The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Ten Kings that Shall Arise - Daniel 7:24

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how the one who stood by told him, “the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-four of his book Daniel said, “the ten horns … are ten kings that shall arise” where we read,

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

The verse reads, “And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise:” Daniel began with the words, “and the ten horns” or “and the ten protrusions or musical instruments” “out of this kingdom” which means “from this, the fourth ruling empire’s, royal rule and reign” “are ten kings” or “exist as ten royal rulers” “that shall arise” which means “who will be set up, established and come on the scene”. Daniel shared how the “ten horns” that proceed from the “fourth” empire exist as “ten” royal rulers that will come on the scene.

The verse goes on to say, “… and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.” Daniel continued with the words, “and another shall rise after them” or “and one other will be set up, established and come on the scene”; “and he shall be diverse” which means “and he, the one that comes on the scene, will exist as changed and different” “from the first” or “separate and apart from the initial one”, “and he shall subdue three kings” which means “and he, the one who “shall rise after them” will humble and bring low three of the ten royal rulers and leaders. Daniel shared how this “other king” would come on the scene will be different from all the others, and he will humble and bring low three of the “ten kings” that are ruling.

When we think through Daniel’s words in this verse, we learn what the “ten horns” were in Daniel’s vision. The one standing by told him these represented “ten royal rulers or kings” that will come on the scene to rule the world. Within the midst of them will arise another ruler who shall subdue three of the “ten kings”, and his rule will be world wide and different from all the others. Let us not forget, God knows all these things and was revealing them to Daniel so all who read these words will know this is a part of His redemption and salvation plan for mankind. When we believe and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, we shall be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit so we have assurance that He is in control even when worldly rulers believe they are.

Next time Daniel says, “he shall speak great words against the most High”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Fourth Beast Diverse - Daniel 7:23

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them. Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-three of his book Daniel said, “until the Ancient of days came” where we read,

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

The verse reads, “Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, …” Daniel began with the words, “thus he said” or “therefore, then and on this account he, the one who stood by Daniel, uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “the fourth beast” which means “the fourth large animal” “shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth” or “will exist as the royal rule and reign in the world”, “which shall be diverse” which means “that will exist as altered and different” “from all kingdoms” or “separate and apart from each, every and the whole royal rules and reigns”. Daniel shared how the “one who stood by” told him that the “fourth non-descriptive” animal represented the “fourth” royal rule and reign or empire that will arise in the world and will be different from all the others.

The verse continues, “… and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.” Daniel added the words, “and shall devour” or “and will eat, consume and devastate” “the whole earth” which means “the entire world”, “and shall tread it down” or “and will trample the world”, “and break it in pieces” which means “and shatter and crush the world into particles”. Daniel said the “fourth beast” or “royal ruler” would consume the entire world, trample it and crush it into particles.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel about this “fourth” ruling empire that shall arise in the world. Not only will his “kingdom” be different from all the others before, but it will have world dominance and crush the entire world beneath it. This final world dominating empire will have power over the world until “the Ancient One” arrives, and God is well aware of its time and function. Let us remember that God rules over all kingdoms and rulers in the world, and when Jesus came to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He made access for everyone who puts their faith and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and to be equipped with His Holy Spirit so they may have confidence He has everything in control even when the most powerful kingdoms and empires arise in the world.

Next time Daniel says, “the ten horns … are ten kings that shall arise”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Until the Ancient of Days Came - Daniel 7:22

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-two of his book Daniel said, “until the Ancient of days came” where we read,

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High;

and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

The verse reads, “Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High;” Daniel began with the words, “until the Ancient of days came” or “until such time that the advanced, venerable and aged One pertaining to time periods and seasons arrived”, “and judgment was given” which means “and justice or favor existed as granted, bestowed and assigned” “to the saints” or “to the separated and sacred ones” “of the most High” which means “belonging to the highest Supreme Deity”. Daniel said the “little horn” performed fighting and conflicts with the sacred ones of God till such time that the Ancient One arrived and justice was provided to the ones who belonged to the highest Supreme Deity.

The verse goes on to say, “and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” Daniel continued with the words, “and the time came” or “and the set season or period arrived” “that the saints” which means “that the separated and sacred ones” “possessed the kingdom” or “took hold and occupancy of the royal rule and reign”. Daniel said the period or season arrived the the sacred ones of God took occupancy of the royal rule and reign.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how this “little horn” who “makes war” with the “saints of God” and “prevails” is only able to do so until “the Ancient One” appears and gives them justice. God will indeed interfere with the government and rule of this pagan king, and when he thinks he has complete control, Jesus will come on the scene. God knows His plan for mankind even though not everyone will surrender to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days. Those who believe and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and encouraged by His Holy Spirit to endure all things because He has a plan and will certainly work it out. (See 1 Corinthians 13:7)

Next time Daniel says, “the fourth beast … shall be diverse from all kingdoms”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Horn Making War with the Saints - Daniel 7:21

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet. And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-one of his book Daniel said, “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints” where we read,

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

The verse reads, “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, …” Daniel began with the words, “I beheld” or “I, Daniel, looked and considered”, “and the same horn” which means “and the same small protrusion that arose among the ten horns” “made war with the saints” or “performed and executed conflict, combat and fighting together with the separated and holy ones of God”. Daniel shared how the small “horn” executed conflict and fighting with the separated and sanctified people of God.

