Book of Daniel

[Rockstar]

I have on occasion taught a class on endtime prophecy. It's usually on short notice and many don't have time to absorb what's said. So before I leave I print out this recap. It pretty much covers the big picture regarding the image in Nebuchad-nezzer dream in Chapter two. Chapter 2 being the one that starts people down the popular Roman endtime theory however after my class is over most reconsider.

Firstly, thank you for allowing me to discuss the book of Daniel with you. I want to briefly clarify a few points I spoke about last Sunday.

When we read Daniel chapter 2 we discovered a great deal was written of mans inability, including Daniel, to tell the king the information he demanded to know. Daniel asked for a stay of execution so that he and his companions may inquire of God for an answer. The dream and interpretation were revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Daniel was able to explain both the dream and the interpretation with the information revealed to him directly from the God of Heaven. So when we read of men’s vain attempts to interpret the dreams and visions in this book, let it be known an answer has already been given by God Himself nothing has been left to our hearts imagination.

So, rather than add to Gods interpretation be content with what He has shown us, it is sufficient. When we read what He has described and interpreted for us we should find ourselves drawn to the fourth kingdom as it was given the greatest detail and is yet to be fulfilled. From God’s interpretation of the image we’re able to discern at least two things about the 4th kingdom.

• Its nature; it will have the strength of iron, yet be fragile and divided. “And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” (Daniel 2: 40-43)

• The time of its existence, being when Messiah returns. “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” (Daniel 2: 44)

Many have construed the word “divided” to mean an arithmetical division of the fourth kingdom. But simple math dogmatically proves one part being equally divided leave us with two parts, let me remind you God specifically numbered them 1 thru 4, knowing this we should be compelled to look elsewhere for an answer. Thankfully, we have scriptural support that best describes what a divided kingdom.

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: (Mathew 12:25).

We find similar examples concerning ‘divided kingdoms’ in Mathew 12:26, 27, 35; Mark 3:24, 25, 26 and Luke 11:17, 18; 12:52. Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines division of this nature as one of disunion; discord; variance; difference. Unless there is in the kingdom like minded people it will invariably come to an end and be destroyed.


I have been taught also by some the 4th kingdom is Rome. But there is nothing in scripture to indicate this. Simply put the Roman Empire no longer exists, it is a thing of the past and scripturally we are told a divided kingdom, as the 4th kingdom is described, does not return but rather it is brought to desolation. Furthermore God never names the 4th kingdom so the question must be asked, “By whose authority do those who give it a Roman name add to what God Himself has already interpreted?” That question alone should, again, cause us to look to scripture for an answer and not a commentary. In later chapters of Daniel 11, Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 16:12 we can pretty much pin point this location. I contend in chapter two some insight is gained into the general location of the 4th kingdom, by the very thoughts king Nebuchad-nezzer had on his mind before he went to bed.

We should be aware, King Nebuchad-nezzar had been given a kingdom and dominion.

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down. (Daniel 5:19)

He was also chock full of pride.

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? (Daniel 4:30)

Though the exact wording of the question the king had on his mind before he went to bed is unknown, we know there was no other kingdom on earth greater than his and according to him it was he who had built it.

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 maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. (Daniel 2:29)

What king with so great a kingdom, and so full of pride would not think to ask the question what will happen after I am gone. Particularly what will become of the kingdom “I have built”? Nebuchad-nezzer’s kingdom was Babylon (head; 1st) also known as the land of the Chaldeans (Ezekiel 12:13), it was then given over to the Madai-Persian king (breast & arms; 2nd), later to a Grecian king (belly & thighs; 3rd), and finally the fourth kingdom (legs & feet) spoken of will come to occupy the land of the Chaldean’s.

All of these kingdoms possessed the old Babylonian kingdom of Nebuchad-nezzar. Thus I believe we have a clue the 4th kingdom will have a central presence in the Middle East. Not in Europe as has been the predominant teaching until now.

There also seemed to be an issue regarding when God establishes His Kingdom on earth and rules from the Throne of David. To help clarify the time frame of when this happens, it comes after what is known as ‘Daniels 70th week’ or ‘the last week in Daniel’ during which time the 4th kingdom reigns. To keep it short and much to the point, from the time the order went out to rebuild Jerusalem, to when it was restored is 7 weeks (49 years). From the time Jerusalem was restored to Messiah the Prince (when Jerusalem rejected Christ) is 62 weeks (434 years) for a grand total of 69 weeks (7+ 62=69 weeks). Now it appears the great clock has stopped as the 70th week has yet to arrive. I contend the gap in time between the 69th and 70th week is Gods patience made manifest.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Peter 3:9).

The 70th week (7 years) will start the day Anti-Christ (a.k.a. The King of the North, Abaddon, and Desolator) makes a covenant with many, and so the clock begins again. This covenant will last 1260 days (3.5 years) during which time it is thought the Temple will be rebuilt and they will cry peace and safety, peace and safety! But in the middle of the week the king of the north breaks the covenant. Causes sacrifice and oblation to cease and the overspreading abomination of desolation thus beginning Great Tribulation lasting for an additional 1260 days after which the 70th week ends.

Reading from Mathew 24:29 we find certain events happening immediately after the tribulation, we see God pouring out His wrath and then His second coming of which the exact day or hour is unknown. After this will the reign of the Gentile kingdoms come to an end, never to trodden down Jerusalem again, for the God of Israel will have established His Kingdom which will last forever.

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)


I could go on ironing out the timeline of these events and I’d be happy to do so at a later date, in essence I want to show people where to look so that they will not be caught unawares. We need to be “Semper Gumby” (always flexible) for if we look too long in one place it will cause us to become complacent, stiff and lowers our guard. We have been commanded to be watchful; being watchful is an activity, an action which requires more than standing around waiting for something to happen.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.