Daniel-7: Beasts

The Book of Daniel, ch. 7: Four Creatures Rising from the Sea

The Four Beasts in the End Times.
A Suggested Solution

Daniel-7

[Daniel 7:1] IN THE FIRST YEAR OF BELSHAZZAR KING OF BABYLON DANIEL HAD A DREAM AND VISIONS OF HIS HEAD UPON HIS BED: THEN HE WROTE THE DREAM, AND TOLD THE SUM OF THE MATTERS.

This chapter begins a series of visions experienced by Daniel. The visions are not arranged in the chronological order of their experience.

[Daniel 7:2] DANIEL SPAKE AND SAID, I SAW IN MY VISION BY NIGHT, AND, BEHOLD, THE FOUR WINDS OF THE HEAVEN STROVE UPON THE GREAT SEA.

"GREAT SEA" usually considered as being the Atlantic Ocean but some say the Mediterranean or the Ocean in general.

[Daniel 7:3] AND FOUR GREAT BEASTS CAME UP FROM THE SEA, DIVERSE ONE FROM ANOTHER.

These four divisions parallel the Four Kingdoms in the Dream of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel chapter two). The Sages said that each successive beast swallowed up the one that went before it symbolizing different Kingdoms and Empire following in the footsteps of each other.
The Malbim however has a different opinion which we too have adopted.

Malbim: Daniel 7;2: The Four Kingdoms always exist only that at a specific moment one of the Kingdoms (dominating one of the four major directions of the world) gains supremacy over the other kingdoms and quarters of the world and encompasses them. The world is seen through the image of a great ocean since the storming winds are more recognizable at sea and the beasts of the sea are greater than those of the land.

[Daniel 7:4] THE FIRST WAS LIKE A LION, AND HAD EAGLE'S WINGS: I BEHELD TILL THE WINGS THEREOF WERE PLUCKED, AND IT WAS LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, AND MADE STAND UPON THE FEET AS A MAN, AND A MAN'S HEART WAS GIVEN TO IT.

A lion with the wings of an eagle in Mythology is known as a griffon.
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The lion could be Babylon (Jeremiah 4:7). Babylon was also symbolized by an eagle (Jeremiah 48:40, Ezekiel 17:3).
On the other hand Britain was symbolized by a lion and the USA by an eagle. Both historically and in international affairs today Britain and the USA act in tandem and could be considered a joint entity. Even today Britain is much more important than most people realize but far less than her adherents imagine.
The plucking of the wings could mean a reduction in power or some disaster.

The giving of a man's heart in Biblically-related and Rabbinical Literature would usually indicate a change of nature, a "humanization," and a drawing closer to the Almighty. [This is the explanation of one of the Sages or Major Commentators whose identity we have lost (but should find eventually) but whose opinion we have accepted].

On the other hand Rashi and other Commentators say that a man's heart means the imparting of weakness in place of the former lion-like aspects the beast possessed.

No-one really knows how these matters will develop or what the real meanings of these visions are. Nevertheless they were given to us for a reason that we take note of them. In our commentaries we can point to facts and possibilities that can guide us and facilitate our understanding. This is a lot and it could be of great benefit.
No-one is saying what the definite meaning is.

[Daniel 7:5] 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.

The Persians (and Parthians?) in Talmudic Literature are likened to a bear. Russia is also commonly referred to as "The Russian Bear". In many ways Russia is a successor to Persia. The two lands more or less neighbor each other and ethnically many citizens of Russia (and of the former USSR) had ancestors who were in the Persian Empire. Part of the Ukrainians and Baltic peoples are believed to be descended from the Medes who shared power with the Persians. The Lithuanian language is said to have many similarities to that of the Ancient Medes.
The eating of much flesh is said to symbolize (Daat Mikra) the conquest of many lands. The three ribs may represent (Daat Mikra quotes from some of the Sages) nations that at times were part of the Kingdom and at other times in revolt against it.

