Daniel Lesson 7, October 24

Review:

e. Description of the image 2:31-35

#1 the image vs:31-33;

- in vs:31 we see 3 aspects of it

- In vs:32-33 Daniel introduces the parts of the image

1. head =

2. breast and arms =

3. belly and thighs =

4. legs =

5. feet =

** Observations

1. Notice that the metals deteriorate from top down in 2 ways.

#1 in value; which would you rather have.

#2 in weight; specific gravity

2. Therefore the image is top heavy; heavier metals at top. This results in a tendency to instability; prone to topple.

3. What kind of base does all of these metals rest on??

Mixture of iron and clay! Is it strong or weak??

4. There is also a progression; All progress in terms of hardness and strength.

#2 The Stone vs:34-35

Notice the way the image is destroyed.

The influence of these world empires will be removed from the earth by the returning Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom.

Ø Should also note some things about the stone!

1. Description = "...a stone cut out without hands," vs:34

2. It brings total destruction

3. Its destiny

f. The interpretation of the dream 2:36-45

Observations:

1. Theme: Kingdom

2. The character of these kingdoms.

a. There is a chronological order, sequence to these kingdoms. (see it in vs:39-40)

b. They are all world wide powers.

c. Conclusion:

3. Of the human kingdoms the 4th will get the most attention. Why?

4. Notice that the last kingdom is unique.

Ø Lessons of these kingdoms.

1. These succession of kingdoms teach the principle of declension in human affairs.

2. Shows the insecurity, uncertainty and the transitoriness of human government.

3. It shows the absolute Sovereignty of God, His kingdom will blow them all away and He will reign forever.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

Lessons gleaned from these kingdoms.

1. This succession of kingdoms teaches the principle of declension in human affairs.

2. The progression of kingdoms shows the insecurity, uncertainty and the transitoriness of human government.

3. It also demonstrates shows the absolute Sovereignty of God, His kingdom will blow them all away and He will reign forever.

Specific analysis of the parts of the image - interpretation.

1. Head of gold = Babylon.

Referring to God as the God of heaven is significant for several reasons;

1. The Babylonians believed that their gods came from the earth and Daniel wanted to make clear that His God, the God who reveals mysteries is not in the same category as Neb's gods.

2. Its a not so subtle condemnation of his gods and therefore of the entire Babylonian religious system!