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Daniel 7:17
These great beasts, which are four,are four kings,which shall arise out of the earth.

Daniel 2:32,33,37-40
This image's headwas of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, …

Zechariah 6:1-8
And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountainswere mountains of brass…

beasts.

Daniel 7:4-8,17
The firstwas like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it…

Psalm 76:4
Thouart more gloriousand excellent than the mountains of prey.

Ezekiel 19:3-8
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men…

came up out of the sea
The "sea" in biblical prophecy often represents chaos, turmoil, and the masses of humanity (Isaiah 17:12,Revelation 17:15). The emergence of these beasts from the sea suggests that these empires arise from a world of disorder and conflict. This imagery reflects the ancient Near Eastern view of the sea as a symbol of chaos and evil, which God alone can control (Psalm 89:9).

each one different from the others
The phrase indicates the distinct characteristics and nature of each kingdom. While they share the commonality of being powerful empires, their differences highlight the unique attributes and historical contexts of each. This diversity can be seen in the varying forms of governance, culture, and impact on Israel and the world. The differences also point to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through diverse means and rulers, ultimately leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

God’s prophetic clock moves in deliberate steps. Daniel has already described nightfall in Babylon (Daniel 7:2), and “then” signals the next scene the Lord wants us to see.

• “Then” places what follows in sequence, connecting the rise of the beasts to the winds stirring the sea.

• It reminds us that history unfolds by divine appointment (Acts 17:26), not by chance.

• The word anchors our attention on what God is about to reveal next—earth-shaking events that carry us from Daniel’s day clear to the return of Christ (Daniel 7:13-14).

The vision features four distinct, terrifying creatures. Scripture itself explains, “These great beasts are four kings who will arise from the earth” (Daniel 7:17).

• The number four mirrors the four metals of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Daniel 2:37-40), showing the same succession of world empires from a fresh angle.

• Each beast pictures a literal kingdom that dominates global affairs:

– Lion with wings (Babylon, vv. 4)

– Bear raised on one side (Medo-Persia, v. 5)

– Leopard with four wings and heads (Greece, v. 6)

– Dreadful, iron-toothed monster (Rome and its final revival, vv. 7-8;Revelation 13:1-2).

• They are “great” because their reach and influence span continents and centuries (Daniel 8:20-21).

The beasts do not merely exist; they rise.

• “Came up” underscores sudden emergence onto the world stage, just as Babylon abruptly conquered Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:10-14).

• God permits each power to ascend at precisely the right moment (Jeremiah 27:5-7).

• Their upward movement hints at ambition and arrogance, foreshadowing the little horn’s boastful words (Daniel 7:8).

The sea in Scripture often pictures the restless mass of humanity (Isaiah 57:20).

• These kingdoms originate among the Gentile nations, apart from Israel’s covenant line (Revelation 13:1).

• The churning waters of verse 2 point to political turmoil, revolutions, and wars God uses to raise up and pull down empires (Psalm 46:6;Luke 21:25).

• Though the sea looks chaotic, the Lord rules over it (Psalm 93:4), assuring us that nothing escapes His sovereign hand.

Diversity marks God’s prophetic panorama.

• Babylon dazzled with splendor, Medo-Persia overwhelmed with brute force, Greece raced with speed, and Rome crushed with iron discipline.

• The distinct traits explain why no single human kingdom satisfies; only Christ’s future reign unites justice, power, and peace (Daniel 7:13-14;2 Peter 3:13).

• Their differences also sharpen discernment: believers can identify prophetic fulfillments as history aligns with Scripture (Matthew 24:33).

Daniel 7:3 sketches four successive, literal world empires, each emerging from the turbulent sea of nations at God’s appointed “then.” They rise one after another, each uniquely “great,” yet all temporary, preparing the stage for the eternal kingdom of the Son of Man.