דניאל, פרק ז׳, פסוק ה׳

The sequence of the night vision continues to unfold, revealing the inevitable succession of ancient world empires. As the era of Babylonian dominance comes to an end, a new power emerges from the sea, taking the form of a second beast that represents the combined empire of Media and Persia.

This new empire is depicted as a bear, a creature chosen to show that Persia does not possess the absolute, unquestioned might and dominance of the lion, which previously symbolized Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon [מלבי״ם, יוסף אבן יחיא]. Yet, much like a bear, the Persian people are characterized by their physical indulgence, known for eating, drinking, and being heavy in flesh [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. The imagery of the bear also carries a subtle connection to a wolf, reflecting the dual nature of the empire, as the kingdom of Media itself is often compared to a wolf [רש״י, מנחת שי].

The vision shows the beast positioned or raised up on one side [מצודת ציון, אבן עזרא], an image that carries both political and military meaning. Historically, this uneven stance reflects the initial transition of power. Following the fall of Babylon, Persia waited on the side and allowed Media to rule for a single year before taking full control [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. What began as a partnership between Media and Persia eventually shifted entirely to one side, as Cyrus the Persian inherited the kingdom and established exclusive Persian rule [מלבי״ם]. From a military perspective, the beast facing one side indicates that the empire directed its forces solely against Babylon; by conquering that single enemy, Persia automatically gained control over the entire world that had been under Babylonian subjugation [יוסף אבן יחיא].

In the mouth of the beast are three ribs, representing bones extending from the spine [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that these ribs symbolize three prominent Persian kings who would eventually rise to power: Cyrus, Ahasuerus, and Darius, the latter of whom built the Temple. Other interpretations suggest that the ribs represent three distinct empires seized by this new power, namely Babylon, Assyria, and Medo-Persia [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the ribs held between the beast's teeth signify three rebellious provinces that the empire would constantly swallow and spit out in an ongoing cycle of suppression [רש״י].

Finally, the beast receives a command to rise and consume a great amount of flesh. This directive is understood in two main ways. It points to the immense wealth and riches that the new empire would acquire [מצודת דוד]. At the same time, it serves as a vivid depiction of cruelty and warfare, where the Persian kings would relentlessly consume their enemies [יוסף אבן יחיא]. Although a bear does not naturally hunt and destroy with the same ferocity as a lion, this widespread destruction was brought about by the decree of God. Driven by divine will and the words of the prophets, the empire was specifically commanded to punish and devastate the inhabitants of Babylon [מלבי״ם].