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In the chart above is a diagram showing pictorially the time set forth in Daniel nine. As may be gathered easily from the arches and the notations, the period discussed falls into various subdivisions.<\/span><\/p>\n It is to be noted that the ninth chapter of Daniel deals with a prediction which pertains to the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. This fact must be borne in mind as one studies this volume and this chart.<\/p>\n One should keep clearly in his mind this chart as he studies the book, especially chapters two, four, and five.<\/p>\n Chart below compares Daniel 9 and the vision of Daniel 2:21-45<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Studies in the Book of Daniel IN THESE OMINOUS DAYS when there is much saber rattling, one is very much perplexed. Almost anything can develop out of the present tense situation. Those who know the Lord personally and are familiar with the messages of Moses and the Prophets and of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles can understand the days in which we live. On the other hand, the unsaved, and the leaders of the nations–statesmen, scientists, educators, and philosophers–are hopelessly perplexed.<\/p>\n The prophetic messages of the Scriptures were given that the people of God might understand their times and adjust their lives and programs to fit into God’s plan and purpose.<\/p>\n Though one gathers much information from the study of all the prophets regarding our day and time, the Book of Daniel especially throws much light on the events of these days in which we are living. Therefore I have been led to write a series of articles on this marvelous Book, the present discussion being the first one.<\/p>\n In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god. (Dan. 1:1,2).<\/p>\n The Lord God, the Creator of the Universe, governs all things, even overruling the free acts of His creatures and making all events contribute to the advancement of His plan of the ages.<\/p>\n In Psalm 135:5-12 is a sublime statement which sets forth God’s relation to the material universe:<\/p>\n 5 For I know that Jehovah is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. Note the fact (v. 6) that „whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done“ in four realms: „in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.“ According to verse 7, He controls the weather. In verses 8-11 we see Him dealing with certain nations according to His will. In verse 12 we learn that God gave the Holy Land to His people Israel for their inheritance. On the point of God’s overruling providence, see especially I Chronicles 29:10-19.<\/p>\n God’s dealing with the rulers and kings of the nations is set forth very forcefully in Jeremiah 25:15-29. In this passage all rulers of the world are represented as being seated at a banquet table. Jeremiah serves as cupbearer on this occasion and is ordered by the Lord to „take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. 15 For thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto me: take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. 16 And they shall drink, and reel to and fro, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them. (Jer 25:15-16)<\/p>\n The absolute sovereignty of God and the freedom of man are set forth most graphically in the following Scripture:<\/p>\n „Ho Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, the staff in whose hand is mine indignation! 6 I will send him against a profane nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few\u2026. 12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that, when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks. (Isa. 10:5-7,12).<\/p>\n According to these verses, Sennacherib the Assyrian addressed, is figuratively speaking, the rod of God’s wrath with which He punished His disobedient Chosen People Israel. Though God announced and carried out His threat of punishing His people, this boastful monarch thought that he was doing his own will and was absolutely unconscious of being used by the Lord. Just as the Lord used Sennacherib in this case, He uses other monarchs and empires to accomplish His purposes. Thus we may believe that God still uses men and governments to carry out His program. As we learn from Daniel 1:1, God also used Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in punishing His disobedient people Israel in the third year* of the reign of, Jehoiakim, king of Judah. According to Daniel 1:2, God gave Jehoiakim and part of the vessels of the Temple of God into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, who deposited these vessels in the treasury of the house of his god.<\/p>\n „And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in <\/span>certain<\/i><\/span> of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles; 4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed for them a daily portion of the king’s dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at the end thereof they should stand before the king. 6 Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7 And the prince of the eunuchs gave names unto them: unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.“ (Dan 1:3-7)<\/span><\/p>\n Verse 3 assumes that Nebuchadnezzar deported captives from Judah to Babylon. He appointed Ashpenaz, one of the high officers of the government, to select certain Jewish youths from among the captives, for special training–post graduate scientific research. He was to choose only those from „the seed royal and of the nobles, youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and, skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science,“ and of imposing and pleasing personality. It is quite evident that Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan ruler, had very high standards of physical manhood, native ability, intellectual attainments, studious habits, and academic achievements. These young men were to be taught in „learning and the tongue the Chaldeans.