A case in point is the book of Daniel, which abounds in symbolism. There, for example, the Grecian or Greco-Macedonian World Power is depicted as a male goat and as a four-headed winged leopard. A careful consideration of this symbolism reveals how appropriate it is. At the same time one is impressed with the amazing way in which Bible prophecy has been fulfilled.

It took Alexander the Great only about seven years of fighting to extend his dominion over Asia Minor, Egypt, Syria, the vast Medo-Persian Empire and even parts of India. Little wonder that the Greco-Macedonian Empire is also portrayed in Scripture as a winged leopard. (Dan. 7:6)

About twenty-two years after the “great horn” Alexander was “broken” in death, four of his generals were fully established in power. Seleucus Nicator ruled Mesopotamia and Syria. Cassander had control over Macedonia and Greece. Egypt and Palestine made up the domain of Ptolemy Lagus. Lysimachus had dominion over Thrace and Asia Minor. Thus the mighty empire that had been built up by Alexander the Great took on the appearance of a four-headed leopard, as described at Daniel 7:6: “After this I kept on beholding, and, see there! another beast, one like a leopard, but it had four wings of a flying creature on its back. And the beast had four heads, and there was given to it rulership indeed.”