The Vision of Four Beasts is a prophetic revelation given to the prophet Daniel, recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 7. This vision is significant in biblical eschatology and is often interpreted as a depiction of successive empires and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. Daniel, a Jewish exile serving in the Babylonian court, receives this vision in a dream. The vision is a continuation of the themes found in the earlier chapters of Daniel, particularly the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2, which also deals with the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms.

The Vision

Daniel 7:2-3 states, "In my vision in the night I looked, and suddenly the four winds of heaven were churning up the Great Sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, were rising out of the sea."

1. The First Beast: The first beast is described as being like a lion with eagle's wings. Daniel 7:4 says, "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 associated with the Babylonian Empire, symbolizing its power and swiftness.

2. The Second Beast: The second beast resembles a bear. Daniel 7:5 describes it: "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 gorge yourself on flesh!’" This beast is commonly linked to the Medo-Persian Empire, with the raised side possibly indicating the dominance of Persia over Media.

3. The Third Beast: The third beast is like a leopard with four wings and four heads. Daniel 7:6 states, "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 associated with the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, with the four heads representing the division of the empire after Alexander's death.

4. The Fourth Beast: The fourth beast is described as terrifying and powerful, unlike any other beast. Daniel 7:7 says, "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." This beast is often interpreted as the Roman Empire, with the ten horns symbolizing a future confederation of kingdoms or rulers.

The Little Horn

Among the ten horns of the fourth beast, a "little horn" emerges, uprooting three of the original horns. Daniel 7:8 describes, "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." This little horn is frequently identified with a future antichrist figure, characterized by blasphemy and persecution of the saints.

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 sits in judgment. Daniel 7:9-10 describes the 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 His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened."

The vision also introduces the "Son of Man," who 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." This figure is widely recognized as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the vision is provided to Daniel by an angelic being. Daniel 7:17-18 explains, "‘These four great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever—yes, forever and ever.’" The vision reassures believers of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over earthly powers and the eternal reign of the saints with the Messiah.