“ It is quite probable that Nebuchadnezzar was preparing some of these young men for diplomatic service and for other high positions in the government.<\/p>\n According to verse 7, the prince of the eunuchs gave Daniel and his three friends Babylonian names.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king. 11 Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king’s dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants.“ (Dan. 1:8-13).<\/span><\/p>\n From verse 8 one sees that Daniel, whose Hebrew name means „God is my judge,“ purposed in his very soul not to defile himself by eating the king’s dainties, nor by drinking the king’s wine. It is quite probable that the defilement which Daniel purposed to avoid involved heathen practices and immorality. It is indeed refreshing to see young men and young women who have high standards of morals and ethics.<\/p>\n Daniel requested the prince of eunuchs that he might not be forced to defile himself in eating or drinking at the king’s table. Daniel and his friends evidently were consistent in their life and conduct. They had the respect of their superior officer, who was impressed with the genuineness of their characters. It always pays to be consistent, knowing one’s place, and to stand for one’s conviction. For such a one, God will providentially work in his favor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king’s dainties. 16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.“ (Dan 1:14-16)<\/span><\/p>\n Daniel’s request was that the Hebrew young men not be forced to eat the royal dainties, but to have a simple diet of pulse (vegetables). He asked that they be allowed to eat this simple diet for ten days. Then they were to be examined physically. „When they were examined, they were found to be in better physical condition than the youths who had eaten of the King’s dainties.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 And at the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. 20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.“ (Dan. 1:17-21).<\/span><\/p>\n Graduation day came „at the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in. …“ We may be sure that these young men, were honor students, and that faithfully and capably they had acquitted themselves on all occasions. On graduation day these Hebrew youths were found to be in ten times better condition than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all the king’s realm.<\/p>\n „As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams“ (v. 17). It is quite likely that God in a miraculous manner gave them knowledge, learning, and wisdom in the same way that He did Solomon (I Kings 3:4-15).<\/p>\n God has some special work for those to whom He gives superior advantages and opportunities. Talents and gifts are conferred upon people in order to prepare them for special work that God has for them to do. Most assuredly, „the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him“ (II Chron. 16:9)–and He found His man Daniel, humble, courageous, fearless, and „greatly beloved,“ who continued in the government service until the first year of Cyrus the Persian, performing the duties of his high office faithfully and capable in the sight of God and man.<\/p>\n Footnote:<\/p>\n * „Some critics see in this passage a discrepancy between the statement of this verse and related statements. Since the average reader would not be edified by a critical discussion of chronological data, the interested student can learn the facts from such volumes as Studies in the Book of Daniel<\/i><\/span>, by R. D. Wilson.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Studies in the Book of Daniel The Book of Daniel is written in the Aramaic and Hebrew languages. The section Daniel 2:4-7:28 is in Aramaic, a cognate language of the Hebrew. A number of theories attempting to explain this phenomenon have been advocated by scholars. That theory which does not do violence to the text, but rather illuminates it, is that in the Aramaic section the times of the Gentiles and world sovereignty are graphically set forth. The other two sections, Daniel 1:1-2:3 and Daniel 8:1-12:13, are in Hebrew and deal largely with matters pertaining to the Hebrew race. When one studies the Book of Daniel from this point of view the thought flows from beginning to end like a peaceful stream.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams; and his spirit was troubled, and his sleep went from him. 2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. 3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.“ (Dan 2:1-3)<\/span><\/p>\n God at times and to certain ones made His revelation in the form of a dream. The Lord revealed to Joseph the future lying before him; to Pharaoh, King of Egypt he made known the interpretation of his dream concerning the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine; also, to the baker and the butler of Potiphar, He told what was ahead of them. In Joel 2:28-30 appears a prediction that in the closing days of this age God will pour out His Spirit upon certain ones of the Hebrew people, and at the same time will perform miracles in the heavens above and the earth beneath.<\/p>\n Does God at the present time make revelations through dreams? I cannot believe that God makes any revelations today in dreams or in any other way except through the written Word. „Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints“ (Jude v. 3). Often, Satan, doubtless by his deception, uses dreams to mislead the people and to thwart the purposes of God.<\/p>\n According to the text Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, but there was one that stood out from all the rest–the one which God caused him to dream.