דניאל, פרק ז׳, פסוק י״ז

Prophetic visions often use vivid imagery to reveal the unfolding of human history. In this vision, the imagery of four great beasts translates directly into concrete political realities. These animals symbolize human empires destined to emerge and act on the world stage. Although they are described as four kings, the practical meaning refers to four distinct kingdoms, dynasties, or global powers [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The emergence of these empires from the earth provides deeper insight into their nature. On one hand, this earthly origin highlights their strictly material character. Their rise to power is entirely physical and does not stem from the divine providence of God [יוסף אבן יחיא].

Conversely, this earthly emergence can be understood as the exact opposite of establishing power. Rather than taking root, the act of rising up from the earth signifies being uprooted, removed, and entirely cleared away. Through this lens, the purpose of the vision is not to highlight the greatness or ascent of these empires, but to announce their ultimate destruction. Their eventual collapse paves the way for the kingdom of heaven, which will emerge after they are all gone. This perspective also explains why the empire of Babylon appears in the vision, even though its era of dominance had already passed. The focus of the prophecy is not on Babylon's period of rule, but on its definitive removal from the world [מלבי״ם].