A Revelation Invitation

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head as he lay in his bed. Then he wrote down the dream and told the sum of the matter. (Daniel 7:1 ESV)

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” (Revelation 1:10-11 ESV)

Have you ever had a dream that seemed so real that you wake up surprised that you’re still in bed? It can be disorienting. Shortly you realize it was only a dream. Daniel alleged that he saw “a dream and visions” as he lay in bed while John heard a voice that shouldn’t have been there. Neither of them would have walked away saying that it was only a dream. They both experienced something fantastical. We might have described what they each saw as bizarre and frightening. Their experiences didn’t come from their minds playing tricks on them. These messages originated in heaven. The visions were so momentous that it shook them both. Daniel later claimed “my thoughts greatly alarmed me” (Daniel 7:28 ESV). When John saw Jesus, he “fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17 ESV). Daniel took it upon himself to write down his dream. John was instructed to do so.

Two prophets. Two visions. Centuries separating them. Hundreds of miles apart. Daniel, a nobleman, a high official in the Persian government. John, a political prisoner in isolation. Both shepherding God’s people who were oppressed by the mightiest empires the world had ever known. Both describing a showdown between the world’s greatest powers and the kingdom of God. Their visions alarmed them, yet their words conveyed assurance and hope. Their messages pointed to a bright future during dark times.

The two verses above are the first of many parallels between chapter 7 of Daniel and the book of Revelation. Because an angel interpreted Daniel’s dream for him, it will in turn help us understand John’s. Reading through Daniel 7 along side Revelation, you will pick up expressions and images that are common to both. It’s an intriguing study, one that has helped me keep my interpretation of Revelation grounded in the text. In your studies have you noticed any of these parallels? Share them in the comments.

Lord God, the unity of your Word amazes me. These two men and their times were so different, yet they spoke to the needs of your people in the same way. Thank you for your inspiration and their faithfulness. You love your people and will never abandon them. Help me understand and appreciate their vital messages so that I too can endure whatever tribulations may come. Amen.

(Part 2 of “Daniel 7” is here.)