Thursday, December 06, 2007

The Beast Empire—Daniel's Beasts: Part 2

Just as it was shown in chapter two, chapter seven records a similar vision that Daniel had concerning the beast empires that will conclude with the “man of sin” sometime in the, potentially near, future.

The Winged Lion

And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it. (Dan. 7:3-4)

This first beast with the appearance of a winged lion corresponds with the head of gold in chapter two (Babylon). And I think that it’s safe to say that when verse four mentions “stand[ing] on two feet” and “a human mind” it is speaking of Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration from crazyville after God smote him with the mind of an animal due to his proud heart (4:29-34).

This section of the vision also makes it clear to us that the particular statue portions (chapter 2) and beasts spoken of are not only empires, but are representative of the king, or leader of that empire, as well. Though the term “kingdom” is used numerous times in chapter two, Daniel made it clear that Nebuchadnezzar was the golden head of the statue.

“You are the head of gold.” (Dan. 2:38)

Plus, in the interpretation of this dream in chapter seven Daniel is told that they are more than just kingdoms.

These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. (Dan. 7:17)

And the mentioning of Nebuchadnezzar’s mind restoration in 7:4 once again gives us a clue that these beasts are much more than just empires, but are individuals that rule the empires.

The Bear

And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, 'Arise, devour much meat!’ (Dan. 7:5)

Just as the silver chest and arms of chapter two represented the Medo/Persian empire that would follow Babylonian rule, this beast with the appearance of a bear represents the same king/kingdom. The three ribs in its mouth are probably symbolic of the three main conquests of this kingdom.

The Four Headed Leopard With Four Wings

After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, 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. (Dan. 7:6)

If you weren’t sure before this, I assume you can guess by now that this leopard beast coincides with the bronze thighs mentioned in Daniel chapter two. History helps us to know exactly what and who this beast was, and what the four heads represent.

The Grecian empire and Alexander the Great fit this bill to a tee. Alexander the Great died in 323 BC, and his kingdom was split into four sections. The four heads in verse six are symbolic of those four kingdoms/kings that sprung from Greece after the death of Alexander.

Shaggy Goat Parallel

We see more clarification of this in Daniel eight when he had yet another vision. This time Daniel saw a shaggy goat, and Gabriel told him information that lines up with the leopard and four heads we’re discussing presently:

The shaggy goat (parallels leopard of 7:6) represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king (Alexander the Great). The broken horn (death of Alexander) and the four horns (parallel the four heads of 7:6) that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power. (Dan. 8:21-22)

In my next post we will continue in Daniel’s vision from chapter seven and seek to know more concerning the “dreadful and terrifying” beast that has ten horns. This is where it begins to get good, in my opinion.

Click here to go to The Beast Empire—Timing the Ten Horns: Part 3.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is good Dave. Your explanation of the king and kingdom as not being an either/or but a both/and should clear things up when you finally get way over to Revelation 13. The beast there need not be just a kingdom or just a king, but both. It's a good foundation you're building.

Have fun and stay busy - Luke 19:13

-The Orange Mailman

Anonymous said...

Dave,
the term, "shaggy goat" sounds funny. I think I'll use it the next time I post on a discussion forum and wish to remain anonymous. But seriously, good job.

PWTribune said...

Raul>the term, "shaggy goat" sounds funny<


*I* didn't make it up. Take your troubles to Gabe. He said it. :)

And thanks, Darrin. I TRY to be forward looking.

Dave

Katherine Hall said...

Looking forward to the "good" part. =)

Anonymous said...

Dave,
I once read that the 4 wings on the Leopard was symbolic of how quick Alexander would eventually conquer his enemies. He was some character, wasn't he? He was a military genius. No wonder he was known as Alexander, the Great. I would certainly put him in the top ten of the most interesting persons in history. I understand that even Roman Caesars respected him. One of them (can't remember who it was) even took the time to visit his grave.

"shaggy goat"(ha-ha) still laughing about that. Sorry, just feeling silly today, I guess.

Hello Katherine, Hello Darrin

PWTribune said...

Katherine,

I just realized I had never placed your blog in my "Newsworthy Links" section. Well, now you're there.

Dave

Kathy Hall said...

Thanks Dave. I haven't been able to post much lately. Been real busy with my photography.

Hi Raul. (I had a burrito for lunch today!)