[Daniel 7:6] AFTER THIS I BEHELD, AND LO ANOTHER, LIKE A LEOPARD, WHICH HAD UPON THE BACK OF IT FOUR WINGS OF A FOWL; THE BEAST HAD ALSO FOUR HEADS; AND DOMINION WAS GIVEN TO IT.

Rabbi Saadia said that the leopard represented Alexander of Macedon and the Greek Empire which upon the death of Alexander split into four parts.
David Skelly of Australia identified the leopard with Germany.
The term translated as "leopard" is "namer". This is a correct translation but it could also conceivably apply to a tiger. The Chinese Tiger?

[Daniel 7:7] AFTER THIS I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND BEHOLD A FOURTH BEAST, DREADFUL AND TERRIBLE, AND STRONG EXCEEDINGLY; AND IT HAD GREAT IRON TEETH: IT DEVOURED AND BRAKE IN PIECES, AND STAMPED THE RESIDUE WITH THE FEET OF IT: AND IT WAS DIVERSE FROM ALL THE BEASTS THAT WERE BEFORE IT; AND IT HAD TEN HORNS.

AFTER THIS I SAW: This latter aspect of the vision is distinct from that which preceded it, either by being more terrible in its import or more vivid in the way it was experienced.
Rabbi Saadia says this beast was similar to an elephant and represents Ishmael. Most Rabbinical Commentators as well as the sages say it refers to Edom which usually implies Christian Europe. This is the Fourth Kingdom in the Vision of Nebuchadnezzar which was made of iron (Daniel 2:40). So too the teeth of this beast are here described as having GREAT IRON TEETH. This beast devours and brakes and what it does not need for itself it spoils and destroys. This behavior reminds one of the |Huns and Mongols of old and of the Nazi Beast in WWII.
There are certain Christian groups such as some of those in British Israel as well as off-shoots in the USA of the school of H. W. Armstrong who say this prophecy indicates a future revived Holy Roman Empire which will have ten major participants. They see the EU as a forerunner of this entity, say it will be dominated by Germany and possibly led by one of the future Popes. Such an eventuality is a possibility and consistent with historical precedent and the strivings of some groups in Europe today. We must wait and see.

[Daniel 7:8] I CONSIDERED THE HORNS, AND, BEHOLD, THERE CAME UP AMONG THEM ANOTHER LITTLE HORN, BEFORE WHOM THERE WERE THREE OF THE FIRST HORNS PLUCKED UP BY THE ROOTS: AND, BEHOLD, IN THIS HORN WERE EYES LIKE THE EYES OF MAN, AND A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS.

We learn below (Daniel 7:24) that the horns symbolize kings or national leaders. A new leader will arise within the polity represented by this great beast. He will replace three others. He will also attempt to justify his policies through humanitarian and/or religious reasoning.

ANOTHER LITTLE HORN: The Commentary "Metsudat David" (R' David Hillel Altshuler) says this represents the Ishmaelites i.e. the Powers of Islam. He says that a great king will arise in the East who will become a Muslim and formidable religious leader.

A MOUTH SPEAKING GREAT THINGS. Meaning arrogating to itself far-reaching prerogatives and assertions in the religious and other that are far beyond what is warranted.

[Daniel 7:9] I BEHELD TILL THE THRONES WERE CAST DOWN, AND THE ANCIENT OF DAYS DID SIT, WHOSE GARMENT WAS WHITE AS SNOW, AND THE HAIR OF HIS HEAD LIKE THE PURE WOOL: HIS THRONE WAS LIKE THE FIERY FLAME, AND HIS WHEELS AS BURNING FIRE.

It could be that the thrones that were cast down were those of the "guardian Angels" of nations upon the earth. This is according to the principle that everything on earth is paralleled by a force in heaven that is appointed over it.

