10. and a stream of fire was pouring out from it. There were many thousands of people there to serve him, and millions of people stood before him. The court began its session, and the books were opened.
11. While I was looking, I could still hear the little horn bragging and boasting. As I watched, the fourth beast was killed, and its body was thrown into the flames and destroyed.
12. The other beasts had their power taken away, but they were permitted to go on living for a limited time.
13. During this vision in the night, I saw what looked like a human being. He was approaching me, surrounded by clouds, and he went to the one who had been living for ever and was presented to him.
14. He was given authority, honour, and royal power, so that the people of all nations, races, and languages would serve him. His authority would last for ever, and his kingdom would never end.
15. The visions I saw alarmed me, and I was deeply disturbed.
16. I went up to one of those standing there and asked him to explain it all. So he told me the meaning.
17. He said, “These four huge beasts are four empires which will arise on earth.
18. And the people of the Supreme God will receive royal power and keep it for ever and ever.”
19. Then I wanted to know more about the fourth beast, which was not like any of the others — the terrifying beast which crushed its victims with its bronze claws and iron teeth and then trampled on them.