EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
In the book of Daniel, chapter 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a giant statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of iron mixed with clay. The statue represents different world empires. Daniel, who is able to interpret the dream, explains to the king that the head of gold represents Babylon, which was the dominant empire at the time. The chest and arms of silver represent the empire that will succeed Babylon, the belly and thighs of bronze represents the empire that will follow that, and the legs of iron represent the empire that will be stronger than all the others but will ultimately be divided. The feet of iron mixed with clay represent a final empire that will be partly strong and partly weak and will not endure.
Daniel explains that the dream is about the future, and the statue represents the succession of empires that will rule over God’s people. The head of gold represents Babylon, which was the dominant empire at the time, and its fall will be the beginning of the succession of empires that will rule over God’s people. The interpretation of the dream is a prophecy of the future empires that will rule over God’s people, with the Babylonian empire being the first of them, and it foreshadows the end of the days when God’s kingdom will be established on earth.
In the Bible, the Babylonian Empire is often used as a symbol of oppressive and idolatrous human power. In the book of Daniel, the image of the statue represents the empires that will follow after Babylon, the head of gold representing Babylon, a powerful world empire that is the first of many that would arise and try to dominate God’s people.
The First Kingdom – Babylonian Empire
Daniel 2:32, 36-38; 7:4 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
32The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its chest and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of copper, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 36“This was the dream; now we will tell its interpretation before the king. 37You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory, 38and wherever the sons of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens has he given into your hand and has made you to rule over them all. You are the head of gold. 4 The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings: I beheld until the wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a man; and a man’s heart was given to it.
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:32, 36-38, the Babylonian Empire is represented as the head of gold on the statue in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The statue’s head is said to be “of fine gold” and is described as being “larger and more beautiful” than any other part of the statue. This represents the Babylonian Empire’s position of power and prominence among the other kingdoms depicted in the statue.
In Daniel 7:4, the Babylonian Empire is represented as the first of the four beasts that appear in the prophet’s vision. The beast is described as having a lion’s body with eagle’s wings, and it is said to have been “plucked off” and “made to stand up.” This represents the Babylonian Empire’s rise to power and its eventual defeat by the Medo-Persian Empire, which is represented by the second beast in the vision.
Both of these passages in the book of Daniel portray the Babylonian Empire as a powerful and prominent kingdom, but one that is ultimately supplanted by other empires. The imagery of the head of gold and the lion with eagle’s wings are both symbols of strength and dominance, but they also suggest that the Babylonian Empire’s reign was not permanent and that it would eventually fall.
Daniel 2:32, 39; 7:5 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
32The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its chest and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of copper, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 39And after you there shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of copper, which shall rule over all the earth. 5 And look, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:32, 39, the prophet Daniel is interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of iron and clay. In verse 39, Daniel explains that the second empire represented by the statue’s bronze belly and thighs is the Medo-Persian Empire.
In Daniel 7:5, the prophet has a vision of four beasts, with the second beast being described as having “a bear raised up on one side.” This symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire, which was known for its military strength and expansion through conquest, as a bear is often associated with strength and power.
Both passages show the Babylonian Empire and Medo-Persian Empire as powerful empires that rose and fell in the ancient world.
Daniel 2:32, 39; 7:6 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
32The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its chest and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of copper, 39And after you there shall arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of copper, which shall rule over all the earth. 6 After this I beheld, and look, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:32,39 and 7:6, the Grecian Empire is represented by a bronze breast and arms. Daniel 2:39 states that after the Medo-Persian Empire, another kingdom, “strong as iron” will emerge, which is identified as the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great in verse 7:6. This empire will be strong and powerful, but will ultimately be broken and divided, as represented by the image’s two arms, one stronger than the other. The interpretation given by the angel in Daniel 2:39 states that the Grecian Empire “will crush and break all these kingdoms and it will stand forever.” However, the vision in chapter 7 shows that it will ultimately be succeeded by a fourth kingdom, represented by the image’s legs of iron and feet of iron and clay.
Th Fourth Kingdom – Roman Empire
Daniel 2:33, 40; 7:7 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
33its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 40And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, for just as iron breaks to pieces and shatters all things, and like iron that crushes, it shall break and crush all these. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and look, a fourth beast, terrible and powerful, and exceedingly strong; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped the remainder with its feet: and it was different from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:33, it states that the fourth kingdom, represented by the image’s legs of iron, will be strong and powerful, but also divided. In Daniel 2:40, it states that the fourth kingdom will be a fourth one that will be different from all the others and will crush and break all the others. In Daniel 7:7, it states that the fourth beast is the fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. These verses collectively suggest that the Roman Empire will be powerful and dominant, but also divided and brutal in its conquests, subjugating and overpowering other nations and peoples.
