Daniel 7:27

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.

Daniel 7:27 (KJV)

Context

Daniel 7 records a vision of four great beasts, representing four successive earthly kingdoms: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Their power was temporary, but this verse announces a new, eternal kingdom established by God.

Meaning

The verse declares that the kingdom, dominion, and greatness under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the most High. This is a divine gift, not a human conquest. The phrase “under the whole heaven” emphasizes its universal scope, contrasting with the limited, successive earthly empires.

The term “the most High” refers to God. The “people of the saints” are the faithful followers of God. In the New Testament, believers in Jesus Christ are often called saints, suggesting that the establishment of this everlasting kingdom involves the participation of God’s faithful people.

Unlike the previous earthly kingdoms that rose and fell, this kingdom will endure forever. The verse concludes by stating that all dominions shall serve and obey the everlasting kingdom, indicating that the authority of the divine kingdom will extend over all other dominions and nations, pointing to a time when all earthly powers will acknowledge and submit to the reign of God.

Biblical connections

The kingdom is given to the saints not because of their own merit, but as a result of God’s promise and purpose. The everlasting nature of this kingdom stands in stark contrast to the temporary, fragile kingdoms of the beasts.

Application

This verse provides hope and assurance that despite present suffering and domination by worldly powers, God’s people will ultimately reign with Him. It encourages believers to remain faithful in the present age, knowing that their ultimate victory is certain in God’s eternal kingdom. The proper response to God’s sovereignty is to serve and obey Him, looking forward to the future time of universal acknowledgment of His rule.

Reflection

Daniel 7:27 calls us to trust in God’s sovereign plan and to live as faithful saints, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. The kingdom is certain, and all dominions will one day serve and obey the Most High.