Last updated on February 1, 2025

The Fourth Kingdom Of Daniel And The Beast Of Revelation

King Nebuchadnezzar’s “statue dream” and the prophet Daniel’s vision of the “four beasts” are parallel prophecies, both foretelling the rise of four earthly kingdoms. Moreover, the “fourth kingdom” in these visions is directly connected to the Apostle John’s vision in the Book of Revelation. The “beast that came out of the sea” in Revelation corresponds to the “fourth kingdom” described in Daniel chapters two and seven.

Now, let us delve deeper into the meaning of the “fourth kingdom or “the beast”, drawing from our previous studies to uncover its true symbolism.

The Vision Of The Fourth Beast

Daniel 7:7 “After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying— dreadful and extremely strong— with ‘large iron teeth’. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and ‘it had ten horns'”. 

Let’s take notes of the symbology of “The Beast” starting from the verse above. In this vision of the prophet Daniel, we’ve been given symbols that identify the characteristics of the Beast. Most notably the “large iron teeth” and “10 horns“.

We are given more information about this “fourth beast” in the book of Revelation chapter 13.

The Beast Of Revelation 13

Revelation 13:1-2 Then I saw a beast with “ten horns” and “seven heads” rising out of the sea. There were “ten royal crowns” on its horns and “blasphemous names on its heads”. The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.

The preceding verses offer further insight into the characteristics of “The Beast,” or the “fourth kingdom.” It is described as having seven heads and ten horns, each adorned with a royal crown. Additionally, its appearance combines features of a leopard, with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. The dragon grants all its power and authority to The Beast.

Now, let’s build on our previous studies to interpret the symbolism in Revelation 13 regarding this fourth kingdom. Starting with the animal imagery, we see that the fourth beast embodies a blend of traits from the first three kingdoms—represented by the lion, the bear, and the leopard. These animals symbolize the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, corresponding to theocratic, authoritarian, and democratic systems of governance, respectively.

The Leopard

According to Revelation 13:2, this system will appear to be a “democracy” since the “leopard” in this vision represents Greece, which symbolizes democracy. In Daniel’s vision of the “four kingdoms” and King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream, Greece is identified as the third kingdom that will rule the world.

The Bear

The Beast has “feet like a bear,” symbolizing Medo-Persia, which represents authoritarianism. As the second kingdom to rule the earth, Medo-Persia’s influence suggests that this system, though appearing as a democracy, will govern with authoritarian control.

In Daniel’s vision, the bear has two sides, representing absolute monarchy and communism. The prophecy states that the bear is “raised up” on one side, but which side it favors remains to be seen. We will explore this further when we discuss the “little horn” in a future study.

The Lion

The Beast system will possess the “mouth of a lion,” with the lion symbolizing Babylon in this prophecy. Babylon, as the first kingdom to rule the earth according to the Prophet Daniel, represents a theocratic entity, where the leader holds both religious and political power. The Beast will incorporate a Babylon-like structure within its government, serving as the mouthpiece of the system and dictating the laws of the land—hence, it has the “mouth of a lion.”

It is important to note that the “lion” will eventually be given a “spirit.” While we have not discussed this point in previous episodes, this “spirit” is represented by the “heart” given to the lion in Daniel’s vision of the four beasts. We will explore this “spirit” in more detail in future posts.

The Dragon

Revelation 13:2 …”And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority…”

The dragon symbolizes the devil, representing one of his evil spirits and embodying his “great pride.” This “dragon,” or the spirit of great pride, gives all its power to the Beast. In essence, the devil’s pride is transferred to the Beast.

Revelation 13:4 “People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

Iron Teeth & Bronze Claws

Moreover, the following verse provides us with additional information about this Beast:

Daniel 7:19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others— extremely terrifying— devouring and crushing with iron teeth and bronze claws, then trampling underfoot whatever was left. 

As stated in the verse above, the fourth beast, or the fourth kingdom, also referred to as “The Beast,” will have “iron teeth” and “bronze claws.”

The “iron teeth” are typically interpreted as symbolizing military strength. This system will possess a powerful arsenal, capable of exerting considerable military force. Furthermore, the “iron” imagery may suggest that this system could use its military power to impose greater control over its population.

“The ‘bronze claws’ symbolize the system’s invasive and predatory nature, extending its reach and targeting its prey through democratic processes and principles. This interpretation aligns with the symbolism of ‘bronze’ in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a ‘statue,’ which represents the kingdom of Greece, the third kingdom, associated with democracy.”

The 10 Horns and The 7 Heads

We will cover in separate posts the 10 horns and the 7 heads symbols so we can give you a more detailed explanation about them, God willing. As far as we understand, the 10 kings of The Beast are not yet here in their “Beast” forms. But God gave us plenty of signs to watch out for so that we may know when the Beast is about to manifest. Please read the previous post I wrote about the signs we need to look out for by clicking this link.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “fourth beast” in the prophet Daniel’s vision of the four beasts, along with the “legs of iron and feet of iron and clay” in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue, prophesy the rise of the fourth kingdom that will rule the earth. This fourth kingdom also has a parallel prophecy in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John’s vision of “The Beast” that emerged from the sea in Revelation chapter thirteen also refers to this “fourth kingdom.”

That’s all for now, my friends. We will continue to explore this fourth kingdom, also known as “The Beast,” in future posts, God willing. Until next time, may God bless you!