The Fifth Kingdom –
Daniel 2:33, 41-43; 7:8 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
33its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 41And just as you saw the feet and the toes to be partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom, but some of the hardness of iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with soft clay. 42And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom will be partly strong and partly fragile. 43Just as you saw iron mixed with soft clay, they will be mixed with the offspring of mankind; but they will not stick together, one to the other, just as iron does not mix with clay. 8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:33, 41-43, it is described that the fifth kingdom on earth, represented by the iron legs and feet of the statue in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, is possibly the United States. However, it is also stated that this fifth kingdom will be different from the previous ones, as it will be divided and will not be strong like iron. The vision then goes on to describe the arrival of a “stone” that strikes the statue on its feet and causes it to crumble and be destroyed. Daniel interprets this as a reference to the coming of the Kingdom of God in the last days, which will bring an end to all earthly kingdoms and rule forever.
The Last Kingdom – God’s Kingdom
Danial 2:44-45 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
44 And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people; it shall crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it shall itself endure forever. 45 Just as you saw that out of the mountain a stone was cut not by hands, and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what shall happen after this; so the dream is certain and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
Interpretation: In Daniel 2:44-45, it is stated that in the last days, the kingdom represented by the stone cut without human hands will break into pieces and crush all the other kingdoms, becoming a great mountain that fills the whole earth. Many biblical scholars interpret this as a prophecy of the coming of God’s kingdom in the end times, which will be ruled by Christ and will be a kingdom of righteousness and peace. It also states that this kingdom will be eternal and will never be destroyed. This passage is believed to be a reference to the final kingdom of God that will be established on earth in the end times and will bring an end to all human government and rule. Again, the stone cut out without hands represents the kingdom of God, which will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms but will itself endure forever.
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes was a 19th century Bible commentator and theologian. His interpretation of the passages in Daniel 2 and 7 would likely have been in line with the historical-grammatical method of interpretation, which emphasizes the historical context and original meaning of the text. He would have understood the passages in Daniel 2 and 7 as describing the rise and fall of various empires, with the Babylonian Empire represented by the image’s head of gold, the Medo-Persian Empire represented by the chest and arms of silver, the Grecian Empire represented by the belly and thighs of bronze, and the Roman Empire represented by the legs of iron. He may have also seen the feet of iron mixed with clay as a symbol of a future, yet-to-be-established empire and the stone cut out without hands as a symbol of the coming of the Kingdom of God.
As a commentator, Barnes would have also noted that the passage in chapter 7 of Daniel speaks of four beasts as symbols of these empires, with the fourth beast representing the Roman Empire. The passage in chapter 2 verse 44-45 speaks of a kingdom set up by God which will never be destroyed, this is interpreted as the kingdom of God.
Overall, Barnes would have likely seen these passages as describing the rise and fall of various empires in the past and the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of God in the future. He would have viewed these passages as having both historical and prophetic significance.
John Walvoord
John Walvoord, a 20th century Bible scholar and theologian, would likely interpret the verses in Daniel 2:31-45 and 7:4-7 as prophetic visions of the successive kingdoms that would rule over God’s people, starting with Babylon and ending with the coming of God’s eternal kingdom. He would likely see the Babylonian Empire as symbolized by the head of gold, the Medo-Persian Empire as symbolized by the chest and arms of silver, the Grecian Empire as symbolized by the belly and thighs of bronze, and the Roman Empire as symbolized by the legs of iron. He would also likely see the final kingdom, symbolized by the feet and toes of iron mixed with clay, as a revived form of the Roman Empire that would exist during the end times. He would likely view the coming of God’s kingdom as the ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies.
Daniel 7:8 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.
In Daniel 7:8, the prophet describes another beast that he sees in his vision, which is described as having “a horn between its eyes.” The horn is said to be “larger” than the other horns on the beast, and it is said to be “uprooting three of them.” Many scholars interpret this as a reference to a leader who will rise to power and overthrow previous rulers or kingdoms. Some commentators believe that this horn represents a ruler or kingdom that will be more powerful than the previous ones and that it will have a significant impact on the world during its time in power.
Some biblical scholars, such as Stephen R. Miller, interpret this horn as referring to the Antichrist, a figure who will appear in the end times and will be empowered by Satan. This interpretation is based on the idea that the horn is a symbol of a powerful ruler who will be able to overthrow other kingdoms and will be a formidable opponent of God’s people.
Albert Barnes, a 19th century commentator, views the horn as a symbol of the Roman Empire, which he believed would be the fourth and final world empire. He also believed that the Roman Empire would be the one that would be in power at the time of the Second Coming of Christ.
John Walvoord, a 20th-century biblical scholar and theologian, views the horn as a reference to the end-times Antichrist, who he believes will be a powerful world ruler that will arise during the Great Tribulation period. He believes that this horn represents the Antichrist’s rise to power and his subsequent persecution of God’s people.
Paul R. House, a contemporary Old Testament scholar, views the horn as a symbol of the end-times ruler, who he believes will rise to power and will be a formidable opponent of God’s people. He sees the horn as representing the power and authority that this ruler will wield, and the fact that he will uproot three other horns is seen as an indication of his ability to overthrow other kingdoms and rulers.
