What did these four beasts represent?
Answer
"These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth." Verse 17.
NOTE - The word "kings" here, as in Dan. 2: 44, denotes kingdoms, as explained in verses 23 and
24 of the seventh chapter, the two words being used interchangeably in this prophecy.
Under the symbol of the great image of the second chapter of Daniel, is given the mere political
outline of the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, preceding the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. In
the seventh chapter, earthly governments are represented as viewed in the light of heaven-under the
symbols of wild and ferocious beasts-the last, in particular, oppressing and persecuting the saints of the
Most High. Hence the change in the symbols used to represent these kingdoms.
16. How did Christ reprove those who, though familiar with the letter of the Scriptures, failed to understand them?
Is there a limit to the strivings of God's Spirit?
How is the true God distinguished from all false gods?
And how may we know that we love the brethren?
In what condition was the world before the Flood?
What does the Sabbath commandment require?
How, then, did the Lord prove the people (verse 4) whether they would keep His law, or not?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle