First we have shown that the colossus of Dan. 2: is sixfold; Babylon, Persia, Greece,

Rome, Turkey, and the League issuing in the ten kings. Further, the kingdoms of

Dan. 2: are contemporaneous, for in Dan. 7: 12 the rest of the beasts, while losing

their dominion, are granted a prolongation of their lives. This would be impossible of

interpretation if these four beasts represented the four kingdoms extending over centuries

and succeeding one another. While this is true, we must at the same time avoid missing

what has been called the "germinant", as well as the "terminant" fulfillment.  For

example, the ram and he-goat of Dan. 8:, while primarily referring to "the last end of

the indignation" (8: 19) are nevertheless foreshadowed by the nearer history of

Alexander the Great.

Surveying these four beasts as historic anticipations of future literal kings, where must

we place them in relation to the kingdoms of Dan. 2:? Some say that the first beast,

which was like a lion, represents the first kingdom, Babylon, and the fourth indescribable

monster, Rome. This, however, cannot be true, for it introduces contradiction into the

narrative. Daniel saw this vision when Babylon's last king was in his first year; and

Medo-Persia was at this time almost as great in extent as Babylon. Thus neither Babylon

nor Medo-Persia could be included in "four kings which shall arise" (7: 17), for at the

time of the prophecy they were all future. The first must therefore represent Greece,

the second Rome, the third Turkey, and the fourth the Satanic monster together with the

ten kings (for it bears ten horns, 7: 24), which are found at the end and described in

Rev. 13:

The relation of Dan. 2: with Dan. 7: can be set out thus:--

There is a fitness about these symbolic animals.  Alexander in thirteen years

conquered the world; he moved with great rapidity and could well be likened to a lion

with wings. The complete description may not be true of Alexander, but will fully fit the

king who is yet to arise. Rome was ponderous and slow. It was the great road-maker. It

is sheer guesswork to attempt to interpret the meaning of the three ribs--they may stand

for Babylon, Persia and Greece in the historic foreshadowing, but they await fulfillment

in their own time, when the meaning will be obvious to all believers. The cruelty of the

leopard may aptly symbolize the character of the Turkish power that succeeded Rome.

We leave this conjecture with the reader for what it is worth, and pass on to consider the

real and full interpretation of the vision. It is evident that the chief interest is focused

upon the fourth beast.