THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The first creature appeared as a lioness but possessed the wings of an eagle. I observed until its wings were removed, and it was raised from the ground to stand on its feet like a human, receiving a heart. The kingdom of Babylon is characterized not as a lion but as a lioness due to its brutality and viciousness or its indulgence in pleasure and lustful pursuits. It is noted that lionesses display greater ferocity, particularly when caring for their young and constantly seeking to mate. The presence of eagle's wings symbolizes the arrogance of the most powerful kingdom, whose prince declared through Isaiah, “I will set my throne above the stars of heaven; I will be like unto the Highest” (Isaiah 14:13-14).
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Thus, it is proclaimed: “If you ascend like an eagle, I will cast you down from there” (Obadiah 1:4). Just as the lion stands supreme among beasts, the eagle reigns over birds. Additionally, the longevity of the eagle signifies the prolonged dominion of the Assyrian kingdom. The tearing away of the wings represents the loss of influence over the realms it governed as it soared above the world. When it is stated that it was lifted up from the earth, this indicates the fall of the Chaldean empire. In the subsequent phrase, “And he stood on his feet like a man, and his heart was given to him,” if this refers to Nebuchadnezzar, it suggests that after losing his power and kingdom, he was restored to his former self and recognized his humanity, receiving the heart he had lost. Alternatively, if this interpretation applies generally to Babylon, it may imply that the Babylonians, following Belshazzar's demise and the transfer of authority to the Medes and Persians, came to understand their inherent frailty. Observe the sequence: the entity represented with a golden head in the statue is designated as a lioness.