<\/p>\n For some reason, not given in the text, the dream which God gave him gripped his attention. He realized that there was some significance to it but was unable to understand it. He was, therefore, greatly troubled and called in the Chaldeans and those versed in the occult arts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in the Syrian language, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye make not known unto me the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. 6 But if ye show the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor: therefore show me the dream and the interpretation thereof“ (Dan 2:4-6).<\/span><\/p>\n The Chaldeans were the priestly caste. When they came into the presence of the king, they used the usual ancient, oriental salutation, „0 king, live for ever.“ They rightfully took the position of servants to Nebuchadnezzar, an absolute monarch. Then, they requested that he tell the dream and they would interpret it, but he could not recall any of the dream.<\/p>\n Nebuchadnezzar threatened to tear them limb from limb if they did not reproduce his dream, and he would also destroy completely their houses. On the other hand, he promised them gifts and great honor if they were successful. This reminds one of Balak’s offer to Balaam if he would only curse Israel (Deut. 23:5).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They answered the second time and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. 8 The king answered and said, I know of a certainty that ye would gain time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. 9 But if ye make not known unto me the dream, there is but one law for you; for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof. (Dan 2:7-9)<\/span><\/p>\n Again the Chaldeans pleaded with Nebuchadnezzar to show them the dream, assuring him that they could and would give the proper interpretation. Though Nebuchadnezzar was in heathen darkness, he had common sense. If they could not reproduce the dream, thought the disappointed ruler, they could not give a correct interpretation of it. „\u2026 ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me …“<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can show the king’s matter, forasmuch as no king, lord, or ruler, hath asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean. 11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is no other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh“ (Dan 2:10-11).<\/span><\/p>\n The Chaldeans remonstrated with Nebuchadnezzar saying that there was no man anywhere who could show the king’s matter. According to them, no king or ruler had ever made such a demand of any Chaldean, asserting that the only one who could meet the demand of the king was a god, „whose dwelling is not with flesh.“<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the decree went forth, and the wise men were to be slain; and they sought Daniel and his companions to be slain. 14 Then Daniel returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, who was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon; 15 he answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Wherefore is the decree so urgent from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. 16 And Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would appoint him a time, and he would show the king the interpretation (Dan 2:12-16).<\/span><\/p>\n At this time the king became furious and issued an order to destroy all the wise men of Babylon–Chaldeans and those versed in the occult arts. Daniel and his companions were likewise to be slain.<\/p>\n When Daniel was informed that he came within the range of the decree, he Answered „with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard“ whose duty it was to carry out indiscriminately the decree. Daniel asked Why the decree was so very urgent. Arioch gave Daniel the desired information. Then Daniel went in and asked of the king that he be given the opportunity to reproduce the vision and to give its interpretation. Never did a person take a bolder stand of faith than did Daniel on this occasion. Evidently Daniel had been walking with God daily by faith and he knew that God would take care of His faithful servants. God told Noah that there would be a flood and that he should build an ark in which he and his family would be protected. The fact that God said that there would be a flood was sufficient for Noah. He, like Daniel, acted upon the plain unvarnished Word of God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: 18 that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven“ (Dan 2:17-19).<\/span><\/p>\n There is no substitute for one’s communion and fellowship with God in private prayer. The prayer of Moses saved the entire Hebrew race (Psalm 106:23). At the same time, there is nothing that will take the place of those who come with like mind before the throne of grace and plead for some special need. „For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them“ (Matt. 18:20). Daniel therefore called Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to join with him in prayer to God that He would make known to him this dream and its interpretation.<\/p>\n Prayer is a mighty weapon in the hands of a believer. Such is the testimony of God’s noblemen and noblewomen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever; for wisdom and might are his. 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings; he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that have understanding; 22 he revealeth the deep and secret things; he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast now made known unto me what we desired of thee; for thou hast made known unto us the king’s matter“ (Dan 2:20-23).