WORDS OF LIFE SERIES 20 canon of scripture was completed, God often spoke to people through

BIBLE STUDY NOTES STUDIES IN THE LIFE OF dreams – compare Job 33:15-16; Joel 2:28.
DANIEL (2) It was clear in its details (verses 31-35). Its two main features were a
by Francis W. Dixon statue (verses 31-33), and a rock (verses 34-35). The statue was the figure
of a Babylonian man (verse 31). The head was made of gold (verse 32);
the chest and arms were of silver (verse 32); the belly and thighs were of
Study 2 A KING’S DREAM OF DESTINY bronze (verse 32); the legs were of iron (verse 33); and the feet and toes
(Scripture Portion: Daniel 2:1-30) were partly iron and partly clay (verse 33). In his dream the king saw a
great rock that smote the statue on the feet (verses 34-35).
This chapter is in some ways the most important prophetic chapter in the Bible
(3) It was prophetic in its significance. In his dream the king was given a
as it contains what has been called the ABC of prophecy. It should be read in
conjunction with Daniel chapter 7 and Revelation chapters 13 and 17. Chapter panorama of the history “of the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24),
2 centres around the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the greater part covering a period of at least 2500 years, which will conclude at the Second
of the known civilised world; he was a mighty monarch and lived in great Coming of Christ. When Daniel had told the king what the dream was he
splendour in Babylon. In this chapter, however, we find that he was terribly then gave the meaning of it (verses 36-45).
disturbed by a dream. Notice: 4. THREE THINGS ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION
1. THREE THINGS ABOUT THE KING (1) It was, and is, comprehensive in its scope. The various parts of the statue
(1) His dream (verse 1). This was a nightmare, and in these superstitious days represent kingdoms. The prophecy in chapter 2 is all about “kingdoms” – see
dreams and apparitions were regarded as portentous. What shook him verses 36-44. The golden head = the Babylonian Empire (verses 36-38); the
was that he knew that this dream had to do with the future – see verse 29 chest and arms = the Medo-Persian Empire (verse 39a); the belly and thighs =
(first part). the Grecian Empire (verse 39b); the legs of iron = the Roman Empire (verse
(2) His dilemma (verses 2-8; 10-11). He was in a dilemma, first, because he 40); the feet and toes of iron and clay (verses 41-43) – what do these
represent? The usual interpretation is that the feet and toes stand for a revived
could not remember the dream, and then because his wise men were
Roman Empire under Antichrist. Notice, however, that the feet and toes
incapable of recalling its details and giving their interpretation of it. Neither
represent the last Gentile kingdom or form of government before the Lord
the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers nor the astrologers could help him – comes; for what happened to the statue? – read 44-45. The rock is Christ. He
and they said so (verse 10). is the Rock of ages on whom believers are built for stability and from whom
(3) His decree (verses 9, 12, 13a). The infuriated monarch ordered the believers derive satisfaction (Exodus 17:3-6). Christ is the “stone cut without
destruction of all the wise men of Babylon. They were a crafty lot of hands”. He will deal a mortal blow to all human governments, and at His
imposters and they, including Daniel and his friends, must die – see verse coming He will set up His own glorious kingdom.
13(b). (2) It was, and is, certain in its fulfilment. The major part of the prophecy has been
2. THREE THINGS ABOUT DANIEL fulfilled literally. The Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, The
Grecian Empire and the Roman Empire have come and gone; and the rule
(1) His desire (verses 14-16). He requested the king’s permission to have time
represented by the feet and toes of iron and clay – what will happen to that? It
to find out the dream and its meaning. What faith he had! He sincerely
will be smashed by the coming of the great Rock. Then what will happen? The
believed that God could and would reveal the forgotten dream and give the Lord Himself will rule upon the earth!
interpretation of it. (3) It was, and is, challenging in its demand. If God is sovereign in the affairs of
(2) His devotion (verses 17-23). Daniel shared his problem with his three men and nations, if He is working to a plan, if He has revealed that plan in His
friends (verse 17), held a prayer meeting (verse 18), received the answer to Word, if His Son is coming to put down human governments and to establish
their prayer (verse 19), and gave all the glory and praise to God (verses 20- His own rule and reign of righteousness, if we are living in the last days, then
23). What a foursome this was, what a speedy answer God gave them, surely those of us who love and serve the Lord should be very careful how we
and what praise filled their hearts and lips! live – look up 2 Peter 3:11-14. Read Daniel 2:36-49 again as you conclude this
(3) His declaration (verses 24-30). Daniel must have been very excited as he study.
went in to Arioch (verse 24); then see him before the king (verses 25-28).
In verse 29 we notice that he is very careful to give God all the glory.
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(1) It was divine in its origin (verse 28). That is, it was the Lord who had
caused Nebuchadnezzar to have the dream. In those days, before the