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
297. Why is there a sacrament of Reconciliation after Baptism?
184. How do the bishops carry out their mission of teaching?
463. How should authority be exercised in the various spheres of civil society?
30. Why is faith a personal act, and at the same time ecclesial?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the importance of faith in the healing of blind Bartimaeus, described in Matthew 20:29-34?
What is the story behind the miracle of Elisha’s resurrection of the Shunammite’s son in 2 Kings 4?
How can Christ’s return be a comfort in the midst of pain, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18?
What are Daniel’s visions of the golden image and the four beasts?
How to deal with anger and anger, according to Proverbs 15:1-2?
What is Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem described in Mark 11:1-11?
