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| 1 And, in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams,–and his spirit, was troubled, and, his sleep, had gone from him. |
Dreamed dreams – God gave the dream and sent its interpretation through Daniel, the prophet. SM417:1
Portraying the Gentile rule of earth during the interregnum of God's Kingdom. R5526:2
Simultaneous with Zedekiah's fall and the taking away of his crown. R5526:2
A dream of much more interest to all Christians than it could possibly have been to Nebuchadnezzar himself. CR41:6
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| 2 So the king gave word to call for the sacred scribes and for the magicians, and for the users of incantations, and for the Chaldeans, that they might tell the king his dreams,–they came in therefore, and stood before the king. |
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| 3 And the king, said to them, A dream, have I dreamed,–and my spirit is troubled to know the dream. |
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| 4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king, in Aramaic,–O king, to the ages, live! Tell the dream to thy servants, and, the interpretation, we will declare. |
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| 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The word from me, is unalterable: If ye shall not make known to me the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and, your houses, into a dunghill, shall be turned; |
Cut in pieces – Put to death as imposters, letting on that they had a connection with the gods that they did not have. Q95:T
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| 6 but, if, the dream and the interpretation thereof, ye will declare, gifts and a present and great dignity, shall ye receive from before me,–therefore, the dream and the interpretation thereof, declare ye unto me. |
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| 7 They answered again and said,–Let, the king, tell, the dream, to his servants, and, the interpretation thereof, we will declare. |
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| 8 The king answered and said, Of a certainty, I know, that, time, ye, would gain,–merely because ye see that, unalterable, from me, is the word: |
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| 9 That, if, the dream, ye shall not make known to me, one and the same, is the decree, and, a lying and wicked word, have ye agreed to speak before me, that meanwhile the time may be changed,–therefore, the dream, tell ye me, so shall I know that, the interpretation thereof, ye can declare for me. |
Tell me the dream – Arguing that if they had supernatural power by which they could explain a dream, the same power could rehearse it. CR41:6
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| 10 The Chaldeans answered before the king and said, There is not a man upon the earth, who can declare, the matter of the king,–although indeed, there is no king, chief ruler who, a thing like this, hath asked of any sacred scribe or magician or Chaldean; |
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| 11 and, the thing which the king hath asked, is difficult, and, none other, is there, who can declare it before the king,–saving the gods whose dwelling is, not with flesh. |
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| 12 For this cause, the king, was provoked and exceedingly indignant,–and gave word to destroy all the wise men of Babylon; |
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| 13 and, the decree, went forth, that, the wise men, should be slain,–and they sought Daniel and his companions that they might be slain. |
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| 14 Immediately, Daniel, made answer with prudence and discretion, to Arioch, chief of the executioners of the king,–who had come forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: |
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| 15 he began to speak and said to Arioch the king's captain,–For what cause, is the decree raging forth from before the king? Then did Arioch make the matter known unto Daniel. |
Made the thing known – Evidently Daniel was not with the magicians before the king. Q95:T
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| 16 So Daniel entered in, and desired of the king,–that, an appointed time, he would give him, and then, the interpretation, he would declare unto the king. |
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| 17 Then Daniel, to his own house, departed,–and, to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, made the matter known; |
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| 18 that, tender compassion, they might seek from before the God of the heavens, concerning this secret,–that Daniel and his companions, might not be destroyed, with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. |