The Seven Kings of Revelation
Revelation 17:9-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
9 Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, 10 and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction.
Interpretation: Revelation 17:9-11 is a prophetic vision that John the Apostle receives in the book of Revelation. The passage is describing the symbolism of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. The woman represents a great city, which many interpret as Rome, while the seven heads and ten horns represent seven kings or kingdoms. The passage states that five of these kings have fallen, one is currently reigning, and another is yet to come. The seventh king is described as the “beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction.” Many scholars interpret this as a reference to the Antichrist, who is the last ruler of the final empire before the second coming of Christ. This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of the end times, and the rise and fall of empires leading up to the end of the world.
John Walvoord, a Christian theologian, interprets this passage as a representation of the Revived Roman Empire which will be ruled by the Antichrist. He also believed that the seven heads represent seven successive world empires which have existed throughout history, and five of these empires have already fallen by the time John wrote the book of Revelation. He believes that the fifth empire is the Roman Empire, the sixth is the Islamic Empire, and the seventh is the Revived Roman Empire.
Paul R. House, another theologian, interprets the seven heads as seven historical world empires that have existed throughout history. He sees the five fallen empires as the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires. The empire that “is” refers to the Roman Empire, and the one “that has not yet come” refers to the end-time empire, the revived Roman Empire. He also believed that the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction” is the Antichrist, the ruler of the end-time empire.
Stephen R. Miller, a biblical scholar, interprets the seven heads of the beast as representing seven kings or kingdoms that have existed throughout history. He views the five fallen empires as being the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, and Greek empires. The empire that “is” refers to the Roman Empire, and the one “that has not yet come” refers to the end-time empire, the revived Roman Empire. He also believes that the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction” is the Antichrist, the ruler of the end-time empire.
Albert Barnes was a 19th-century theologian and Bible commentator. He wrote a commentary on the book of Revelation, in which he interpreted chapter 17. In his interpretation of Revelation 17:9-11, Barnes identifies the seven heads as seven mountains and seven kings. He believed that the five fallen kings referred to five empires or kingdoms that had already fallen in history, such as the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, and Grecian empires. He believed that the one king who “is” referred to the Roman Empire, which was the dominant power at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation. The “other king” who “has not yet come” Barnes interpreted as a future power or kingdom that would rise and fall. Barnes saw the beast that “was and is not” as a reference to the Roman Empire, which had fallen but would be revived in some form in the end times. He also believed that the eighth king, who is “of the seven,” is the Antichrist, who will be destroyed at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
So, Stephen R. Miller is correct all the way up to suggesting the one “that has not yet come” refers to the end-time empire, the revived Roman Empire. Albert Banes is also correct up until the end. He says the ‘other king’ who ‘has not yet come’ Barnes interpreted as a future power or kingdom that would rise and fall. Barnes saw the beast that ‘was and is not’ as a reference to the Roman Empire, which had fallen but would be revived in some form in the end times. Sounds like Miller is on the same page as Barnes with this revived Roman Empire. Paul R. House too says, the one ‘that has not yet come’ refers to the end-time empire, the revived Roman Empire. John Walvoord, a Christian theologian, interprets this passage as a representation of the Revived Roman Empire which will be ruled by the Antichrist.
So, who am I to disagree with five renowned Bible scholars? Nevertheless, I shall do just that.
The seven heads and ten horns represent seven kings or kingdoms. The passage states that five of these kings have fallen, one is currently reigning, and another is yet to come.
The five that have fallen are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persians, and Greece. The one that is currently reigning in John’s day is the Roman Empire. The other that is coming is the same as in Daniel 2:33, 41-43, which describes the fifth kingdom on earth, represented by the iron legs and feet of the statue in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, which is possibly the United States.
Revelation 17:9-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
9Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, 10and they are seven kings; five have fallen [Egypt, Assyrian, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece], one is [Rome], the other has not yet come [United States?]; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction.
This fifth kingdom of Daniel, the seventh king of Revelation
This fifth kingdom will be different from the previous ones, as it will be divided and will not be strong like iron, having both strong and weak elements.
It is at the end of the article. And there is another article linked there.
Revelation 17:9-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
9 Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, 10 and they are seven kings; five have fallen [Egypt, Assyrian, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece], one is [Rome], the other has not yet come [United States?]; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction.
Daniel 2:32, 36-38; 7:4 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
So, who am I to disagree with five renowned Bible scholars? Nevertheless, I shall do just that.
Who is the 7th world power€?
It is at the end of the article. And there is another article linked there.
Revelation 17:9-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
9 Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, 10 and they are seven kings; five have fallen [Egypt, Assyrian, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece], one is [Rome], the other has not yet come [United States?]; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, is also himself an eighth, and is of the seven, and he is going to destruction.