◄ Daniel 7:4 ►
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 and made to stand on two feet like a man, and given the mind of a man.
Study Bible
The first was like a lion
The imagery of a lion in biblical literature often symbolizes strength, majesty, and power. In the context of Daniel's vision, the lion represents the Babylonian Empire, known for its dominance and regal authority. The Hebrew word for lion, "אַריֵה" (aryeh), conveys a sense of ferocity and kingliness, fitting for Babylon's historical reputation as a formidable empire under Nebuchadnezzar. The lion's presence in Daniel's vision underscores the empire's initial grandeur and might.

and it had the wings of an eagle
Eagles are emblematic of swiftness and far-reaching power. The combination of a lion with eagle's wings suggests an empire that not only possesses strength but also the ability to expand rapidly and exert influence over vast territories. The Hebrew word for eagle, "נֶשֶׁר" (nesher), is often associated with speed and keen vision, characteristics that align with Babylon's rapid conquests and strategic prowess.

I watched until its wings were torn off
The act of the wings being torn off signifies a loss of power and mobility. This imagery can be interpreted as the humbling of the Babylonian Empire, particularly during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, who experienced a period of madness as described in Daniel 4. The removal of the wings indicates a divine intervention that curtails the empire's expansion and influence, a theme consistent with the biblical narrative of God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms.

and it was lifted up from the ground
This phrase suggests a restoration or elevation from a fallen state. In the context of Nebuchadnezzar's story, it reflects his eventual restoration to sanity and power after acknowledging God's supremacy. The lifting up from the ground symbolizes a return to dignity and authority, albeit with a newfound recognition of divine sovereignty.

so that it stood on two feet like a man
The transformation of the beast to stand like a man indicates a change from a bestial nature to a more human-like state. This can be seen as a metaphor for the humanization of Nebuchadnezzar after his humbling experience. The imagery of standing on two feet suggests stability and a return to rationality, aligning with the biblical theme of repentance and restoration.

and the heart of a man was given to it
The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the seat of understanding and emotion. The giving of a human heart to the beast signifies a transformation in character and perspective. For Nebuchadnezzar, this represents his acknowledgment of God's authority and his subsequent change in attitude and governance. The phrase underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom and leadership come from a heart aligned with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
The prophet who receives the vision. He is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for his faithfulness to God amidst exile in Babylon.

2. The First Beast
Described as a lion with eagle's wings, symbolizing a powerful kingdom. Traditionally interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire.

3. Wings Torn Off
This action signifies a loss of power or swiftness, possibly indicating a humbling or transformation of the kingdom.

4. Stood on Two Feet Like a Man
This transformation suggests a change in nature or status, possibly indicating a shift from beastly power to human-like reasoning or governance.

5. Heart of a Man Given
Symbolizes a change in character or leadership style, possibly reflecting a more humane or rational approach.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Power and Pride
The lion and eagle are symbols of strength and swiftness. Reflect on how pride and power can lead to downfall, as seen in the tearing off of the wings.

Transformation and Humility
The beast's transformation to stand like a man and receive a human heart can symbolize the importance of humility and the potential for change in leadership and character.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The vision underscores God's control over the rise and fall of empires, reminding believers of His ultimate authority over world events.

Personal Reflection on Change
Consider how God might be calling you to undergo a transformation in your own life, moving from pride to humility, or from worldly power to spiritual strength.

Hope in Divine Intervention
The change in the beast's nature offers hope that God can intervene in seemingly unchangeable situations, bringing about transformation and renewal.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the lion with eagle's wings in Daniel 7:4 relate to the characteristics of the Babylonian Empire, and what can we learn from this about the nature of earthly power?

2. In what ways does the transformation of the beast in Daniel 7:4 reflect the biblical theme of humility and repentance, and how can this be applied to personal spiritual growth?

3. How does the vision in Daniel 7:4 connect with the broader account of God's sovereignty over nations as seen throughout the book of Daniel and other prophetic books?

4. What are some modern-day examples of "wings being torn off" in terms of nations or leaders experiencing a humbling, and how should Christians respond to such events?

5. How can the transformation of the beast to stand like a man and receive a human heart inspire believers to seek God's transformative power in their own lives and communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 2
The vision of the statue with different materials connects to the beasts in Daniel 7, representing successive kingdoms.

Revelation 13
The beasts in Revelation echo the imagery in Daniel, suggesting a continuity in the prophetic vision of world empires and their characteristics.