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| 19 Then, unto Daniel–in a vision of the night, the secret was revealed,–whereupon, Daniel, blessed the God of the heavens: |
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| 20 Daniel responded, and said, Let the name of God be blessed from age to age,–in that wisdom and might, to him belong; |
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| 21 And, he, changeth times and seasons, removeth kings, and setteth up kings,–giving wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to them who are skilled in understanding: |
Removeth kings – God had to do with the setting up and pulling down of the universal governments. R5305:2
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| 22 He, revealeth the deep things, and the hidden,–knoweth what is in the darkness, and, light, with him, doth dwell. |
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| 23 Unto the, O God of my fathers, do I render thanks and praise, in that, wisdom and might, thou hast given unto me,–yea, already, hast thou made known to me that which we desired of thee, for, the matter of the king, hast thou made known unto us. |
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| 24 Therefore, Daniel entered in unto Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon,–he went in, and, thus, he said unto him, The wise men of Babylon, do not thou destroy, bring me in before the king, and, the interpretation–unto the king, will I declare. |
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| 25 Thereupon, Arioch–with haste, brought in Daniel before the king,–and, thus, he said to him–I have found a man of the sons of the exile of Judah, who, the interpretation–unto the king, will make known. |
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| 26 The king answered and said unto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,–Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? |
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| 27 Daniel answered before the king, and said,–The secret which the king hath asked, the wise men, the magicians, the sacred scribes, the astrologers, are not able to declare unto the king; |
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| 28 but there is a God in the heavens, who revealeth secrets, and hath made known to King Nebuchadnezzar, what shall come to pass, in the afterpart of the days: Thy dream and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are, these:– |
Maketh known to the king – And indirectly, more particularly, to the watchers. R2976:6
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| 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts upon thy bed, arose regarding what should come to pass hereafter; and, he that revealeth secrets, made known to thee what shall come to pass. |
Known to thee – Picture of Gentile rule of earth from the human standpoint. OV82:2
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| 30 But, as for me–not for any wisdom that is in me, more than any of the living, is, this secret, revealed to me,–therefore, it is in order that, the interpretation–unto the king, they should make known, and that, the thoughts of thy heart, thou shouldst get to know. |
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| 31 As for thee, O king, thou wast looking, when lo! a great image, this image, being mighty, and the brightness thereof surpassing, was standing before thee,–and, the appearance thereof, was terrible. |
A great image – Representing the four great Gentile universal empires. A253; R419:6, R5564:3, R5854:1; Q82:1
Symbolizing not the people, but the governments. A255
Showing the earthly governments that would rule over the earth during the interim between the overthrow of the typical kingdom of God and the installation of the true King in his Millennial Kingdom glory. R2976:4
The period of time during which these universal empires will have controlled the world must be the Times of the Gentiles. R5564:3
Symbol of the world power in its whole development and final destruction. R3359:4*
Was excellent – From Nebuchadnezzar's, the world's, standpoint. A256; CR42:2
As thus glorious the earthly kingdoms are regarded by the world; but God portrayed the same four earthly governments to Daniel, in chapter 7, as beastly. R166:2, R419:6, R815:2
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| 32 As for this image, its head, was of fine gold, its breast and its arms, were of silver,–its belly and its thighs, of bronze; |
Head was of fine gold – Representing the Babylonian empire. R166:2, R419:6, R2976:4, R815:2, R5526:2, R5564:2; SM417:1, SM478:1; PD49/61; A253; OV82:2, OV340:5; CR42:1
Breast and his arms of silver – Representing the Medo-Persian empire. See references to Head was of fine gold.
Belly and his thighs of brass – Representing the Grecian empire. See references to Head was of fine gold.
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| 33 its legs, of iron,–and, its feet, part of them, of iron, and, part of them, of clay. |
