Worldwide Terrorism

In the last few years, terrorism has become a serious problems in many parts of the world. This change was prophesied by Daniel, when je saw a vision of a leopard rising out of the sea.

After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule (Dan 7:6).

The leopard is an animal known for its agility and intelligence. It lies in wait near a town to tear to pieces anyone who ventures out (Jer 5:6; Hos 13:7). It is also very swift (Hab 1:8). The two pairs of wings are also an indication of swiftness and speed.

The beast has four heads and it is given authority to rule. The number four represents the earth. A head stands for authority, so the four heads mean that this beast has authority throughout the earth. This suggests that the beast is not a nation, but a worldwide movement.

The beast comes out of the sea. The sea refers to the people of the earth, so this movement hides among ordinary people. In 1986 I wrote the following words.

I believe it could be a description of International Terrorism. In recent years, a worldwide network of terrorist groups has sprung up. These groups are very agile: they go underground for a time, and then when the time is right, they strike at a place where society is vulnerable. They move very quickly, and by the time their crime is discovered, they have gone underground again. This terrorist movement is agile and violent, just like a leopard (Glorious Kingdom, p.78).

The prophecies of Daniel are important for understanding what is happening in the modern world. Those who study his vision will not be surprised by the growth of worldwide terrorism.