Daniel 7:2

Winds. From the Aramaic ruach, equivalent to the Hebrew ruach, which has a variety of meanings, such as “air” (Jer. 2:24, translated “wind”), “breath” (Job 19:17), human “spirit” (Ps. 32:2), divine “Spirit” (Ps. 51:12), and “wind” (Ex. 10:13). Metaphorically the word is also used of vain and empty things (Jer. 5:13). When used in symbolic vision, as here, the word seems to denote activity or energy of some form, the particular form to be determined by the context. For example, the “winds” of Ezekiel’s symbolic vision, which revived the dry skeletons, were representative of divine energy reviving the lifeless nation of Israel (Eze. 37:9-14). The “winds” of Daniel, which strove upon the great sea, causing four beasts — or empires — to emerge, represented those movements, diplomatic, warlike, political, or otherwise, that were to shape the history of the period.

The “four winds,” being from the four points of the compass, doubtless represent political activity in various parts of the earth (Jer. 49:36; cf. Dan. 8:8; 11:4; Zech. 2:6; 6:5, margin).

Strove. Aramaic guach, which means “to stir up.” The form of the verb suggests continued action.

Great sea. No specific body of water, such as the Mediterranean Sea, need be inferred. The sea is here symbolic of the nations of the world — the “great sea” of humanity in all ages (see Rev. 17:15; cf. Isa. 17:12; Jer. 46:7).