In the succession of world-ruling empires, the second to appear is represented by a chest and arms of silver, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire (c. 539-330 BC). This kingdom, though controlling a larger territory than Babylon, was considered inferior, not in political or military might, but in other aspects. Cyrus, a Persian, initiated the empire's growth by usurping the Median throne, leading to a dominance by Persians, as symbolized by the bear raised up on one side and the two arms of the image representing division. At its height, the Persian Empire was nearly double the size of Babylon, with victories over Lydia, central Iran, Phoenicia, Babylon, Egypt, and Libya under Cyrus and his son Cambyses. However, internal unity was a persistent issue, with severe struggles over succession to the throne upon each emperor's death, though strong rulers maintained the empire for over two hundred years until its downfall to Alexander's Macedonian army. Cyrus, described as God's shepherd and His anointed, was a humane ruler but did not live long enough to imprint his character on the realm, nor did he acknowledge God's sovereignty as Nebuchadnezzar had. Persia was seen as more earthly or worldly, with aims and drives of a lower nature than Babylon's. Despite this, Cyrus was the instrument God used to reestablish the Temple in Jerusalem, following a Persian policy to honor the gods of defeated enemies by repairing temples and giving offerings to appease them and smooth relations with vassals. Unlike Babylon, the Persian Empire centered on military and political bases rather than religious or cultural life, with historians considering its political structure and administrative forms the finest before the Roman period, though the real basis of power was the army, even above the king. The religion of the Persians was Zoroastrianism, a dualistic belief in good and evil, less bloody and superstitious than other regional polytheistic religions, though it retained ancient beliefs that eventually overshadowed it. In other prophecies, Medo-Persia is depicted as a ram with sharp horns and a bear, powerful creatures symbolizing the empire, with the taller horn representing the Persian half that rose to power later than the Median half. The ram's pushing in every direction except east reflects Persia's significant conquests in Asia Minor, Babylon, Egypt, and Armenia, while eastern campaigns were less consequential. Ultimately, the Persian Empire collapsed in six years (336-330 BC) under Alexander's relentless onslaught, being cast down and trampled in remarkable fashion. The symbolism of Medo-Persia also appears in later visions, suggesting that end-time powers will exhibit some traits of this second world-ruling empire.

After the Chaldean Empire, led by Nebuchadnezzar as the head of gold, there arose the Persian Empire, marking the second kingdom in the succession of world-ruling governments. This empire, inferior to its predecessor in moral and spiritual value yet significant in its scope, followed in the sequence of empires as foretold by Daniel. It was succeeded by the Greco-Macedonian Empire and later by the Roman Empire, continuing the line of powerful kingdoms that bore rule over the earth.

During the Axial Period, as defined by Karl Jaspers, spanning roughly from 800 BC to 200 BC with a pivotal point around 500 BC, significant historical shifts occurred that shaped successive epochs. Among these changes were the rise of Judaism, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the deportation of Israel, all transpiring within this crucial era of transformation.