Biblical explanation
Nebuchadnezzar saw a great image with different materials: Head of gold Chest and arms of silver Belly and thighs of bronze Legs of iron Feet partly iron and partly clay Daniel explained that these represented successive kingdoms. The first kingdom is explicitly identified: “Thou art this head of gold” (). Babylon is therefore the head of gold. The next kingdoms correspond to the later portions of the image. Daniel then describes a stone “cut out without hands” that strikes the image and becomes a great mountain filling the earth. Daniel explains: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (). The prophecy therefore contrasts temporary human kingdoms with God's everlasting kingdom. Traditional Identification When is compared with and , the sequence is commonly understood as: Babylon Medo-Persia Greece Rome Divided kingdoms God's everlasting kingdom Daniel explicitly identifies Babylon and explains that the image represents successive kingdoms. The names of the later kingdoms are established by comparing with and .
In brief
Nebuchadnezzar saw a great image with different materials: Head of gold Chest and arms of silver Belly and thighs of bronze Legs of iron Feet partly iron and partly clay Daniel explained that these represented successive kingdoms.
Bible references
Go deeper into this topic Bible Prophecy: A Roadmap to the Future Start the studyThis answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.