The Prophecy of the Four Beasts is a significant vision recorded in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 7. This vision is a cornerstone of biblical eschatology and apocalyptic literature, offering profound insights into the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, as Daniel receives a dream and visions while lying on his bed. Daniel 7:1 states, "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream."

The Vision of the Four Beasts

Daniel's vision begins with the stirring of the great sea by the four winds of heaven, from which emerge four great beasts, each distinct from the others. These beasts symbolize successive empires that will dominate the earth.

1. The First Beast: Described in Daniel 7:4 , "The first beast 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." This beast is often interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire, known for its strength and swiftness, akin to a lion with eagle's wings.

2. The Second Beast: As described in Daniel 7:5 , "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. It was told, 'Get up, and devour much flesh!'" This beast is commonly associated with the Medo-Persian Empire, characterized by its ferocity and conquests.

3. The Third Beast: Daniel 7:6 describes, "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." This beast is typically linked to the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, noted for its speed and division into four parts after Alexander's death.

4. The Fourth Beast: The most terrifying and powerful, as described in Daniel 7:7 , "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 it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns." This beast is often identified with the Roman Empire, known for its unmatched strength and influence.

The Little Horn and the Ancient of Days

Among the ten horns of the fourth beast, a "little horn" emerges, uprooting three of the original horns. This horn is described as having eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things (Daniel 7:8). This figure is often interpreted as a future ruler or antichrist figure, symbolizing opposition to God and His people.

The vision then shifts to the heavenly court, where the Ancient of Days takes His seat. Daniel 7:9-10 describes this scene: "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. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before Him. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."

The Son of Man and the Everlasting Kingdom

The vision culminates with the appearance of "One like a Son of Man," who approaches the Ancient of Days and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. Daniel 7:13-14 states, "In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

Interpretation and Significance

The prophecy of the four beasts is interpreted as a depiction of the succession of world empires, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The vision emphasizes the sovereignty of God over human history and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom. The "Son of Man" is widely understood as a messianic figure, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who will reign forever.