17 "These four giant beasts are four kings that will rise up from the earth,
18 but the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingship. They will hold the kingship securely forever and always."
19 Next I wanted greater clarity about the fourth beast, the one that was different from all the others and utterly terrifying with its iron teeth and bronze claws. As it ate and crushed, its feet smashed whatever was left over.
20 I wanted greater clarity about the ten horns on its head, and the other horn that came up, along with the three that fell out to make room for it—but especially about the horn that had eyes and a mouth that bragged, and that seemed more important than the others.
21 As I watched, this same horn waged war against the holy ones and defeated them,
22 until the Ancient One came. Then judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High. The set time arrived, and the holy ones held the kingship securely.
23 This is what he said:"The fourth beast meansthat there will be a fourth kingship on the earth.It will be different from all the other kingships.It will devour the entire earth, trample it, crush it.