What is the context?
The explanation identifies the fourth beast as a kingdom and the ten horns as kings. Another king rises after them, puts down three, speaks against the Most High and oppresses His saints. He intends to change the appointed times and laws.
The saints are given into his power for a time, times and half a time. Then the court sits, his dominion is taken away, and the greatness of the kingdoms under heaven is given to the people of the Most High. His kingdom endures, and rulers serve and obey Him.
Daniel closes still pale and troubled, keeping the matter to himself. The vision offers a firm outcome without making the intervening suffering easy. Its final authority belongs to God’s court, and its final kingdom belongs to Him.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry and Wesley connect the persecuting ruler with papal power in their readings. Gaebelein expects a future ruler within a revived Roman Empire. The USCCB notes understand the oppression and changes to worship in relation to Antiochus IV.
The three-and-a-half period is commonly understood as a limited period of persecution. Readings differ over its historical setting and how it relates to later prophecy. The explanation itself ends with the removal of the oppressor and the enduring kingdom of God.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.