The verse continues, “… and prevailed against them;” Daniel added the words, “and prevailed” or “and was able to triumph, have victory and overcome” “against them” which means “in opposition to them, the saints.” Daniel said the “small horn” would execute conflict with the sacred ones of God and have victory over them.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how this “small horn” would not only be victorious over three other rulers, but would also bring fighting and conflict to the sacred ones of God and overcome them. We shall learn more about this in our next verse, but let us be mindful that this group of “saints” must not be the church because Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (See Matthew 16:18) God loves people, and His desires is to have a personal intimate relationship with with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will empower us to live as His “saints” who need not to fear what those fighting against us may do.

Next time Daniel says, “until the Ancient of days came”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Ten Horns and the Other - Daniel 7:20

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty of his book Daniel desired to know about, “the ten horns that were in his head” where we read,

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

The verse reads, “And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell;” Daniel began with the words, “and of the ten horns” or “and concerning the ten protrusions or musical instruments” “that were in his head” which means “that existed within the fourth beast’s physical head”, “and of the other which came up” or “and concerning the small horn that arose” “and before whom three fell” which means “and in whose presence three of the other horns were fallen down”. Daniel shared shared how he desired to know the meaning of the “ten protrusions” as well as the small horn that rose up in the midst of them and caused the fall of three of the other “horns”.

The verse goes on to say, “even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.” Daniel continued with the words, “even of that horn” or “indeed concerning and about the protrusion” “that had eyes” which means “that possessed physical eyes for vision and sight”, “and a mouth” or “and an orifice in the face used for speaking” “that spoke very great things” which means “who uttered, declared and proclaimed chief and domineering words”, “whose look” or “whose appearance” “was more stout than his fellows” which means “beyond and greater than his, the small horn’s, associates and companions”. Daniel included the details about the “eyes and mouth” of the small “horn” that uttered domineering words and whose appearance was greater than the companion “horns”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn that Daniel was curious about the meaning of the non-descriptive “beast” as well as the “ten horns” and the small “horn” that rose up in the midst of them. God knew these things, and He knew how they would arise and exert their will upon mankind. God’s idea is to offer redemption of sins and salvation from death through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us understanding about His plans by His Holy Spirit in keeping with His will and purpose for our lives.

Next time Daniel says, “I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, February 2, 2026

The Truth of the Fourth Beast - Daniel 7:19

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever”, and in chapter seven and verse nineteen of his book Daniel said, “then I would know the truth of the fourth beast” where we read,

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;

The verse reads, “Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, …” Daniel began with the words, “then I would know the truth” or “at that time I, Daniel, desired to gain the certainty concerning that which is true, faithful and may be relied upon” “of the fourth beast” which means “pertaining to the fourth large animal”, “which was diverse from all the others” or “that was altered, changed and different from each and every one of the other three large animals”, “exceeding dreadful” which means “surpassingly, extremely and extraordinarily formidable and terrifying”. Daniel shared how he desired to have reliable knowledge concerning the “fourth large creature” which was different from the other three large animals.

The verse gone on to say “… whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stomped the residue with his feet;” Daniel continued with the words, “whose teeth” or “that possessed teeth in it’s mouth” “were of iron” which means “that were composed of iron metal”, “and his nails” or “and his, the fourth beast’s, fingernails or claws” “of brass” which means “made with bronze or copper metal”; “which devoured” or “that ate and consumed”, “broke in pieces” which means “shattered into particles”, “and stamped the residue” or “and trampled the remainder and rest of the beasts” “with his feet” which means “by the use of his, the fourth beast’s, physical feet”. Daniel continued to describe this “fourth beast” that had “iron” metal “teeth” and fingernails or claws made with bronze, and he recalled how the “fourth beast” shattered into pieces and trampled the other three “beasts” with it’s physical feet.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how Daniel continued to desire reliable information concerning the “fourth beast” that was different from all the others. With it’s “iron metal teeth” and “fingernails” of bronze and the way it shattered into pieces and trampled the other three “beasts”, Daniel was curious as to what this meant. We shall see what he is told by the “one who was standing by” in our next few verses, but for now let us consider how this “fourth beast” troubled Daniel greatly. We can relate to difficult and hard to understand circumstances in our own lives, and when we yield ourselves to God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all “truth” and reveal what we need to know according to His Divine purpose and will.

Next time Daniel shares how he wanted to know about, “the ten horns that were in his head”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Saints Possessing the Kingdom Forever - Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever,

even for ever and ever.

The verse reads, “But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, …” Daniel began with the words, “but the saints” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the holy and separate ones” “of the most High” which means “belonging to the highest Supreme Deity” “shall take the kingdom” or “will acquire and receive the royal realm and rule”, “and possess the kingdom for ever” which means “and hold in occupancy the royal rule and reign eternally, perpetually and unto perpetuity”. Daniel shared how the “one who stood by” told him the holy and sacred ones who belong to the highest Supreme Deity would not only acquire the royal rule but also occupy it as well.

The verse continues, “… even for ever and ever.” Daniel added the words, “even for ever” or “indeed eternally and perpetually” “and ever” which means “and to eternity and perpetuity”. Daniel shared how the one who stood by told him the “saints” would occupy the “kingdom” unto perpetuity.

When we consider Daniel’s words in this verse, we discover the promise given to him by the “one who stood by”. The “saints” of the “most High” God will acquire the royal rule, and they shall occupy it forever. This is God’s promise to all who believe and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth as He leads us to His Heavenly Kingdom where we shall live with Him forever and ever.

Next time Daniel says, “then I would know the truth of the fourth beast”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…