Daniel 7–12

Daniel sees visions of the future, including events in the last days

Summarize Daniel 7 by explaining that Daniel saw a vision representing different political kingdoms and evil that would be on the earth from his time through the last days. He also saw a sacred event associated with the Savior’s Second Coming.

Invite a student to read Daniel 7:9 aloud. Ask the class to follow along and look for what Daniel saw.

• What did Daniel see would happen to the “thrones,” or worldly governments? Explain that Joseph Smith revealed that the “Ancient of days” (verse 9) is Adam (see D&C 27:11; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 104). Summarize Daniel 7:10–14 by explaining that Daniel saw a council in which priesthood holders from all the dispensations will account for their stewardships to Adam. Adam will then report to Jesus Christ, whose people will recognize Him as their King (see Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection [1970], 289–91).

Summarize Daniel 7:24–26 by explaining that the Savior will destroy the power of the wicked over the earth when He comes in His glory.

Invite a student to read Daniel 7:18, 27 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for who will reign with the Savior in His kingdom on earth after His Second Coming.

• Who will reign with the Savior in His kingdom on earth? (After the Second Coming, the Savior will reign on earth with His saints. Write this truth on the board.)

Explain that the title “saints” means “holy ones” and refers to members of the Church who have faithfully kept the commandments. Explain also that after the Savior’s glorious return and His millennial reign, the kingdom “shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High” (verse 27) and this earth in its celestial state will be their home forever.

• How can understanding that Jesus Christ will reign on the earth with His saints influence your decision to be faithful to Him? Inform students that much of Daniel 8–12 consists of descriptions of additional visions of future events that Daniel saw.

Conclude by testifying of the importance of being a faithful follower of the Lord.