The Beasts

Daniel 7 introduces another vision in which Daniel sees four great beasts rising up from the sea. Each is described in detail and given distinct features that represent the character and nature of their power. Daniel 7:14 makes it very clear that these beasts represent four kings (heads of governments) which will arise out of the sea. The sea represents peoples; in this case the human race. Where else do we a succession of four kingdoms or powers? There is no previous mention of such a succession expect for Daniel 2. Here the Scripture is reinforcing the important role of these four distinct powers. So who are these powers? Daniel in his interpretation declared Babylon to be the first power in the line of prophetic world powers (Daniel 2:37,38). So it would be within sound reason to begin here. History has left no doubt as to what empires followed after the fall of Babylon: Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Again, more can be said about these nations but we will not discuss those matters at this time.
Each of these nations was established by cunning men who took advantage of the political and regional strife of the time and with the aid of great armies were able to carry out their vain ambitions. One thing that needs to be clear is that a beast in prophecy is not representative of heavenly power or government. There is no doubt that these powers were brought forth by mighty men and are therefore human institutions.
This rule of interpretation is to be applied in the prophetic records of Daniel and Revelation. More will be written on the subject of the beasts in prophecy but for now it is sufficient to understand how they are to be interpreted.