Daniel was a Jewish prophet who lived in the sixth century BC He had several visions that were recorded in the book that bears his name in the Bible. Two of the most famous visions are the golden image and the four beasts, which are found in chapters 2 and 7 of the book of Daniel, respectively.
In the vision of the golden statue, Daniel saw an image of a great man made of different metals. The head was gold, the chest and arms were silver, the belly and thighs were bronze, the legs were iron, and the feet were a mixture of iron and clay. Then a stone hit the statue’s feet, completely destroying it, and it grew into a huge mountain that filled the entire earth. This vision represented the great world empires that would arise throughout history: gold represents the Babylonian Empire, silver represents the Medo-Persian Empire, bronze represents the Greek Empire and iron represents the Roman Empire. The stone that destroys the statue represents the kingdom of God that will replace all these empires.
In the vision of the four beasts, Daniel saw four different beasts rise out of the sea. The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings, the second was like a bear, the third was like a leopard with four wings and four heads, and the fourth was so horrible and strong that it could not be compared to any known animal. This vision also represents the world empires, but this time, they are represented by animals: the lion with eagle’s wings represents the Babylonian Empire, the bear represents the Medo-Persian Empire, the leopard with four wings and four heads represents the Greek Empire, and the fourth animal represents the Roman Empire.
Both of Daniel’s visions are a symbolic way of describing human history, showing God’s sovereignty over the world and his sovereign will to establish a just and perfect kingdom that will never end. As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control of history and that he has a perfect plan for each of us.
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
188. What is the vocation of the lay faithful?
529. How does one reach purity of heart?
198. What kind of devotion is directed to the holy Virgin?
324. What place does the sacrament of Holy Orders have in the divine plan of salvation?
376. Can a moral conscience make erroneous judgments?
113. What were the accusations by which Jesus was condemned to death?
436. What does “Decalogue” mean?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What does Jesus’ statement “I am the resurrection and the life” in John 11:25-26 mean?
O que o livro de Cantares nos ensina sobre a beleza da mulher noiva e da mulher madura?
What does 1 John 2:29 teach us about God’s holiness and justice?
How important is the reorganization of the Jerusalem temple described in 2 Maccabees 10:1-9?
What does the mutual admiration between loved ones mean in the book of Songs?