PWTribune said...

A burrito? That is very politically incorrect...I like it!

Anonymous said...

Kathy,
Explain to Dave and others how this burrito thing got started on your blog.

Anonymous said...

Good so far ! I've read Richards book ..excellent and for me a real I opener . I'm on the fence so to speak as it concerns the forth beast . Rome is usually identified with iron and Greece bronze (secular sources) . The beast is described as you say as both a kingdom and a king . Burritos politically incorrect ? I don't get it (I'm Canadian Eh ).

Kathy Hall said...

Aw, the burrito story. Well, when Raul first posted on my blog he signed out as "Your Mexican-American brother in Christ". We then got into a discussion with Paul, a pre-tribber, remember him? Paul asked if we should be stocking up on 50lb bags of beans and rice. Raul later "funnied" back that a 50 lb bag of beans translates into a lot of burritos. And, well, you get the rest of the story now.

Anonymous said...

Yea Kathy,
I remember Paul. I don't think he appreciated my humor though. By the way, have you heard from him? I wonder how he has "bean". :)

Kathy Hall said...

I haven't heard from Paul. He posts occasionally on Joel Rosenberg's blog, which I still comment on occasionally as well also. I am tolerated a lot more there now. Paul did say awhile back that he hoped things don't pan out as Katherine Hall believes. Interesting, eh? The prewrath seed has at least "bean" planted with him.

Greetings Robert from Canada.

BTW, I just changed my blogger name for "You are Not in Darkness" to Kathy Hall. I have two photography blogs and am keeping "Katherine Hall" for those.

Kathy Hall said...

That profile photo is a shot of our pond. You can enjoy larger files of images I shot of our pond by clicking here. Hit slideshow and enjoy.

PWTribune said...

"Burritos politically incorrect? I don't get it"


Robert,

I thought Katherine said, out of the blue, that she ate a burrito today simply because of Raul Delgado’s name! I thought she was saying, "Hey Mexican, I'm on your wavelength today!" That's why I was shocked, and why I laughed out loud. I thought, "What's next? Is she going to make a green card comment?!"

Kathy Hall said...

You know, I didn't even think about the "politically incorrect ramifications" of what I wrote or what others might think.

I knew Raul would get it though and not be offended.

Whew!

Your-Swedish-American-Sister-in Christ,
Kathy

PWTribune said...

"Your-Swedish-American-Sister-in Christ, Kathy"

I had meat-balls today...

Anonymous said...

Kathy > I love tex-mex food . I get the "in " joke . All in good taste especially the burrito. You shoot really nice pictures (what state are you in ? ) The Holly bushes are huge ( at my home their midgets er ... height challenged bushes ) we have to cover well or they do not make it through our Canadian winters . You remind me of getting in touch with my sister in Sweden .
Raul and Kathy I really enjoy your humor .
PW TRibune your thing is making environmentally fiendly green cards ? Wow !

Anonymous said...

Dave,
That's why I asked Katherine to explain. I thought someone might get the wrong impression about Katherine's comment. And, I just didn't want anyone thinking bad about her. She is a real, "sweetheart" whom I love and respect in the Lord. But, I'm still laughing at this silliness. I guess it was an inside joke and you just had to be there. Dave, you don't cease to make me laugh, thanks.

Robert, God Bless

PWTribune said...

Robert>PWTRibune your thing is making environmentally friendly green cards ? Wow !<

Someone's got to do it. The meat-balls I ate were certainly not environmentally friendly.

Thanks for popping by, you guys. I'm glad that a prophecy blog can contain humor and fun banter and not just arguing and seriousness all the time.

I desire seriousness in truth but get bogged down at times if there is not personality mixed in with the rest of it.

Dave

Katherine Hall said...

I'm in Washington State Robert, on the green, wet side. We have several holly trees. One is quite large and tall, probably stands about 30 feet.

I know what you mean about the humor Dave. (I definitely "accidently" started this round of it.)

Raul, you are in my book of favorite people as well!

Take care all. Work hard but take time to enjoy a good meal with family and friends...be it a burrito or a plate of meatballs. =)

Katherine Hall said...

ps...Robert, if you click on my name, it will take you to Shutterblog where I have more images of one of our holly trees. Scroll down a bit. You'll see a snow pic too. That tree in the background to the left is the same holly tree. That is the littlest one!