MPV Commentary

The vision of the four beasts and the statue made of different metals is a powerful representation of God's sovereignty over human history. The four empires that rise to power are symbolized by lions, bears, leopards, and a terrifying beast with iron teeth and ten horns. These empires will eventually give way to a fifth kingdom, represented by a stone that crushes the previous kingdoms.

The first empire, Babylon, is depicted as a gold statue with a head of gold, representing its wealth and power. The second empire, Medo-Persia, is symbolized by a silver statue with chest and arms of silver, indicating its inferiority to the first empire. The third empire, Greece, is represented by a bronze statue with legs of bronze, signifying its military prowess. The fourth empire, Rome, is depicted as an iron statue with feet partly of iron and clay, symbolizing its strength and weakness.

The iron and clay mixture represents the blending of pagan nations with the Roman Empire, resulting in a power that is both strong and brittle. This vision sets forth the character of the Roman power rather than its territorial extent. The ten toes represent the final state of the Roman Empire, which will be divided into ten kingdoms.

In the days of these kings, God's kingdom will be established, and He will break all the previous empires in pieces. The stone that crushes the statue represents Jesus Christ, who will exercise dominion over the earth for God. This vision is a proof of the certainty of the event, just like Pharaoh's doubled dream.

Nebuchadnezzar's reaction to Daniel's interpretation is significant, as he falls on his face and worships Daniel, acknowledging that God is the true Lord of kings. This is a foreshadowing of the future prostration of the world power before Messiah and His kingdom. Daniel's humility and refusal of divine honors are also noteworthy, as he disclaims personal merit and gives all glory to God.

The king commands sweet odors to be offered to Daniel, but it is not specified whether this command was carried out. The vision serves as a reminder that the world power will eventually acknowledge God's sovereignty, just like Nebuchadnezzar did in his dream. One reason for Nebuchadnezzar having been given this dream is so that Daniel might be promoted and comfort the captive people of God during their exile.

Daniel requests that his friends be remembered favorably by the king, highlighting the contrast between his humble nature and the spirit of the world's elite. He asks to be remembered in the gate, a place of justice and counsel, where he serves as a chief advisor to the king.