SATURDAY, MAY 19
Daniel 7:1-6
Daniel 2:31-32, 38-39

“Oh let the wickedness
of the wicked come to an end …”

THE FIRST THREE BEASTS

1. A Lion: Babylon (Dan 7:4)
This corresponds to the head of gold in the great image of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan 2:38). Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar (604-561 BC) was a magnificent, dazzling and exceedingly prosperous empire. Hence the head of gold for opulence, and the lion for regal status! Because of his pride and haughtiness, God chastened him (wings plucked), drove him to live among the beasts of the field for seven years until he learnt his lesson (Dan 4:33-37). Then he was restored (a man’s heart given to it).

2. A Bear: Medo-Persia (Dan 7:5)
This beast has three ribs in its mouth between the teeth. It corresponds to the silver arms and breast (Dan 2:32) of the great image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. It represents the Medo-Persian empire under Cyrus and Cambyses. A bear is less majestic and less swift than a lion. How do we interpret the three ribs held between the teeth? Some scholars think that they refer to the three major conquests: (a) Lydia in Asia Minor 546 BC, (b) Babylon 539 BC, and (c) Egypt 525 BC.

3. A Leopard: Greece (Dan 7:6)
This beast corresponds with the brass belly and thighs of the great image (Dan 2:32). It had four wings and four heads, indicating extraordinary speed and brilliance. We read in history that Alexander the Great’s exploits were pressed with lightning speed and great success. Within some ten years he had conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and had marched on to the borders of India. Shortly after, Alexander died at age thirty-three. His empire was then divided among four of his generals (hence the four heads): (a) Babylon under Antigonus, (b) Egypt under Ptolemy, (c) Macedonia under Cassander, and (d) Thrace and Bithynia under Lysimachus. Are you not simply amazed at the accuracy of God’s prophetic Word?

THOUGHT: (Read 2 Peter 1:20.)
PRAYER: “Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.” (Clara H. Scott)