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Selected Verse: Daniel 7:7 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Da 7:7	Strong Concordance	After [0870] this [01836] I saw [01934] [02370] in the night [03916] visions [02376], and behold [0718] a fourth [07244] beast [02423], dreadful [01763] and terrible [0574], and strong [08624] exceedingly [03493]; and it had great [07260] iron [06523] teeth [08128]: it devoured [0399] and brake in pieces [01855], and stamped [07512] the residue [07606] with the feet [07271] of it: and it [01932] was diverse [08133] from [04481] all [03606] the beasts [02423] that were before [06925] it; and it had ten [06236] horns [07162].
	King James	After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
As Daniel lived under the kingdom of the first beast, and therefore needed not to describe it, and as the second and third are described fully in the second part of the book, the chief emphasis falls on the fourth. Also prophecy most dwells on the end, which is the consummation of the preceding series of events. It is in the fourth that the world power manifests fully its God-opposing nature. Whereas the three former kingdoms were designated respectively, as a lion, bear, and leopard, no particular beast is specified as the image of the fourth; for Rome is so terrible as to be not describable by any one, but combines in itself all that we can imagine inexpressibly fierce in all beasts. Hence thrice (Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19, Dan 7:23) it is repeated, that the fourth was "diverse from all" the others. The formula of introduction, "I saw in the night visions," occurs here, as at Dan 7:2, and again at Dan 7:13, thus dividing the whole vision into three parts--the first embracing the three kingdoms, the second the fourth and its overthrow, the third Messiah's kingdom. The first three together take up a few centuries; the fourth, thousands of years. The whole lower half of the image in the second chapter is given to it. And whereas the other kingdoms consist of only one material, this consists of two, iron and clay (on which much stress is laid, Dan 2:41-43); the "iron teeth" here allude to one material in the fourth kingdom of the image. ten horns--It is with the crisis, rather than the course, of the fourth kingdom that this seventh chapter is mainly concerned. The ten kings (Dan 7:24, the "horns" representing power), that is, kingdoms, into which Rome was divided on its incorporation with the Germanic and Slavonic tribes, and again at the Reformation, are thought by many to be here intended. But the variation of the list of the ten, and their ignoring the eastern half of the empire altogether, and the existence of the Papacy before the breaking up of even the Western empire, instead of being the "little horn" springing up after the other ten, are against this view. The Western Roman empire continued till A.D. 731, and the Eastern, till A.D. 1453. The ten kingdoms, therefore, prefigured by the ten "toes" (Dan 2:41; compare Rev 13:1; Rev 17:12), are the ten kingdoms into which Rome shall be found finally divided when Antichrist shall appear [TREGELLES]. These, probably, are prefigured by the number ten being the prevalent one at the chief turning points of Roman history.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

As Daniel lived under the kingdom of the first beast, and therefore needed not to describe it, and as the second and third are described fully in the second part of the book, the chief emphasis falls on the fourth. Also prophecy most dwells on the end, which is the consummation of the preceding series of events. It is in the fourth that the world power manifests fully its God-opposing nature. Whereas the three former kingdoms were designated respectively, as a lion, bear, and leopard, no particular beast is specified as the image of the fourth; for Rome is so terrible as to be not describable by any one, but combines in itself all that we can imagine inexpressibly fierce in all beasts. Hence thrice (Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19, Dan 7:23) it is repeated, that the fourth was "diverse from all" the others. The formula of introduction, "I saw in the night visions," occurs here, as at Dan 7:2, and again at Dan 7:13, thus dividing the whole vision into three parts--the first embracing the three kingdoms, the second the fourth and its overthrow, the third Messiah's kingdom. The first three together take up a few centuries; the fourth, thousands of years. The whole lower half of the image in the second chapter is given to it. And whereas the other kingdoms consist of only one material, this consists of two, iron and clay (on which much stress is laid, Dan 2:41-43); the "iron teeth" here allude to one material in the fourth kingdom of the image.

