After this, I saw in the visions by night, and behold, the [a]fourth beast was fearful and terrible and very strong. It had great [b]iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped [c]the residue under his feet: and it was unlike to the beasts that were before it: for it had [d]ten horns.

As I considered the horns, behold, there came up among them another little [e]horn, before whom there were [f]three of the first horns plucked away: and behold, in this horn were [g]eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking presumptuous things.

I beheld till the [h]thrones were set up, and the [i]Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels, as burning fire.

10 A fiery stream issued, and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand [j]thousands stood before him: the judgment was set, and the [k]books opened.

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Footnotes

  1. Daniel 7:7 That is, the Roman Empire which was a monster, and could not be compared to any beasts, because the nature of none was able to express it.
  2. Daniel 7:7 Signifying, the tyranny and greediness of the Romans.
  3. Daniel 7:7 That which the Romans could not quietly enjoy in other countries, they would give it to other Kings and rulers, that at all times when they would, they might take it again: which liberality is here called the stamping of the rest under the feet.
  4. Daniel 7:7 That is, sundry and divers provinces which were governed by the deputies and proconsuls, whereof everyone might be compared to a King.
  5. Daniel 7:8 Which is meant of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, etc., who were as kings in effect, but because they could not rule, but by the consent of the Senate, their power is compared to a little horn. For Muhammad came not of the Roman Empire, and the Pope hath no vocation of government: therefore this cannot be applied unto them, and also in this prophecy the Prophet’s purpose is chiefly to comfort the Jews unto the revelation of Christ. Some take it for the whole body of Antichrist.
  6. Daniel 7:8 Meaning, a certain portion of the ten horns: that is, a part from the whole estate was taken away. For Augustus took from the Senate the liberty of choosing the deputies to send into the provinces, and took the government of certain countries to himself.
  7. Daniel 7:8 These Roman Emperors at the first used a certain humanity and gentleness, and were content that others, as the Consuls, and Senate, should bear the names of dignity, so that they might have the profit, and therefore in election and counsels would behave themselves according as did other Senators: yet against their enemies and those that would resist them, they were fierce and cruel, which is here meant by the proud mouth.
  8. Daniel 7:9 Meaning, the places where God and his Angels should come to judge these Monarchies, which judgment should begin at the first coming of Christ.
  9. Daniel 7:9 That is, God which was before all times, and is here described as man’s nature is able to comprehend some portion of his glory.
  10. Daniel 7:10 That is, an infinite number of Angels, which were ready to execute his commandment.
  11. Daniel 7:10 This is meant of the first coming of Christ, when as the will of God was plainly revealed by his Gospel.

“After that, in my vision(A) at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron(B) teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled(C) underfoot whatever was left.(D) It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.(E)

“While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little(F) one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being(G) and a mouth that spoke boastfully.(H)

“As I looked,

“thrones were set in place,
    and the Ancient of Days(I) took his seat.(J)
His clothing was as white as snow;(K)
    the hair of his head was white like wool.(L)
His throne was flaming with fire,
    and its wheels(M) were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire(N) was flowing,
    coming out from before him.(O)
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
    ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
    and the books(P) were opened.

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There shall go a fire before him, and burn up his enemies round about.

His lightnings gave light unto the world: the earth saw it and was [a]afraid.

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 97:4 This fear bringeth not the wicked to true obedience, but maketh them to run away from God.

Fire(A) goes before(B) him
    and consumes(C) his foes on every side.
His lightning(D) lights up the world;
    the earth(E) sees and trembles.(F)

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