In the first part of the Daniel 7 study we looked at the overview of the vision Daniel was given concerning the dominant nations that would be present on earth when Jesus returns to rule over all nations.
We also discussed the big misconception about the beasts of Daniel 7 and how there is no way they could represent Babylon, Media/Persia, Greece, and Rome.
In Part 2 of this series, we will examine the lion with eagle’s wings, and the bear. There are two things I want to discuss concerning these two beasts/nations:
- The nations these two beasts most likely represent
- The reasons why I think the nations I mention are the correct ones
Before we dive into the identities of the beasts, I think it will be helpful to give you an overall profile of these nations that can be created from Daniel 7
Quick Profile of the Beasts From Daniel
The nations will be dominant world powers (derived from Daniel 7:7 & 12)
These nations will all be upon the earth and dominant when Jesus returns (Daniel 7:9-14)
The nations represented in Daniel’s vision are all different from one another (Daniel 7:3)
The Lion With Eagle’s Wings
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. Daniel 7:4
Using our profile, we can deduce that the Lion represents a nation that is a world power during the end time. In other words, it is a nation that is on earth right now!
I think we can all agree we are the end time generation Jesus spoke of in the Olivet discourse. So, do you know of any world powers in our world right now that is represented by a lion?
Here is who I think it is: Great Britain
Take a look at this national symbol from Great Britain:
Isn’t it insane that the prevailing symbol for Great Britain is a lion standing on two feet?! Just like Daniel described in verse four.
Great Britain was at it’s peak just after World War 1. According to Historyextra.com, the British empire covered nearly a quarter of the Earth’s land surface and encompassed a similar proportion of global population, more than 500 million.
No wonder it is said of Great Britain that it is the empire on which the sun never sets.
Right now it looks like Great Britain is in a decline, but they are still one of the wealthiest nations on earth.
According to Investopedia.com, the UK has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.83 trillion (2019) and a population of more than 66 million. The United Kingdom has the sixth-largest economy after the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, and India.
Great Britain is also an important player in the NATO alliance and is one of five countries that has veto power within the United Nations.
It is the only major country that has gone nearly 1000 years without being invaded or occupied by another world power.
I really think the video below does a great job explaining just how influential and powerful Great Britain has been for many centuries.What About The Eagle’s Wings?
To understand the eagle’s wings being plucked from the lion, we need to take a look at a very significant event that took place in 1776…
By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence.
By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to confirm an official alliance with the Government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain.
History.State.gov
It is amazing Daniel saw a vision of the birth of the United States with the eagle’s wings being plucked from the lion with the signing of the declaration of independence.
Once the Revolutionary War wrapped up with the surrender of the British in 1781, the United States had their independence.
Currently the US is one of the most powerful nations in the world, even though they are declining with the election of Joe Biden and are on the verge of an economic collapse.
The Bear – 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.
Which dominant country is currently with us that is represented by a bear?
I believe the bear is best represented by Russia.
According to a Wikipedia article, The Russian Bear is a widespread symbol for Russia, used in cartoons, articles, and dramatic plays since as early as the 16th century.
Even though Russia collapsed in late 1991 (known as he Soviet Union then), it is on the rise right now.
Russia is considered the third most powerful country in the world only behind the US and China at the moment.
Russia is also feverishly working to upgrade their military power and is currently ranked second in the world for military strength.
Right now, tensions are rising between Ukraine and Russia. Putin has been moving military forces to the Ukraine border, which is causing Ukraine to react by calling on NATO to aid them.
With their alliance with China and Iran, Russia is definitely a global power that isn’t going anywhere. They are, without question, the best candidate for the country that represents the bear in Daniel 7.
Apart from it’s dominance, Russia also fulfills the rest of verse five of Daniel.
It Raised Up Itself On One Side
Russia’s population is heavily concentrated to the west side of Russia, which is the side closest to the European countries.
Take a look at the population map below
This is why the bear is raised up on side. One side of Russia is densely populated while the other side is not.
It Had Three Ribs In Its Mouth
One theory is the three ribs represent three countries that Russia will overtake. These three countries could be the Ukraine and two other countries Putin has an interest in controlling.
Another theory is the ribs represent countries that will be influenced by Russia to march on Israel fulfilling the Ezekiel 38 Gog/Magog prophecy.
A third theory, which I find very interesting, was put forth by Ken Raggio. I think this theory is really well thought out and definitely deserves to be considered. Below is a screen shot of his article discussing this portion of the Daniel 7 prophecy.
The three ribs represent the three nations who met at the 1945 Yalta Conference, which resulted in most of the Eastern Block becoming part of Russia.
Wrapping Up For Now
In the first two beasts we discovered the identity of three nations that are dominant powers right now. It’s amazing how well Great Britain, the United States, and Russia match up to the lion with eagle’s wings and the bear.
In the next article in this series we will explore the identities of the leopard and the ten horned beast.
Good Teaching.. I need the third and fourth beast pdf. Thank you for the good work.
Im glad you enjoyed the article! I believe I posted all the parts of Daniel 7, but I’ll double check to make sure. If not I’ll let you know once it’s posted. God bless!