ten horns--It is with the crisis, rather than the course, of the fourth kingdom that this seventh chapter is mainly concerned. The ten kings (Dan 7:24, the "horns" representing power), that is, kingdoms, into which Rome was divided on its incorporation with the Germanic and Slavonic tribes, and again at the Reformation, are thought by many to be here intended. But the variation of the list of the ten, and their ignoring the eastern half of the empire altogether, and the existence of the Papacy before the breaking up of even the Western empire, instead of being the "little horn" springing up after the other ten, are against this view. The Western Roman empire continued till A.D. 731, and the Eastern, till A.D. 1453. The ten kingdoms, therefore, prefigured by the ten "toes" (Dan 2:41; compare Rev 13:1; Rev 17:12), are the ten kingdoms into which Rome shall be found finally divided when Antichrist shall appear [TREGELLES]. These, probably, are prefigured by the number ten being the prevalent one at the chief turning points of Roman history.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
After this I saw in the night visions - The other beasts were seen also in a dream Dan 7:1, and this probably in the same night, though as a subsequent part of the dream, for the whole vision evidently passed before the prophet in a single dream. The succession, or the fact that he saw one after the other, indicates a sucession in the kingdoms. They were not to be at the same time upon the earth, but one was to arise after another in the order here indicated, though they were in some respects to occupy the same territory. The singular character of the beast that now appears; the number of the horns; the springing up of a new horn; the might and terror of the beast, and the long duration of its dominion upon the earth, attracted and fixed the attention of Daniel, led him into a more minute description of the appearance of the animal, and induced him particularly to ask an explanation of the angel of the meaning of this part of the vision, Dan 7:19. And, behold, a fourth beast - This beast had peculiar characteristics, all of which were regarded as symbolic, and all of which demand explanation in order that we may have a just view of the nature and design of the symbol. As in reference to the three former beasts, so also in regard to this, it will be proper to explain first the significance of the different parts of the symbol, and then in the exposition (Dan 7:19, following) to inquire into the application. The particulars of this symbol are more numerous, more striking, and more important than in either of the previous ones. These particulars are the following Dan 7:7-11 : (a) The animal itself Dan 5:7 : "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly." The form or nature of the beast is not given as in the preceding cases - the lion, the bear, and the leopard - but it is left for the imagination to fill up. It was a beast more terrific in its appearance than either of the others, and was evidently a monster such as could not be designated by a single name. The terms which are used here in describing the beast - "dreadful, terrible, exceedingly strong," are nearly synonymous, and are heaped together in order to give an impressive view of the terror inspired by the beast. There can be no doubt as to the general meaning of this, for it is explained Dan 7:23 as denoting a kingdom that "should devour the whole earth, and tread it down, and break it in pieces." As a symbol, it would denote some power much more fearful and much more to be dreaded; having a wider dominion; and more stern, more oppressive in its character, more severe in its exactions, and more entirely destroying the liberty of others; advancing more by power and terror, and less by art and cunning, than either. This characteristic is manifest throughout the symbol. (b) The teeth Dan 7:7 : "and it had great iron teeth." Not only teeth or tusks, such as other animals may have, but teeth made of iron. This is characteristic of a monster, and shows that there was to be something very peculiar in the dominion that was here symbolized. The teeth are of use to eat or devour; and the symbol here is that of devouring or rending - as a fierce monster with such teeth might be supposed to rend or devour all that was before it. This, too, would denote a nation exceedingly fierce; a nation of savage ferocity; a nation that would be signally formidable to all others. For illustration, compare Jer 15:12; Mic 4:13. As explained in Dan 7:23, it is said that the kingdom denoted by this would "devour the whole earth." Teeth - great teeth, are often used as the symbols of cruelty, or of a devouring enemy. Thus in Pro 30:14 : "There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth are as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." So David uses the word to denote the cruelty of tyrants: Psa 3:7, "Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly;" Psa 57:4, "whose teeth are spears and arrows;" Psa 58:6, "break their teeth in their mouth; break out the great teeth of the young lions." (c) The stamping with the feet Dan 7:7 : "it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it." That is, like a fierce monster, whatever it could not devour it stamped down and crushed in the earth. This indicates a disposition or purpose to destroy, for the sake of destroying, or where no other purpose could be gained. It denotes rage, wrath, a determination to crush all in its way, to have universal dominion; and would be applicable to a nation that subdued and crushed others for the mere sake of doing it, or because it was unwilling that any other should exist and enjoy liberty - even where itself could not hope for any advantage. (d) The fact that it was different from all that went before it Dan 7:7 : "and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it." The prophet does not specify particularly in what respects it was different, for he does not attempt to give its appearance. It was not a lion, a bear, or a leopard, but he does not say precisely what it was. Probably it was such a monster that there were no animals with which it could be compared. He states some circumstances, however, in which it was different - as in regard to the ten horns, the little horn, the iron teeth, etc., but still the imagination is left to fill up the picture in general. The meaning of this must be, that the fourth kingdom, represented by this beast, would be materially different from those which preceded it, and we must look for the fulfillment in some features that would characterize it by which it would be unlike the others. There must be something marked in the difference - something that would be more than the common difference between nations. (e) The ten horns Dan 7:7 : "and it had ten horns." That is, the prophet saw on it ten horns as characterizing the beast. The horn is a symbol of power, and is frequently so used as an emblem or symbol in Daniel Dan 7:7-8, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:24; Dan 8:3-9, Dan 8:20-22 and Revelation Rev 5:6; Rev 13:1, Rev 13:11; Rev 17:3, Rev 17:12, Rev 17:16. It is used as a symbol because the great strength of horned animals is found there. Thus in Amo 6:13, it is said: "Ye that rejoice in a thing of nought, That say, Have we not taken dominion to ourselves By our own strength?" (Heb. horns.) So in Deu 33:17 : "His beauty