His legs of iron – Representing the Roman empire. See references to Head was of fine gold. Two legs represent the strong Roman empire, East and West, Rome and Constantinople; each, in turn, was the Roman capital. OV341:3, OV192:1; R3359:4; SM478:1
That Rome held universal sway in the time of our Lord's birth is shown in Luke 2:1, "There went out a decree f." A253; CR42:1
If Israel had accepted Jesus as King, the Messianic Kingdom would have been established at this point. Foreseeing their failure, God pictured the extension of Gentile supremacy in the feet of the image. OV82:2
His feet – The toes are kingdoms, corresponding to the ten horns of the beast of Dan. 7:7. R3359:4*
Being represented in the present divisions of the Roman empire in Europe. R5854:1; SM478:1
The kingdoms now in existence, represented in the feet, received their power and authority originally from the Papacy or some of her protesting daughters who crowned them to reign "by the grace of God." R815:2
It is upon the feet of this image that the Armageddon crash of God's Kingdom is pictured as falling--grinding the entire image to powder. R5854:1
Part of iron – Represents civil governments. SM478:1; PD49/61; A254; R3359:5*, R2976:5
Some places the iron is more prominent and some places the clay. The iron, which has the strength, is usually the most prominent. Q96:T
Part of clay – Imitation stone; stone being the symbol of the true Kingdom of God. A254; Q:81:1, Q96:T; SM417:3; R5564:5
Represented ecclesiasticism as it is now mixed up with the politics of the ten kingdoms of Europe. SM478:1, SM417:2; PD49/61; A254; R5526:2, R3359:5*, R2976:5; Q81:1
The commingling of the iron and clay represented that blending of church and state known as the Holy Roman empire. OV82:2
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| 34 Thou didst look, until that a stone tare itself away, not by the aid of hands, and smote the image upon its feet, which were of iron and clay,–and they were broken in pieces. |
Till that a stone – The true Kingdom of God, Christ and the Church. A254; CR42:3; SM417:2, SM479:2; OV82:3; R2976:5, R3293:2
The fifth universal empire, Messiah's Kingdom. There have been two unsuccessful attempts to establish this fifth empire-- one by Papacy and the other by Napoleon. OV340:5
A small stone, a Little Flock. R2375:1
Messiah, Head and Body. R3293:2
The holy mountain referred to in Isa. 11:9. R5575:4
During its preparation, while being cut out, it might be called an embryo mountain, in view of its future destiny; as the Church is sometimes called the Kingdom of God. A255
The New Jerusalem "coming down from God out of heaven." (Rev. 21:10) R654:5, R2606:3
When he gives the saints with Christ their Lord the heathen for an inheritance; when he gives the Kingdom under the whole heavens to the people of the saints. R658:5
The Gentiles, not fully out of power; but, their lease expiring, their eviction begins.
The Times of the Gentiles is the period between the time that the image was set up or came into power and the time that the stone is to smite the image upon the feet and crush its power. Q82:1; SM478:1; OV82:3
Was cut out – During the Gospel age this "stone" kingdom, the true Church, is being formed, "cut out." A255; OV82:3
Without hands – Without human aid. SM479:1
But by the power of God. R2606:3, R3359:4*, R654:5; OV191:5, OV429:3
Smote the image – The preparatory step to the establishment of Messiah's Kingdom. R5526:2; OV341:1; B99
The impact is prominently noted throughout the Scriptures as a "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." (Dan. 12:1) OV83:T
The little period of 40 years between 1874 and 1914 is, in the Scriptures, called the "Day of Vengeance," the smiting time preparatory to the inauguration of the Kingdom of righteousness. R1874:5
We expect this smiting in 1915, not 1914. Q96:4
If Zedekiah's dethronement should be dated BC 588, it would make the date 1932. My conviction, however, favors 1914. SM480:T
This smiting, we believe, is near at hand (1915 comment), the present war in Europe being intended of the Lord to weaken the nations and prepare them for the next stage of trouble. R5673:5
It is the smiting by this Kingdom that is preparing for the wreck of all the kingdoms of earth. R1692:6, R5916:6
The dominion of earth. R2375:1, R5575:3; A262
The Kingdom of God, when first set up at the introduction of the Millennial age, will be small; but, as soon as set up in power, it will smite the "great image" of earthly rulership. R5575:2
The present smiting of the nations is under Kingdom control. The fact that some of the members of the Kingdom class are still in the flesh does not mitigate at all against this thought. R5632:1
We see all about us evidence of the beginning of the smiting, shaking and overturning of the present powers preparatory to the establishment of the Kingdom. B170
The smiting will not come from the Church in the flesh, with carnal weapons, but from the Church in Kingdom glory, backed by divine power. R5716:4
