The answer is: Lion, Bear, Leopard & Terrible beast

Daniel 7:3-7

In the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 7, we encounter a vivid and dramatic vision that emphasizes the tumultuous events of the world’s political landscape, as seen through Daniel's eyes. The four beasts he describes—the Lion with eagle's wings, the Bear with three ribs in its mouth, the Leopard with four wings and heads, and the fourth Terrible Beast—embody various kingdoms and powers. This imagery has fascinated scholars and readers alike for centuries!

Interestingly, those creatures are not mere mean monster mash-ups. Each beast helps paint a picture of the ancient empires that shaped the historical and cultural context of the time. The Lion is often thought to represent the Babylonian Empire, particularly its king, Nebuchadnezzar II, who was symbolically described as a lion in other parts of Scripture. The Bear generally symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire and its voracious appetite for expansion. The Leopard famously represents the swift conquests of the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, while the horrid fourth beast has sparked various interpretations, often connected with the Roman Empire's ferocity and might.

Fun fact: the imagery used for these empires draws parallels to other ancient writings, enhancing our understanding of how Daniel's contemporaries understood power and divine judgment! This vivid imagery is not just for spectacle; it serves to assure readers that despite the chaos of human kingdoms, there remains a higher sovereignty at work—a theme profoundly echoed through the annals of biblical literature.