Discovery BoxDaniel 7:14-18
Context7:14 To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty.
All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving 1 him.
His authority is eternal and will not pass away. 2
His kingdom will not be destroyed. 3
7:15 “As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed, 4 and the visions of my mind 5 were alarming me. 7:16 I approached one of those standing nearby and asked him about the meaning 6 of all this. So he spoke with me and revealed 7 to me the interpretation of the vision: 8 7:17 ‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth. 7:18 The holy ones 9 of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will take possession of the kingdom forever and ever.’
[7:14] 1 tn Some take “serving” here in the sense of “worshiping.”
[7:14] 2 tn Aram “is an eternal authority which will not pass away.”
[7:14] 3 tn Aram “is one which will not be destroyed.”
[7:15] 4 tn The Aramaic text includes the phrase “in its sheath,” apparently viewing the body as a container or receptacle for the spirit somewhat like a sheath or scabbard is for a knife or a sword (cf. NAB “within its sheath of flesh”). For this phrase the LXX and Vulgate have “in these things.”
[7:16] 7 tn Aram “what is certain.”
[7:16] 8 tn Aram “and made known.”
[7:16] 9 tn Aram “matter,” but the matter at hand is of course the vision.
[7:18] 10 sn The expression holy ones is either a reference to angels or to human beings devoted to God.
