Daniel 7:1

First year of Belshazzar. It should be pointed out that Daniel does not present the materials of his book in strict chronological order. The events of chapters 5 and 6 took place after those recorded in the 7th chapter, but, doubtless for reasons of continuity, the historical narrative is carried through to completion in chapters 1-6. On the identity and place in history of Belshazzar see Additional Note on Chapter 5.

Had a dream. Literally, “saw a dream.” In a dream the Lord gave to Daniel a pictorial view of the future history of the world.

The prophecy of chapter 7 covers essentially the same span of history as the dream of chapter 2, both reaching from the prophet’s day to the time of the establishment of the kingdom of God. Nebuchadnezzar saw the world powers represented by a great metallic image; Daniel saw them as symbolic beasts and horns, and saw also aspects of history related to the experience of God’s people and the outworking of His plan. Chapter 2 deals largely with political matters. It was given, first of all, for the instruction of Nebuchadnezzar, to secure his cooperation in the divine plan (see on chapter 2:1). The relationship of the people of God to the shifting political scenes was not a subject of that prophecy. The prophecy of chapter 7, like those of the remainder of the book, was given especially for the people of God in order that they might understand their part in the divine plan for the ages. The inspired preview of events was given against the background of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The efforts of the arch-enemy of souls to destroy the “holy people” were unveiled and the final victory of truth assured.

He wrote. So that it might be preserved for future generations.

Sum of the matters. The Aramaic words thus translated are particularly difficult to phrase in English. The word for “sum” is re’sh, which means “head,” or “beginning.” The original Greek version reads, eis kephalaia logon, which may be interpreted to mean “a summary.” Evidently what is meant by the expression is that Daniel wrote down and reported the chief contents of the dream. Ehrlich translates the phrase, “the important details.”