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.
The bear rightly stands for Persia's savage, uncivilized nature. Those people dwelt like wild beasts in their mountain caves, not in civilized lands as the Babylonians did. That He raised Himself on one side points to the obscure and humble origin of his kingdom, not its contracted dominion.
AI summary
When deep sleep falls upon us and we are most removed from the world's distractions, God opens His mind to us. Daniel wrote his dream that he might not lose it as dreams do, and shared it with his brethren that they should not be deceived by false hopes of unbroken peace after their return, but be prepared for the oppressive monarchies yet to come.
AI summary
Commenting on Daniel 7:1-8
The bear is less noble than the lion but equally cruel and hungry for flesh, the Medes and Persians were fierce and uncouth compared to the Chaldeans. The three ribs most likely stand for Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt, the great kingdoms ground and devoured by this empire.
AI summary