The "Four Great Beasts" is a term derived from the prophetic vision of Daniel, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 7. This vision is a significant component of biblical eschatology and apocalyptic literature, offering insights into the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Biblical Account

In Daniel 7:1-8, the prophet Daniel describes a dream he had during the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon. In this vision, Daniel sees four great beasts emerging from the sea, each distinct from the others. The sea often symbolizes chaos and the tumultuous nature of human history.

1. The First Beast: "The first 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, so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it" (Daniel 7:4). This beast is commonly interpreted as representing the Babylonian Empire, known for its strength and swiftness, akin to a lion with eagle's wings. The transformation of the beast, standing like a man and receiving a human heart, may symbolize the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar, as described in Daniel 4.

2. The Second Beast: "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’" (Daniel 7:5). This beast is often associated with the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's uneven stance may reflect the dominance of Persia over Media, and the three ribs are thought to symbolize its conquests, possibly Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.

3. The Third Beast: "Next, as I watched, another beast appeared. It was like a leopard, and on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule" (Daniel 7:6). The leopard, known for its speed, is typically linked to the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. The four wings suggest rapid expansion, and the four heads are often interpreted as the division of Alexander's empire among his four generals after his death.

4. The Fourth Beast: "After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, frightening and dreadful, and incredibly 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" (Daniel 7:7). This beast is generally seen as representing the Roman Empire, known for its unparalleled power and influence. The ten horns are often interpreted as ten kings or kingdoms that arise from this empire.

Interpretation and Significance

The vision of the Four Great Beasts is further explained in Daniel 7:15-28, where an angelic interpreter provides Daniel with understanding. The beasts symbolize successive kingdoms that will rise and fall, each contributing to the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. The vision culminates with the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as seen in Daniel 7:13-14, where "one like a son of man" is given dominion and glory, a prophecy Christians believe is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The imagery of the beasts serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly powers and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. This vision has been a source of hope and encouragement for believers, affirming that despite the chaos and turmoil of human history, God's purposes will prevail.