John Calvin Commentary Daniel 7:11

"I beheld at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake; I beheld even till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire." — Daniel 7:11 (ASV)

Since the presumptuous speaking of the little horn terrified the Prophet, he now says he was attentive in considering this portion. He next says, The beast was slain, and his body was consumed by the burning of fire. This clearly refers to the end of the Roman empire.

For, from the time when foreigners gained control, the fourth beast ceased to flourish. The name was always retained, yet with great mockery of that ancient monarchy. I now omit all mention of Caligula, Nero, Domitian, and similar monsters. But when Spaniards and Africans acquired absolute rule, can we call Rome any longer the mistress of the world?

Surely this would be foolish indeed! To this very day, the Germans also say they possess the Roman empire; but while the title of empire has passed to the Germans, it is clear enough that Rome is, to this very day, in slavery. As for the Pope having established his own throne there, this empire is unworthy of the name of monarchy; but regardless of our view on this point, for about 1500 years the Romans have been in bondage as slaves to foreign princes.

For, after the death of Nero, Trajan was his successor, and from that time scarcely a single Roman obtained the empire. God branded it with the most disgraceful marks of ignominy when a swineherd was created emperor, and that, moreover, by the lust of the soldiery! The senate retained its name until then. But if it pleased the soldiers to appoint anyone Caesar, the senate was immediately compelled to submit to their dictation.

Thus, the Prophet very appropriately says, The beast was slain shortly after the proclamation of the gospel. Then the presumptuous speaking of the little horn was at an end, and the fourth beast was extinct about the same time. For then no Roman became an Emperor who claimed for himself any share of power; but Rome itself fell into disgraceful slavery, and not only foreigners reigned there most shamefully, but even barbarians, swineherds, and cowherds!

All this occurred in fulfillment of what God had shown to his Prophet: namely, after the coming of Christ and the opening of the books — that is, after the knowledge that shone upon the world through the preaching of the gospel — the destruction of that fourth beast and of the Roman empire was close at hand.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, whatever revolutions happen daily in the world, that we may always be intent on the sight of your glory, once manifested to us in your Son. May the splendor of your majesty illuminate our hearts, and may we pass beyond the visible heavens, the sun, the moon, and every shining thing; and may we behold the blessedness of your kingdom, which you propose to us in the light of your Gospel. May we walk through the midst of the darkness and afflictions of the world, content with that light by which you invite us to the hope of the eternal inheritance which you have promised us, and acquired for us by the blood of your only begotten Son. Amen.