The Interpretation of the Vision Concerning the Fourth Beast and the Ten Kings
Daniel is troubled by the vision of the four beasts and asks one who stands there for an explanation. He is told that the four beasts are four kings, but that the holy people of the Most High will eventually receive the kingdom forever. Daniel especially wants to understand the fourth beast with iron teeth and bronze claws, and the little horn that rose up among the ten horns and spoke great words. The angel explains that the ten horns are ten kings, and that another king shall rise who will overthrow three of them, speak against the Most High, and oppress the holy people for a time, times, and half a time. But judgment will be set, his power will be taken away, and the kingdom will be given to the holy people of the Most High as an eternal kingdom. Daniel is frightened by what he has seen, but keeps the matter in his heart.
16So I approached one of those standing there and asked him for the truth about all this. He answered me and made known to me the meaning of these things:
19Then I wanted to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others—most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws, devouring and crushing and trampling underfoot whatever was left;
20and about the ten horns on its head, and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke arrogantly, and that looked more imposing than the others.
22until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, and the time came when they took possession of the kingdom.
23He said: "The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.
24The ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones, and he will bring down three kings.
25He will speak against the Most High and wear down the holy ones of the Most High and try to change the appointed times and the law. They will be handed over to him for a time, times, and half a time.
27Then the kingship, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey him."