Daniel Chapter 7: A New Perspective
(Part III)
by
TLD
(Part III)
by
TLD
The Four Beasts
In order to interpret this part of the dream, we need to pay careful attention to some elements of interpretation political in nature.
1). Symbolism: The unfolding political drama is presented in the form of animal characters. The nature of these diverse animals and their actions are full of symbolism. Familiarity with the natural characteristic of the four beasts — lion, bear, leopard, and the monster fourth beast — helps to understand. Understanding the metaphor and other figure of speech associated with the beasts also helps to decode the symbolism. The symbolism is to stimulate our spiritual imagination; it is intended to make us think each of the beasts in terms of some distinct political forces.
2). Extra features: We can see that none of the four beasts is presented in its natural or familiar form. For example, the lion has the wings of eagles, the leopard has four heads and four wings, the bear slouches on its side, and the fourth beast (i.e., the monster) has ten horns, etc. All these are unnatural forms. We need to suspect that these unnatural features are intended to convey some additional meaning. In that sense, as much as decoding the metaphor of each beast per se, we need to give close attention to the implied meaning of the extra features attached or attributed to the beast.
3). Sequence: The order in which the four beasts appear on the turbulent water stage is important. Which beast comes first and which other follow next are key elements in understanding the meaning of the dream-vision. The sequence gives us some clue in understanding the unfolding political drama; it would help us later to match the dream to some political event prophesied to happen in the last days.
4). Actions and fate: We need to pay close attention to the descriptions provided about the activities of the four beasts and the ultimate fate of each beast. The action or inaction of a beast gives us some valuable clue in decoding the vision and correctly applying the vision to a future political event. For example, some of the beasts like the lion are passive; things happen to them rather than them affecting others. In contrast, some other beasts like the monster are depicted in their aggressive and devouring forms. There is richness of meaning implied in each description.
The Lion
“The first beast was like a lion with eagles' wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And a human mind was given to it.” (Dan 7:4)
The first beast Daniel sees emerging from the turbulent waters is the lion. This lion is extra-ordinary; it has eagle wings. However, it loses its wings later. Something unusual also happens to it next. It is made to stand on its two feet.
Let us now carefully work our way in decoding the message implied here.
Sequencing: The political force represented by the lion appears first on the political stage. Therefore, in relation to the other three beasts we need to give the lion some priority or precedence. During the turbulent political period, the eyes of the people are first focused on the political force represented by the lion.
Symbolism: What kind of political force does the lion represent? The lion is recognized for its power and awe-inspiring majesty. It is viewed with dread and treated with respect by others.
"The most powerful, daring and impressive of all carnivorous animals, the most magnificent in aspect and awful in voice."[1] “The well-known and noble king of beasts…his majestic and dauntless aspect, his prodigious strength and agility, and his peculiar roar, make him the terror of the forests.”[2] In Proverbs 30:30, we read that the lion is strongest among beasts, and turns not away for any.
In the realm of politics, starting with the Egypt’s sphinx, the lion has been used to symbolize powerful and majestic rulers and empires. In Daniel’s vision, therefore the lion can be understood in terms of a powerful ruler such as a king or a dictator, or a dynasty with some long-standing fame. Since we do not see the lion causing havoc and destruction, or threatening anyone, we can assume the ruler or the dynasty represented by the lion is benign king or dictator.
Extra features: The lion has some unusual features; it has eagle wings. What does wings symbolize, and in particular, when they are eagle wings? Wings can signify untiring activity or ubiquitous presence. However, since these are eagle wings they an element of loftiness and majesty, and even celestial presence and connection. In this sense, then the powerful ruler is claiming some form of divinity or durability (timelessness) of the origins of his rule. Eagle wings as much as they look unnatural on the lion, similarly the ruler has made some “unnatural” additions or attributes to his name, or the origin or sine qua non of his regime.
Actions and fate: In the case of the lion, we do not see it taking any action. The lion we see here is uncharacteristically tame; it is presented as victim rather than as a victorious hero figure. Instead and surprisingly, we find the lion some actions being taken against it. This must be a lion, which has apparently lost its energy or will-to-power.
Strange things happen to the lion at the hands of others; others decide its fate. Its halo is removed; its status is degraded to a mere human level. First, they remove its “unnatural” eagle wings. Removing the wings takes time; it is a process. This means is that others, systematically and painstakingly, relieve the regime of its claimed “unnatural” attributes. Secondly, the lion is reduced to the status of a circus lion; it is made to take orders from others. Like a circus lion, this lion is made docile; it is made to easily and quickly follow instructions given by handlers. This once-up-on-a-time majestic and fearsome lion, now takes orders; it stands up and sits down at the brandishing of a whip. The lion is the shadow of its old self. Its power and glory are removed. Its halo has vanished; its status is reduced a human level.
In the way Daniel presents the four animals, the lion has come first for a reason. The lion represents the status quo ante at the start of political turbulence. The political upheaval, that ensues unfolds as a challenge to an existing powerful, majestic regime. As the political drama progresses, the lion-ruler undergoes a gradual shearing of its power and majesty. It is humbled; its loses the power struggle to others quickly without much resistance.
What is God telling us through the opening lines of the political drama? When the curtain finally lifts and God’s Kingdom is about to take over the earth, we will first see a political upheaval upending a long-established majestic dynasty. The fate of this regime will be degradation and removal. In the political struggle among the four beasts (representing diverse political-forces), the lion-power will quickly lose its power. Its political enemies will get an upper hand over it, dethrone it, and strip it off all its powers and glory. Therefore, what remains as a drama will simply be a protracted political struggle among the rest of the three beasts.
[1] Smith Bible Dictionary
[2] ATS Bible Dictionary
[to be continued]
Glory to God
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