The Beasts of Daniel & Revelation
The Bible portrays the rise and fall of the great ancient empires using the symbology of different types of beasts, each epitomising the character and power of each succesive empire. The books of Daniel and Revelation connect with each other, with Daniel providing the initial emergence of the various beasts and the book of Revelation providing the fulfilment of the composite system of world empires embodied in each of the beasts.
The secret of the beast systems depicted in the book of Daniel only becomes fully revealed in the book of Revelation. At the conclusion of the book of Daniel GOD SEALED THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END…
Daniel 12:9
“And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for THE WORDS are CLOSED UP and SEALED TILL THE TIME OF THE END”
JESUS CHRIST UNSEALS THE REVELATION
The risen, ascended and glorified CHRIST PREVAILS to OPEN THE SEALS and PROCEEDS TO REVEAL THE MYSTERY that which was previously sealed at the time of Daniel …
Revelation 5:1-10 …
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
DANIEL CHAPTER 7
Prophecies in the book of Daniel stand as a testament to God’s sovereign oversight of human history. Among its most striking visions is that recorded in chapter 7, where the prophet Daniel beholds four beasts emerging from the tumultuous sea. This profound imagery offers not merely a glimpse into the future, but a precise outline of successive Gentile empires that would dominate the ancient world, culminating in a final, formidable power before the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. Understanding these beasts—and their historical counterparts—is crucial for grasping the broader narrative of Bible prophecy.
Daniel’s vision begins with “the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea” (Daniel 7:2), a symbolic representation of political upheaval and the chaotic realm from which worldly powers arise. These four beasts, distinct in their form and ferocity, are immediately interpreted for Daniel as “four kings that shall arise out of the earth” (Daniel 7:17). This divine interpretation leaves no doubt about their identity: they are successive human kingdoms, each characterized by its unique nature and methods of dominion, yet all ultimately subject to the divine timetable.
THE FIRST BEAST – -BABYLON
606-539 BC
The first beast to emerge was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings (Daniel 7:4). This majestic yet predatory creature perfectly symbolizes the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which was at the height of its power during Daniel’s lifetime. Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, was renowned for its splendour, strength, and swift conquests, much like a lion, the king of beasts, soaring with eagle’s wings. History records Babylon’s rapid expansion and mighty dominion over the Near East. However, the prophecy notes that “its wings were plucked off, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s mind was given to it.” This vivid detail foreshadows the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4) and the eventual decline and fall of Babylon, losing its beastly ferocity and becoming vulnerable.
THE SECOND BEAST – MEDO-PERSIA
539-330 BC
Following the lion, Daniel saw a second beast, and “it was like a bear, raised up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!‘” (Daniel 7:5). This cumbersome yet powerful beast represents the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded Babylon. Historically, the Persian element was stronger than the Median (hence “raised up on one side”), and this empire was known for its sheer size, slower but relentless expansion, and powerful conquests. The “three ribs” are commonly understood to symbolize three significant conquests that contributed to its vast dominion: Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt, which Medo-Persia indeed devoured, expanding its territories significantly.
THE THIRD BEAST – GREECE
332-168 BC
The third beast appeared next, “like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it” (Daniel 7:6). The leopard, known for its incredible speed and agility, combined with four wings, graphically portrays the lightning-fast conquests of Alexander the Great and the Grecian Empire. Within a mere decade, Alexander swept across the known world, establishing an empire of unprecedented scale. However, the prophecy continues, noting the beast had “four heads.” This accurately foretells the division of Alexander’s empire after his premature death in 323 BC, carved up among his four leading generals (the Diadochi) into four main Hellenistic kingdoms: Cassander (Macedonia and Greece), Lysimachus (Thrace and parts of Asia Minor), Seleucus (Syria and the East), and Ptolemy (Egypt).
THE FOURTH BEAST – ROME
168 BC-476 AD
Most terrifying of all was the fourth beast, “dreadful, fearful, and exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns“ (Daniel 7:7). This formidable and unique beast represents the Roman Empire, a power unmatched in its military might, ruthlessness, and sheer longevity. Its “iron teeth” speak to Rome’s crushing military and administrative power, conquering and assimilating nations with an efficiency previously unknown. The beast’s “difference” from the others highlights Rome’s distinct form of decentralized yet overarching dominion, lasting for centuries in various iterations.