Not until the Church is complete, and Christ takes to himself his great power to reign, and the Gentile times end, will this heavenly power be hurled against the image. OV82:3; A255
It is the Heavenly Father that will do the smiting. You and I have nothing to do with that. Q82:2; CR42:4
The impact will be so sharp and so thorough as to leave nothing of Gentile supremacy. R5527:4, R5854:1; SM479:1
Upon his feet – The very last part of the image. CR42:4
Present earthly governments. R668:5
The Roman empire still exists, not in the form in which it was first recognized, but in the fact that it was a combination of church and state and the two, uniting, sought to rule all Europe and the world. Q96:T
It is upon the feet of this image that the Armageddon crash of God's Kingdom is pictured as falling. R5854:1
Of iron and clay – Civil and ecclesiastical powers. B78
The decaying power of the Roman dominion. R815:2
Brake them to pieces – Not gradually, but suddenly. R3359:5*
The crushing comes at the end of the age, preparatory to the establishment of Messiah's Kingdom. OV341:1; R654:5
The present step (1915) is the war of the nations. The next will be Socialism--attempted Socialism--and the third step, anarchy. R5632:2
Not until Immanuel shall take his great power and reign and bind Satan will there be permanent peace. R2361:1
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| 35 Then were broken in pieces at once, the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold, and became like chaff out of the summer threshing-floors, and the wind, carried them away, and, no place, was found for them,–but, the stone that smote the image, became a mighty rock, and filled all the land. |
Then – When the time came for the setting up of the Fifth Universal empire. A260
The iron – The Roman empire; civil power. A254; B78
The clay – Ecclesiastical power. A254; B78
The brass – The Grecian empire, which still has a measure of life. A253, A260
The silver – The Persian empire, which still has a measure of life. A253, A260
The gold – The Babylonian empire. A253
Together, all the evil kingdoms of the prince of darkness. R2606:3
Broken to pieces – Their utter destruction. R2338:5
Together – Struck once--shattered all together. R3359:5*
Sir Isaac Newton observed: "All the four beasts are still alive, though the dominion of the first three be taken away." HG74:2
Like the chaff – Ground to powder in the great time of trouble. R5575:3, R2314:1, R5632:1
The Armageddon crash of God's Kingdom is pictured as falling--grinding the entire image to powder. R5854:1
The impact will be so sharp and so thorough as to leave nothing of them--they will cease to be. R5527:4
And the wind – A great war. R3414:3
No place was found – Graphic description of the end of Gentile governments. OV83:1; R5527:4, R668:5
So long as these governments would be here, they and Messiah's Kingdom could not cooperate. R5526:2
And the stone – See comments on Dan. 2:34. After it had done the smi R3359:5*
Became – Spreading, in its various parts, as do earthly governments. D642
Gradually expanding. R2375:1; SM479:2
Its own power and dominion will be established as fast as by its varied influences and agencies it crushes and scatters the powers that be. B78
A great mountain – Kingdom. D642; R654:5, R409:6, R2606:3, R2976:6, R5181:2, R5182:2
Many years will doubtless pass before this prophecy will be fulfilled. R5182:2
Not by poor human efforts will God's Kingdom come. R658:5, R414:5
Filled the whole earth – Having broken to pieces the evil kingdoms of the prince of darkness. R2606:3, R654:5
And not only the place where the image stood. SM479:2
A worldwide Kingdom. R5181:2
As a spiritual unseen power, but with human representatives who can be seen. R219:4
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| 36 This, is the dream, and, the interpretation thereof, we will tell before the king. |
This is the dream – Containing a great political chart of the world's history for the last twenty-five centuries. R662:1*
Tell the interpretation – Daniel is the introduction to John; the book of John is the completion of Daniel. Daniel is first John; John is second Daniel. They are two parts of the same book, using the same symbols and hieroglyphics and treating the same course of events. R662:1*
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| 37 Thou, O king, art the king of kings,–for, the God of the heavens, hath given unto thee, the kingship, the might, the power and the dignity; |
A king of kings – A king over kings; the first one represented in the image. Q95:2
Nebuchadnezzar was made the representative ruling head of human dominion--Lord of earth. B96
The greatness of Babylonia dates especially from the time of the overthrow of Israel. At that time God recognized it and it became the universal empire. Q80:1
The God of heaven – Man's present efforts to rule are not in defiance of Jehovah, but by his permission, for a limited time. A251
