And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
This verse reveals the ultimate destiny of God's people: "the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High." The phrase "people of the saints" refers to God's covenant community—believers who belong to the Holy One. The comprehensive scope "under the whole heaven" indicates total, universal rule replacing all earthly kingdoms. What began with the Son of Man receiving the kingdom (v. 13-14) extends to His people sharing in His reign.
The phrase "whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" applies both to God and to His people's participation in His rule. This represents staggering eschatological hope—believers will not merely inhabit God's kingdom but actively reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 22:5). "All dominions shall serve and obey him" indicates universal submission to God's authority, with believers as His vice-regents exercising delegated authority. The word "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) and "obey" (shema, שְׁמַע) together emphasize both external compliance and internal submission.
This promise fulfills God's original creation mandate to humanity to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28), forfeited through sin but restored through Christ. Believers share Christ's inheritance as co-heirs (Romans 8:17), participating in His eternal reign. This demonstrates that salvation isn't merely rescue from judgment but restoration to humanity's created purpose—glorifying God through Spirit-empowered governance of renewed creation. It motivates present faithfulness by revealing eternal significance of current obedience.
Historical Context
Daniel 7:27 concludes the chapter's apocalyptic vision, providing ultimate encouragement to persecuted believers that their suffering is temporary but their future glory eternal. For Jewish exiles under Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and Roman domination, this prophecy assured them that their current oppression would be reversed—oppressors would become servants, and God's people would exercise authority in the coming kingdom. This hope sustained Jewish faithfulness during Maccabean persecution and early Christian endurance during Roman persecution.
Reformed theology interprets this reign as beginning spiritually in the present age (believers already seated with Christ in heavenly places—Ephesians 2:6) and consummating physically in the eternal state. The already-not yet tension characterizes believers' current experience: positionally reigning with Christ yet experientially awaiting full manifestation of kingdom authority. This balanced perspective motivates faithful service while maintaining eternal perspective.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding your future reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom affect your present response to suffering and persecution?
In what ways are you currently exercising kingdom authority as Christ's representative, and how will this be perfected in the eternal state?
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals the ultimate destiny of God's people: "the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High." The phrase "people of the saints" refers to God's covenant community—believers who belong to the Holy One. The comprehensive scope "under the whole heaven" indicates total, universal rule replacing all earthly kingdoms. What began with the Son of Man receiving the kingdom (v. 13-14) extends to His people sharing in His reign.
The phrase "whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" applies both to God and to His people's participation in His rule. This represents staggering eschatological hope—believers will not merely inhabit God's kingdom but actively reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10, 20:6, 22:5). "All dominions shall serve and obey him" indicates universal submission to God's authority, with believers as His vice-regents exercising delegated authority. The word "serve" (pelach, פְּלַח) and "obey" (shema, שְׁמַע) together emphasize both external compliance and internal submission.
This promise fulfills God's original creation mandate to humanity to exercise dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28), forfeited through sin but restored through Christ. Believers share Christ's inheritance as co-heirs (Romans 8:17), participating in His eternal reign. This demonstrates that salvation isn't merely rescue from judgment but restoration to humanity's created purpose—glorifying God through Spirit-empowered governance of renewed creation. It motivates present faithfulness by revealing eternal significance of current obedience.