Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the imagery of beasts is frequently employed to symbolize kingdoms, empires, and political powers. This symbolism is particularly prominent in the prophetic books of the Old Testament, where visions and dreams often depict beasts as representations of earthly kingdoms and their rulers. The use of beasts as symbols serves to convey the nature, character, and destiny of these political entities from a divine perspective.Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts One of the most notable instances of beasts representing kingdoms is found in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 7, the prophet Daniel receives a vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, each distinct from the others. These beasts symbolize four successive kingdoms that will arise on the earth. 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. 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, characterized by its ferocity and 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 third 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: "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 generally understood to represent the Roman Empire, distinguished by its unparalleled power and influence. The Beast in Revelation The Book of Revelation also employs the imagery of beasts to depict kingdoms and political powers, particularly in the context of end-times prophecy. In Revelation 13, John describes a beast rising out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, with blasphemous names on its heads. This beast is often interpreted as a symbol of a future world empire or coalition of nations that will oppose God and His people. Symbolism and Interpretation The use of beasts to symbolize kingdoms in biblical prophecy serves several purposes. It highlights the often brutal and oppressive nature of human empires, contrasting them with the kingdom of God, which is characterized by justice, peace, and righteousness. The imagery also underscores the transient nature of earthly powers, which rise and fall according to divine sovereignty. Throughout Scripture, the depiction of beasts as kingdoms serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over the nations. Despite the apparent might and ferocity of these empires, they are subject to the will and judgment of God, who establishes and deposes rulers according to His divine plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 7:11,17I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 8:4 Library If Christ's Power be Now So Great, How Much Greater at the Second ... You See How Daniel Interpreted to Nabuchodonosor the Dominion of ... On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel. The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. In the Thirteenth Chapter of Revelation Two Beasts are There ... Daniel The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ... We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the ... Demonstration v. --Of Wars. Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the little horn in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Beasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beasts: Capable of Being Tamed Beasts: Clean used for Sacrifice Beasts: Clean: First Born of, not Redeemed Beasts: Clean: How Distinguished Beasts: Creation of, Exhibits God's Power Beasts: Devoid of Understanding Beasts: Differ in Flesh from Birds and Fishes Beasts: Domestic: Not to be Cruelly Used Beasts: Domestic: To be Taken Care of Beasts: Domestic: To Enjoy the Sabbath Beasts: Early Distinguished Into Clean and Unclean Beasts: Frequently Suffered on Account of the Sins of Men Beasts: Given to Man for Food After the Flood Beasts: Habitations of Dens and Caves Beasts: Habitations of Deserted Cities Beasts: Habitations of Under Spreading Trees Beasts: Herb of the Field Given To, for Food Beasts: History of, Written by Solomon Beasts: Instinctively Fear Man Beasts: Lessons of Wisdom to be Learned From Beasts: Made for the Praise and Glory of God Beasts: Man by Nature No Better Than Beasts: Many Kinds of, Domestic Beasts: Many Kinds of, Noisome and Destructive Beasts: No Likeness of, to be Worshipped Beasts: Not to be Eaten Alive or With Blood Beasts: Often Cut off for the Sins of Men Beasts: Often Used As Instruments of Punishment Beasts: People of Different Nations Beasts: Power Over, Given to Man Beasts: Received Their Names from Adam Beasts: Representations of, Worshipped by the Heathen Beasts: Subjects of God's Care Beasts: Supply Clothing to Man Beasts: That Died Naturally or Were Torn, not to be Eaten Beasts: Unclean: Caused Uncleanness when Dead Beasts: Unclean: First Born of, Redeemed Beasts: Unclean: How Distinguished Beasts: Unclean: Not offered in Sacrifice Related Terms |
    |