Hath given thee – There the Gentile kingdoms, or "Powers that be, were ordained of God." (Rom. 13:1) A253
Saying to the Gentiles, I will not be ready to set up my Kingdom for some time. In the interim you may have opportunity to demonstrate what you can do for the world. Institute the best government that you can. R5564:4
They are all Gentile governments and not representatives of God. All these kingdoms are demonstrating various principles of government. HG569:6
We are interested in these kingdoms because we are interested in mankind in general, and we may pray for them such wisdom as God sees best. R5205:1
A kingdom – For the opportunity to see what he could do with it. R5204:4
The first kingdom in the image. Previously God had his own kingdom of Israel in the world, during which time there could be no other universal empire. Q81:1; R2497:2; HG48:2
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| 38 and, wheresoever the sons of men do dwell, the wild beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens, hath he given into thy hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou, art the head of gold. |
And the fowls – Almost the same language addressed to Adam. B96; HG49:1
Into thine hand – And not into the hand of his dead father, Nabopolassar, as some suppose. R1978:5
Each of the five universal monarchies existed a long time before universal dominion was given into its hand. B100
Thou – Babylon, represented by Nebuchadnezzar. A253; OV340:4; SM417:1
It was under Nebuchadnezzar's administration that the Babylonian empire reached its zenith. R2497:2
Art this head – The representative head of earth. B96; R2497:2
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| 39 And, after thee, shall arise another kingdom, inferior to thee,–and another–a third kingdom, of bronze, which shall bear rule throughout all the earth. |
Another kingdom – The succeeding Medo-Persian empire. A253; PD49/61; OV340:4
These are all Gentile kingdoms and not representatives of God. All these various kingdoms demonstrate various principles of government. R5204:5
Had only one nation been permitted to experiment with the race, we would not have known whether other nations might have been successful if given the opportunity. R5204:5
Third kingdom – Grecia. A253; OV340:4
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| 40 And, the fourth kingdom, shall be hard as iron,–in like manner as iron breaketh in pieces and crusheth all things,–even as iron which bringeth to ruins all these, shall it break in pieces and bring to ruins. |
Fourth kingdom – Rome. A253; OV340:4
The present governments of Europe are the Roman empire under a new gloss, or pretense. Their laws, methods and ambitions are those of the Romans exactly; but, deceiving and being deceived, they call themselves Christian kingdoms. R5673:4
The Roman empire still exists as a combination of church and state although there has been a disintegration between the iron (civil) and the clay (ecclesiastical) powers. A254; Q96:T
Strong as iron – The iron empire, Rome, was by far the strongest and endured longer than its predecessors--in fact, it still continues in the nations of Europe. A253
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| 41 And, whereas thou sawest the feet and the toes, part of them of potter's clay, and part of them of iron, the kingdom, shall be, divided, and, of the hardness of the iron, shall there be in it,–forasmuch as thou sawest, the iron, combined with the miry clay; |
Feet and toes – The present divisions of the Roman empire. A254; OV340:5; R5854:1; SM405:4
Today we have the division of the nations known as Christendom--Protestant and Catholic--as represented by the toes of the image. OV82:2, OV83:7
The ten toes are also pictured in the ten horns of the terrible beast of Dan. 7. OV83:7
America is not included directly, only indirectly. R5854:1
Part of potters' clay – Ecclesiastical powers. Q96:T, A254
Part of iron – The civil power. A254; Q96:T
The kingdom – The Holy Roman empire. A253; Q81:1
Shall be divided – The Roman empire passed through the course foretold--first united, then divided. R662:3*
Strength of the iron – The iron, or civil power, is usually the most prominent. Q96:T
Iron mixed with miry clay – Religious and civil power mixed--an imitation of stone which is the symbol of the true Kingdom of God. A254; Q81:1; R5673:5
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| 42 and, the toes of the feet, part of them, iron, and, part, of clay,–some part of the kingdom, shall be strong, but, a part thereof, shall be brittle; |
As the toes – These ten divisions of the Roman empire now exist as France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Spain, Portugal, Lombardy, Romania and Ravenna. HG12:6
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| 43 and, whereas thou sawest, the iron, combined with the miry clay, they shall be combined with the seed of men, but shall not cleave firmly one to another,–lo! as iron is not to be combined with clay. |
Thou sawest iron – Civil power. A254