shall be that of a young bull, And his horns shall be the horns of a rhinoceros: With these he shall push the people to the extremities of the land: Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim, Such the thousands of Manasseh." - Wemyss. So in Kg1 22:11, we find horns used in a symbolic action on the part of the false prophet Zedekiah. "He made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them." In Zac 1:18, the four horns that are seen by the prophet are said to be the four great powers which had scattered and wasted the Jews. Compare Wemyss on the Symbolic Language of Scripture, art. "Horns." There can be no doubt as to the meaning of the symbol here, for it is explained in a subsequent part of the chapter Dan 7:24, "the ten horns are the ten kings that shall arise." It would seem also, from that explanation, that they were to be ten kings that would "arise" or spring out of that kingdom at some period of its history. "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise;" that is, not that the kingdom itself would spring out of ten others that would be amalgamated or consolidated into one, but that out of that one kingdom there would spring up ten that would exercise dominion, or in which the power of the one kingdom would be ultimately lodged. Though Daniel appears to have seen these horns as pertaining to the beast when he first saw him, yet the subsequent explanation is, that these horns were emblems of the manner in which the power of that one kingdom would be finally exerted; or that ten kings or dynasties would spring out of it. We are, then, naturally to look for the fulfillment of this in some one great kingdom of huge power that would crush the nations, and from which, while the same general characteristic would remain, there would spring up ten kings, or dynasties, or kingdoms, in which the power would be concentrated. (f) The springing up of the little horn Dan 7:8 : "I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn." There are several points to be noticed in regard to this: (1) The fact that he "considered the horns;" that is, he looked on them until another sprang up among them. This implies that when he first saw the monster, it had no such horn, and that the horn sprang up a considerable time after he first saw it - intimating that it would occur, perhaps, far on in the history of the kingdom that was symbolized. It is implied that it was not an event which would soon occur. (2) It sprang up "among" the others (ביניהן bēynēyhēn) - starting from the same source, and pertaining to the same animal, and therefore a development or putting forth of the same power. The language used here does not designate, with any degree of certainty, the precise place which it occupied, but it would seem that the others stood close together, and that this sprang out of the center, or from the very midst of them - implying that the new dominion symbolized would not be a foreign dominion, but one that would spring out of the kingdom itself, or that would seem to grow up in the kingdom. (3) It was a little horn; that is, it was small at first, though subsequently it grew so as to be emblematic of great power. This would denote that the power symbolized would be small at first - springing up gradually. The fulfillment of this would be found, neither in conquest nor in revolution, nor in a change of dynasty, nor in a sudden change of a constitution, but in some power that had an obscure origin, and that was feeble and small at the beginning, yet gradually increasing, until, by its own growth, it put aside a portion of the power before exercised and occupied its place. We should naturally look for the fulfillment of this in the increase of some power within the state that had a humble origin, and that slowly developed itself until it absorbed a considerable portion of the authority that essentially resided in the kingdom represented by the monster. (4) In the growth of that "horn," three of the others were plucked up by the roots. The proper meaning of the word used to express this (אתעקרו 'ethe‛ăqârâv) is, that they were rooted out - as a tree is overturned by the roots, or the roots are turned out from the earth. The process by which this was done seems to have been by growth. The gradual increase of the horn so crowded on the others that a portion of them was forced out, and fell. What is fairly indicated by this was not any act of violence, or any sudden convulsion or revolution, but such a gradual growth of power that a portion of the original power was removed, and this new power occupied its place. There was no revolution, properly so-called; no change of the whole dynasty, for a large portion of the horns remained, but the gradual rise of a new power that would wield a portion of that formerly wielded by others, and that would now wield the power in its place. The number three would either indicate that three parts out of the ten were absorbed in this way, or that a considerable, though an indefinite portion, was thus absorbed. (5) The eyes: "and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man." Eyes denote intelligence, as we see objects by their aid. The rims of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision were full of eyes Eze 1:18, as symbolic of intelligence. This would denote that the power here referred to would be remarkably sagacious. We should naturally look for the fulfillment of this in a power that laid its plans wisely and intelligently; that had large and clear views of policy; that was shrewd and far-seeing in its counsels and purposes; that was skilled in diplomacy; or, that was eminent for statesman-like plans. This part of the symbol, if it stood alone, would find its fulfillment in any wise and shrewd administration; as it stands here, surrounded by others, it would seem that this, as contrasted with them, was characteristically shrewd and far-seeing in its policy. Lengerke, following Jerome, supposes that this means that the object referred to would be a man, "as the eyes of men are keener and sharper than those of other animals." But the more correct interpretation is that above referred to - that it denotes intelligence, shrewdness, sagacity. (6) The mouth: "and a mouth speaking great things." A mouth indicating pride and arrogance. This is explained in Dan 7:25, as meaning that he to whom it refers would "speak great words against the Most High;" that is, would be guilty of blasphemy. There would be such arrogance, and such claims set up, and such a spirit evinced, that it would be in fact a speaking against God. We naturally look for the fulfillment of this to some haughty and blaspheming power; some power that would really blaspheme religion, and that would be opposed to its progress and prosperity in the world. The Septuagint, in the Codex Chisianus, adds here, "and shall make war against the saints;" but these words are not found in the original Chaldee. They accord, however, well with the explanation in Dan 7:25. What has been here considered embraces all that pertains properly to this symbol - the symbol of the fourth beast - except the fact stated in Dan 7:11, that the beast was slain, and that his body was given to the burning flame. The inquiry as to the fulfillment will be appropriate when we come to consider the explanation given at the request of Daniel, by the angel, in Dan 7:19-25.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

