Daniel 7:1-3, Isaiah 17:12-13

“I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.”

The afternoon rain pounds against the windows of Grandmother Linh’s small home in Hue (a historic city in central Vietnam). Outside, the Perfume River (a river that flows through Hue) rises steadily with the monsoon downpour, threatening to overflow its banks.

Inside, 81-year-old Linh sits with her grandson Minh, a college student home for the weekend. On the table between them lies her worn Bible, open to the book of Daniel. “When I was a little girl,” Linh begins, her weathered hands tracing the lines of text, “our village near the coast was caught between forces larger than ourselves. The colonial powers, then different armies during the war—they came and went like waves on the shore, each one washing away what came before.”

Minh nods respectfully. His grandmother rarely speaks of those difficult years.

“Your history professor teaches you about politics and power,” she continues, “but my father taught me to understand these things through Daniel’s vision of beasts rising from a troubled sea.”

“What do you mean, Bà Ngoại (Vietnamese term for maternal grandmother)?” Minh asks. “Daniel saw winds stirring up the Great Sea, creating chaos from which fierce beasts emerged—kingdoms and powers fighting for control. The sea in Scripture represents nations in turmoil.”

She points toward the swollen river. “Like that water—powerful, destructive when stirred up. Vietnam has seen so many ‘beasts’ rise and fall in my lifetime. The French colonial powers, Japanese occupation, more war, then different political systems. Each promised peace. Each brought suffering.”

“It feels like we’re caught between giants again,” Minh sighs. “Just like in your childhood.” Linh smiles gently. “This is why Daniel’s vision matters today. He didn’t just see beasts rising from the sea. He saw the ‘Ancient of Days’ seated on His throne above it all. While nations rage like stormy waters, God remains in control. These powers have their moment, but their authority is temporary.”

“During the worst years,” Grandmother Linh says, “when we hid from the bombing, my father would remind us of Isaiah’s words: ‘The nations roar like the roaring of many waters, but He will rebuke them, and they will flee far away.'”

“How did you not lose hope?” Minh asks. “Because Daniel’s vision doesn’t end with beasts. It ends with ‘One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven.’ To Him was given an everlasting dominion that will not pass away.”

As evening approaches, the rain finally subsides. The river outside still churns, but no longer threatens to overflow. “You know,” Linh says as they share a simple meal, “your great-grandfather used to say something that helped me through many dark days: ‘The beasts always emerge from the sea, but they never have the final word.'”

Did You Know? In ancient Middle Eastern thought, the sea represented chaos and danger—a view reflected in Daniel’s vision of beasts rising from troubled waters. Babylon, which ruled during Daniel’s time, depicted chaos as a multi-headed sea monster that their gods had to defeat. By using this imagery but placing God firmly in control of these “chaotic” powers, Daniel’s prophecy provided extraordinary comfort to believers living under oppressive regimes. The vision showed that while human kingdoms appear powerful and fearsome, they rise and fall according to God’s sovereign plan.

🔥 Personal Reflection:

• Where do you see “seas of chaos” in today’s world that make you feel anxious or uncertain?
• How does knowing that God remains in control above the “beasts” of earthly powers change your perspective on current events?
• What practices help you stay anchored when political, economic, or social storms rage around you?

🙏 Prayer: Heavenly Father, when the nations rage like troubled waters and powerful forces rise that seem frightening and overwhelming, help me remember that You remain seated on Your throne. Nothing takes You by surprise. The “beasts” of this world—whether political powers, economic systems, or social movements—have only the authority You permit them to have. When I feel tossed about by news headlines or uncertain times, be my anchor. Remind me that history is moving toward the day when Your Son will receive His everlasting kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.