<\/span><\/p>\n This hymn of praise welling up from the depths of the souls of Daniel and his companions is an expression of thankfulness and devotion to God. It is an acknowledgment that it is in God that we live and move and have our being. This prayer of praise reminds one of King David’s prayer found in I Chronicles 29:10-19.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon; he went and said thus unto him: Destroy not the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show unto the king the interpretation. 25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the children of the captivity of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation. 26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? 27 Daniel answered before the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show unto the king; 28 but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.“ (Dan 2:24-28a).<\/span><\/p>\n After the prayer meeting Daniel went to interview Arioch the king’s captain who was to carry out the decree of slaughter. Daniel confidently and boldly yet meekly, told that he was able to make known to the king the dream and its interpretation. Then Arioch brought Daniel into the presence of Nebuchadnezzar who asked him if he were able to make known the dream and its interpretation. Answering Daniel told the king that the secret which he desired of the wise men could not be known by them but that the God of heaven had revealed the secret to him. „But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.“<\/p>\n <\/p>\n „Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these: 29 as for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter; and he that revealeth secrets hath made known to thee what shall come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that thou mayest know the thoughts of thy heart. Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king“ (2:28b-36).<\/span><\/p>\n As reproduced by Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar saw a great image, the head of which was of gold, the chest and arms of silver, the belly of brass, the legs of iron, and the feet and toes of iron and miry clay. This image was standing at the foot of a mountain, out of which a small stone was cut without hands. Rolling down the side, it gained velocity and smote the image with a terrific impact. The result was that the image was broken into fragments, which in turn were like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor blown by the wind. Then the little stone became a mountain which filled the entire earth.<\/p>\n Such a reproduction and vivid description were conclusive evidence to the king that Daniel was a servant of the true and living God.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Studies in the Book of Daniel<\/p>\n Installment III<\/p>\n THE INTERPRETATION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM<\/p>\n Addressing the monarch, Daniel said: „Thou, O king, art king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven hath given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory; and wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens hath he given into thy hand, and hath made thee to rule over them all: thou art the head of gold“ (Dan. 2:37,38)<\/p>\n This statement is essential to the proper understanding of all predictions, because it lays the broad outline of prophecy into which all subsequent revelations fit. We must therefore examine this passage with utmost care.<\/p>\n According to Daniel, the God of heaven gave to Nebuchadnezzar, whom he addressed as king of kings, „the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory.“ This statement is all-inclusive. It declares that all governmental authority and power had been delivered to Nebuchadnezzar. In what realm? one may ask. This question is answered in the following words: „Wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven hath he given into thy hand, and hath made thee to rule over them all: thou art the head of gold.“ Reread and note the force of these words. According to this statement, all lands where there were men, birds, and beasts were delivered to Nebuchadnezzar. If there were any men in Europe at that time, God delivered that section over to Nebuchadnezzar. If there were any men, birds, and beasts in America, this continent was included in the original grant. If there were any of these in Australia, for instance, that continent likewise was included in the declaration. From this position there can be no escape, if language means anything at all.<\/p>\n Were there birds, beasts, and men on these various continents when Nebuchadnezzar was reigning in Babylon? Archaeology answers in the affirmative. We have every reason to believe that all of these were in America at that time. How did they get here? As has been shown in a previous study, there was one original continent and one sea. This great body of land, however, was broken up in the days of Peleg (Gen. 10:25). Before that catastrophe, man and beast wandered at liberty over that one unbroken stretch of land; but when it was broken up, those in certain sections who survived that calamity were cut off from all connections with other portions of the world. In view of these facts we may be absolutely certain that man and beast were here in America and on the various continents in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. If these statements are true, then the promise made to Nebuchadnezzar included all territory where there was life.<\/p>\n Since world-wide dominion was granted to Nebuchadnezzar, the question arises: „Did he take possession of the grant and exercise such universal dominion?“ Everyone who is familiar with ancient history knows that he conquered all Babylonia and then extended his boundaries to reach as far as Asia Minor in the northwest and Egypt in the southwest. He likewise extended his boundaries eastward; but by no stretch of the imagination can we believe that he conquered even the known world of his day. Nevertheless, God granted to him universal dominion.