Daniel 7:5

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

וארו חיוה אחרי תנינה דמיה לדב ולשטר חד הקמת ותלת עלעין בפמה בין שניה וכן אמרין לה קומי אכלי בשר שגיא:

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Daniel describes a vision where another beast appears, this time resembling a bear standing on one side with three ribs between its teeth. The voice tells the bear to get up and eat much flesh. This imagery represents a powerful kingdom that will conquer many nations.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're watching an animated movie where different animals represent countries. In this part, a big, strong bear shows up. It's standing on one leg and has some bones in its mouth, which means it already ate a lot. Then, another voice tells the bear to eat even more! This is how Daniel saw different kingdoms that would grow very powerful.

Historical Background

Daniel wrote this around 500 B.C.E., during the Babylonian exile of Judah. He was a high-ranking official in both the Babylonian and Persian empires. The book describes visions he had about future events, including the rise and fall of major kingdoms.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, consider this as an analogy for powerful nations or companies that dominate their markets. For example, think of how tech giants like Google or Amazon expand by acquiring smaller companies. It highlights the importance of understanding power dynamics in today's world.

Topics

• prophecy
• kingdoms
• power dynamics
• visions
• animals as symbols
• conquest

Related Verses

• Daniel 7:19-25
• Revelation 13:1-10
• Ezekiel 38:1-16
• Isaiah 41:1-7
• Matthew 24:3-8

Recommended Reading

Commentary Daniel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the bear symbolize in Daniel 7:5?

The bear likely represents a powerful kingdom or nation that has already conquered several territories, indicated by the ribs in its mouth. The instruction to 'devour much flesh' suggests further expansion and dominance over other regions.

What is the significance of standing on one side?

Standing on one side may indicate a partial or uneven rise in power, possibly pointing to an imbalance in how this kingdom operates or extends its influence.

How do we apply Daniel 7:5's message today?

Today, the principle of strong entities dominating others can be seen across business mergers and acquisitions. Understanding these dynamics helps us navigate both personal and professional relationships with wisdom and caution.

What historical events does this verse likely predict?

Scholars often interpret this bear as representing the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded Babylon and expanded its territory significantly after Daniel's vision. The specific kingdoms can vary based on interpretation but generally refer to significant empires throughout history.