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS: This is the Almighty.
Daniel however did not really see God since this is impossible, AND HE SAID, THOU CANST NOT SEE MY FACE: FOR THERE SHALL NO MAN SEE ME, AND LIVE [Exodus 33:20].
What Daniel did see according to the Sages was some type of form representing the Almighty for the particular purpose of the Prophecy entailed in this vision. Iben Ezra even claimed that it did not represent the Almighty at all but rather Michael the chief of the angels and executive director of the Almighty. Iben Ezra (from his shortened commentary as quoted by Daat Mikra) however appears to be the only major authority holding such an opinion though Rabbi Saadia comes close to it. Even so the Iben Ezra has a point in so far as we often find angels speaking in the name of God in the first person as if God is speaking directly through them.
Parallel verses of images representing the Almighty are found elsewhere in the Bible.
"I SAW ALSO THE LORD SITTING UPON A THRONE, HIGH AND LIFTED UP, AND HIS TRAIN FILLED THE TEMPLE" [Isaiah 6:1].
Rabbi Saadia says that the Ancient of Days represents God in his attribute of mercy towards his children like a father who forgives his children like a kindly old man and makes their sins as if they were not and this is why he is dressed in white.

The Almighty Himself is incorporeal. He has no body and no image. Even so, He also communicates with mankind through images, or through messengers, i.e. angels, or through Prophets.

The Almighty can also be represented with different attributes, e.g.

WHO IS THIS THAT COMETH FROM EDOM, WITH DYED GARMENTS FROM BOZRAH? THIS THAT IS GLORIOUS IN HIS APPAREL, TRAVELLING IN THE GREATNESS OF HIS STRENGTH? I THAT SPEAK IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, MIGHTY TO SAVE.

WHEREFORE ART THOU RED IN THINE APPAREL, AND THY GARMENTS LIKE HIM THAT TREADETH IN THE WINEFAT?

I HAVE TRODDEN THE WINEPRESS ALONE; AND OF THE PEOPLE THERE WAS NONE WITH ME: FOR I WILL TREAD THEM IN MINE ANGER, AND TRAMPLE THEM IN MY FURY; AND THEIR BLOOD SHALL BE SPRINKLED UPON MY GARMENTS, AND I WILL STAIN ALL MY RAIMENT [Isaiah 63:1-3].

Maimonides (1138-1204 CE) spoke of this:

We believe that this Oneness is neither a body nor a bodily force, nor is He subject to any bodily characteristics -- movement, rest, or dwelling -- be they inherent or by chance. Therefore the Sages repudiated [the possibility of any] cohesion or separation [concerning Him], as they said: "Above there is no sitting, standing, division, or ‘cohesion'" (a usage based on Isaiah 11:14). As the prophet (ibid., 40:18-25) said: "Who is comparable to the Almighty...?" For if He had a body, He could be compared to other bodies.

All the corporeal terms used in the Scriptures to describe Him -- such as walking, standing, sitting, speaking etc. -- are metaphorical. As the Sages have said: "The Torah speaks in the language of man."

This is the third Principle, as affirmed by the verse (Deuteronomy 4:15) "You have not seen any image," that is to say, you cannot conceive of Him as having any form because, as stated, He is neither a body nor a bodily force. -- Maimonides, 13 Principles of Faith 

Maimonides opined that anyone who believed that God has a body, etc, is committing idolatry.
On the other hand,
Rabbi Abraham ben David (c. 1125 - 1198),   disagrees with Maimonides (Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Repentance 3:7) on this issue. He says that if an individual believes that God is corporeal, he is making a significant mistake. Nevertheless, it is an understandable misconception. The person concerned can still relate to the Almighty and is still bound by the Torah. See:https://www.aish.com/sp/ph/48924072.html

[Daniel 7:10] A FIERY STREAM ISSUED AND CAME FORTH FROM BEFORE HIM: THOUSAND THOUSANDS MINISTERED UNTO HIM, AND TEN THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND STOOD BEFORE HIM: THE JUDGMENT WAS SET, AND THE BOOKS WERE OPENED.

[Daniel 7:11] I BEHELD THEN BECAUSE OF THE VOICE OF THE GREAT WORDS WHICH THE HORN SPAKE: I BEHELD EVEN TILL THE BEAST WAS SLAIN, AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING FLAME.

