultimate control over history and human kingdoms. The earthly empires, however formidable, are subject to His decree.
• ** Vindication of the Saints:** It promises a future where the suffering and persecution of God's people will be acknowledged and rewarded with a glorious inheritance.
• Eternal Kingdom: The emphasis on "forever—yes, for ever and ever" highlights the unending and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, contrasting it with the ephemeral nature of earthly powers.
• Inheritance of the Faithful: The kingdom is presented not as a reward earned through works alone, but as an inheritance passed down to those who are "holy" and belong to the Most High, implying a covenantal relationship and faithfulness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Daniel 7:18 offers profound encouragement to believers throughout history. It assures them that their present struggles, injustices, and temporary afflictions are not the final word. The promise of an eternal kingdom fuels hope and perseverance, reminding believers that their ultimate citizenship is in a heavenly realm. It calls for a life of holiness, reflecting the character of the Most High, as this is the condition for receiving the promised inheritance. Furthermore, it instills a sense of anticipation for Christ's ultimate reign and the establishment of His perfect kingdom on earth.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial thread in the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and eschatology. It foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, the "son of man" who receives dominion (Matthew 28:18), and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. It finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus concerning the Kingdom of God and the apostles' descriptions of the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21). The concept of an eternal inheritance for the faithful is a consistent theme from the Old Testament covenants to the final prophecies of Revelation.

Analogies

• A Royal Inheritance: Imagine a king who, after enduring hardship and injustice, is promised not just a throne but an entire kingdom to rule forever, passed down from his father. This is akin to the believers' inheritance.
• A Builder's Final Masterpiece: Just as an architect envisions a magnificent, enduring structure, God is building an eternal kingdom for His people, a testament to His faithfulness and power that will never crumble.
• A Victorious General's Reward: After a long and arduous campaign against overwhelming odds, a victorious general and his loyal troops are granted lasting peace and dominion over the lands they fought to liberate.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 110:1: "The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'" This Messianic psalm, applied to Jesus in the New Testament, speaks of His future reign and ultimate victory over His enemies, which aligns with the establishment of the kingdom mentioned in Daniel.
• Matthew 25:34: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'" This parable of the sheep and the goats directly echoes the theme of inheriting the kingdom.
• Revelation 21:1-4: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth... I heard a loud voice from the throne say, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'" This New Testament vision of the culmination of God's plan directly reflects the eternal reign and perfect dwelling of God with His holy people promised in Daniel.