<\/p>\n The facts that God granted world-wide power to him, but that he did not avail himself of it should not cause any difficulty to the believer. This situation may be illustrated by the promise which God made to Abraham and his descendants concerning the Land of Promise. If one will read the description of the territory granted Abraham and his seed, as found in certain portions of Genesis and the Pentateuch, he will see that the land vouchsafed them began with the River of Egypt and extended to the river Euphrates, embracing also the land of the Hittites, which was the major portion of Asia Minor. The Hebrews in no period of their history ever took possession of all the land which God granted to them. As a matter of fact, they possessed only a small portion of it. It is true that in the days of David and Solomon their territory extended as a narrow strip along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and eastward to the Euphrates River; but in the days subsequent to Solomon much of this territory was lost and the frontiers of Israel were constantly changing and shrinking. At no time since the existence of the Hebrew race has this people taken over all the lands deeded to them. Their failure does not make null and void the promise of God. But of this we may be certain: God will yet fulfill the promise to Israel literally when she is able to receive it. As another illustration of this same point, let us notice that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ (Eph. 1:3). I do not suppose that there is a single Christian alive today who would, being in full possession of his mental faculties, declare that he has taken possession of all the provisions which God has granted to us in Christ. On account of our failure let us not whittle down the promises of God and make them correspond to our meager experiences. On the other hand, let us accept the statements of God at their face value and with humility confess our failure. If we can do this and can understand such a situation, we certainly can comprehend this promise of world-dominion which God made to Nebuchadnezzar, but which he never appropriated. His failure or inability did not alter, neither did it make null and void the promise of God.<\/p>\n The image which Nebuchadnezzar saw, and which Daniel reproduced, was, as is indicated by the description, the image of a man. It had a head of gold, which rested upon the chest of silver. This part of the anatomy was, in turn, connected with the belly of brass; furthermore, the belly was likewise connected with the legs of iron, as also the feet were attached to the legs. The impression one receives from reading this passage is that the image was standing erect at the foot of a mountain. I have traveled quite extensively in Egypt. All the images of the Pharaohs which I have seen (and I have seen many, especially of Rameses II) resemble quite accurately the anatomy of a man. Of course, I have never discovered any image made of the metals of this image; but I have seen statues of marble and other materials of the various monarchs of Egypt and of other men in different countries. The heads of all are connected with the chests by means of the neck. The chest blends into the belly, and the belly connects with the thighs, which in turn develop into the legs. In other words, these statues and images constitute single units. Such is the impression that one normally gathers from reading Daniel 2 with reference to the image-vision of Nebuchadnezzar.<\/p>\n Unless there is positive evidence that there has been some time intervening between any of the kingdoms symbolized by the various metals, one must conclude that each of them immediately follows its predecessor. This is a most important consideration–especially so, since at the present time a peculiar interpretation is being forced upon the prophetic word which is causing no little confusion in certain quarters. There were no breaks in the image according to the description. There are, therefore, no breaks or time intervening between the kingdoms symbolized by the various metals. This position we must accept without hesitation unless there is absolute and positive proof showing unmistakably that there was a break or breaks in the image. One will seek in vain for such positive evidence.<\/p>\n Resort might be made, by special pleading to bolster a theory, to „The Law of Double Reference.“ All students of the Word realize that one of the four types of messianic prophecy, omitting the Christian Dispensation, blends the first and second comings of Christ into a single picture. This class of predictions is an illustration of this law. One who fails to recognize this principle can never understand accurately the utterances of the prophets. For a discussion of this point see the study, Four Types of Messianic Prophecy. But the fact that the principle of double reference often obtains in plain predictions should not lead one to infer that in this image vision there is an interval separating any two of the kingdoms signified. If, on the other hand, there is positive evidence, either in Daniel 2 or in other passages dealing with the same subject, showing that there is an omission in the image-vision, we shall do well to recognize the truth on this point and act accordingly. In the absence of such testimony, one should not assume such a break in the continuity of the prophetic times indicated by the image. We have no logical right nor reason to assume that this image was anything other than that of a normal man. The circumstances of the case, studied in the light of related passages, demand that we recognize the image as representing an unbroken period of time, which began with Nebuchadnezzar and ends with the second coming of Christ (Dan. 2:44).