Daniel is delivered from the power of the lions under King Darius and prospers during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.
In the first year of King Belshazzar, Daniel has a dream of four great beasts symbolizing four kingdoms.
The first beast is like a lion with eagle's wings, the second like a bear with ribs in its mouth, the third like a leopard with four wings and four heads, and the fourth is a dreadful, iron-toothed beast with ten horns.
Among the ten horns, a "little horn" emerges, speaking boastful words and uprooting three other horns.
Daniel sees a vision of the Ancient of Days, seated on a fiery throne, presiding over judgment, and the fourth beast is destroyed.
"One like the Son of Man" approaches the Ancient of Days and is given an everlasting kingdom, where all nations serve him.
An angel interprets the vision, explaining that the four beasts represent four kingdoms, with the saints eventually inheriting the eternal kingdom.
The fourth beast represents a powerful, destructive kingdom, while the ten horns symbolize ten kings, and the "little horn" represents a blasphemous king who opposes God and persecutes saints until divine judgment removes his dominion.
In subsequent visions, Daniel sees a ram with two horns representing Media and Persia, and a goat with a notable horn signifying Greece.
The goat's horn breaks and is replaced by four smaller horns, symbolizing fragmented kingdoms. A new "little horn" rises, desecrating the sanctuary and halting sacrifices.
Daniel learns the prophecy indicates a specific time period before cleansing and restoration of the sanctuary.
Gabriel explains that the "little horn" symbolizes a future ruler who will oppose God but ultimately be defeated.
In prayer, Daniel confesses the sins of Israel and appeals for mercy based on God's righteousness and covenant promises.
Gabriel delivers a prophecy of "seventy weeks," a timeline of events leading to the coming of the Messiah and the ultimate restoration of God's people.
In the third year of Cyrus, Daniel receives a vision of a man clothed in linen, symbolizing a divine messenger, who explains further revelations about future conflicts, including wars between the kings of the north and south.
The messenger reveals a series of events involving deceitful rulers, alliances, and betrayals, culminating in a great final conflict.
In the end times, Michael, the archangel, will defend God's people during a time of unprecedented trouble, and the righteous will be resurrected to eternal life while others face shame and contempt.
The prophecy concludes with assurances that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail, and Daniel is instructed to seal the visions until the end of time.