After this I saw in the night visions - The other beasts were seen also in a dream Dan 7:1, and this probably in the same night, though as a subsequent part of the dream, for the whole vision evidently passed before the prophet in a single dream. The succession, or the fact that he saw one after the other, indicates a sucession in the kingdoms. They were not to be at the same time upon the earth, but one was to arise after another in the order here indicated, though they were in some respects to occupy the same territory. The singular character of the beast that now appears; the number of the horns; the springing up of a new horn; the might and terror of the beast, and the long duration of its dominion upon the earth, attracted and fixed the attention of Daniel, led him into a more minute description of the appearance of the animal, and induced him particularly to ask an explanation of the angel of the meaning of this part of the vision, Dan 7:19.

And, behold, a fourth beast - This beast had peculiar characteristics, all of which were regarded as symbolic, and all of which demand explanation in order that we may have a just view of the nature and design of the symbol.

As in reference to the three former beasts, so also in regard to this, it will be proper to explain first the significance of the different parts of the symbol, and then in the exposition (Dan 7:19, following) to inquire into the application. The particulars of this symbol are more numerous, more striking, and more important than in either of the previous ones. These particulars are the following Dan 7:7-11 :

(a) The animal itself Dan 5:7 : "a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly." The form or nature of the beast is not given as in the preceding cases - the lion, the bear, and the leopard - but it is left for the imagination to fill up. It was a beast more terrific in its appearance than either of the others, and was evidently a monster such as could not be designated by a single name. The terms which are used here in describing the beast - "dreadful, terrible, exceedingly strong," are nearly synonymous, and are heaped together in order to give an impressive view of the terror inspired by the beast. There can be no doubt as to the general meaning of this, for it is explained Dan 7:23 as denoting a kingdom that "should devour the whole earth, and tread it down, and break it in pieces." As a symbol, it would denote some power much more fearful and much more to be dreaded; having a wider dominion; and more stern, more oppressive in its character, more severe in its exactions, and more entirely destroying the liberty of others; advancing more by power and terror, and less by art and cunning, than either. This characteristic is manifest throughout the symbol.

(b) The teeth Dan 7:7 : "and it had great iron teeth." Not only teeth or tusks, such as other animals may have, but teeth made of iron. This is characteristic of a monster, and shows that there was to be something very peculiar in the dominion that was here symbolized. The teeth are of use to eat or devour; and the symbol here is that of devouring or rending - as a fierce monster with such teeth might be supposed to rend or devour all that was before it. This, too, would denote a nation exceedingly fierce; a nation of savage ferocity; a nation that would be signally formidable to all others. For illustration, compare Jer 15:12; Mic 4:13. As explained in Dan 7:23, it is said that the kingdom denoted by this would "devour the whole earth." Teeth - great teeth, are often used as the symbols of cruelty, or of a devouring enemy. Thus in Pro 30:14 : "There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth are as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men." So David uses the word to denote the cruelty of tyrants: Psa 3:7, "Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly;" Psa 57:4, "whose teeth are spears and arrows;" Psa 58:6, "break their teeth in their mouth; break out the great teeth of the young lions."

(c) The stamping with the feet Dan 7:7 : "it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it." That is, like a fierce monster, whatever it could not devour it stamped down and crushed in the earth. This indicates a disposition or purpose to destroy, for the sake of destroying, or where no other purpose could be gained. It denotes rage, wrath, a determination to crush all in its way, to have universal dominion; and would be applicable to a nation that subdued and crushed others for the mere sake of doing it, or because it was unwilling that any other should exist and enjoy liberty - even where itself could not hope for any advantage.

(d) The fact that it was different from all that went before it Dan 7:7 : "and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it." The prophet does not specify particularly in what respects it was different, for he does not attempt to give its appearance. It was not a lion, a bear, or a leopard, but he does not say precisely what it was. Probably it was such a monster that there were no animals with which it could be compared. He states some circumstances, however, in which it was different - as in regard to the ten horns, the little horn, the iron teeth, etc., but still the imagination is left to fill up the picture in general. The meaning of this must be, that the fourth kingdom, represented by this beast, would be materially different from those which preceded it, and we must look for the fulfillment in some features that would characterize it by which it would be unlike the others. There must be something marked in the difference - something that would be more than the common difference between nations.

(e) The ten horns Dan 7:7 : "and it had ten horns." That is, the prophet saw on it ten horns as characterizing the beast. The horn is a symbol of power, and is frequently so used as an emblem or symbol in Daniel Dan 7:7-8, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:24; Dan 8:3-9, Dan 8:20-22 and Revelation Rev 5:6; Rev 13:1, Rev 13:11; Rev 17:3, Rev 17:12, Rev 17:16. It is used as a symbol because the great strength of horned animals is found there. Thus in Amo 6:13, it is said:

"Ye that rejoice in a thing of nought,

That say, Have we not taken dominion to ourselves By our own strength?"

(Heb. horns.)

So in Deu 33:17 :

"His beauty shall be that of a young bull,

And his horns shall be the horns of a rhinoceros:

With these he shall push the people to the extremities of the land:

Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim,

Such the thousands of Manasseh."

- Wemyss.

So in Kg1 22:11, we find horns used in a symbolic action on the part of the false prophet Zedekiah. "He made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith Jehovah, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them." In Zac 1:18, the four horns that are seen by the prophet are said to be the four great powers which had scattered and wasted the Jews. Compare Wemyss on the Symbolic Language of Scripture, art. "Horns." There can be no doubt as to the meaning of the symbol here, for it is explained in a subsequent part of the chapter Dan 7:24, "the ten horns are the ten kings that shall arise." It would seem also, from that explanation, that they were to be ten kings that would "arise" or spring out of that kingdom at some period of its history. "And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise;" that is, not that the kingdom itself would spring out of ten others that would be amalgamated or consolidated into one, but that out of that one kingdom there would spring up ten that would exercise dominion, or in which the power of the one kingdom would be ultimately lodged. Though Daniel appears to have seen these horns as pertaining to the beast when he first saw him, yet the subsequent explanation is, that these horns were emblems of the manner in which the power of that one kingdom would be finally exerted; or that ten kings or dynasties would spring out of it. We are, then, naturally to look for the fulfillment of this in some one great kingdom of huge power that would crush the nations, and from which, while the same general characteristic would remain, there would spring up ten kings, or dynasties, or kingdoms, in which the power would be concentrated.

(f) The springing up of the little horn Dan 7:8 : "I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn." There are several points to be noticed in regard to this:

(1) The fact that he "considered the horns;" that is, he looked on them until another sprang up among them. This implies that when he first saw the monster, it had no such horn, and that the horn sprang up a considerable time after he first saw it - intimating that it would occur, perhaps, far on in the history of the kingdom that was symbolized. It is implied that it was not an event which would soon occur.

