What is the context?
Daniel is alarmed and asks someone standing nearby to explain the vision. The first answer gives its broad outcome: four kings arise, but the saints of the Most High receive the kingdom forever.
Daniel then asks particularly about the fourth beast and its horns. He adds a troubling detail: the boastful horn wages war against the saints and prevails against them.
That success lasts until the Ancient of Days intervenes and judgment is pronounced in the saints’ favor. Their suffering is real, yet the oppressor’s victories do not determine the final outcome. The kingdom promised to them rests on God’s judgment rather than their present ability to overcome their persecutor.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley understands the saints as those who reign with Christ. Gaebelein particularly identifies them here as faithful Jews who pass through the final tribulation. Cambridge reads them as God’s holy people Israel.
These readers differ over the people and setting most directly in view, while agreeing that the kingdom comes to God’s people through His intervention.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Revelation 20:4–6 brings together thrones, judgment, people persecuted for their witness to Jesus and their reign with Christ. Some have been killed for refusing the beast’s worship, yet they come to life and share in Christ’s reign.
This develops the hope behind Daniel’s reversal. The persecutor’s power to kill cannot cancel God’s purpose for His people. Revelation places their vindication in the life and authority they receive with Christ, carrying the promise beyond temporary survival to victory over death.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.