The prophetic
word
Daniel was a young man when his nation was taken captive to
Babylon. He was chosen by his captors to learn their language and
customs. One day when King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, he called
his astrologers to tell him its meaning. There was one catch: they
had to tell him what the dream was first, or be killed. When Daniel
heard about it, he prayed to God who showed him the dream and its
meaning.
Click here for the details of the King's dream
Daniel answered the king and said, 'No wise men ... can show to the
king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in
heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King
Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.' - Daniel 2 v 27,
28 (ESV)
The King dreamt of a fearsome statue made of different metals. This
represented the Kingdoms of Men, of which Babylon was head. See the
list below for each metal and the empire it represents.
Head of gold
Babylonian Empire 621-539BC
The fertile river basins of Mesopotamia have been home to many
civilizations, but no city was as grand as Babylon in Daniel's
time. Famed for its golden idols, Babylon remains synonymous with
false religion and paganism.
Chest and arms of silver
Medo-Persian Empire 539-331BC
Cooperating kingdoms of Medes and Persians formed the two arms of
the empire that destroyed Babylon. The monarch's power was no
longer absolute. Noted for its advanced economy based on
silver.
Belly and thighs of brass
Grecian Empire 331-30BC
The brazen Greeks lightning conquest of the Persian empire was due
to the superior leadership and tactics of Alexander the Great, who
was cut down in his prime at only 33 years old. His kingdom was
divided between his four generals, forming rival monarchies. See
also Daniel 7 v 6, Daniel 11.
Legs of iron
Roman Empire 30BC-1806AD
The iron legions of Rome formed the fearsome war machine that
conquered the Greek Empire. Rome was ruled by the Senate, a weaker
form of government than the empires preceding it.
Feet of iron and clay
Divided Europe 1806AD-Present
From the eastern and western legs of the Roman empire sprang the
barbarian kingdoms that we now know as Europe. As iron and clay do
not mix, so these nations come together but do not "adhere" or
"stick" to one another.
The Kingdom of God
Finally, the King saw a rock cut out without hands, symbolising the
work of God separating a special people for Himself. The rock
strikes the image on the feet, and it is destroyed.
In the days of those kings [of iron and clay] shall the God of
heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed ... it shall
break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand
forever... - Daniel 2 v 44, 45 (HNV)
We look forward to this time when the God of Israel is known
throughout the whole earth.
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