(2) It sprang up "among" the others (ביניהן bēynēyhēn) - starting from the same source, and pertaining to the same animal, and therefore a development or putting forth of the same power. The language used here does not designate, with any degree of certainty, the precise place which it occupied, but it would seem that the others stood close together, and that this sprang out of the center, or from the very midst of them - implying that the new dominion symbolized would not be a foreign dominion, but one that would spring out of the kingdom itself, or that would seem to grow up in the kingdom.

(3) It was a little horn; that is, it was small at first, though subsequently it grew so as to be emblematic of great power. This would denote that the power symbolized would be small at first - springing up gradually. The fulfillment of this would be found, neither in conquest nor in revolution, nor in a change of dynasty, nor in a sudden change of a constitution, but in some power that had an obscure origin, and that was feeble and small at the beginning, yet gradually increasing, until, by its own growth, it put aside a portion of the power before exercised and occupied its place. We should naturally look for the fulfillment of this in the increase of some power within the state that had a humble origin, and that slowly developed itself until it absorbed a considerable portion of the authority that essentially resided in the kingdom represented by the monster.

(4) In the growth of that "horn," three of the others were plucked up by the roots. The proper meaning of the word used to express this (אתעקרו 'ethe‛ăqârâv) is, that they were rooted out - as a tree is overturned by the roots, or the roots are turned out from the earth. The process by which this was done seems to have been by growth. The gradual increase of the horn so crowded on the others that a portion of them was forced out, and fell. What is fairly indicated by this was not any act of violence, or any sudden convulsion or revolution, but such a gradual growth of power that a portion of the original power was removed, and this new power occupied its place. There was no revolution, properly so-called; no change of the whole dynasty, for a large portion of the horns remained, but the gradual rise of a new power that would wield a portion of that formerly wielded by others, and that would now wield the power in its place. The number three would either indicate that three parts out of the ten were absorbed in this way, or that a considerable, though an indefinite portion, was thus absorbed.

(5) The eyes: "and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man." Eyes denote intelligence, as we see objects by their aid. The rims of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision were full of eyes Eze 1:18, as symbolic of intelligence. This would denote that the power here referred to would be remarkably sagacious. We should naturally look for the fulfillment of this in a power that laid its plans wisely and intelligently; that had large and clear views of policy; that was shrewd and far-seeing in its counsels and purposes; that was skilled in diplomacy; or, that was eminent for statesman-like plans. This part of the symbol, if it stood alone, would find its fulfillment in any wise and shrewd administration; as it stands here, surrounded by others, it would seem that this, as contrasted with them, was characteristically shrewd and far-seeing in its policy. Lengerke, following Jerome, supposes that this means that the object referred to would be a man, "as the eyes of men are keener and sharper than those of other animals." But the more correct interpretation is that above referred to - that it denotes intelligence, shrewdness, sagacity.

(6) The mouth: "and a mouth speaking great things." A mouth indicating pride and arrogance. This is explained in Dan 7:25, as meaning that he to whom it refers would "speak great words against the Most High;" that is, would be guilty of blasphemy. There would be such arrogance, and such claims set up, and such a spirit evinced, that it would be in fact a speaking against God. We naturally look for the fulfillment of this to some haughty and blaspheming power; some power that would really blaspheme religion, and that would be opposed to its progress and prosperity in the world. The Septuagint, in the Codex Chisianus, adds here, "and shall make war against the saints;" but these words are not found in the original Chaldee. They accord, however, well with the explanation in Dan 7:25. What has been here considered embraces all that pertains properly to this symbol - the symbol of the fourth beast - except the fact stated in Dan 7:11, that the beast was slain, and that his body was given to the burning flame. The inquiry as to the fulfillment will be appropriate when we come to consider the explanation given at the request of Daniel, by the angel, in Dan 7:19-25.

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
horns A horn symbolizes a king. Compare (Rev 17:12).

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
A fourth beast - The Roman empire.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
I saw - a fourth beast - it had great iron teeth - This is allowed, on all hands, to be the Roman empire. It was dreadful, terrible, and exceeding strong: it devoured, and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue, that is, the remains of the former kingdoms, with its feet. It reduced Macedon into a Roman province about one hundred and sixty-eight years before Christ; the kingdom of Pergamos about one hundred and thirty-three years; Syria about sixty-five; and Egypt about thirty years before Christ. And, besides the remains of the Macedonian empire, it subdued many other provinces and kingdoms; so that it might, by a very usual figure, be said to devour the whole earth, to tread it down, and break it to pieces; and became in effect, what the Roman writers delight to call it, the empire of the whole world. It (the fourth beast) was diverse from all the beasts that were before it - Not only in its republican form of government, but also in power and greatness, extent of dominion, and length of duration. It had ten horns - The ten kingdoms into which the Roman empire was afterwards divided. Calmet says, ten Syrian kings: and he finds them thus: - 1. Seleucus Nicator. 2. Antiochus Soter. 3. Antiochus Theos. 4. Antiochus Callinicus. 5. Seleucus Ceraunus. 6. Antiochus the Great. 7. Seleucus, surnamed Philopater, brother of Antiochus Epiphanes. 8. Laomedon of Mitylene, to whom Syria and Phoenicia had been intrusted. 9. Antigone. And, 10. His son Demetrius, who possessed those provinces, with the title of kings. This is too much like forced work. There are different opinions concerning these ten kings; or rather which they were that constituted this division of the Roman empire. They are reckoned thus: - 1. The Roman senate. 2. The Greeks, in Ravenna. 3. The Lombards in Lombardy. 4. The Buns in Hungary. 5. The Alemans, in Germany. 6. The Franks in France. 7. The Burgundians in Burgundy. 8. The Saracens in Africa, and a part of Spain. 9. The Goths, in other parts of Spain. 10. And the Saxons, in Britain.