[Daniel 7:12] AS CONCERNING THE REST OF THE BEASTS, THEY HAD THEIR DOMINION TAKEN AWAY: YET THEIR LIVES WERE PROLONGED FOR A SEASON AND TIME.

The Fourth Kingdom of the Awesome Beast was destroyed. The remaining three Kingdoms (that preceded the Fourth one) will continue to exist in diminished form for a period to give them the opportunity to repent and reform their ways.

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The Almighty and Corporeality

[Daniel 7:13] I SAW IN THE NIGHT VISIONS, AND, BEHOLD, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN CAME WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN, AND CAME TO THE ANCIENT OF DAYS, AND THEY BROUGHT HIM NEAR BEFORE HIM.

ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN: Aramaic, "Ce[Like]Bar[Son of]Enosh[Mankind]": This term usually refers to Israel, cf. AND YE MY FLOCK, THE FLOCK OF MY PASTURE, ARE MEN, AND I AM YOUR GOD, SAITH THE LORD GOD [Ezekiel 34:31].

AND THEIR NOBLES SHALL BE OF THEMSELVES, AND THEIR GOVERNOR SHALL PROCEED FROM THE MIDST OF THEM; AND I WILL CAUSE HIM TO DRAW NEAR, AND HE SHALL APPROACH UNTO ME: FOR WHO IS THIS THAT ENGAGED HIS HEART TO APPROACH UNTO ME? SAITH THE LORD.

AND YE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE YOUR GOD [Jeremiah 30:21-22].

The Commentary Daat Mikra points out that we find several times the Kingdom of David spoken of as the Kingdom of God:

[1-Chronicles 28:5] AND OF ALL MY SONS, (FOR THE LORD HATH GIVEN ME MANY SONS,) HE HATH CHOSEN SOLOMON MY SON TO SIT UPON THE THRONE OF THE KINGDOM OF THE LORD OVER ISRAEL.

[Psalms 45:6] THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOR EVER AND EVER: THE SCEPTRE OF THY KINGDOM IS A RIGHT SCEPTRE.

THY THRONE, O GOD: This is also explained from the Hebrew as referring to the Messiah whose throne is like the throne of God just as the throne of King Solomon was called the throne of God.

"THEN SOLOMON SAT ON THE THRONE OF THE LORD AS KING INSTEAD OF DAVID HIS FATHER, AND PROSPERED; AND ALL ISRAEL OBEYED HIM" [1-Chronicles 29:23].

[Daniel 7:14] AND THERE WAS GIVEN HIM DOMINION, AND GLORY, AND A KINGDOM, THAT ALL PEOPLE, NATIONS, AND LANGUAGES, SHOULD SERVE HIM: HIS DOMINION IS AN EVERLASTING DOMINION, WHICH SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, AND HIS KINGDOM THAT WHICH SHALL NOT BE DESTROYED.

This is referring to the future Messiah of the House of David whose kingdom shall last forever:

HE SHALL BUILD AN HOUSE FOR MY NAME, AND I WILL ESTABLISH THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOR EVER [2-Samuel 7:13].

THE GOD OF ISRAEL SAID, THE ROCK OF ISRAEL SPAKE TO ME, HE THAT RULETH OVER MEN MUST BE JUST, RULING IN THE FEAR OF GOD.

AND HE SHALL BE AS THE LIGHT OF THE MORNING, WHEN THE SUN RISETH, EVEN A MORNING WITHOUT CLOUDS; AS THE TENDER GRASS SPRINGING OUT OF THE EARTH BY CLEAR SHINING AFTER RAIN.

ALTHOUGH MY HOUSE BE NOT SO WITH GOD; YET HE HATH MADE WITH ME AN EVERLASTING COVENANT, ORDERED IN ALL THINGS, AND SURE: FOR THIS IS ALL MY SALVATION, AND ALL MY DESIRE, ALTHOUGH HE MAKE IT NOT TO GROW [2-Samuel 23:3-5].

