Books
但以理书生命读经 · 第9篇

得胜之但以理的异象（一）关于从地中海出来之四个兽的异象（一）

The Visions of the Overcoming Daniel (1) The Vision Concerning the Four Beasts out of the Mediterranean Sea (1
1读经：但以理书7:1-8,11-12,15-28。但以理书有两个主要分段。头一段（一3～六28）包括六个事例，说到神堕落选民中年轻的后裔，在他们被掳之中，胜过了撒但更进一步的诡计。第二段（七～十二）记载得胜之但以理的异象。但以理的忠信和得胜，给他地位和对的角度，得以从神接受异象。
1Scripture Reading: Dan. 7:1-8, 11-12, 15-28 The book of Daniel has two main sections. The first section (1:3—6:28), which comprises six cases, speaks of the victory, in their captivity, of the young descendants of God's degraded elect over Satan's further devices. The second section (chs. 7—12) records the visions of the overcoming Daniel. Daniel's faithfulness and victory gave him the position and the right angle to receive the visions from God
2但以理领受一个接一个的异象。他从神所得的异象，不只关于神选民的定命，也关于神的永世。这卷书的最高点，摸著了神计画如何过祂的永世。在二章和四章，外邦王尼布甲尼撒看见两大异象－大人像和大树。尼布甲尼撒虽然看见这些异象，却需要但以理来讲解。四章的大树与二章大人像的头相符：二者都表征尼布甲尼撒。当头被神摸著，树就被砍掉，尼布甲尼撒就成了兽。（四16，25。）
2Daniel received vision after vision. He received visions from God not only concerning the destiny of His elect but also concerning God's eternity. This book, at its highest point, touches the matter of how God intends to spend His eternity. In chapters two and four, Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile king, saw two great visions—a great human image and a big tree. Although Nebuchadnezzar saw these visions, Daniel was needed to interpret them. The big tree in chapter four corresponds to the head of the human image in chapter two: both signify Nebuchadnezzar. When the head was touched by God, the tree was cut down, and Nebuchadnezzar became a beast (4:16, 25
3在头一个异象里，大人像的头是金的，接续的各部分是由不同的金属造成，从银到铜，至终到铁。在人眼中，这四种金属代表四大人类政府和文化。然而，但以理在七章所看见的异象却很不一样。他没有看见四种金属，乃是看见四个凶残的野兽。我们需要仔细研读对这四个兽的描述。
3In the first vision, the head of the great human image was gold. Each successive part of the image was made of different metals from silver to bronze and eventually to iron. In man'se yes these four metals represent four great human governments and cultures. However, what Daniel saw in the vision in chapter seven was very different. Instead of four different metals, he saw four cruel beasts. We need to study carefully the description of these four beasts
壹 见异象之年
I. THE YEAR OF THIS VISION
4但以理七章一节说，『巴比伦王伯沙撒元年，但以理在床上作梦，见了脑中的异象，就记录这梦，述说其大意。』这指明看见七章之异象的年分，乃是巴比伦王伯沙撒元年，约在主前五五五年。被掳开始于主前六○六年，而以色列人从被掳归回发生于主前五三六年，就是但以理看见这异象十九年以后。
4Daniel 7:1 says, "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions of his head upon his bed. Then he wrote down the dream; he related the sum of the matters." This indicates that the year of the vision in chapter seven was the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, about 555 B. C. The captivity began in 606 B.C., and the return of the children of Israel from captivity took place in 536 B.C., nineteen years after Daniel saw this vision.