<\/p>\n Significance of the Metals<\/p>\n The head of this image was of fine gold, the chest of silver, the belly of brass, and the legs of iron, whereas the feet and toes were of iron and miry clay. Instantly one recognizes design in such an arrangement. An examination of the use of gold and fine gold in the Scriptures reveals the fact that this metal was used to symbolize that which is purest or of the first quality. When governments are under consideration, it would naturally signify that which God considers the highest or ideal form of government. Since the head of gold signified Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian form of rule, we may conclude that an absolute monarchy (for such was Babylon) is God’s ideal type of government. Of course, an unrighteous ruler, even though he headed an absolute monarchy, could not be that which meets divine approval; but such a type of government, administered by an absolutely righteous and impartial monarch, who knows the very thoughts and intents of the heart, would fulfill that which is symbolized by this finest of metals. Nebuchadnezzar and his successors fell far below the ideal; nevertheless that type of government was what God had in mind in the use of gold.<\/p>\n The next metal in this image, viewed from the head downward, is the chest and arms of silver. This portion of the image signified a second type of government which succeeded Babylon and which was inferior to it, as silver is inferior to gold. The kingdom which followed Babylon was that of the Medes and Persians. Their type of government was a limited monarchy. It is indeed inferior to that of an absolute monarchy, as is recognized by all students of politics.<\/p>\n To this second empire were granted the same powers and authority over the entire world that had been given to the Babylonians. Like their predecessors, they never did „go in and possess their possessions.“ It is true that they swallowed up the Babylonian Empire and pushed their frontiers beyond the boundaries of the former. Nevertheless, they never did exercise world dominion as outlined in this prediction. The historical facts show conclusively that they did not.<\/p>\n The third kingdom was symbolized by the belly of brass. From the standpoint of real worth, brass is less valuable than silver. Since this metal was chosen, it is quite evident that the government thus presented symbolically would be of a lower type than that of the Medes and the Persians. From history we know that the Greek Empire succeeded the Medo-Persian Kingdom. The authority and the power that had been first in the hands of the Babylonians, then transferred to the Medes and Persians, passed into the grip of the Greeks. They took over all the territory that had formerly been under the control of their predecessors and extended their boundaries quite a distance beyond that of Medo-Persia in its widest extent. When, however, they were no longer plastic in the hands of God and could not be used of Him to forward His plan of the ages. He withdrew this delegated power and authority and transferred it to their successors, the Romans.<\/p>\n This fourth, empire was symbolized by the legs of iron and the feet and toes of iron mixed with miry clay. Here again we see a depreciation in the value of the metal used. It is true that iron is much stronger than the other metals appearing in the upper part of the image; but, from the standpoint of real value, it was of far less worth than the former ones. As we learn from history, the Roman Empire succeeded the Greek and without question is the one that was symbolized by the iron. The authority and power, granted to the Babylonians, then transferred to the Medo-Persians, and later given to the Greeks, finally was delivered into the hands of the Romans. They in turn extended their boundaries beyond those of the Greeks–even at the zenith of their power–and incorporated more territory under their rule than any of their predecessors.<\/p>\n As suggested above, there is nothing in the language that would imply that there was a gap between the third and the fourth empires. Only a demand to bolster a position, which has been espoused, could lead one to invent a break in the succession of rule between the third and the fourth empires.<\/p>\n Special Features of the Fourth Kingdom<\/p>\n The legs, feet, and toes–symbols of the fourth kingdom–were of iron and iron mixed with miry clay. The arms attached to the chest of silver signified the dual monarchy of the Medes and Persians. The legs representing the fourth kingdom signified the division of the Roman Empire into two sections: the West and the East.<\/p>\n A glance at history shows us that Rome was one strong unit from the days of Julius Caesar until the kingdom was divided by Diocletian in 285 A.D. In view of this fact we may be certain that the hips of the image were likewise of iron. This is the logical meaning of the language, which limits the portion exclusively brass to the belly of the image.<\/p>\n When our Lord was upon earth, Rome was in the hip-stage and never reached the leg-stage until Diocletian came to the throne and divided the empire into what later became known as the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. At first there were coordination and cooperation between the two sections, and the emperor of each considered the other as his equal and co-partner. Eventually differences arose and a breach developed which sank into a chasm separating the two governments, although they were of the same imperial type.