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.

And behold {H718} another {H317} beast {H2423}, a second {H8578}, like {H1821} to a bear {H1678}, and it raised up {H6966} itself on one {H2298} side {H7859}, and it had three {H8532} ribs {H5967} in the mouth {H6433} of it between {H997} the teeth {H8128} of it: and they said {H560} thus {H3652} unto it, Arise {H6966}, devour {H399} much {H7690} flesh {H1321}.

Then there was another animal, a second one, like a bear. It raised itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up, and gorge yourself with flesh!'

Suddenly another beast appeared, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. So it was told, ‘Get up and gorge yourself on flesh!’

And, behold, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

Commentary

Daniel 7:5 describes the second of four symbolic beasts in Daniel's prophetic vision, which represents a significant world empire that would rise after Babylon.

Context

This verse is part of a grand prophetic vision recorded in Daniel chapter 7, where the prophet sees four distinct beasts emerging from the sea. These beasts are widely interpreted by scholars as representing a succession of major world empires. Following the first beast, described as a lion with eagle's wings (Daniel 7:4), this second beast provides details about the empire that would succeed it in global dominance.

Key Themes and Symbolism

  • The Bear: The beast "like to a bear" is almost universally understood to symbolize the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear's characteristics—its great strength, ferocity, and often its slow but relentless advance—aptly describe the nature of this powerful empire.
  • Raised Up on One Side: This specific detail points to the historical reality that while the Medo-Persian Empire was a dual kingdom (Media and Persia), one part became significantly more powerful. Persia eventually eclipsed Media in prominence and power, reflecting the "raised up" side.
  • Three Ribs in its Mouth: The "three ribs" are a potent symbol, generally interpreted as representing three major conquests or territories that the Medo-Persian Empire devoured. Common interpretations suggest these were crucial kingdoms subdued in its expansion, such as Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt. These conquests were vital for the empire's vastness and strategic importance.
  • "Arise, devour much flesh": This command or declaration underscores the predatory and expansive nature of this empire. The Medo-Persian Empire was indeed renowned for its extensive military campaigns and the vast territories it brought under its dominion, often characterized by significant conquest and assimilation of conquered peoples.

Historical Interpretation

The historical rise of the Medo-Persian Empire accurately fulfilled this prophecy. It famously conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire (represented by the first beast) and expanded into a dominion stretching from India to Ethiopia. This historical accuracy reinforces the reliability of Daniel's prophetic visions, which also parallel the image of the statue in Daniel 2:32, where the chest and arms of silver similarly represent the Medo-Persian Empire.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "devour much flesh" vividly conveys the brutal and comprehensive nature of the empire's conquests. The underlying Aramaic word for "devour" (אֲכַל - 'akhal) implies consuming, eating, or destroying, underscoring the aggressive expansion and subjugation characteristic of ancient empires.

Practical Application and Reflection

Daniel's vision in chapter 7, including the depiction of the bear beast, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all human history. The rise and fall of even the mightiest empires are not random events but unfold according to a divine plan. This truth offers comfort and assurance that ultimate authority rests not with temporary earthly powers, but with the Almighty. It reminds believers that worldly kingdoms are fleeting and ultimately subject to the eternal kingdom of God, which is highlighted later in this chapter (Daniel 7:14).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 2:39

    And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

  • Isaiah 56:9

    ¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest.

  • Daniel 11:2

    And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

  • Ezekiel 39:17

    And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

  • Ezekiel 39:20

    Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.

  • 2 Kings 2:24

    And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

  • Isaiah 13:17

    Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver; and [as for] gold, they shall not delight in it.
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