贰 从地中海出来的
II. THE FOUR BEASTS
四个兽
out of the Mediterranean Sea
5但以理七章二至八节描述了从地中海出来的四个兽。地中海乃是居人之地的中心。神在祂创造里的经纶，使地中海成为文化的中心，直到哥伦布的时候。人类的文化成了一个满了风暴的大海。
5Daniel 7:2-8 describes the four beasts which came out of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea was the center of the inhabited earth. God'secon o my in His creation was to make the Mediterranean are a the center of culture up to the time of Columbus. Human culture has become a great sea full of winds and storms
一 天的四风激动大海，有四个大兽从海中上来
A. The Four Winds of Heaven Stirring Up the Great Sea and Four Great Beasts Coming Up from the Sea
6天的四风激动大海，就有四个大兽从海中上来。（2～3。）这不是说这些兽的源头是天，而是天安排了产生这四个兽的局势。四风表征天从四个方向而有的行动；大海被激动，表征地中海周围的政治局势被激动；从海中上来的四个兽，表征四个大而凶猛、残忍、毫无人道的王及其帝国。（17。）
6The four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, and four beasts came up from the sea (vv. 2-3). This does not mean that heaven is the source of these beasts but that heaven arranged the situation that produced the four beasts. The four winds signify moves of heaven from four directions; the stirring up of the great sea signifies the stirring up of the political situation around the Mediterranean Sea; and the four beasts which came up from the sea signify four great, fierce, cruel, and inhuman kings with their empires (v. 17
二 尼布甲尼撒梦见的大人像与但以理异象里从海中出来之四兽的比较
B. The Contrast between Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Great Human Image and Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts out of theSe a
7在二章尼布甲尼撒的梦中，地上人的政权是由满了荣耀、光彩的大人像所表征。在七章，神的申言者但以理得了启示，看见地上人政权的元首，以及人政权的本身，是由野兽所表征。
7In chapter two, in Nebuchadnezzar's dream human government on the earth was signified by a great human image full of glory and splendor. In chapter seven it was unveiled to God's prophet, Daniel, that the heads of human government on the earth, and the governments themselves, were signified by wild beasts
三 第一个兽
C. The First Beast
１ 与大人像的金头相符
1. Corresponding to the Head of Gold of the Great Human Image
8第一个兽（4）与二章三十六至三十八节大人像的金头相符，表征巴比伦及其创建者和王，尼布甲尼撒。
8The first beast (v. 4) corresponds to the head of gold of the great human image in 2:36-38, signifying Babylon with its founder and king Nebuchadnezzar
２ 像狮子
2. Like a Lion
9第一个兽像狮子－兽中之王，最为凶猛残忍。
9The first beast was like a lion—the king of the beasts, the most fierce and cruel
３ 有鹰的翅膀
3. Having the Wings of an Eagle
10第一个兽也有鹰的翅膀。鹰是飞禽之王。兽的鹰翅表征牠是在空中，空中是属于撒但，那空中的掌权者；鹰翅，也表征牠的行动快速。
10The first beast also had the wings of an eagle. The eagle is the king of the fowls. The beast's eagle wings signify that it was in the air, which belongs to Satan, the ruler of the air, and that its move was swift.
４ 牠的翅膀被拔去
4. Its Wings Being Plucked
11但以理告诉我们，他观看，直到兽的翅膀被拔去。牠的翅膀被拔去，表征牠行动的能力被除去，牠成了像田野的走兽一样，如四章二十三至二十五节上半所题者。当神摸尼布甲尼撒时，他就成了像田野的走兽一样。
11Daniel tells us that he watched until the wings of this beast were plucked. This plucking of its wings signifies that its moving power was taken away and that it became like a beast in the field, as mentioned in 4:23- 25a. When God touched Nebuchadnezzar, he became like a beast in the field
５ 从地上被抬起来，用脚站立，像人一样
5. Lifted Up from the Earth and Made to Stand on Two Feet Like a Man
12『兽从地上被抬起来，用两脚站立，像人一样，又得了人心。』（七4下。）这就是说，牠成了人一样，站在地上，有人的心，如四章二十五节下半，三十二节下半所指明的。
12It was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man; and a man'she art was given to it" (7:4b). This means that it became like a man standing on the earth with a man'she art, as indicated in 4:25b, 32b
四 第二个兽
D. The Second Beast
１ 与大人像的银胸膛和膀臂相符
1. Corresponding to the Breast and Arms of Silver of the Great Human Image
13第二个兽（七5）与二章三十二节，三十九节上半，大人像的银胸膛和膀臂相符，表征玛代波斯。
13The second beast (7:5) corresponds to the breast and arms of silver of the great human image in 2:32, 39a, signifying Medo-Persia
２ 如同熊
2. Resembling a Bear
14第二个兽如同熊。这表征牠不像狮子那样强壮快速，但牠仍然是凶猛残忍的。
14The second beast resembled a bear. This signifies that it was not as strong and swift as the lion but that it was still fierce and cruel
３ 一边挺起
3. Raising Up on One Side
15这兽一边挺起，这表征玛代和波斯成了一个政权。
15This beast raised up on one side. This signifies that Media and Persia became one dominion
４ 口齿内啣著三根肋骨
4. Three Ribs Being in Its Mouth between Its Teeth
16牠口齿内啣著三根肋骨，表征牠吞噬了巴比伦、小亚细亚、和埃及三国。
16Three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth. This signifies that three kingdoms, Babylon, Asia Minor, and Egypt, were devoured by it
５ 有吩咐牠的叫牠起来吞吃多肉
5. Being Commanded to Arise and Devour Much Flesh
17有吩咐第二个兽的，说，起来吞吃多肉。这表征牠要吞噬更多国家。
17The second beast was commanded to arise and devour much flesh. This signifies that it would devour more nations.