<\/p>\n Anyone who read this prophecy before the time of Diocletian would naturally conclude that the first kingdom, symbolized by the head of gold, would be a united empire; that the second would be a dual monarchy as indicated by the arms; that the third would be a united kingdom, which fact was indicated by the belly of brass; and that the fourth one would be a solid political unity for a while but would develop into two sections as was indicated by the legs. Furthermore, he would naturally believe that, just as the legs extended from the torso downward to the feet, thus the two empires into which this one divides would likewise continue in this dual form–unlike the Medo-Persian Empire with organic connection as indicated by the chest and arms–but each pursuing its individual existence as indicated by the legs. From the time of Rome’s supplanting Greece to the division of the empire, everyone who understood the prophecy had the logical right to expect that kingdom to divide into the two sections as indicated by the legs. After that prophecy was fulfilled, all biblical students had a right to believe that those two divisions would continue through the centuries until the very end of the age. Since the legs of the image extended from the body to the feet, no one by a study of the passage could arrive at any other conclusion. No one today who is willing to let the prediction deliver its own message to his heart can logically interpret it differently. Thus from the time that the prophecy was spoken until the present, everyone who believes and accepts the Scriptures as the infallibly inspired Word of God has had a right to believe that Rome continues through the centuries in this twofold division as indicated by the legs.<\/p>\n Furthermore, they are forced logically to believe that this dual empire will eventually develop into ten divisions as signified by the toes. If language is definite and can be relied upon, our prediction means this. It can mean nothing else. To force upon it any other interpretation is to do violence to the Word. Daniel 2 does not give any hint as to how this final development will be brought about. That is, however, told in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 and 17.<\/p>\n In this connection let us bear in mind that each of these metals symbolized a definite, specific type of government. About this position, there can be no question. This fact may point to the solution of the problem involved, especially in this fourth empire. Since iron symbolized the imperial type of government, we have a right to believe that the old Caesarean imperialism was destined to continue through the centuries– to the very end–as signified by the legs that continue from the body to the feet.<\/p>\n We have seen the picture presented in this prophecy. An examination of the historical facts as they have unfolded through the centuries will make this picture more vivid. Rome was a solid political unity when the Lord Jesus was upon earth. At that time she was in the hip-stage suggested above; she reached the leg-stage when Diocletian came to the throne and divided the empire into the Eastern and Western sections, making Constantinople the capital of the East and Rome the capital of the West. Let us think of this image as facing northward. The left leg then would represent Rome in the West, and the right one, Rome in the East. The Western section was overrun by the Germanic tribes in 476 A.D. Speaking in terms of the anatomy of man, I would say that the left leg was broken in that year. The injury was serious and was never healed until 800 A.D. when Charles the Great, restoring law and order, united all the fragments into which the empire had been shattered into another political unity, which became known as „The Holy Roman Empire of the Frankish Nation.“ Thus the center of political gravity of Rome in the West was shifted from Italian soil to French territory. This political setup remained intact until 963 A.D. when Otto I, the German, crossed the Rhine, conquered the Western section of the Empire, saw the advantage of the civilization which he had vanquished, incorporated the country overrun into his empire, and Romanized his Germanic tribes. Thus he and his successors claimed to be the heirs of the old Roman Caesars. Since they Romanized their civilization and added the conquered territory to their dominions, it is logical for us to understand that the Empire in the West was continued–the broken leg was healed–but that the center of political gravity was once again shifted–this time from French territory to Germanic soil. It continued through medieval times to the present, centered in Germany. It is true that the boundaries of Rome have contracted at times, and at others they have expanded; yet there has been a persistency of the type of government–Caesarean imperialism–through the centuries. To illustrate this, let me imagine a situation which I know will never develop. Suppose Germany should conquer Britain and Russia and then should invade our Atlantic seaboard. We would, of course, draw up our forces against the aggressors. In such an imaginary war let us conceive of the enemy’s driving our forces westward. The capital, which is now at Washington, D.C. would, of course, be moved westward before the advancing hordes. In this hypothetical calamity, let us assume that the invaders pushed our forces as far as the Mississippi River. The capital, in that event, would probably be established at Omaha or Kansas City. At this stage of the struggle, both sides come to the conclusion that neither can win. Finally, an armistice is requested. Fighting ceases. A peace conference is called, and the aggressors demand as an indemnity of the war that the American government cede to them all the territory east of the Mississippi. To these unreasonable demands the American delegates consent and affix their names to the peace treaty. Then the conquerors take possession of the newly acquired territory. Under these conditions what would the government headed up at Kansas City be called? Everyone would say that it would still be the United States of America. This is correct. It would be the same government, with the same traditions, with the same civilization, with the same organization, with the same institutions and ideals as the one which started with the thirteen original colonies on the Atlantic seaboard; and yet it would not be on one foot of the original soil. There would be continuity, not of territorial boundaries, but of the type of government. We can, therefore, see that in the persistency of the type of government, which is the thing emphasized in Daniel’s vision, lies the continuity that is set forth by the legs of the metallic image of Daniel 2. The Roman type of government has persisted throughout the centuries in Western Europe in that the same old Caesarean imperialism has persisted through the centuries to the present time and has the center of its political gravity in Germany. (From statements here and there in the Word I know that the Axis powers will go down in defeat.)