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[Daniel 7:15] I DANIEL WAS GRIEVED IN MY SPIRIT IN THE MIDST OF MY BODY, AND THE VISIONS OF MY HEAD TROUBLED ME.

[Daniel 7:16] I CAME NEAR UNTO ONE OF THEM THAT STOOD BY, AND ASKED HIM THE TRUTH OF ALL THIS. SO HE TOLD ME, AND MADE ME KNOW THE INTERPRETATION OF THE THINGS.

[Daniel 7:17] THESE GREAT BEASTS, WHICH ARE FOUR, ARE FOUR KINGS, WHICH SHALL ARISE OUT OF THE EARTH.

[Daniel 7:18] BUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL TAKE THE KINGDOM, AND POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOR EVER, EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER.

SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH: Aramaic: "Kadishei Elyonin" i.e. The Holy Mighty Ones"? The Chosen Servants of the Almighty who have been faithful to His People.
cf.
AND YE SHALL BE UNTO ME A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, AND AN HOLY NATION. THESE ARE THE WORDS WHICH THOU SHALT SPEAK UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL [Exodus 19:6].

AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, IF THOU SHALT HEARKEN DILIGENTLY UNTO THE VOICE OF THE LORD THY GOD, TO OBSERVE AND TO DO ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS WHICH I COMMAND THEE THIS DAY, THAT THE LORD THY GOD WILL SET THEE ON HIGH ABOVE ALL NATIONS OF THE EARTH:

AND ALL THESE BLESSINGS SHALL COME ON THEE, AND OVERTAKE THEE, IF THOU SHALT HEARKEN UNTO THE VOICE OF THE LORD THY GOD [Deuteronomy 28:1-2].

AND IN THE DAYS OF THESE KINGS SHALL THE GOD OF HEAVEN SET UP A KINGDOM, WHICH SHALL NEVER BE DESTROYED: AND THE KINGDOM SHALL NOT BE LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE, BUT IT SHALL BREAK IN PIECES AND CONSUME ALL THESE KINGDOMS, AND IT SHALL STAND FOR EVER [Daniel 2:44].
This is the Fifth Kingdom. This is the future Messianic Kingdom.

[Daniel 7:19] THEN I WOULD KNOW THE TRUTH OF THE FOURTH BEAST, WHICH WAS DIVERSE FROM ALL THE OTHERS, EXCEEDING DREADFUL, WHOSE TEETH WERE OF IRON, AND HIS NAILS OF BRASS; WHICH DEVOURED, BRAKE IN PIECES, AND STAMPED THE RESIDUE WITH HIS FEET;

[Daniel 7:20] AND OF THE TEN HORNS THAT WERE IN HIS HEAD, AND OF THE OTHER WHICH CAME UP, AND BEFORE WHOM THREE FELL; EVEN OF THAT HORN THAT HAD EYES, AND A MOUTH THAT SPAKE VERY GREAT THINGS, WHOSE LOOK WAS MORE STOUT THAN HIS FELLOWS.

[Daniel 7:21] I BEHELD, AND THE SAME HORN MADE WAR WITH THE SAINTS, AND PREVAILED AGAINST THEM;

[Daniel 7:22] UNTIL THE ANCIENT OF DAYS CAME, AND JUDGMENT WAS GIVEN TO THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH; AND THE TIME CAME THAT THE SAINTS POSSESSED THE KINGDOM.

[Daniel 7:23] THUS HE SAID, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM UPON EARTH, WHICH SHALL BE DIVERSE FROM ALL KINGDOMS, AND SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH, AND SHALL TREAD IT DOWN, AND BREAK IT IN PIECES.

This is the Fourth Kingdom of Daniel which was of iron:
As we saw before, first the Fourth Kingdom shall conquer and crush all opposition. This Kingdom will be followed by an attempted union of its different parts which however will have difficulty holding together due to the contrary characteristics of its components.

AND THE FOURTH KINGDOM SHALL BE STRONG AS IRON: FORASMUCH AS IRON BREAKETH IN PIECES AND SUBDUETH ALL THINGS: AND AS IRON THAT BREAKETH ALL THESE, SHALL IT BREAK IN PIECES AND BRUISE [Daniel 2:40].

