I believe the beasts are the major nation players (superpowers) at the beginning of the time of the end with the exception of the fourth beast, which I believe is formed by a union of the first three beasts during the time of the end based on [[the first beast]] of [Revelation 13:1-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2013%3A1-2&version=NKJV) which I interpret as the same as the fourth beast of Daniel.  This would explain why the interpretation portion of [Daniel 7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%207&version=NKJV) focuses solely on the Beast, because the first 3 beasts are only needed to define the elements of the time the fourth beast is formed, and their state of existence just prior to the fourth beast being formed.  That process I believe to be the formation of a one world order, or the Earth Alliance. There is a reference to these beasts actually outliving the first beast ([Daniel 7:11-12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%207%3A11-12&version=NKJV)), which could point to a short period of time right near the end of time that the alliance falls apart and they are left on their own again. The Key Elements of Daniel - [[The Lion]] - [[The Bear]] - [[The Leopard]] - [[The Fourth Beast]] - [[The Abomination of Desolation]] <span class="center-menu">[[Home Page]]</span>