五第三个兽
eT he third beast
１ 与大人像的铜肚腹和腰股相符
1. Corresponding to the Abdomen and Thighs of Bronze of the Great Human Image
18第三个兽（七6）与二章三十二节，三十九节下半，大人像的铜肚腹和腰股相符，表征希腊及其王－亚历山大大帝。
18The third beast (7:6) corresponds to the abdomen and thighs of bronze of the great human image in 2:32, 39b, signifying Greece with its king, Alexander the Great
２ 像豹子
2. Like a Leopard
19第三个兽像豹子，这表征牠是凶猛、残忍、快速的。（哈一8上。）３背上有鸟的四个翅膀
19The third beast was like a leopard. This signifies that it was fierce, cruel, and swift (Hab. 1:8a). 3. Having Four Wings of a Bird on Its Back
20这兽背上有鸟的四个翅膀。这表征牠藉著牠的四个将军而成为快速的，如同鸟有四个翅膀。
20This beast had four wings of a bird on its back. This signifies that it was swift by means of its four generals, like a bird with four wings
４ 有四个头
4. Having Four Heads
21兽有四个头。这表征使他行动快速的四个翅膀成了四个头，也就是四个将军成了四国的元首。亚历山大大帝死了以后，他的四个将军就把他的帝国分为四个国了。
21The beast had four heads. This signifies that the four wings for swiftness became four heads, four generals who became the heads of four kingdoms. After the death of Alexander the Great, his four generals divided his empire into four kingdoms
５ 得了权柄
5. Given Dominion
22第三个兽得了权柄。这表征牠得权掌管列国。
22The third beast was given dominion. This signifies that it was given authority to rule over the nations
六 第四个兽
F. The Fourth Beast
23第四个兽，（七7～8，）就是启示录十三章一至二节所启示的兽。１与大人像的铁腿和半铁半泥的脚相符第四个兽与二章四十至四十三节，大人像的铁腿和半铁半泥的脚相符，表征罗马帝国。
23The fourth beast (7:7-8) is the beast as revealed in Revelation 13:1-2. 1. Corresponding to the Legs of Iron and the Feet Partly of Iron and Partly of Clay of the Great Human Image The fourth beast corresponds to the legs of iron and the feet partly of iron and partly of clay of the great human image in 2:40-43, signifying the Roman Empire
２ 甚是可怕可惧，极其强壮
2. Being Dreadful and Frightful and Exceedingly Strong
24第四个兽甚是可怕可惧，极其强壮，如铁所表征者。
24As signified by iron, the fourth beast was dreadful and frightful and exceedingly strong
25
253. Having Large Iron Teeth and Claws of Bronze
３有大铁牙和铜爪，牠吞吃嚼碎，所剩下的用脚践踏
and Devouring, Crushing, and Trampling the Remainder with Its Feet
26这兽有大铁牙和铜爪，牠吞吃嚼碎，所剩下的用脚践踏。（七19。）这表征牠有大能力，能吞吃嚼碎列国，所剩下的用脚践踏。
26This beast had large iron teeth and claws of bronze, and it devoured, crushed, and trampled under the remainder (v. 19). This signifies that it had great power to devour and crush nations and trample down the remainder
４ 有十角
4. Having Ten Horns
27这兽有十角。（七20上。）这表征牠有十王。（启十七12～13。）５在十角中长起一小角，
27The beast had ten horns (7:20a). This signifies that it had ten kings (Rev. 17:12-13). 5. A Small Horn Coming Up among the Ten Horns
有三角在这角前连根被拔出来
and Three of Them Being Uprooted before It
28在十角中长起一小角，有三角在这角前连根被拔出来。（但七8上，20中，24。）这表征敌基督要在十王之中兴起，并且在他面前有三王要被毁灭。这样，敌基督要成为最强大的角。
28A small horn came up among the ten horns, and three of them were uprooted before them (Dan. 7:8a, 20b, 24). This signifies that Antichrist will come up among the ten kings, and before him three of them will be destroyed. In this way Antichrist will become the strongest horn
ａ这角有眼，像人的眼，有口说夸大的话
a. In This Horn There Being Eyes Like the Eyes of a Man and a Mouth Speaking Great Things
29这角有眼，像人的眼，有口说夸大的话。（七8下，20下，25上。）这表征敌基督有看透事物的敏锐眼光，和说夸大话反对神的口。（启十三5上，6。）因此，敌基督必被杀，身体损坏，交给火烧。（但七11，启十九20。）
