Definition: And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 7:5. It’s a pretty serious and symbolic description of impending disaster. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes the rise of a powerful, deceptive beast that is setting itself up to cause much harm and destruction. Let’s unpack each part: “And behold another beast…” – This immediately tells us we’re looking at something new and distinct from previous events in the book of Daniel. It's not just a regular animal; it’s a significant, powerful creature. “…a second, like to a bear…” - The beast is described as being similar to a bear. Bears are known for their strength, resilience, and sometimes wild nature. This comparison suggests the beast will be formidable. "...and it raised up itself on one side…” – The beast is standing upright and imposing. It's taking center stage. “and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it:” - This is where it gets really symbolic. The "ribs" are a crucial detail. Think of them as representing parts or elements . The beast has three distinct parts: One side: This suggests a focus on one specific aspect, perhaps a particular kind of wickedness or evil. Three ribs in the mouth: These represent three forces that are working together to cause destruction. These could be anything like greed, hatred, pride, or deceit. They’re interconnected and actively working against humanity. “and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.” - This is the most alarming part. The beast speaks – commanding – to another creature. It tells this new beast: “Arise, devour much flesh.” – This is a command to actively seek to kill and destroy . It’s a clear threat of mass violence and bloodshed. Overall Interpretation: The verse paints a picture of a time when wickedness (evil) will be increasing rapidly. The beast is positioned as a leader who is actively seeking to cause chaos, death, and devastation – all through the deliberate targeting of human lives. It's a warning about the dangers of unchecked evil and the importance of resisting it. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted symbolically, and its meaning can be debated. It’s not necessarily meant to be taken literally as a specific historical event. It's a message about the ongoing battle against evil in the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the context of this verse within the broader narrative of Daniel? Compare it to other stories or examples of prophetic warnings?