Daniel 7:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!'

Berean Standard Bible

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!’

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:5 describes the second of four symbolic beasts in Daniel's night vision, portraying a formidable world empire that would succeed Babylon. This beast, resembling a bear, is depicted as having one side raised higher than the other and holding three ribs in its mouth, signifying its unique character, the dominance of one of its constituent parts, and its significant conquests. The command to "Arise, devour much flesh" further emphasizes its predatory and expansive nature, foreshadowing its historical role in global dominance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Daniel's apocalyptic vision in [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of the Four Beasts"), which parallels and expands upon the dream of Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"). Following the first beast, a lion with eagle's wings representing Babylon ([Daniel 7:4](/daniel/7-4 "Daniel 7:4 - The First Beast")), the description of the bear beast in [Daniel 7:5](/daniel/7-5 "Daniel 7:5 - The Second Beast") introduces the subsequent world power. The progression of these beasts from the sea, a common biblical symbol for chaotic human nations ([Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - Waters as Peoples and Nations")), underscores the continuity of prophetic revelation regarding the succession of empires that would dominate the ancient Near East, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man and His Everlasting Dominion")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's vision takes place during the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were subject to foreign rule. The imagery of powerful beasts emerging from the sea would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern iconography, where animals often symbolized nations or kings. The specific characteristics of the bear beast are widely interpreted as prophesying the rise of the Medo-Persian Empire, which historically conquered Babylon. The Medo-Persian Empire was a dual monarchy, initially a confederation of Media and Persia, with Persia eventually becoming the dominant partner. This empire was renowned for its vast territorial expansion, conquering numerous kingdoms and establishing a dominion that stretched from India to Ethiopia, characterized by significant military campaigns and the assimilation of conquered peoples.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - God's Sovereignty Over Empires") contributes significantly to the overarching themes of God's **sovereignty over human history** and the **transience of earthly kingdoms**. The detailed descriptions of the beasts emphasize that the rise and fall of even the mightiest empires are not random but are part of a divine plan. This vision also introduces the crucial theme of the **ultimate triumph of God's kingdom**, which will supersede all earthly powers and endure forever ([Daniel 7:27](/daniel/7-27 "Daniel 7:27 - The Kingdom of the Saints")). The predatory nature of the beasts, particularly the command to "devour much flesh," highlights the **brutality and destructive capacity of human power** when unchecked by divine principles, contrasting sharply with the righteous and peaceful reign of the "Son of Man" later described in the chapter ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bear (Aramaic, _dôb'_):** This term (H1678) directly refers to the animal bear. In prophetic symbolism, the bear often denotes a powerful, destructive force, characterized by its great strength, ferocity, and often its slow but relentless advance. Unlike the lion's swiftness or the leopard's cunning, the bear suggests a lumbering, overwhelming power that crushes its opposition, aptly describing the Medo-Persian Empire's method of conquest.
* **ribs (Aramaic, _ʻălaʻ'_):** The Aramaic word (H5967) specifically means "a rib." In this context, the three ribs held in the bear's mouth are highly symbolic. They are generally interpreted as representing specific, significant conquests or "devoured" entities, indicating the empire's aggressive expansion and absorption of other kingdoms, crucial for its growth and strategic importance.
* **devour (Aramaic, _ʼăkal'_):** This Aramaic verb (H399) means "to eat," "consume," or "destroy," both literally and figuratively. When applied to an empire, it vividly portrays its aggressive military campaigns, subjugation of peoples, and appropriation of resources, emphasizing a predatory and comprehensive conquest that leaves little behind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear":** Following the first beast (Babylon), this clause introduces the next major world power in Daniel's prophetic succession. The resemblance to a "bear" immediately conveys a sense of immense strength, ferocity, and perhaps a less agile but equally destructive nature, distinct from the lion-like qualities of the previous empire.
* **"and it raised up itself on one side":** This detail is highly significant. It indicates an imbalance or disproportion within the empire itself. Historically, this is understood to represent the Medo-Persian Empire, where Persia (the "raised up" side) eventually became far more dominant and powerful than Media, even though the empire was a dual entity.
* **"and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it":** The presence of "three ribs" in its mouth suggests specific, major conquests or territories that this empire would "devour" or absorb. These ribs are not yet consumed but are held firmly, signifying recent, significant, and strategic acquisitions that bolstered the empire's power and expansion. Common interpretations include Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt, which were pivotal conquests for the Medo-Persian Empire.
* **"and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh":** This command, possibly from a divine or angelic source, or representing the inherent nature and destiny of the empire itself, underscores its insatiable appetite for conquest and expansion. "Devour much flesh" vividly portrays its extensive military campaigns, its subjugation of vast populations, and its appropriation of resources, highlighting its predatory and destructive character on a grand scale.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:5 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the "bear" represents a specific world empire (Medo-Persia), and the "three ribs" symbolize its key conquests. The act of being "raised up on one side" is a symbolic representation of the disproportionate power between Media and Persia. The phrase "devour much flesh" uses **Metaphor** to describe the empire's aggressive military expansion and subjugation of peoples, likening it to a predatory animal consuming its prey. The entire vision employs **Apocalyptic Imagery**, characterized by vivid, often grotesque, animal figures to convey profound theological truths about the nature of human power and divine sovereignty. The **Anthropomorphism** of the beast being "told" to "Arise, devour" suggests a directed, purposeful, albeit destructive, role within God's overarching plan for history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The depiction of the bear beast, like the other creatures in Daniel's vision, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous **sovereignty over the course of human history**. Even the rise of powerful, predatory empires is not outside of divine knowledge or control; rather, they serve as instruments or stages within God's larger redemptive plan. This truth offers immense comfort to believers, reminding them that no earthly power, however formidable or destructive, can ultimately thwart the divine purposes. It emphasizes that worldly kingdoms are temporary and characterized by conquest and violence, standing in stark contrast to the eternal, peaceful, and righteous kingdom that God will establish.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23 "God Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:5, with its vivid imagery of a powerful, devouring beast, serves as a potent reminder of the nature of human power when untempered by divine wisdom and justice. Empires, throughout history, often rise through conquest and maintain their dominion through force, consuming resources and subjugating peoples. For us today, this vision prompts a critical examination of where we place our trust and hope. Do we rely on the fleeting strength of human institutions, or do we anchor our faith in the eternal, unchanging kingdom of God? It challenges us to recognize the temporary nature of all earthly systems and to align our lives with the values of God's kingdom—justice, righteousness, peace, and love—rather than the predatory instincts of worldly powers. It also encourages resilience and hope, knowing that even in times of great geopolitical upheaval, God remains on the throne, orchestrating history toward His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the bear beast challenge our understanding of power and dominion in the world today?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to "devour much flesh" (i.e., seek power, control, or gain at the expense of others)?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty over all empires impact our prayers and actions regarding current global events?**
* **What practical steps can we take to live as citizens of God's eternal kingdom, rather than being conformed to the patterns of temporary earthly kingdoms?**

