The Vision of the Four Beasts is a prophetic revelation given to the prophet Daniel, recorded in the seventh chapter of the Book of Daniel. This vision is significant within 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, a time when Daniel is serving in the Babylonian court. Daniel, a Hebrew prophet and statesman, receives this vision in a dream during the night. The vision is a pivotal moment in the Book of Daniel, marking a shift from historical narrative to apocalyptic prophecy.

The Vision Described

In Daniel 7:2-3 , Daniel recounts, "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, came up out of the sea." These beasts symbolize four kingdoms that will rise from the earth, each with distinct characteristics and significance.

1. The First Beast: Described in Daniel 7:4 as "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, known for its strength and swiftness, symbolized by the lion and eagle's wings.

2. The Second Beast: In Daniel 7:5 , the second beast is "like a bear. It was raised up on one side, 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 indicating the dominance of Persia over Media, and the three ribs possibly representing its conquests.

3. The Third Beast: Daniel 7:6 describes the third beast as "like a leopard, which had four wings on its back. It had four heads, and it was given authority to rule." This beast is typically identified with the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, known for its rapid expansion (wings) and subsequent division into four parts after Alexander's death (four heads).

4. The Fourth Beast: The most terrifying and powerful, the fourth beast is described in Daniel 7:7 as "dreadful and terrifying, and extremely 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 associated with the Roman Empire, characterized by its unmatched strength and influence. The ten horns are interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that arise from this empire.

The Little Horn

Among the ten horns, Daniel observes another horn, a "little horn," which uproots three of the original horns. This horn is described in Daniel 7:8 as having "eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance." This figure is often interpreted as a future ruler or antichrist figure, who will oppose God and His people.

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 takes His seat in judgment. Daniel 7:9-10 describes this scene with vivid imagery of divine majesty and authority. The court is convened, and the books are opened, signifying judgment.

Following this, Daniel sees "one like a son of man" coming with the clouds of heaven, who is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). This figure is widely understood to be a messianic prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is given eternal authority and worship.

Interpretation and Significance

The vision is interpreted by an angelic being, who explains that the four beasts represent four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. However, the saints of the Most High will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:17-18). This prophecy provides hope and assurance of God's sovereign plan and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom over earthly powers.