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¹² And [2532] the ten [1176] horns [2768] which [3739] thou sawest [1492] are [1526] ten [1176] kings [935], which [3748] have received [2983] no [3768] kingdom [932] as yet [3768]; but [235] receive [2983] power [1849] as [5613] kings [935] one [3391] hour [5610] with [3326] the beast [2342].

¹ And [2532] I stood [2476] upon [1909] the sand [285] of the sea [2281], and [2532] saw [1492] a beast [2342] rise up [305] out of [1537] the sea [2281], having [2192] seven [2033] heads [2776] and [2532] ten [1176] horns [2768], and [2532] upon [1909] his [846] horns [2768] ten [1176] crowns [1238], and [2532] upon [1909] his [846] heads [2776] the name [3686] of blasphemy [988].

²⁴ And the ten [06236] horns [07162] out of [04481] this kingdom [04437] are ten [06236] kings [04430] that shall arise [06966]: and another [0321] shall rise [06966] after [0311] them; and he shall be diverse [08133] from [04481] the first [06933], and he shall subdue [08214] three [08532] kings [04430].

⁴¹ And whereas thou sawest [02370] the feet [07271] and toes [0677], part [04481] of potters [06353]' clay [02635], and part [04481] of iron [06523], the kingdom [04437] shall be [01934] divided [06386]; but [04481] there shall be [01934] in it of [04481] the strength [05326] of the iron [06523], forasmuch as [03606] [06903] thou sawest [02370] the iron [06523] mixed [06151] with miry [02917] clay [02635].
⁴² And as the toes [0677] of the feet [07271] were part [04481] of iron [06523], and part [04481] of clay [02635], so the kingdom [04437] shall be [01934] partly [04481] [07118] strong [08624], and partly [04481] [07118] broken [08406].
⁴³ And whereas [01768] thou sawest [02370] iron [06523] mixed [06151] with miry [02917] clay [02635], they shall mingle themselves [01934] [06151] with the seed [02234] of men [0606]: but they shall [01934] not [03809] cleave [01693] one [01836] to [05974] another [01836], even [01888] as iron [06523] is not [03809] mixed [06151] with clay [02635].

¹³ I saw [01934] [02370] in the night [03916] visions [02376], and, behold [0718], one like the Son [01247] of man [0606] came [0858] with [05974] the clouds [06050] of heaven [08065], and came [04291] to [05705] the Ancient [06268] of days [03118], and they brought him near [07127] before [06925] him.

² Daniel [01841] spake [06032] and said [0560], I saw [02370] [01934] in my vision [02376] by [05974] night [03916], and, behold [0718], the four [0703] winds [07308] of the heaven [08065] strove [01519] upon the great [07229] sea [03221].

²³ Thus [03652] he said [0560], The fourth [07244] beast [02423] shall be [01934] the fourth [07244] kingdom [04437] upon earth [0772], which shall be diverse [08133] from [04481] all [03606] kingdoms [04437], and shall devour [0399] the whole [03606] earth [0772], and shall tread it down [01759], and break it in pieces [01855].

¹⁹ Then [0116] I would [06634] know the truth [03321] of [05922] the fourth [07244] beast [02423], which was [01934] diverse [08133] from [04481] all [03606] the others, exceeding [03493] dreadful [01763], whose teeth [08128] were of iron [06523], and his nails [02953] of brass [05174]; which devoured [0399], brake in pieces [01855], and stamped [07512] the residue [07606] with his feet [07271];
²⁰ And of [05922] the ten [06236] horns [07162] that were in his head [07217], and of the other [0317] which came up [05559], and before [04481] [06925] whom three [08532] fell [05308]; even of that horn [07162] that [01797] had eyes [05870], and a mouth [06433] that spake [04449] very great things [07260], whose look [02376] was more [04481] stout [07229] than [04481] his fellows [02273].
²¹ I beheld [01934] [02370], and the same [01797] horn [07162] made [05648] war [07129] with [05974] the saints [06922], and prevailed [03202] against them;
²² Until [05705] the Ancient [06268] of days [03118] came [0858] [01768], and judgment [01780] was given [03052] to the saints [06922] of the most High [05946]; and the time [02166] came [04291] that the saints [06922] possessed [02631] the kingdom [04437].
²³ Thus [03652] he said [0560], The fourth [07244] beast [02423] shall be [01934] the fourth [07244] kingdom [04437] upon earth [0772], which shall be diverse [08133] from [04481] all [03606] kingdoms [04437], and shall devour [0399] the whole [03606] earth [0772], and shall tread it down [01759], and break it in pieces [01855].
²⁴ And the ten [06236] horns [07162] out of [04481] this kingdom [04437] are ten [06236] kings [04430] that shall arise [06966]: and another [0321] shall rise [06966] after [0311] them; and he shall be diverse [08133] from [04481] the first [06933], and he shall subdue [08214] three [08532] kings [04430].
²⁵ And he shall speak [04449] great words [04406] against [06655] the most High [05943], and shall wear out [01080] the saints [06922] of the most High [05946], and think [05452] to change [08133] times [02166] and laws [01882]: and they shall be given [03052] into his hand [03028] until [05705] a time [05732] and times [05732] and the dividing [06387] of time [05732].

