Verse 2
This beast possessed qualities of three animals, perhaps swiftness, agility, vigilance, craftiness, and fierce cruelty; brutality; and strength and majesty. In Daniel, these animals represented three kingdoms that previously ruled the world. These kingdoms are Greece (Daniel 7:6), Medo-Persia (Daniel 7:5), and Babylon (Daniel 7:4). The fourth kingdom that Daniel described (Daniel 7:23) includes Antichrist’s kingdom. The kingdom the beast rules and represents seems to reflect his personal qualities.
"The fact that the leopard of Greece, the bear of Medo-Persia, and the lion of old Babylon (Daniel 7) are all seen in this Beast, shows how all-inclusive of human things will be his character; he sums up all the brilliancy (Greece), all of the massive ponderousness of power (Persia), all of the absolute autocratic royal dominion (Babylon), that the Gentiles have ever known." [Note: Newell, p. 184.]
Antichrist will derive his power and position from Satan (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Similarly Jesus Christ receives these things from His Father.
Be the first to react on this!
