Daniel 7:3-7
Summary for Dan 7:3-7: 7:3-7 a The kingdoms of the world are represented as four huge beasts (7:17 b; cp. Rev 13:1-2 c).7:4 d The lion and eagle are dignified rulers in their realms. Lions featured prominently in ancient art and architecture. Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon are represented as a lion and an eagle attacking Edom (Jer 49:19 e, 22 f).
• This beast became like a human being and was given a human mind: Nebuchadnezzar had taken on the mind of a beast (Dan 4:16 g, 32-33 h), but then he was restored and learned to acknowledge the Most High God (4:34-37 i).
7:5 j The second beast probably represents Persia (2:34-40 k; 6:9 l, 12 m, 15 n; 8:20 o).
• The bear was known for its vicious attacks (Prov 28:15 p). Three ribs may refer to Babylon, Media, and Lydia, all of which Cyrus conquered.
• many people: God called Cyrus and Persia to conquer many nations (Isa 41:2-3 q; 44:28 r; 45:1 s, 13 t; 46:11 u).
7:6 v The leopard was known for its speed and agility (Hab 1:8 w). Four bird’s wings and four heads indicate the scope and speed of this fierce nation’s military campaigns. Greece conformed to this symbolism well, especially under Alexander the Great, whose kingdom was divided into four parts following his death in 323 BC.
7:7 x The fourth beast was different in kind, not just degree. It was made of nonliving metal. It was hardly animal; it was impersonal, utterly violent, and merciless, and even its iron teeth were a perfect killing machine. Most commentators, both ancient and modern, find this fourth beast best embodied in the Roman Empire and its kings.
• ten horns: In this kind of apocalyptic literature, horns can stand for kings, power, and strength.
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