Understanding Daniel 7:18

Daniel 7:18 states: "But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever." This verse is a profound declaration of hope for the faithful, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of God's people over earthly powers.

Commentary Insights

The interpretations of this verse from various public domain commentaries highlight its significance in the context of God’s sovereignty and the fate of His people. Below, we summarize insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke.

• Matthew Henry: Henry underscores that the 'saints' refers to the true believers who endure trials and tribulations. He emphasizes that the verse assures them of their future inheritance in God’s kingdom, signifying a shift from earthly struggles to eternal glory.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates on the term 'Most High,' noting its emphasis on God’s supremacy over all kingdoms. He suggests that the kingdom mentioned here is both a present reality in the believers’ lives and a future promise, where they will reign with Christ eternally.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke comments on the permanence of the kingdom that the saints will inherit. He highlights that this eternal possession contrasts sharply with the fleeting nature of human empires, emphasizing God's eternal dominion.

Bible Verse Cross-References

This verse has several cross-references that help to illuminate its meaning. Here are some key connections:

• Revelation 2:26 - "And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations."
• Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
• Revelation 20:4 - "And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
• Isaiah 60:21 - "Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified."
• 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 - "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."
• Romans 8:17 - "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
• 2 Timothy 2:12 - "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us."

Thematic Connections

The themes emerging from Daniel 7:18 resonate throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The act of 'taking the kingdom' symbolizes a transition, encouraging believers to embrace their identity as children of the King. It calls attention to:

• God's everlasting covenant with His people
• The juxtaposition between earthly kingdoms and God's eternal reign
• The communal aspect of being 'saints' and the call to unity among believers

How to Use Bible Cross-References

When studying verses like Daniel 7:18, utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing can enhance understanding. Here are methods and resources:

• Bible Concordance: Helps find specific words and their occurrences throughout the scripture.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Allows believers to see related verses seamlessly.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engaging with multiple verses can reveal deeper thematic connections.
• Bible Reference Resources: Use commentaries and study Bibles to explore various interpretations.

Inter-Biblical Dialogue

The connections between Daniel 7:18 and other scriptures lead to significant inter-Biblical dialogue. For instance, the 'inheritance' motif ties back to promises given in the Torah (Genesis 12:1-3) and is echoed by the Apostle Paul in his epistles. Developing an understanding of how scriptures relate aids in:

• Identifying connections between Old and New Testament promises
• Highlighting Christ’s fulfillment of the law
• Drawing parallels between prophetic visions and their New Testament applications

Conclusion

Daniel 7:18 serves as a crucial verse not only for understanding the book of Daniel but also for grasping the overarching narrative of hope in the Bible. By engaging with these commentaries, verses, and cross-references, believers can find encouragement and strength in the knowledge that they shall reign with Christ, now and forever.