Daniel's First Vision

This chapter begins a major change in the book of Daniel, as it transitions from a focus on history (chapters 1-6) to one of prophecy (chapters 7-12). Daniel receives his first visions to explain how God was going to deliver Israel from her time of curses (for her disobedience) to a time of blessing, when her Messiah would return and reign, (due to her obedience). Daniel's dream begins with four successive Gentile nations ruling over Israel, leading up to the antichrist dominating. But his dream also reveals the Ancient of Days preparing to judge, and One like a Son of Man receiving authority to rule over the world forever and ever.