Daniel 7:11
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Original Language Analysis
חָזֵ֣ה
H2370
הֲוֵ֡ית
I beheld
H1934
הֲוֵ֡ית
I beheld
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
2 of 21
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
מִן
because
H4481
מִן
because
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
רַבְרְבָתָ֔א
of the great
H7260
רַבְרְבָתָ֔א
of the great
Strong's:
H7260
Word #:
7 of 21
huge (in size); domineering (in character)
דִּ֥י
H1768
דִּ֥י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
8 of 21
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
חָזֵ֣ה
H2370
הֲוֵ֡ית
I beheld
H1934
הֲוֵ֡ית
I beheld
Strong's:
H1934
Word #:
12 of 21
to exist; used in a great variety of applications (especially in connection with other words)
דִּ֨י
H1768
דִּ֨י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
14 of 21
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
גִּשְׁמַ֔הּ
and his body
H1655
גִּשְׁמַ֔הּ
and his body
Strong's:
H1655
Word #:
18 of 21
used in a peculiar sense, the body (probably for the (figuratively) idea of a hard rain)
וִיהִיבַ֖ת
and given
H3052
וִיהִיבַ֖ת
and given
Strong's:
H3052
Word #:
19 of 21
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
Cross References
Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.Revelation 20:10And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.Daniel 7:8I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.2 Thessalonians 2:8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:Revelation 18:8Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.Daniel 8:25And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
Historical Context
The fourth beast (Rome) persecuted early Christians severely, yet the empire eventually collapsed (Western Rome fell AD 476, Eastern Rome continued until 1453). However, the complete destruction "given to the burning flame" suggests eschatological fulfillment beyond historical Rome's decline—final judgment when Christ returns. The pattern shows immediate historical fulfillment foreshadowing ultimate eschatological completion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the beast's sudden destruction after prolonged blasphemy demonstrate both God's patience and the certainty of eventual judgment?
- What comfort does the promise of complete destruction provide to believers suffering under blasphemous opposition?
- How does this judgment scene point to Christ's second coming and final victory over all God-opposing powers?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel continues observing "because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake"—the little horn's blasphemies command his attention, emphasizing the offense these words represent to God and heaven. The dramatic conclusion: "I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame" describes sudden, complete judgment. Unlike previous beasts that merely lost dominion (v. 12), this fourth beast faces utter destruction, indicating the severity of its opposition to God.
The phrase "given to the burning flame" employs imagery of final judgment, echoed in Revelation's lake of fire (Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 14-15). This beast doesn't simply pass away like earthly kingdoms transitioning power—it faces divine wrath and eternal condemnation. The little horn's blasphemies, representing ultimate rebellion against God, provoke ultimate judgment. This demonstrates that while God patiently endures human pride, there comes an appointed moment of decisive judgment.
This judgment scene anticipates Christ's second coming when He will destroy antichrist "with the brightness of his coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:8) and cast the beast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). The destruction's finality provides comfort to persecuted saints: their oppressors face certain, complete judgment. No power, however seemingly invincible, can withstand God's wrath when judgment day arrives. Christ's return will vindicate suffering believers and punish blasphemous opposition definitively.