[Daniel 7:24] AND THE TEN HORNS OUT OF THIS KINGDOM ARE TEN KINGS THAT SHALL ARISE: AND ANOTHER SHALL RISE AFTER THEM; AND HE SHALL BE DIVERSE FROM THE FIRST, AND HE SHALL SUBDUE THREE KINGS.

[Daniel 7:25] AND HE SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH, AND SHALL WEAR OUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH, AND THINK TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAWS: AND THEY SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND UNTIL A TIME AND TIMES AND THE DIVIDING OF TIME.

[Daniel 7:26] BUT THE JUDGMENT SHALL SIT, AND THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION, TO CONSUME AND TO DESTROY IT UNTO THE END.

"Daat Mikra" points out that to a degree this whole scenario is similar to that of events in the Maccabee (Hasmonean) Period which indeed may be studied in the light of these verses and considered a possible historical prototype for what may happen in the end times.
For a short, interesting and correct description of the Hasmoneans see:
The Maccabees (166-129 BCE) by Mitchell Bard.


See our note concerning Historical Prototypes and Prophecy:

[Daniel 7:27] AND THE KINGDOM AND DOMINION, AND THE GREATNESS OF THE KINGDOM UNDER THE WHOLE HEAVEN, SHALL BE GIVEN TO THE PEOPLE OF THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH, WHOSE KINGDOM IS AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM, AND ALL DOMINIONS SHALL SERVE AND OBEY HIM.

This whole scenario is also recalled in the Prophets but perhaps less systematically, cf.
[Isaiah 2:2] IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THE LATTER DAYS THAT THE MOUNTAIN OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD SHALL BE ESTABLISHED AS THE HIGHEST OF THE MOUNTAINS, AND SHALL BE RAISED ABOVE THE HILLS; AND ALL THE NATIONS SHALL FLOW TO IT,

[Isaiah 2:3] AND MANY PEOPLES SHALL COME, AND SAY: "COME, LET US GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, TO THE HOUSE OF THE GOD OF JACOB; THAT HE MAY TEACH US HIS WAYS AND THAT WE MAY WALK IN HIS PATHS." FOR OUT OF ZION SHALL GO FORTH THE LAW, AND THE WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM.
All the world will be taught from out of Jerusalem. The peoples will come to Jerusalem to learn. Teachers do not necessarily go out of Jerusalem to the peoples though from Judah there will go out those to bring the Lost Ten Tribes back.

[Isaiah 2:4] HE SHALL JUDGE BETWEEN THE NATIONS, AND SHALL DECIDE FOR MANY PEOPLES; AND THEY SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES, AND THEIR SPEARS INTO PRUNING HOOKS; NATION SHALL NOT LIFT UP SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE.
There shall be eternal peace. The armaments industry will turn its attention to other pursuits.

[Isaiah 2:5] O HOUSE OF JACOB, COME, LET US WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD.
Jacob stands for Israel. When Jacob is juxtaposed with Israel Jacob means Judah but Jacob stands alone it often refers to the Ten Tribes.

Jack and James are forms of the name Jacob.
The Union Jack is the flag of Britain. The King James Bible (as pointed out by Dempsey Brutton) is the major Bible in use. Jamestown was the first settlement in America.
The word Yank is also a form of Jacob.

[Daniel 7:28] HITHERTO IS THE END OF THE MATTER. AS FOR ME DANIEL, MY COGITATIONS MUCH TROUBLED ME, AND MY COUNTENANCE CHANGED IN ME: BUT I KEPT THE MATTER IN MY HEART.

