The four beasts arising out of the sea represent four kings ( Daniel 7:17). They personify the nations over which they rule, as becomes clear in the following revelation. They are anomalies, as are the other characters presented, and their abnormalities have significance. [source][source][source]
"The monarchy vision of Nebuchadnezzar (ch2) covers the same order of fulfillment as Daniel"s beast vision, but with this difference: Nebuchadnezzar saw the imposing outward power and splendor of "the times of the Gentiles" ( Luke 21; Luke 24; cp. Revelation 16:19 ...), whereas Daniel saw the true character of Gentile world government as rapacious and warlike, established and maintained by force. It is remarkable that the heraldic insignia of the Gentile nations are all beasts or birds of prey." [1][source]
Context Summary
Daniel 7:1-14 - God's Everlasting Dominion
This chapter enumerates the succession of world-empires and rulers which bridge the gulf of centuries from the Captivity to the Second Advent. The lion represents Babylon, whose cruel and mighty kingdom was animated by marvelous intelligence; the bear, Persia; the leopard, Greece under Alexander the Great; and the fourth beast, with great iron teeth, Rome. The ten horns are ten kings, and these probably represent great European kingdoms which have succeeded, or may yet succeed, to the heritage of the Roman empire. The Ancient of Days is sitting today upon His throne, His snow-white raiment betokening His purity, the fire of His throne bespeaking His antagonism to all things that offend and work iniquity. The government of the world is on shoulders which are well able to carry it, and He will cause all things to work out His purpose, which is to promote and assure the glory of Christ. [source]
Chapter Summary: Daniel 7
1Daniel's vision of the four beasts, 9and of God's kingdom 15The interpretation thereof
What do the individual words in Daniel 7:3 mean?
And fourbeastsgreatcame upfromsea thedifferentthisthis