¹¹ I beheld [01934] [02370] then [0116] because [04481] of the voice [07032] of the great [07260] words [04406] which the horn [07162] spake [04449]: I beheld [01934] [02370] even till [05705] the beast [02423] was slain [06992], and his body [01655] destroyed [07], and given [03052] to the burning [03346] flame [0785].

²⁵ And he shall speak [04449] great words [04406] against [06655] the most High [05943], and shall wear out [01080] the saints [06922] of the most High [05946], and think [05452] to change [08133] times [02166] and laws [01882]: and they shall be given [03052] into his hand [03028] until [05705] a time [05732] and times [05732] and the dividing [06387] of time [05732].

¹⁸ As for their rings [01354], they were so high [01363] that they were dreadful [03374]; and their rings [01354] were full [04392] of eyes [05869] round about [05439] them four [0702].

⁸ I considered [01934] [07920] the horns [07162], and, behold [0431], there came up [05559] among [0997] them another [0317] little [02192] horn [07162], before [06925] [04481] whom there were three [08532] of [04481] the first [06933] horns [07162] plucked up by the roots [06132]: and, behold [0431], in this [01668] horn [07162] were eyes [05870] like the eyes [05870] of man [0606], and a mouth [06433] speaking [04449] great things [07260].

¹⁸ Then lifted I up [05375] mine eyes [05869], and saw [07200], and behold four [0702] horns [07161].

¹¹ And Zedekiah [06667] the son [01121] of Chenaanah [03668] made [06213] him horns [07161] of iron [01270]: and he said [0559], Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068], With these shalt thou push [05055] the Syrians [0758], until thou have consumed [03615] them.

¹⁷ His glory [01926] is like the firstling [01060] of his bullock [07794], and his horns [07161] are like the horns [07161] of unicorns [07214]: with them he shall push [05055] the people [05971] together [03162] to the ends [0657] of the earth [0776]: and they are the ten thousands [07233] of Ephraim [0669], and they are the thousands [0505] of Manasseh [04519].

¹³ Ye which rejoice [08056] in a thing [01697] of nought [03808], which say [0559], Have we not taken [03947] to us horns [07161] by our own strength [02392]?

¹⁶ And [2532] the ten [1176] horns [2768] which [3739] thou sawest [1492] upon [1909] the beast [2342], these [3778] shall hate [3404] the whore [4204], and [2532] shall make [4160] her [846] desolate [2049] and [2532] naked [1131], and [2532] shall eat [5315] her [846] flesh [4561], and [2532] burn [2618] her [846] with [1722] fire [4442].

³ So [2532] he carried [667] me [3165] away [667] in [1722] the spirit [4151] into [1519] the wilderness [2048]: and [2532] I saw [1492] a woman [1135] sit [2521] upon [1909] a scarlet coloured [2847] beast [2342], full of [1073] names [3686] of blasphemy [988], having [2192] seven [2033] heads [2776] and [2532] ten [1176] horns [2768].

¹¹ And [2532] I beheld [1492] another [243] beast [2342] coming up [305] out of [1537] the earth [1093]; and [2532] he had [2192] two [1417] horns [2768] like [3664] a lamb [721], and [2532] he spake [2980] as [5613] a dragon [1404].

⁶ And [2532] I beheld [1492], and [2532], lo [2400], in [1722] the midst [3319] of the throne [2362] and [2532] of the four [5064] beasts [2226], and [2532] in [1722] the midst [3319] of the elders [4245], stood [2476] a Lamb [721] as [5613] it had been slain [4969], having [2192] seven [2033] horns [2768] and [2532] seven [2033] eyes [3788], which [3739] are [1526] the seven [2033] Spirits [4151] of God [2316] sent forth [649] into [1519] all [3956] the earth [1093].

²⁰ The ram [0352] which thou sawest [07200] having [01167] two horns [07161] are the kings [04428] of Media [04074] and Persia [06539].
²¹ And the rough [08163] goat [06842] is the king [04428] of Grecia [03120]: and the great [01419] horn [07161] that is between his eyes [05869] is the first [07223] king [04428].
²² Now that being broken [07665], whereas four [0702] stood up [05975] for it, four [0702] kingdoms [04438] shall stand up [05975] out of the nation [01471], but not in his power [03581].

³ Then I lifted up [05375] mine eyes [05869], and saw [07200], and, behold, there stood [05975] before [06440] the river [0180] a [0259] ram [0352] which had two horns [07161]: and the two horns [07161] were high [01364]; but one [0259] was higher [01364] than the other [08145], and the higher [01364] came up [05927] last [0314].
⁴ I saw [07200] the ram [0352] pushing [05055] westward [03220], and northward [06828], and southward [05045]; so that no beasts [02416] might stand [05975] before [06440] him, neither was there any that could deliver [05337] out of his hand [03027]; but he did [06213] according to his will [07522], and became great [01431].
⁵ And as I was considering [0995], behold, an he [05795] goat [06842] came [0935] from the west [04628] on the face [06440] of the whole earth [0776], and touched [05060] not the ground [0776]: and the goat [06842] had a notable [02380] horn [07161] between his eyes [05869].
⁶ And he came [0935] to the ram [0352] that had [01167] two horns [07161], which I had seen [07200] standing [05975] before [06440] the river [0180], and ran [07323] unto him in the fury [02534] of his power [03581].
⁷ And I saw [07200] him come [05060] close unto [0681] the ram [0352], and he was moved with choler [04843] against him, and smote [05221] the ram [0352], and brake [07665] his two [08147] horns [07161]: and there was no power [03581] in the ram [0352] to stand [05975] before [06440] him, but he cast him down [07993] to the ground [0776], and stamped [07429] upon him: and there was none that could deliver [05337] the ram [0352] out of his hand [03027].
⁸ Therefore the he [06842] goat [05795] waxed very [03966] great [01431]: and when he was strong [06105], the great [01419] horn [07161] was broken [07665]; and for it came up [05927] four [0702] notable ones [02380] toward the four [0702] winds [07307] of heaven [08064].
⁹ And out of one [0259] of them came forth [03318] a little [04704] horn [07161], which waxed exceeding [03499] great [01431], toward the south [05045], and toward the east [04217], and toward the pleasant [06643] land.

