Introduction

Daniel's vision of the four beasts is a significant prophetic revelation found in the Book of Daniel, chapter 7. This vision is a cornerstone of biblical eschatology and provides insight into the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The vision is rich in symbolism and has been the subject of extensive theological study and interpretation.

The Vision

The vision occurs during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. Daniel, a Jewish exile and prophet, receives a dream in which he sees four great beasts emerging from the sea, each distinct from the other. The sea often symbolizes chaos and the tumultuous nature of the world, while the beasts represent kingdoms or empires that will rise to power.

1. The First Beast: "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted up from the ground, so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it" (Daniel 7:4). This beast is commonly interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire, known for its strength and swiftness. The transformation of the beast suggests a humbling or humanizing of the empire, possibly reflecting Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience.

2. The Second Beast: "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up, and devour much flesh!’" (Daniel 7:5). This beast is often associated with the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's uneven stance may symbolize the dominance of Persia over Media, and the three ribs could represent its conquests.

3. The Third Beast: "Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule" (Daniel 7:6). The leopard is typically linked to the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. The four wings suggest rapid expansion, and the four heads may symbolize the division of the empire into four parts after Alexander's death.

4. The Fourth Beast: "After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, frightening and dreadful, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns" (Daniel 7:7). This beast is often identified with the Roman Empire, known for its unparalleled power and influence. The ten horns are interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that arise from this empire.

The Little Horn

A significant feature of the fourth beast is the emergence of a "little horn" among the ten horns: "While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. And this horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance" (Daniel 7:8). This little horn is often seen as a symbol of a future ruler or antichrist figure who will oppose God and persecute His people.

The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man

The vision culminates with the appearance of the Ancient of Days, a title for God, who takes His seat in judgment: "As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze" (Daniel 7:9). The judgment scene signifies God's sovereignty and ultimate authority over all earthly powers.

Following this, Daniel sees "One like a Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven, who is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). This figure is widely recognized as a messianic prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is given eternal authority and whose kingdom will endure forever.

Interpretation and Significance

The vision of the four beasts is interpreted by an angelic being, who explains that the beasts represent four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. However, the saints of the Most High will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:17-18). This prophecy reassures believers of God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom, despite the temporary rise of earthly powers.