Daniel 7:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And behold, another beast, a second one, like a bear. It was raised up on one side. It had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’

NIV: "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. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh!’

NASB: 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 they said this to it: ‘Arise, devour much meat!’

CSB: "Suddenly, another beast appeared, a second one, that looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side, with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up! Gorge yourself on flesh.’

NLT: Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, 'Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!'

KJV: And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

NKJV: “And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’

Daniel's prophetic dream (Daniel 7:1) describes four animal-like creatures (Daniel 7:2–3). These represent various nations from the Mediterranean region (Daniel 7:17). The first beast was like a lion with eagle wings (Daniel 7:4). This symbolizes the Babylonian Empire.

The second beast, which appears like a bear, represents the Medo-Persians. In the ancient middle east, bears were primarily associated with great strength, and that empire's military was powerful. They were not thought of as graceful, as were lions or eagles: the animals associated with the preceding Babylonian Empire. That one side of the bear was higher, and the animal is commanded to move, suggests it is lying down. The imagery notes how the Medes and Persians were not entirely united in their conquests. The three ribs likely symbolize the notable cultures overshadowed by Medo-Persia: Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.

The rulers of Medo-Persian probably assumed they were consuming other lands, but their doing so was by divine appointment. The bear does not consume until it is commanded to do so. Their exploits fulfilled God's will. The Medo-Persian empire began in Daniel's lifetime and continued until the days of Alexander the Great two centuries later (Daniel 7:6). The silver arms of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream represent this same kingdom (Daniel 2:32, 39).

Daniel 7:1–12 looks back to a time before the story contained in chapter 6. This passage describes a dream Daniel had during the rule of Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1, 30). His visions contained information about various kingdoms leading up to a dreadful, strong kingdom in the end times. The images also pictured God, "the Ancient of Days," who judges the final Gentile kingdom. An angel's explanation of the dream and visions follows in the next passage.

Daniel experiences a troubling vision in the form of a dream. He sees animal-like beasts representing successive kingdoms. The last of these is uniquely powerful and led by a mysterious figure. This person, depicted as a "little horn," will be known for usurping power, blasphemy against God, and intense persecution of the saints. Yet his time will be short and it will end in God's successful judgment.

This chapter is the intersection of two different divisions in the book of Daniel. This is the last passage written in Aramaic, the common language of the world at that time. It is also the first segment focusing on prophecy, shifting from a record of events in the past to show a glimpse of the future. This passage connects to other descriptions of the end times, such as those found in Revelation chapters 13, 19, and 20.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.