a fourth beast] By Daniel 8:9. we may finde that the first meaning of this prophecie hath relation to the kingdomes of Syria and Egypt, possessed by the Seleucidae, and Lagidae, the images two legs, Daniel 2:33. The Roman Empire did imitate this afterwards, in the persecution of the Church, the subversion and interdiction of Gods service, and violence done to consciences: whereupon the Revelation doth fit many of these passages of Daniel to Antichrist, See Daniel 2:40.
dreadfull and terrible] Especially to Gods people the Jews to whom Daniel properly hath respect, as Chap. 2. 40. who were never more cruelly used then by the Seleucidae, Dan. 8. 11, 12. and 11. 31. 36.
great iron teeth] That is, leaders and armies as instruments meet to grind and diminish the Jews.
and stamped the residue with the feet of it] That is, whom it did not consume, those it did most shamefully trample upon, troubling their minds and bodies with all kinde of cruelties.
and it was diverse] In regard his tyranny over the people of God tended to force them to idolatry, and to annihilate Gods service, which none of precedent Empires had attempted.
and it had ten horns] That is, ten kings succeeding one another in that kingdome untill Antiochus, comprehending him among the rest, vers. 24. For although he had successors, yet the people of God, (in regard of whom these things are spoken) began after Antiochus to reassume their libertie under the Asmoneans untill Christ.