Passages: Daniel 2:17-47
Introduction
1. Prophecy is one of the great proofs for the authority of Scripture as the
Word of God. Only the sovereign God could reveal this.
2. We live in times which are discouraging and fearful, and so Christians need to have a rock to stand upon, to be sure of the King and His everlasting kingdom.
1. The Four Kingdoms
The dream concerned a great image (2:31-35). But what does it all
Mean?
1. The gold head represents the Babylonian empire (vv.36-38). It collapsed in
539 B.C.
2. The silver chest and arms represent the Medo-Persian empire (v.39a).
3. The bronze belly and thighs represent the Greek empire (v.39b).
Alexander the Great died in 323 B.C., and his empire broke into four parts.
4. The legs of iron and clay represent the Roman empire (vv.40-43). It appeared to be very strong but was divided between east and west.
2. The Kingdom of Christ
The fifth kingdom is portrayed as a little stone which would become a great
mountain – Dan. 2:34; Psalm 118:22; Matt.21:42-44; 1 Peter 2:6-8. The fifth
kingdom did come during the time of the Roman empire (see Luke 2:1 for
Caesar Augustus, 31 BC-AD 14); and Luke 3:1 for Tiberius, AD 14-37).
(1) This kingdom is divine (v 45)
The stone was cut out of the mountain without hands. It is no human achievement.
(2) This kingdom is world-wide (v 35)
Note Revelation 7:9-10 and 11:15. In 604 B.C. who could have foreseen it?
(3) This kingdom is everlasting (v 44)
So be it, Lord, Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away,
Thy kingdom stands and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway. – John Ellerton, 1826-93
(4) This kingdom is certain (v.45).
3. Some New Testament Applications
(a) Christ spoke of His mission in terms of repentance as the kingdom of
heaven is near – Matt.4:17;
(b) Christ’s kingdom is not of this world – John 18:36.
(c) We are not to fear – Luke 12:32.
The kingdom is divine, worldwide, everlasting and certain. This puts
everything into a gospel perspective.
Do you know the King?
Are you a member of the kingdom that the King has won?