Ephrem the Syrian : This refers to the kingdoms of the Medes, Persians and Chaldeans. "But their lives were prolonged for a season and a time," that is, the kings of the nations mentioned above would have not been completely powerless. — COMMENTARY ON Daniel 7:12 Theodoret of Cyrus : The dominion of the other beasts had fallen, although they had spent a period of many years ruling; to each kingdom there was a certain definite time given to rule. When these things have taken place, since all the other kingdoms had been destroyed earlier, also those who were in the fourth kingdom were handed over to the punishment by fire, as they well deserved. — COMMENTARY ON Daniel 7:12