Dan 7:7-8 | TNotes | STEP | 7:7 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.

c8:9-12►

e9:25-27►

f11:36-45►

g12:1-7►

‏ Daniel 7:7-8

7:7 ^a 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.
7:8 ^b Many believe that the fourth kingdom was only partially and preliminarily represented in Rome. Another more brutal kingdom beyond Rome, but like it, would come through the dominion of a final little horn, a human being with great power and arrogance (cp. 8:9-12 ^c, 23-25 ^d; 9:25-27 ^e; 11:36-45 ^f; 12:1-7 ^g).