a bear] eaning the Empire of the Persians, Dan. . 39. and 8. 3. who were as a bear, barbarous and cruell. Others, the Persians were a nation of the mountains, and more uncivill then the Chaldeans, though they were great warriers, and much inclined to set upon Empires and States. is raised up it self on one side] Or, it raised up one dominion; Chald. one government. Madai and Paras, two armes in one breast, now set up a joynt government. three ribs] Meaning, people were devoured by the Persians: which very thing the following words intimate; for by three ribs are signified three coasts of the world, from the East (which afore it held) it brake into the West, North, South, as it is foretold, Chap. 8. 4. they said] To wit, the Angels, by Gods commandment, who by this means punished the ingratitude of the world. Others, Gods secret providence did drive them on to those enterprises, and made them easie for them. See Isaiah 21:2.