THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And lo, a different beast, resembling a bear, arose on one side, having three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth, and it was commanded, "Arise, consume much flesh!" The second beast, akin to a bear, as noted in the vision of the statue, where it states, “his breast and his hands are of silver,” is likened to a bear due to its brutality and ferocity. The Persian Empire, much like the Spartans, was known for its harshness and lived on a sparse diet, often consuming broth seasoned with salt and watercress, as illustrated in the childhood accounts of Cyrus the Elder. The expression “stood on one side” is interpreted by the Jews to mean that the Persians did not inflict cruelties upon Israel. This is further supported by the prophet Zechariah who refers to them as white horses.
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The three ribs or rows in its mouth have been interpreted by some to signify the division of the Persian Empire among three leaders, akin to the recounting of Belshazzar and Darius, where three princes governed over one hundred and twenty satraps. Others suggest that these refer to the three Persian kings following Cyrus, without naming them. Historically, after Cyrus’s reign, which lasted for thirty years, the Persian throne passed to his son Cambyses, followed by the Magi, and subsequently Darius, who initiated the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem in his second year. Following him were Xerxes, then Artabanus, then Artaxerxes, known as Longimanus, another Xerxes, and Sogdianus. There were also various Darius and Artaxerxes thereafter, each with distinct titles, concluding with Darius, son of Arsamus, who met defeat at the hands of Alexander the Great. How can one assert that the Persians had only three kings? It is more likely that they refer to the most tyrannical rulers, whose deeds we find unrecorded in history. Therefore, it is more fitting to interpret the three ribs in the mouth of this beast as representing the three kingdoms: the Babylonians, the Medes, and the Persians, all consolidated into a singular realm. The phrase “And it was said to him, Arise, eat plenty of meat!” points to the decree issued under Ahasuerus, whom the Seventy refer to as Artaxerxes, when, incited by Haman the Agagite, it was ordered that all the Jews be executed in one day. Notably, it states “it was told him so,” indicating that there was merely an intention, not an actual execution of that command.