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

Daniel 7:3-7

In Daniel 7:3-7, we encounter an incredible vision that sets the stage for one of the Bible’s most fascinating prophetic books. Picture a dramatic movie scene: four immense beasts rising out of a tumultuous sea, each one more fearsome than the last! The lion, a symbol of strength and regal authority, represents Babylon. Then comes the bear, known for its fierce, relentless nature—usually identified with the Medes and Persians, symbolizing their blunt strength.

Next, we have the leopard, quick and cunning, which is often associated with Grecian dominance under Alexander the Great, reflecting agility in conquering lands. But it’s the final monstrous beast that alarms with its ferocity and ten horns, representing a culmination of kingdoms that devils the scene—generally seen as foreshadowing the Roman Empire.

Interesting trivia: these symbols echo common motifs throughout the ancient Near Eastern literature, where chaos and beasts often signify power struggles and divine intervention. In fact, comparisons can be drawn to stories like the Epic of Gilgamesh, where monstrous beings represent challenges before achieving greatness.

Delving deeper into Daniel's vision, these beasts remind us of evolving empires and an ever-turbulent world, reflective of human history’s cycles of rise and fall. The vivid imagery and the interplay of various kingdoms couldn’t be more enticing, not only within the prose of scripture but also within the broader tapestry of our collective narrative. History has its monsters—let's watch how divinity tames chaos throughout.