### FAQ
**What does the "bear" symbolize in Daniel 7:5?**

Answer: The "bear" in Daniel 7:5 is widely interpreted by biblical scholars as symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire. This empire succeeded Babylon as the dominant world power. The characteristics of a bear—its immense strength, ferocity, and often its slow but relentless advance—aptly describe the nature of this powerful empire, which was known for its overwhelming military might and extensive conquests.

**What do the "three ribs" in the bear's mouth represent?**

Answer: The "three ribs" are symbolic of three significant conquests or territories that the Medo-Persian Empire "devoured" or brought under its control. While specific interpretations vary, common suggestions for these pivotal conquests include Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt. These were crucial acquisitions that greatly expanded the empire's territory, wealth, and strategic influence, solidifying its position as a dominant force.

**What is the meaning of the bear being "raised up on one side"?**

Answer: The detail that the bear was "raised up on one side" signifies an imbalance of power within the Medo-Persian Empire. Historically, this points to the fact that while the empire was a dual kingdom composed of Media and Persia, Persia eventually became significantly more powerful and prominent than Media. This prophecy accurately reflects the historical reality where Persian influence and military might eclipsed that of Media.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 7:5 primarily describes a historical empire, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast it presents between the temporary, predatory nature of earthly kingdoms and the eternal, righteous reign of Jesus Christ. The bear, like the other beasts, embodies the fallen, violent, and self-serving character of human dominion, which seeks to "devour much flesh" through conquest and subjugation. This stands in direct opposition to the kingdom of God, which is inaugurated and perfectly embodied in Christ. Jesus, the true "Son of Man" ([Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with Clouds")), does not come to devour but to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His kingdom is not established by military might or forced subjugation but by sacrificial love, spiritual transformation, and the peaceful reign of righteousness ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). The fleeting power of the bear beast, destined to pass away, ultimately points to the everlasting dominion of Christ, whose kingdom "shall not be destroyed" ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - His Dominion is an Everlasting Dominion")) and which will ultimately fill the whole earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Daniel's vision, by vividly portraying the limitations and destructive tendencies of human power, magnifies the glory and eternal supremacy of Christ's redemptive reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.