After this, I saw in the visions by night, and behold, the [a]fourth beast was fearful and terrible and very strong. It had great [b]iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped [c]the residue under his feet: and it was unlike to the beasts that were before it: for it had [d]ten horns.

As I considered the horns, behold, there came up among them another little [e]horn, before whom there were [f]three of the first horns plucked away: and behold, in this horn were [g]eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking presumptuous things.

I beheld till the [h]thrones were set up, and the [i]Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels, as burning fire.

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Footnotes

  1. Daniel 7:7 That is, the Roman Empire which was a monster, and could not be compared to any beasts, because the nature of none was able to express it.
  2. Daniel 7:7 Signifying, the tyranny and greediness of the Romans.
  3. Daniel 7:7 That which the Romans could not quietly enjoy in other countries, they would give it to other Kings and rulers, that at all times when they would, they might take it again: which liberality is here called the stamping of the rest under the feet.
  4. Daniel 7:7 That is, sundry and divers provinces which were governed by the deputies and proconsuls, whereof everyone might be compared to a King.
  5. Daniel 7:8 Which is meant of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, etc., who were as kings in effect, but because they could not rule, but by the consent of the Senate, their power is compared to a little horn. For Muhammad came not of the Roman Empire, and the Pope hath no vocation of government: therefore this cannot be applied unto them, and also in this prophecy the Prophet’s purpose is chiefly to comfort the Jews unto the revelation of Christ. Some take it for the whole body of Antichrist.
  6. Daniel 7:8 Meaning, a certain portion of the ten horns: that is, a part from the whole estate was taken away. For Augustus took from the Senate the liberty of choosing the deputies to send into the provinces, and took the government of certain countries to himself.
  7. Daniel 7:8 These Roman Emperors at the first used a certain humanity and gentleness, and were content that others, as the Consuls, and Senate, should bear the names of dignity, so that they might have the profit, and therefore in election and counsels would behave themselves according as did other Senators: yet against their enemies and those that would resist them, they were fierce and cruel, which is here meant by the proud mouth.
  8. Daniel 7:9 Meaning, the places where God and his Angels should come to judge these Monarchies, which judgment should begin at the first coming of Christ.
  9. Daniel 7:9 That is, God which was before all times, and is here described as man’s nature is able to comprehend some portion of his glory.

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