The “four great beasts” in the opening verses of chapter 7 are connected to the four great empires of the statue discussed in Daniel chapter 2. Daniel describes the trouble he is experiencing in his heavens this way:  “I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me” (Dan 7:15). Then from Daniel 7:16-27 we see that Daniel is given understanding of what these various horns on the beast represent. Identifying the physical empires, or the idea that these horns are speaking of kings, stops short of understanding how these prophecies apply inwardly to the elect whom God has granted to read, hear and keep the sayings of the prophecy (Rev 1:3). As the last verse of this chapter expresses, it is clear that Daniel is not delivered from the troubling effect these dreams have had on him. This zealous prophet of God was left not knowing what these revelations meant (Mat 13:17), “Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart” (Dan 7:28).

Mat 13:17  For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Daniel, as we know, prophesied not to himself but to us in these last days (1Pe 1:12, 1Co 10:11) so that we could be encouraged and uplifted to know both the history and the spiritual meaning behind all of these events that point to the end of this dispensation and lead into the rule and reign of Christ and His Christ (Rev 11:15).

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Here’s the link to the video and audio for this and all the studies thus far with the Book of Daniel: Dan 7:1-7 Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed