THE ANCIENT OF DAYS HOLDS COURT

After introducing the four beasts, Daniel shifts his eyes from the fourth beast to a scene in heaven.  He beholds the Ancient of Days sit down on his resplendent throne as a Judge.  The Ancient of Days is none other than Jehovah God. (Psalm 90:2) As the heavenly Court takes it seat, Daniel  sees 'books being opened.' (Daniel 7:9, 10) Since Jehovah's existence extends into the infinite past, he knows all human history as if it were written in a book.  He has observed all four symbolic beasts and can pass judgment upon them according to firsthand knowledge.

Daniel continues: "I kept on beholding at that time because of the sound of the grandiose words that the horn was speaking; I kept on beholding until the beast was killed and its body was destroyed and it was given to the burning fire.  But as for the rest of the beasts, their rulerships were taken away, and there was a lengthening in life given to them for a time and a season." (Daniel 7:11, 12) The angel tells Daniel:  "The Court itself proceeded to sit, and his own rulership they finally took away, in order annihilate him and to destroy him totally." -Daniel 7:26. 

By decree of the Great Judge, Jehovah God, the horn that blasphemed God and harassed his "holy ones" will have the same experience as the Roman Empire, which persecuted the early Christians.  Its rulership will not continue.  Neither will that of inferior hornlike "kings" that came out of the Roman Empire.  What, though, about the rulership;s, derived from the previous beastly powers?  As foretold, their lives were lengthened "for a time and a season."  Their territories have continued to have inhabitants to our day.  Iraq, for example, occupies the territory of ancient Babylon. Persian (Iran) and Greece still exist.  Remnants of these world powers are part of the United Nations.  These kingdoms will also perish with the annihiliation of the last world power.  All human governments will be obliterated at "the war of the great day of God the Almighty." (the sooner the better, in my opinion) (Revelation 126:14, 16 ) But, then, who will rule the world?  (God/Jesus of course) 

Next time: LASTING RULERSHIP JUST AHEAD!

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999