‘These large beasts, which are four in number, represent four kings who will arise from the earth.

Then four large beasts came up from the sea; they were different from one another.

“After these things, as I was watching, another beast like a leopard appeared, with four bird-like wings on its back. This beast had four heads, and ruling authority was given to it.

Daniel explained: “I was watching in my vision during the night as the four winds of the sky were stirring up the great sea.

He answered, “But I see four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!”