Brit-Am Suggested Understanding of Daniel chapter 7:

[Genesis 49:22] JOSEPH IS A FRUITFUL BOUGH, EVEN A FRUITFUL BOUGH BY A WELL; WHOSE BRANCHES RUN OVER THE WALL:

[Genesis 49:23] THE ARCHERS HAVE SORELY GRIEVED HIM, AND SHOT AT HIM, AND HATED HIM:
[Genesis 49:24] BUT HIS BOW ABODE IN STRENGTH, AND THE ARMS OF HIS HANDS WERE MADE STRONG BY THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB; (FROM THENCE IS THE SHEPHERD, THE STONE OF ISRAEL:)
[Genesis 49:25] EVEN BY THE GOD OF THY FATHER, WHO SHALL HELP THEE; AND BY THE ALMIGHTY, WHO SHALL BLESS THEE WITH BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN ABOVE, BLESSINGS OF THE DEEP THAT LIETH UNDER, BLESSINGS OF THE BREASTS, AND OF THE WOMB:
[Genesis 49:26] THE BLESSINGS OF THY FATHER HAVE PREVAILED ABOVE THE BLESSINGS OF MY PROGENITORS UNTO THE UTMOST BOUND OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS: THEY SHALL BE ON THE HEAD OF JOSEPH, AND ON THE CROWN OF THE HEAD OF HIM THAT WAS SEPARATE FROM HIS BRETHREN.
[Deuteronomy 33:29] HAPPY ART THOU, O ISRAEL: WHO IS LIKE UNTO THEE, O PEOPLE SAVED BY THE LORD, THE SHIELD OF THY HELP, AND WHO IS THE SWORD OF THY EXCELLENCY! AND THINE ENEMIES SHALL BE FOUND LIARS [deny their enmity out of fear] UNTO THEE; AND THOU SHALT TREAD UPON THEIR HIGH PLACES.

True patriots should study the Bible, live better lives and support Brit-Am.
At first the First Beast will have the heart of an animal and be represented by the Dragon Leviathan as seen on the flag of Wales and mentioned in Daniel as a lion with eagles wings.
Apollo was worshipped in the British Isles under the name of "Bel" or Cernunnos". Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto (Letone).
See "Brit-Am Now"-610
item #1. Summary of and Commentary on Sweeney

Stonehenge was linked with the cult of Apollo and of Lotana the mother of Apollo. Robert Graves remarked on the Cult of Lotan mother of Apollo that connected Philistia, the Nabataeans, Greece, and Britain. The Israelites had also been influenced by this cult which in its turn probably borrowed aspects from Israel. Philistines along with Phoenicians (Amos 1:6, 9 4:2) were responsible under Assyrian direction for transporting Israelites to the West, to Spain, Gaul, and probably also to the British Isles. The Philistine Center of Gaza was also known as Minoa the same as the Center in Crete. Cretan (Minoan) finds in the west (See "Brit-Am Now"-660 item#4. New Find: Bronze Age Crete-North Frisia [Northwest Germany] Connections) are those of the Philistines who together with the Phoenicians transported Israelite Exiles to the West as explained by Brit-Am. Israelites who were taken to Spain later moved further westward to Britain and Ireland. Lotan (Leviathan) is the Dragon that later became the national symbol of Wales.]

"Tradition says that Latone was born there and, for that reason, the inhabitants venerate Apollo more than any other God."

By ancient Tarsus held, or that sea-beast
Leviathan, which God of all his works
Created hugest that swim the ocean-stream.
John Milton -Paradise Lost i, 200-203

The wings will be "clipped" and a human heart received indicating repentance. The Fifth Kingdom will emerge from the First and is the Rule of the Saints who under the Messiah will replace all other rulerships.

The Second Beast represented by a bear is possibly a combination of Russia, Iran, Turkey and related nations.

The Third Beast is the "Namir" or Leopard and could be a Far Eastern contingent with four parts and include such entities as China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, India, etc.

The Fourth Beast is the Fourth Kingdom that will take over all or most of the earth. In Daniel chapter two we saw that a future "Eurabia" or combination of Europe and Islam is a possible candidate but who really knows?

We do however see that the scenario described by Daniel is clearly within a bounds of geo-political reality in our own time or within an era that may emerge shortly and be an immediate development of events taking place before our eyes at present.