Another interpretation, “Take for Me three calves,” this alludes to Babylon, which produced three kings – Nebuchadnezzar, Evil Merodakh, and Belshatzar. “And three goats,” this alludes to Media, which produced three kings – Cyrus, Darius, and Aḥashverosh. “And three rams” – this alludes to Greece.59Babylon, Media and Greece were the first three of the Four Kingdoms that would subjugate Israel (see Daniel chapters 2 and 7).
Rabbi Elazar and Rabbi Yoḥanan, Rabbi Elazar said: [The number three] indicates that the Greeks conquered all of the directions [of the world], but they did not conquer the eastern direction. Rabbi Yoḥanan said to him: But is it not written: “I saw the ram goring to the west, and to the north, and to the south, and no beasts could withstand it, and there was no savior from its hand; it did as it willed, and became great”? (Daniel 8:4).60“No beasts could withstand it, and there was no savior from its hand” implies that it conquered the entire world.
This verse is [actually] the basis of the opinion of Rabbi Elazar, as the verse [mentions three directions, but] did not say “east.” “And a dove and a young pigeon [gozal]” – this alludes to the kingdom of Edom.61Ancestor of the Romans, the fourth kingdom. It is a dove,62It seeks to portray itself as a peace-loving dove. but it is a robber [gazlan].63It seizes all the riches of its subjects. Another interpretation, “He took all these for Him. [He divided them in the middle, and placed each half opposite the other]” – Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Neḥemya, Rabbi Yehuda said: [With this command,] He showed him the princes of the idolatrous nations.
Rabbi Neḥemya said: He showed him the princes of Israel. According to the opinion of Rabbi Yehuda, it was the thrones of these opposite the thrones of others.64One prince opposing the other, vying for control of the people. According to the opinion of Rabbi Neḥemya, it was there that the Great Sanhedrin of Israel convened and decreed laws for Israel.65Literally, they cut (and shape) the laws for Israel (see Matnot Kehuna), just as Abraham cut the animals.
“But the birds he did not divide” – Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said in the name of Rabbi Levi: The Holy One blessed be He [thereby] showed him: Anyone who seeks to confront the wave, the wave will sweep him away. But anyone who does not seek to confront the wave, the wave will not sweep him away.66One who yields when confronted by a more powerful force will survive, just as the birds, who are the most vulnerable of creatures, were not cut up by Abraham.