John Calvin Commentary Daniel 7:5

"And, behold, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." — Daniel 7:5 (ASV)

Here the Prophet proclaims how he was instructed by a dream concerning the second beast. If we judge only by the event, this beast undoubtedly represented the kingdom of the Medes and Persians, although the Prophet specifies the Persians, as the Medes had long ago submitted to their yoke.

Behold, says he, another beast like a bear. We know a bear to be a base and foul animal, slothful and inert, as well as cruel. In comparing the bear with the lion, its appearance is foul and displeasing, while the lion is remarkable for beauty, although it is formidable.

He compares the Persians to a bear, on account of their barbarity, since we have already pronounced that nation fierce and savage. Then, again, the Persians were not civilized like the Assyrians and Chaldeans, who lived in the most beautiful region in the whole world, and in a most lovely country like a most noble theater; but the Persians lay hidden like wild beasts in their caves.

They lived among their mountains, and lived like brutes. Hence the Prophet compares them very fittingly to a bear; indeed, God showed this form to His prophet. He afterwards adds, It stood on one side. Some think this was added to express the more contracted dominion of the Medes and Persians, but this opinion is unsuitable.

We know how extensive the dominion of the Medes was before they came under the power of Cyrus and the Persians. By themselves, the Medes were most powerful; then the Persians were added, and afterwards Cyrus seized the possessions of the Chaldean monarchy. He possessed even the keys of Egypt, reigned in Syria, held Judea, and extended beyond the sea, until at length he was conquered by the Scythians.

When, therefore, it is said, he stood on one side, the obscure origin of this kingdom is intended, for the fame of the Persians was confined within their mountains until Cyrus acquired a name for them by his achievements. For he was a brave warrior, and deservedly eclipsed the glory of all others. Hence, at first this beast stood on one side; that is, the Persians were without fame or reputation, they had no wealth, and never emerged from their lurking places. We see how this particular detail is restricted to their origin due to its obscurity.

The Prophet then adds: Three ribs were in the beast’s mouth between its teeth; and it was thus proclaimed, Arise, eat much flesh! Those who interpret the three ribs as three definite kingdoms seem to refine things far too minutely. I think the number is indefinite, because this beast had bitten with its mouth not one rib but more; because the Persians, as we have said, drew to themselves the power of the Medes, and afterwards subdued the Assyrians and Chaldeans, and Cyrus also subdued many nations, until all Asia Minor acknowledged his authority.

When, therefore, the Prophet speaks of three ribs, it implies the insatiable nature of this beast, since it was not content with a single body, but devoured many men together. For, by many ribs, he meant much prey. This is the whole sense. I do not hesitate to explain the following words, it was said to the beast, as referring to angels, or to God Himself.

Some prefer to understand this as the stimulus by which Cyrus was instigated to cruelty. But since God shows His prophet the image of His Providence, what I have recently suggested becomes very probable: namely, it was said to the beast, Arise, eat much flesh; not because God was the author of cruelty, but because He governs by His secret counsel the events that men carry on without method, His authority is here deservedly placed before our eyes. For Cyrus would not have penetrated so swiftly into different regions, drawn to himself so many empires, and subjugated so many powerful nations, if God had not wished to punish the world and had not made Cyrus the instrument of slaughter. Therefore, as Cyrus executed God’s vengeance by shedding so much human blood, the Prophet declares it was said to him, Arise, and eat flesh.

In one respect, God was not pleased by the slaughter of so many nations by Cyrus, nor by the increase of one man’s power and tyranny through so much human bloodshed; but in another respect, God is said to have commanded the conduct of Cyrus, since He wished to punish the world for its ingratitude, to which the most desperate obstinacy and rebellion were added. There was no remedy for these vices; hence, God entrusted Cyrus with the duty of executing His judgment. I am compelled to stop here.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, since You expose us to various distresses in this world to exercise our faith and patience; grant, I say, that we may remain tranquil in our station, through reliance on Your promises; when storms gather around us on all sides, may we never fall away and never despair, but persevere in our calling; whatever may happen, may we recognize You as carrying on the government of the world, not only to punish the ingratitude of the reprobate, but also to retain Your own people in Your faith and protection, and preserve them to the end; may we bear patiently whatever changes may happen to us, and may we never be disturbed or distressed in our minds, until at length we are gathered into that happy rest, where we shall be free from all warfare and all contests, and enjoy that eternal blessedness which You have prepared for us in Your only begotten Son. — Amen.