Suddenly another beast appeared, 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 gorge yourself on flesh!' Suddenly another beast appearedThe phrase "suddenly another beast appeared" introduces the second beast in Daniel's vision, emphasizing the abruptness and unexpected nature of its emergence. In the Hebrew text, the word for "beast" (חֵיוָה, chevah) signifies a living creature, often used to denote something wild and untamed. This beast represents a kingdom, as beasts in Daniel's visions symbolize empires or nations. The sudden appearance suggests a swift rise to power, reflecting historical shifts where empires quickly ascend to dominance. 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 gorge yourself on flesh!’ Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielThe prophet who receives the vision. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God amidst exile in Babylon. 2. The Bear Represents a kingdom or empire, often interpreted as the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's characteristics symbolize its power and ferocity. 3. Three Ribs These are in the bear's mouth, symbolizing conquests or territories that have been devoured or subdued by the empire. 4. The Command to Gorge This command signifies the aggressive expansion and dominance of the empire represented by the bear. 5. Vision of the Four Beasts This is part of a larger vision in Daniel 7, where four beasts represent four successive empires. Teaching Points Understanding Prophetic ImageryThe use of animals in prophetic literature often symbolizes the nature and characteristics of empires. The bear's ferocity and strength are indicative of the Medo-Persian Empire's historical conquests. God's Sovereignty Over Nations Despite the rise and fall of powerful empires, God remains sovereign. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and control over world events. The Nature of Earthly Kingdoms Earthly kingdoms, no matter how powerful, are temporary and often characterized by violence and conquest. This contrasts with the eternal and peaceful kingdom of God. Call to Spiritual Readiness Just as the bear was commanded to "gorge," believers are called to be spiritually vigilant and prepared for the challenges posed by worldly powers. Historical Context and Faithfulness Understanding the historical context of Daniel's visions can strengthen our faith, showing how God's word has been fulfilled throughout history. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the bear in Daniel 7:5 help us understand the nature of the Medo-Persian Empire, and what can we learn about the characteristics of earthly powers?2. In what ways does the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 parallel the vision of the statue in Daniel 2, and what does this teach us about God's revelation? 3. How can the sovereignty of God over the rise and fall of empires, as seen in Daniel 7, encourage us in our current world situation? 4. What are some practical ways we can remain spiritually vigilant in a world dominated by powerful "beasts" or systems? 5. How does understanding the historical context of Daniel's visions enhance our faith and trust in God's prophetic word? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 2The vision of the statue with different materials parallels the four beasts, representing successive kingdoms. Revelation 13 The beast from the sea in Revelation shares similarities with the beasts in Daniel, symbolizing oppressive world powers. Isaiah 13 Prophecies against Babylon and other nations provide context for understanding the rise and fall of empires.
People Belshazzar, DanielPlaces BabylonTopics Animal, Arise, Authority, Bear, Beast, Behold, Consume, Devour, Eat, Fill, Flesh, Itself, Lifted, Meat, Mouth, Raised, Resembling, Ribs, Rise, Saying, Side-bones, Sides, Teeth, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 7:5Library Christ's Own Testimony Concerning Himself. THERE is but one rational explanation, of this sublime mystery; and this is found in Christ's own testimony concerning his superhuman and divine origin and character.[49]49 This testimony challenges at once our highest regard and belief from the absolute veracity which no one ever denied him, or could deny, without destroying at once the very foundation of his universally conceded moral purity and greatness. Christ strongly asserts his humanity, and calls himself; about eighty times in the Gospels, … Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff. The Apocalypse. The Captivity of Judah. Communion Again Broken --Restoration The Ecclesiastical Trial Jesus at Capernaum. The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions. Jesus Stills the Storm. A vision of the King. The Situation after the Council of Nicæa. A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist. Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. History of the Interpretation. His Future Work Links Daniel 7:5 NIVDaniel 7:5 NLT Daniel 7:5 ESV Daniel 7:5 NASB Daniel 7:5 KJV Daniel 7:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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