Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had [two] horns: and the [two] horns [were] high; but one [was] higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
Ver. 3. There stood before the river a ram.] With a golden fleece and full of flesh. This was the Persian monarch; who is also said to stand, because of his slow motion and sluggish disposition; and "before the river," because the Persians ruled over many nations, signified by waters. Rev 17:1 A ram stalketh stately before the flock as a captain; but they are only sheep which he leadeth. Let a dog but lay his nose over the hedge, and away they run all: so did the sheepish cowardly Persians before Alexander.
Which had two horns.] These were the states of Medea and Persia.
But one was higher than the other,] i.e., The Persians at length became higher than the Medes, and overtopped them.
And the higher came up last.] Cyrus after Darius, uniting both nations into one monarchy.