As for the rest of the beastsThis phrase refers to the other beasts described earlier in
Daniel 7, which symbolize various empires. In the vision, these beasts represent kingdoms that have risen and fallen throughout history. The beasts are symbolic of the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each beast has distinct characteristics that align with the nature and influence of these historical empires.
their dominion was removed
This indicates that the power and authority of these empires were taken away. Historically, each of these empires experienced a decline and eventual fall, often due to internal corruption, external conquest, or divine intervention. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations, as seen in passages likeDaniel 2:21, where God "removes kings and sets up kings."
but they were granted an extension of life
Despite losing their dominion, these empires continued to exist in some form. This can be understood as the cultural and political influences of these empires persisting even after their political power had waned. For example, the Greek culture continued to influence the Roman Empire and beyond, and elements of these ancient civilizations are still evident in modern societies.
for a season and a time
This phrase suggests a divinely appointed period during which these empires would continue to exist in a diminished capacity. The specific duration is not detailed, but it implies a limited and predetermined time frame. This reflects the biblical concept of God's control over history and time, as seen inEcclesiastes 3:1, which states that there is "a time for every matter under heaven." The phrase also connects to prophetic literature, where time periods are often symbolic and point to God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DanielA prophet and the author of the Book of Daniel, who receives visions and dreams from God concerning future events.
2.
The BeastsSymbolic representations of kingdoms or empires that have dominion over the earth. In
Daniel 7, these beasts are part of a vision that Daniel receives, each representing a different kingdom.
3.
The VisionDaniel's vision in chapter 7 includes four great beasts, each symbolizing a kingdom that will rise and fall.
4.
The Ancient of DaysA title for God, who is depicted as sovereign and eternal, presiding over the judgment of these kingdoms.
5.
The Season and a TimeA period during which the dominion of the beasts is removed, but they are allowed to continue existing for a limited time.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over KingdomsThe removal of dominion from the beasts illustrates God's ultimate authority over earthly powers. Believers can trust that no matter how powerful a kingdom or government may seem, God is in control.
The Temporary Nature of Earthly PowerThe extension of life for a season and a time reminds us that earthly powers are temporary. Christians should focus on eternal values rather than temporal power.
The Importance of Patience and TrustJust as the beasts were allowed to exist for a time, believers are called to be patient and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His plans.
Judgment and JusticeThe vision underscores the certainty of divine judgment. Believers are encouraged to live righteously, knowing that God will ultimately judge all nations and individuals.
Hope in God's Ultimate PlanDespite the presence of oppressive powers, the vision assures us of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 7:12?
2.How does Daniel 7:12 illustrate God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms and rulers?
3.What can we learn from the temporary nature of dominion in Daniel 7:12?
4.How does Daniel 7:12 connect with the prophecy in Daniel 2:21?
5.How should Daniel 7:12 influence our perspective on current world governments?
6.In what ways can Daniel 7:12 encourage patience and trust in God's timing?
7.What does Daniel 7:12 imply about the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms?
8.How does Daniel 7:12 relate to the sovereignty of God over nations?
9.Why were the dominions of the beasts prolonged according to Daniel 7:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 7?
11.Why are there 1260, 1290, and 1335 days in Tribulation?
12.What fatal wound does the beast in Revelation receive?
13.What does 42 months symbolize in the Bible?
14.How does the enigmatic 'time, times, and half a time' in Daniel 12:7 align with any verifiable historical timeline?What Does Daniel 7:12 Mean
As for the rest of the beastsDaniel has just watched the terrifying fourth beast judged and destroyed (Daniel 7:11). Turning back to the earlier three creatures—the lion, the bear, and the leopard—he records, “As for the rest of the beasts…” The vision makes clear that:
•Each beast represents a historical empire that actually rose on earth: Babylon (Daniel 7:4; compareDaniel 2:37-38), Medo-Persia (Daniel 7:5; cf.Daniel 8:20), and Greece (Daniel 7:6; cf.Daniel 8:21).
•They are called “beasts” because, from heaven’s perspective, human kingdoms that reject God behave like untamed animals (Psalm 2:1-3;Revelation 13:2).
•All three still exist in some form while the fourth beast is being judged, showing an overlap of influence right up to the end (Revelation 17:8-13).
their dominion was removedThe verse continues, “…their dominion was removed.” Historically, each empire lost its ruling authority at a definite point:
•Babylon fell to Cyrus the Persian (Daniel 5:30-31).
•The Medo-Persian empire was broken by Alexander the Great (Daniel 8:7).