Jeremiah 49:19-22
The imagery of a lion and eagle is used in prophecies against Edom, showing the use of these symbols in describing powerful nations.
Sermons
A Vision of Human ViolenceJ.D. Davies Daniel 7:1-8
Brute RuleH.T. Robjohns Daniel 7:1-12
Daniel's First VisionE. B. Pusey, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
The First Two Visions of the Book of DanielT. R. Birks, M.A.Daniel 7:4-28
The Four BeastsOutlines by London MinisterDaniel 7:4-28
The Symbolical BeastsW. White.Daniel 7:4-28
The Vision of the Four BeastsWilliam M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
Vision, of Four Wild BeastsT.Kirk.Daniel 7:4-28
People
Belshazzar, Daniel
Places
Babylon
Topics
Beheld, Caused, Eagle, Eagles, Eagle's, Ground, Heart, Human, Kept, Lifted, Lion, Man's, Mind, Placed, Plucked, Pulled, Seeing, Stand, Stood, Thereof, Till, Torn, Watched, Watching, Wings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 7:4

     4690   wings

Daniel 7:1-7

     7735   leaders, political

Daniel 7:1-18

     1469   visions

Daniel 7:2-7

     1670   symbols

Daniel 7:2-8

     4627   creatures

Daniel 7:3-7

     4609   beast, the

Library
Christ's Own Testimony Concerning Himself.
THERE is but one rational explanation, of this sublime mystery; and this is found in Christ's own testimony concerning his superhuman and divine origin and character.[49]49 This testimony challenges at once our highest regard and belief from the absolute veracity which no one ever denied him, or could deny, without destroying at once the very foundation of his universally conceded moral purity and greatness. Christ strongly asserts his humanity, and calls himself; about eighty times in the Gospels, …
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
THE life and character of Jesus Christ is truly the Holy of Holies in the history of the world. Eighteen hundred years have passed away since he, in the fullness of time, appeared on this earth to redeem a fallen race from sin and death, and to open a never-ceasing fountain of righteousness and life. The ages before him anxiously awaited his coming as "the Desire of all nations;" the ages after him proclaim his glory, and ever extend his dominion. The noblest and best of men under every clime hold …
Philip Schaff—The Romance of M. Renan, and the Christ of the Gospels

The Apocalypse.
1. The word Apocalypse (Greek Apokalupsis) signifies Revelation, the title given to the book in our English version as well from its opening word as from its contents. Of all the writings of the New Testament that are classed by Eusebius among the disputed books (Antilegomena, chap. 5. 6), the apostolic authorship of this is sustained by the greatest amount of external evidence; so much so that Eusebius acknowledges it as doubtful whether it should be classed among the acknowledged or …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Captivity of Judah.
Eze., Dan., Lam. The Ten Tribes Lost. After the fall of Samaria we hear but little of the ten tribes. They were carried off into the regions of Ninevah by the Assyrians. All effort to locate them has failed and no doubt will fail. Sargon, in an inscription found at Ninevah, said that he carried away into captivity 27,290. These were perhaps leaders of Israel whom he thought might lead a revolt. He sent others back to take their place and the Israelites seemed to have mingled with the races about …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
Cant. v. 2-vi.10. The fourth section commences with an address of the bride to the daughters of Jerusalem, in which she narrates her recent sad experience, and entreats their help in her trouble. The presence and comfort of her Bridegroom are again lost to her; not this time by relapse into worldliness, but by slothful self-indulgence. We are not told of the steps that led to her failure; of how self again found place in her heart. Perhaps spiritual pride in the achievements which grace enabled her …
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

The Ecclesiastical Trial
Over the Kedron, up the slope to the city, through the gates, along the silent streets, the procession passed, with Jesus in the midst; midnight stragglers, perhaps, hurrying forward from point to point to ask what was ado, and peering towards the Prisoner's face, before they diverged again towards their own homes.[1] He was conducted to the residence of the high priest, where His trial ensued. Jesus had to undergo two trials--the one ecclesiastical, the other civil; the one before Caiaphas the …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

Jesus at Capernaum.
Beset by an idea, gradually becoming more and more imperious and exclusive, Jesus proceeds henceforth with a kind of fatal impassibility in the path marked out by his astonishing genius and the extraordinary circumstances in which he lived. Hitherto he had only communicated his thoughts to a few persons secretly attracted to him; henceforward his teaching was sought after by the public. He was about thirty years of age.[1] The little group of hearers who had accompanied him to John the Baptist had, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Situation after the Council of Nicæa.
The council (a) had testified, by its horrified and spontaneous rejection of it, that Arianism was a novelty subversive of the Christian faith as they had received it from their fathers. They had (b) banished it from the Church by an inexorable test, which even the leading supporters of Arius had been induced to subscribe. In the years immediately following, we find (c) a large majority of the Eastern bishops, especially of Syria and Asia Minor, the very regions whence the numerical strength of the …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

History of the Interpretation.
1. AMONG THE JEWS. This History, as to its essential features, might, a priori, be sketched with tolerable certainty. From the nature of the case, we could scarcely expect that the Jews should have adopted views altogether erroneous as to the subject of the prophecy in question; for the Messiah appears in it, not in His humiliation, but in His glory--rich in gifts and blessings, and Pelagian self-delusion will, a priori, return an affirmative answer to the question as to whether one is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

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