<\/p>\n On the other hand, in 1453 A.D., the eastern half of the Roman Empire went down under the Ottoman Turks. At that time many of the leaders fled to the West and carried the civilization of the East with them. This turn of affairs laid the foundation for the great Renaissance. Many others of the political leaders fled from Constantinople into Russia, taking with them their ideas of government. They infiltrated into positions of power and finally transmuted the government at Kiev into the same type as that which had existed at Constantinople in the old Byzantine Empire. Thus was transferred to Russian soil the old Caesarean imperialism, which has continued through the centuries, notwithstanding the ebb and flow of national events, up to the present time. There has, therefore, been a continuity of the type of government, both in the East and in the West, to the present. It will continue on until the ten-toe-stage is reached.<\/p>\n The Smiting Stone<\/p>\n In the vision Nebuchadnezzar saw a small stone cut out of the mountain without hands which rolled down and smote the image upon its feet. The impact broke the image into fragments. These being removed, the little stone became a mountain which filled the earth.<\/p>\n What is the significance of this stone? Since the image is a symbol of four governments, the stone likewise is a symbol. But of what? God does not mix His teachings. We must find the significance of a stone when thus used symbolically. The first appearance of such a metaphorical meaning appears in Genesis 49:24, where the Messiah of Israel is called „the stone.“ In other places „stone“ as we learn from each context signifies „Messiah.“ Rock, as a rule, when thus used refers to God the Father, although in Isaiah 8:14 both a rock and a stone signify the Messiah. Since this is its metaphorical meaning, we may believe that this smiting stone is a symbol of the Messiah and His coming in clash with the fourth power of This stone strikes with tremendous force the image upon its feet and breaks into fragments all the metals. Such imagery could not under any conditions signify the first advent of Messiah, because He did not make any such stroke at civil governments. Furthermore, Rome was in the thigh-stage when the Lord Jesus came the first time. It has never reached the toe-stage yet. He does not return until that point is reached. These facts point to the conclusion that this stone signifies the coming of the Lord in glory and power, His demolishing all human rule, and His establishing His reign of righteousness upon the earth. This is exactly what is said in Daniel 2:44. „And in the days of those kings [the ones signified by the toes of the image] shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.“<\/p>\n A mountain, when used symbolically, as is seen in Jeremiah 51:25, always signifies a human government. Since this little stone becomes a great mountain filling the earth, and since the mountain signifies a kingdom, we understand then that this mountain is the symbol of the Messiah’s world-wide kingdom, which He will establish when He returns in glory and abolishes all human government and authority.<\/p>\n Thus under the symbolism of the metallic image consisting of the four metals, we may see a view of the four world empires, viewed from the human standpoint, as Nebuchadnezzar naturally looked at things. No one comparison in any field can set forth all the facts. The information that appears in this chapter is supplemented by that which we find in Daniel 7. This information will be, as we shall find, completed in the final disclosures in the Book of Revelation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/70wochen.png\")
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\n6 Whatsoever Jehovah pleased, that hath he done, In heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;
\n7 Who causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; Who maketh lightnings for the rain; Who bringeth forth the wind out of his treasuries;
\n8 Who smote the first-born of Egypt, Both of man and beast;
\n9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, Upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants;
\n10 Who smote many nations, And slew mighty kings,
\n11 Sihon king of the Amorites, And Og king of Bashan, And all the kingdoms of Canaan,
\n12 And gave their land for a heritage, A heritage unto Israel his people.<\/p>\n
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\nTHERE ARE SEVERAL passages in the Book of Daniel in which chronological data appears, and concerning which a ceaseless controversy has raged. Most of the questionings are caused by rationalistic unbelief. Archeological data, however, has disproved the theses of most modem scholarship, and the endless discussions have interest no longer, other than an academic one. All the historical questions and rationalistic criticisms have been well answered in the two volumes of R. D. Wilson entitled <\/span>Studies in the Book of Daniel<\/i><\/span>. In my volume, <\/span>Messiah: His First Coming Scheduled<\/i><\/span>, I discuss the main points of the chronology in the Book of Daniel.<\/span><\/p>\n
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