Mixed with miry clay – Ecclesiastical power. Q96:T, A254
The gloss of nominal Christianity covering the civil power, outwardly resembling Christ's Kingdom. R5564:5; Q81:1
Mingle themselves – Blend together in confusion, Babylon. A254
Shall not cleave – Not thoroughly amalgamate. A254
When the miry clay becomes dry and "brittle" it loses its adhesive power. The iron and clay now shows signs of dissolution and will quickly crumble when smitten by the "stone," the true Kingdom. A254
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| 44 And, in the days of those kings, shall the God of the heavens, set up, a kingdom which, to the ages, shall not be destroyed, and, the kingdom, to another people, shall not be left,–it shall break in pieces and make an end of all these kingdoms, but, itself, shall stand to the ages. |
In the days – From 1874 to 1914 AD. C128
While they still have power. A262[A261:3]; B99[B99:2], B170; R5631:5
Now the Day of the Lord has come. Earth's rightful King takes his great power and begins his reign while yet the powers of darkness hold their places. R1161:3
Of these kings – The last of the Gentile powers, the so-called Christian kingdoms of Christendom, represented in the toes of the image. A262[A261:3], A254[A253:3]; D623[D623:4]; OV340:6
"Kingdoms of this world," (Matt. 4:8) Gentile kingdoms, permitted to hold sway until the time of Messiah's Kingdom – and no longer. R4799:3[R4799:3]
So also Babylon existed before it conquered Jerusalem and Medo-Persia before it conquered Babylon. All kingdoms must first exist and receive superior power before they could conquer others. B99; HG75:3
The ten powers, representative of the Roman empire, before they are destroyed in the "Day of the Lord." R112:6, R798:4, R82:2
Whether the strife will extend beyond the boundaries of Roman rule we do not know. CR494:6
Shall the God of heaven – Not by poor human efforts. R658:5, R414:5
It is Jehovah's work to set up Christ's dominion. "I will give thee the Gentiles for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." (Psa. 2:8) A309
Set up – To exalt his Church. C115
Gradually establish in power and authority. A262; R2375:1, R5181:2
The first step in the setting up of this Kingdom was the raising of the sleeping saints in 1878. R5631:5
The Church is the Kingdom now only in the prospective sense that a babe is a man. When we are glorified with our Head, that will be our exaltation, the heavenly Kingdom "set up." R397:4
In the full sense when The Christ is complete, every member glorified. R5193:1; B77
The inauguration of Messiah's Kingdom in the world. R5328:2, R5181:2
It is set up before the kingdoms of earth fall. R60:5*
Earth's rightful King begins his reign while yet the powers of darkness hold their places. R1161:3
The setting up of this Kingdom will mean, of course, the overthrow of all the kingdoms of this earth. R307:5
The two cannot long stand together. R1161:3
Our setting up must be before the plaques which are represented as destroying earthly kingdoms. R112:6
A kingdom – Present representatively throughout the Gospel age, unrecognized by the world. D623; R397:4
This is a prophecy of restitution, because any prophecy of the Kingdom of Christ and his saints is a prophecy of restitution. HG336:3
It shall have no successors, for the others will all be destroyed. R2976:6
The Kingdom for which our redeemer himself taught us to pray. R1776:5, R2724:4, R2976:5; D429
Established on the principles of justice and equity, based upon the golden law of love to God and men. R420:5, R166:6
When the Day of the Lord is fully under way, all the tribes of earth shall mourn because of him (Matt. 24:30) who is now assuming contr R748:4
Never be destroyed – Unlike the changing Gentile kingdoms represented in the image. D623
The righteous King shall take possession of earth's governments. R2724:4
Not be left to other people – As the power of the image shifted from one people to another. D623
It shall have no successors, for the others will all be destroyed. R2976:6
But it – The Lord's Kingdom, which is even now engaged in the shaking and overturning work. B170
Our Lord assured his faithful that, at the time of the establishment of his Kingdom and the overthrow of Gentile power, the overcoming Church would be with him and have a share in that work. D624; CR493:5
Break in pieces – "As the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers." (Rev. 2:27) A256; D429; R507:3, R2691:6
When the Kingdoms would be given to "the people of the saints of the Most High," they were to "smite them in pieces as a potter's vessel" This intimates that in some sense the Lord will take possession before they have been completely overthrown. R5631:5, R3293:4
Utter destruction in a great time of trouble. R2375:1, R2338:5, R5328:2; A255
Not by bloodless revolution of the ballot box, but by a "time of trouble." (Dan. 12:1) R1563:6
The intimation is that the catastrophe coming upon our civilization will be a sudden one. The Scriptures do not say that the trouble will come in an hour, or in one day, or in one year. R5328:2
