Daniel 7:18

“But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.”

Context and Background:The book of Daniel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. It contains visions and prophecies given to the prophet Daniel during the Babylonian captivity. In Daniel 7, Daniel has a vision of four great beasts representing powerful earthly kingdoms. Then, he sees a heavenly scene in which the Ancient of Days (God) sits in judgment, and the Son of Man (representing the Messiah, Jesus Christ) is given dominion and an everlasting kingdom.

Understanding the Verse:

• The saints taking the kingdom:The verse states that the saints of the most High will “take the kingdom.” This refers to the saints receiving authority and rulership in the kingdom of God. It implies that they will participate in the establishment and administration of God’s eternal kingdom.
• Possessing the kingdom forever:The saints not only take the kingdom, but they also “possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” This indicates that the saints will have an everlasting inheritance in God’s kingdom. It emphasizes the eternal nature of their reign with Christ.

Spiritual Lessons:

• God’s ultimate victory:Daniel’s vision provides assurance that regardless of the kingdoms and powers of this world, God’s purposes and plans will ultimately prevail. The saints will be victorious and inherit God’s eternal kingdom.
• The role of believers:The verse highlights the active participation of believers in God’s kingdom. As saints, we are called to serve and reign with Christ. This implies that our present actions, decisions, and faithfulness have eternal significance.
• Eternal hope and security:The promise of possessing the kingdom forever gives believers hope and assurance of their eternal destiny. It reminds us that our present trials and struggles are temporary, and our ultimate reward is an everlasting inheritance in God’s kingdom.
• Responsibility and stewardship:While the verse speaks of the saints taking the kingdom, it also implies a responsibility to rule and govern according to God’s principles. As believers, we are called to be faithful stewards of the authority and blessings entrusted to us.

Application:

• Seek God’s kingdom:Jesus taught His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). This verse in Daniel reminds us of the eternal significance of God’s kingdom and encourages us to prioritize seeking and serving His kingdom in our lives.
• Endurance in trials:The book of Daniel was written during a time of exile and persecution for the Israelites. Similarly, as believers, we may face challenges and opposition in this world. However, knowing that we will ultimately possess the kingdom forever can help us endure and remain steadfast in our faith.
• Faithful stewardship:Recognizing that we will have a role in God’s eternal kingdom should inspire us to be faithful stewards of the resources, talents, and opportunities He has given us. We should strive to use them for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
• Focus on the eternal:In a world filled with temporary pursuits and distractions, Daniel 7:18 reminds us to fix our eyes on the eternal. We should live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in what has lasting value and aligning our goals and desires with God’s kingdom.

Remember to study the surrounding verses and consult trusted commentaries and study resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.