²⁰ And of [05922] the ten [06236] horns [07162] that were in his head [07217], and of the other [0317] which came up [05559], and before [04481] [06925] whom three [08532] fell [05308]; even of that horn [07162] that [01797] had eyes [05870], and a mouth [06433] that spake [04449] very great things [07260], whose look [02376] was more [04481] stout [07229] than [04481] his fellows [02273].

⁶ Break [02040] their teeth [08127], O God [0430], in their mouth [06310]: break out [05422] the great teeth [04459] of the young lions [03715], O LORD [03068].

⁴ My soul [05315] is among [08432] lions [03833]: and I lie [07901] even among them that are set on fire [03857], even the sons [01121] of men [0120], whose teeth [08127] are spears [02595] and arrows [02671], and their tongue [03956] a sharp [02299] sword [02719].

⁷ Arise [06965], O LORD [03068]; save [03467] me, O my God [0430]: for thou hast smitten [05221] all mine enemies [0341] upon the cheek bone [03895]; thou hast broken [07665] the teeth [08127] of the ungodly [07563].

¹⁴ There is a generation [01755], whose teeth [08127] are as swords [02719], and their jaw teeth [04973] as knives [03979], to devour [0398] the poor [06041] from off the earth [0776], and the needy [034] from among men[0120].

¹³ Arise [06965] and thresh [01758], O daughter [01323] of Zion [06726]: for I will make [07760] thine horn [07161] iron [01270], and I will make [07760] thy hoofs [06541] brass [05154]: and thou shalt beat in pieces [01854] many [07227] people [05971]: and I will consecrate [02763] their gain [01215] unto the LORD [03068], and their substance [02428] unto the Lord [0113] of the whole earth [0776].

¹² Shall iron [01270] break [07489] the northern [06828] iron [01270] and the steel [05178]?

⁷ The king [04430] cried [07123] aloud [02429] to bring [05954] in the astrologers [0826], the Chaldeans [03779], and the soothsayers [01505]. And the king [04430] spake [06032], and said [0560] to the wise [02445] men of Babylon [0895], Whosoever [0606] [03606] shall read [07123] this [01836] writing [03792], and shew [02324] me the interpretation [06591] thereof, shall be clothed [03848] with scarlet [0711], and have a chain [02002] of gold [01722] about [05922] his neck [06676], and shall be the third [08523] ruler [07981] in the kingdom [04437].

⁷ After [0870] this [01836] I saw [01934] [02370] in the night [03916] visions [02376], and behold [0718] a fourth [07244] beast [02423], dreadful [01763] and terrible [0574], and strong [08624] exceedingly [03493]; and it had great [07260] iron [06523] teeth [08128]: it devoured [0399] and brake in pieces [01855], and stamped [07512] the residue [07606] with the feet [07271] of it: and it [01932] was diverse [08133] from [04481] all [03606] the beasts [02423] that were before [06925] it; and it had ten [06236] horns [07162].
⁸ I considered [01934] [07920] the horns [07162], and, behold [0431], there came up [05559] among [0997] them another [0317] little [02192] horn [07162], before [06925] [04481] whom there were three [08532] of [04481] the first [06933] horns [07162] plucked up by the roots [06132]: and, behold [0431], in this [01668] horn [07162] were eyes [05870] like the eyes [05870] of man [0606], and a mouth [06433] speaking [04449] great things [07260].
⁹ I beheld [01934] [02370] till [05705] the thrones [03764] were cast down [07412], and the Ancient [06268] of days [03118] did sit [03488], whose garment [03831] was white [02358] as snow [08517], and the hair [08177] of his head [07217] like the pure [05343] wool [06015]: his throne [03764] was like the fiery [05135] flame [07631], and his wheels [01535] as burning [01815] fire [05135].
¹⁰ A fiery [05135] stream [05103] issued [05047] and came forth [05312] from [04481] before [06925] him: thousand [0506] thousands [0506] ministered [08120] unto him, and ten thousand [07240] times ten thousand [07240] stood [06966] before [06925] him: the judgment [01780] was set [03488], and the books [05609] were opened [06606].
¹¹ I beheld [01934] [02370] then [0116] because [04481] of the voice [07032] of the great [07260] words [04406] which the horn [07162] spake [04449]: I beheld [01934] [02370] even till [05705] the beast [02423] was slain [06992], and his body [01655] destroyed [07], and given [03052] to the burning [03346] flame [0785].

¹ In the first [02298] year [08140] of Belshazzar [01113] king [04430] of Babylon [0895] Daniel [01841] had [02370] a dream [02493] and visions [02376] of his head [07217] upon [05922] his bed [04903]: then [0116] he wrote [03790] the dream [02493], and told [0560] the sum [07217] of the matters [04406].