The great ones of earth will not voluntarily resign their power and offices but will have to be driven off their thrones. The saints, however, fight not with carnal weapons and will have nothing to do with this driving. R1156:1
Thus by "breaking in pieces" --throwing down--"the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ," and "he shall reign forever." (Rev. 11:15) R409:3
The "kingdoms of this world," even while being crushed by the Kingdom of God, will be quite ignorant of the real cause of their downfall. C129
At the time of the establishment of the Kingdom and the overthrow of Gentile power, the overcoming Church would be with him and have a share in that work. D623
The grand blessings of restitution are already begun in this trouble, which is a blessing in disguise, breaking in pieces and removing the present governments and systems represented in Nebuchadnezzar's image. R852:1
And consume – Jezebel shall be "eaten by dogs" --the nominal church will be cast down and consumed. R235:5
All these kingdoms – Not people. R419:6
The nations of Europe and America. R2691:5
Surely every one which formed part of the old Roman empire. Whether the strife will extend beyond the boundaries of the Roman rule, whether it will involve America, we do not know. CR494:6; R5854, 1
No nation on earth can now be said to have God's special fatherly providence over it. R1561:6
Present governments are pictured as beastly, and God's saints should rejoice in the promise of their overthrow. R1563:6
Therefore we can neither labor nor pray for the perpetuation of the governments of this world. R798:4
Shall stand for ever – The next, fifth, universal empire, under Messiah. R2976:6, R2145:1; A260
The world needs a "strong government" to hold it in check and bring blessings and happiness to every creature. R2145:1
The kingdoms of this world, being all overthrown, will be re-established on principles of justice and equity, based upon the golden law of love to God and man. R420:5
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| 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that, out of the rock, a stone tare itself away, but not with hands, and brake in pieces the clay, the iron, the bronze, the silver and the gold, the mighty God, hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter. Exact then is the dream, and trusty its interpretation. |
That the stone – Representing the true Church, the Kingdom of God. A255; R2375:1, R5564:5, R1408:2; OV82:3; PD49/61
At first, insignificant in size and seeming powerless to the world. R5575:3
God's Kingdom will not remain small, but will gradually expand until it shall fill the whole earth. R2375:1, R5575:2; SM417:2
Was cut out – Carved and shaped for its future position and greatness. A255
Of the mountain – Mountains, kingdoms of the earth. R654:5
Without hands – Not by human hands, but by the power of the truth. A255; R5673:5
Supernaturally; quarried out of the "earth" by the Lord. OV341:T, R5575:3
And that it – When complete, when entirely cut out, it will smite and destroy the kingdoms of this world. A255
Brake in pieces – Smite the image and grind it to powder. This smiting is near at hand. R5673:5
The smiting will come from the Church in Kingdom glory, backed by divine power. R5716:4
Messiah, Head and Body, shall overrule so that the nations of earth shall be broken to shivers. R3293:5, R5631:5
The present terrible war (1914) is not the great time of trouble in the fullest sense of the word, but merely the forerunner. The great time of trouble will be brought on by anarchy. R5526:3
The dream is certain – The stone is rolling; the hill is steepening; the impetus becomes terrible very soon, and 20 years will amply suffice to destroy old things and fit the earth for the new. R1705:3*
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| 46 Then, King Nebuchadnezzar, fell upon his face, and, unto Daniel, paid adoration; and, a present and sweet odours, gave he word to pour out unto him. |
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| 47 The king answered Daniel, and said–Of a truth, your God, is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a Revealer of secrets,–seeing thou wast able to reveal this secret. |
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| 48 Then, the king, exalted, Daniel, and, many large presents, gave he unto him, and set him to be ruler over all the province of Babylon,–and chief of the nobles, over all the wise men of Babylon. |
Over all the wise men – The expectations of the Magi (Matt. 2:1-12) may have arisen from Dto the time of Messiah's advent. R1674:6
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| 49 And, Daniel, desired of the king, and he appointed–over the business of the province of Babylon–Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,–but, Daniel himself, was in the gate of the king. |
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