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described in Rev. 13: is a composite creature, having some of the characteristics of the
lion, bear and leopard:--
"And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a
bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion" (Rev. 13: 2).
"Having seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 13: 1).
Even the seven heads are to be found in Dan. 7:; three of the beasts were
single-headed, while one had four heads, making a total of seven. The mouth speaking
blasphemy is to be found in Revelation (see 13: 5). Moreover the length of time that the
little horn continues his blasphemy in Dan. 7: 25 is said to be "a time, times, and the
dividing of times", which is exactly the period of the beast in Rev. 13:--"forty and two
months." Those needing proof of this computation will find it discussed at length in a
future article.
We do not pretend to be able to piece together all the prophetic imagery. Daniel found
much that was sealed to him, and while may sealed things are opened for us in the book
of the Revelation, it is the very nature of prophecy to veil as well as to reveal until the
time is at hand.
The Most High takes the kingdom.
Dan. 8: 9-14 is perhaps the grandest apocalyptic passage of the O.T., and is
comparable with the glorious passages of the Revelation. The destruction of the beast
and the consignment of its body to the burning flame usher in the kingdom of the Most
High. A close parallel is found in Rev. 11: 15-18:--
"And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The
kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ; and He
shall reign for ever and ever . . . . .Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power and hast
reigned . . . . . and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."
The remaining prophecies of the book of Daniel are unfoldings, in fuller detail, of the
great and dreadful events that usher in the time of the end. The interest centres in the feet
of the image, the fourth beast and especially the ten horns. These will engage our
attention as we continue our studies. We would most earnestly exhort our readers to read
and re-read the actual prophecy itself--our notes can at best be but a few fingerposts
pointing out the way.