29In this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things (Dan. 7:8b, 20c, 25a). This signifies that Antichrist will have sharp sight to perceive things and a mouth to speak great things against God (Rev. 13:5a, 6). Because of this, Antichrist will be slain, and his body will be destroyed and given to the burning fire (Dan. 7:11; Rev. 19:20
ｂ这角与圣徒争战
b. This Horn Waging War with the Saints
30这角（敌基督）与圣徒争战，折磨至高者的圣徒三年半，并且胜了他们。（但七21，25，启十三7上。）
30This horn (Antichrist) waged war with the saints, wore out the saints of the Most High for three and a half years, and prevailed against them (Dan. 7:21, 25; Rev. 13:7a
ｃ这角想要改变节期和律法
c. This Horn Intending to Change the Times and the Law
31这角（敌基督）想要改变节期和律法。（但七25。）
31This horn (Antichrist) intended to change the times and the law (Dan. 7:25
ｄ这角必受神的审判，他的国度必被夺去
d. This Horn Being Judged by God and His Dominion Being Taken Away
32这角（敌基督）必受神的审判，他的国度必被夺去，以致毁坏、灭绝，一直到底。（11下，26。）６国度、权柄、和天下诸国的尊大，
32This horn (Antichrist) will be judged by God, and his dominion will be taken away, so that it will be annihilated and destroyed unto the end (vv. 11b, 26). 6. The Kingdom and the Dominion and the Greatness of the Kingdoms under the Whole Heaven Being
必赐给至高者的圣徒
Given to the People of the Saints of the Most High
33按照七章二十二节和二十七节，国度、权柄、和天下诸国的尊大，必赐给至高者的圣徒。
33According to 7:22 and 27, the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High
七 关于其余的兽
G. Concerning the Rest of the Beasts
34关于其余的兽，牠们的权柄（权与国）都被夺去，生命（文化）却仍延长，直到所定的时期和时候。（12。）这指明虽然巴比伦、波斯和希腊的统治和权柄被夺去，但他们的文化却要延长，仍然存留。今天我们是西方文化，罗马文化的一部分。西方文化乃是罗马、希腊、波斯和巴比伦文化的总结。巴比伦王伯沙撒被玛代人大利乌所打败。然后亚历山大大帝在主前三三○年来打败波斯王大利乌（不同的大利乌）。在亚历山大之后，他的四个将军接续他统治四个国。在主前二十七年，该撒亚古士督成为罗马帝国的皇帝，取代了希腊帝国。到主后四七六年，实在的罗马帝国就结束了，但罗马的精神、文化、法律、政治、和习俗继续存在。所以，就某种意义说，我们今天仍是罗马帝国的一部分。但以理书和启示录揭示了神的经纶。按照神的经纶，祂在管治世界，要产生一个局势，好得著以色列作祂的选民，召会作祂奥秘的子民，以及列国作神永远国度里的百姓。我们若看见这个，就知道我们在那里，我们人生的意义何在。
34As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion (authority and kingdom) was taken away, but an extension of life (culture) was given to them for a season and for a time (v. 12). This indicates that although the dominion and authority of Babylon, Persia, and Greece were taken away, their life, that is, their culture, will be extended and still remain. Today we are a part of Western culture, the Roman culture. Western culture is the consummation of Roman, Greek, Persian, and Babylonian culture. Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was defeated by Darius the Mede. Then Alexander the Great came to defeat Darius the Persian (a different Darius) in 330 B.C. Alexander's four generals succeeded him to rule over four kingdoms. In 27 B.C. Caesar Augustus became the emperor of the Roman Empire, replacing the Grecian Empire. Although the actual Roman Empire came to an end around A.D. 476, the Roman spirit, culture, law, politics, and customs continue to exist. Therefore, in a sense, today we are still a part of the Roman Empire. The books of Daniel and Revelation unveil God ' secon o my. According to His economy, God will rule over the world, produce a situation for Israel to be His elect, gain the church to be His mysterious people, and have all the nations to be the peoples in the eternal kingdom of God. If we see this, we will know where we are, and we will know the meaning of our human life.