•Greece fragmented and was eventually absorbed by Rome.
In every case “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17; cf.Daniel 2:21). Political power is never permanent; God alone grants and rescinds dominion.
but they were granted an extension of lifeEven after surrendering world dominance, each culture lingered. Languages, laws, art, and philosophies outlived their governments:
•Babylonian learning influenced Persia and later Greece (Daniel 1:4;Acts 7:22).
•Persian administration left its mark on later empires (Esther 1:19).
•Greek ideas shaped Rome and continue into modern Western thought (Acts 17:18-21).
God allowed these civilizations to endure “for a season” because He works through history, patiently calling people to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
for a season and a timeThe phrase signals a fixed, God-appointed limit. It echoes wording used elsewhere in Daniel to mark predetermined durations (Daniel 4:25; 12:7). Key insights:
•Human power is always on God’s clock (Acts 17:26).
•The extension ends when Christ establishes His everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:14;Revelation 11:15).
•This boundary assures believers that evil cultures cannot outlast God’s plan; judgment and restoration are certain (Revelation 20:12-15).
summaryDaniel 7:12 teaches that former world empires lose their ruling authority under God’s hand, yet He allows their cultural influence to linger for a limited, divinely set period. This temporary extension highlights both the sovereignty and the patience of God, assuring us that every earthly power answers to Him and that His final kingdom will decisively end all rebellious rule.
(12)
The rest of the beasts--i.e., the three first beasts which Daniel had seen coming out of the sea. He now learns what had befallen them. Their dominions had passed away, and their lives had been prolonged up to that definite point and time which had seemed fit to God, and no further. The period of life allotted to them by God was only a little while. (On "times" and "seasons," see Note on
Daniel 2:21.)
Verse 12. -
As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. The version of the LXX. has a different reference, "And those about him he took away from their dominion, and time of life was given them for a time and a season." Here, as in the seventh verse,
we have
shear. The reference then would be to the horns that still remained after the one blaspheming horn was destroyed. Theodotion agrees with the Massoretic. The Peshitta differs, but only slightly. As the Massoretic text stands, there is difficulty in maintaining that the reference here cannot be to any other than to the other three beasts. They should still occupy a place, but possess no dominion, even after they were removed from supreme authority. After Babylon lost imperial power, it still continued for a time a highly important province in the Persian Empire, and the sensibilities of the inhabitants were considered throughout the whole period of the Persian rule. After the Persian Empire was overturned by Alexander, there was still the province of Persis; and from the remains of the Persian Empire sprang up Parthia, and then the second Persian Empire; and after the rule of the caliphs had been broken, Persia revived as a Mohammedan power. When the Greek Empire fell, Greece still survived, not independent, but still influential. It is difficult to see what meaning this verse could have to one living at the time of the Maccabees, especially it' he thought the Greek Empire was the fourth. Parthia certainly might represent Persia, but where was Media? "For a season and a time" does not refer to any definite time. Jephet-ibn-Ali regards the reference till the end of the rule of the fourth beast. This militates against the idea that '
iddan must always mean "a year."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
As for the restוּשְׁאָר֙(ū·šə·’ār)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7606:Rest, remainderof the beasts,חֵֽיוָתָ֔א(ḥê·wā·ṯā)Noun - feminine plural determinate
Strong's 2423:An animaltheir dominionשָׁלְטָנְה֑וֹן(šā·lə·ṭā·nə·hō·wn)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7985:Dominionwas removed,הֶעְדִּ֖יו(he‘·dîw)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5709:To advance, pass on, continue, to remove, to bedeckbut they were grantedיְהִ֥יבַת(yə·hî·ḇaṯ)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3052:To give, to put, imperatively, comean extensionוְאַרְכָ֧ה(wə·’ar·ḵāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 754:Lengthening, prolongedof lifeבְחַיִּ֛ין(ḇə·ḥay·yîn)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2417:Alive, lifeforעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5705:Even to, untila seasonזְמַ֥ן(zə·man)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2166:An appointed occasionof time.וְעִדָּֽן׃(wə·‘id·dān)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5732:A set time, technically, a year
Links
Daniel 7:12 NIVDaniel 7:12 NLTDaniel 7:12 ESVDaniel 7:12 NASBDaniel 7:12 KJV
Daniel 7:12 BibleApps.comDaniel 7:12 Biblia ParalelaDaniel 7:12 Chinese BibleDaniel 7:12 French BibleDaniel 7:12 Catholic Bible
OT Prophets: Daniel 7:12 As for the rest of the animals (Dan. Da Dn) 
