Through The Bible in a Year - April 30, 2026

“The court sat in judgment, and the books were opened… The beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.” – Daniel 7:10-11

Daniel wrote from a Babylonian jail. He and his people—slaves in captivity, refugees—had spent two generations in bondage. Everything seemed hopeless.

But Daniel had a vision. He saw four beasts rising from a churning sea: a lion with eagle’s wings (representing, Babylon), a bear devouring much flesh (Persia), a leopard with four wings (Greece under Alexander the Great), and a fourth beast—terrifying, dreadful, exceedingly strong, with iron teeth (Rome).

Each beast represented a kingdom more powerful and cruel than the last. Each lasting centuries. God’s people must have wondered: Will there ever be relief?

The answer is in Daniel’s vision. He describes it this way: “Thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.” God—with hair white as snow (representing ancient wisdom), clothing pure white (reflecting perfect righteousness), a throne of fiery flames (showing unstoppable power)—enters the royal courtroom.

The court sits in judgment. The record books are opened. And the cruelest beast that has been speaking arrogant things, representing the evil and oppression that has come against God’s people—is killed, destroyed, and burned with fire.

This was the message of hope to captives in Daniel’s day, but it remains the hope of all who suffer until Christ comes: As awful as our circumstances may be, we can rest assured that though evil may have its day, God will have the final say.

Our God is so great. He is above and beyond all that challenges, discourages, and opposes his purposes in our lives. He will have the final word.

Respond: What evil in your life feels like it’s winning? What injustice seems unstoppable? What oppression appears permanent? Today, hear Daniel’s message from whatever captivity of mind or heart you are experiencing: Evil may have its day. God will have the final say. The Ancient of Days will be the final judge. His perfect record books will be opened. Justice will finally triumph. God’s purposes will prevail.

Prayer: Lord, evil seems to be winning. Injustice is everywhere. The powerful oppress the weak. The wicked prosper. But You are the Ancient of Days. You have seen kingdoms rise and fall. Nothing surprises You. Nothing perplexes You. You sit in judgment over all the affairs and actions of our world. The books of truth will be opened. You will judge justly. Evil may have its day, but You will have the final say. Help me trust that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.