Again more Medo-Persian imagery from Daniel, this time from chapter 7, verse 5. 

Sometimes the bear symbol is thought to represent Russia, but that symbol is much newer than this prophecy. 

It fits very nicely, as all the visions in Daniel containing beasts recount the same prophetic order of the present and future world kingdoms.

If the bible says it once, it is important. If it says it three times, it is really important!

The bear, raised up on one side, was stronger on that side than on the other.  When someone limps when they walk, it is because they are strong on one side and drop when they put weight on the weak side.

The Medes were an older kingdom that allied with the younger, stronger Persian kingdom. 

The three ribs in the bear's mouth represent the kingdoms it had conquered, namely Egypt, Lydia, and, just recently, Babylon.

The chest and arms of silver are composed of a right and a left arm, one of which is dominant, which were the Persians, and the weaker were the Medes.

The Ram in Daniel 8 had one horn higher (more powerful) than the other.  Again, a reference to the stronger Persians and weaker Medes.  The Persians were strong enough to have survived until today; the Medes died out as a people long ago.

Only the drawing from my sketch book exists at this time. But stay tuned. Perhaps Jesus will not return before the car is finished.