“And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.”
The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion - the composite beast combines the imperial powers of Daniel's vision (leopard=Greece, bear=Media-Persia, lion=Babylon). The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority, making earthly kingship the instrument of demonic rule.
Church Fathers on Revelation 13:2
“And I saw a beast rising up from the sea, like a leopard.” This signifies the kingdom of that time of Antichrist, and the people mingled with the variety of nations. “His feet were as the feet of a bear.” A strong and most unclean beast, the feet are to be understood as his leaders. “And his mouth as the mouth of a lion.” That is, his mouth armed for blood is his bidding, and a tongue which will proceed to nothing else than to the shedding of blood. * * * * * * * *
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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