An Alphabetical Analysis
Volume 8 - Prophetic Truth - Page 224 of 304
INDEX
These two points of view are maintained with some recognition of the
principles of prophetic interpretation.  There are other views, but they are
too far removed from the way of truth to justify space for consideration
here.
We do not propose analysing the two methods of interpretation mentioned
above, but shall proceed at once to definite exposition, and where such
exposition causes us to depart from the views expressed in these
interpretations, we shall make any necessary criticism.  All that we would
say here is that we believe neither to be correct.
The latter days
To quote the verses that record both the vision and the interpretation
would occupy more space than we can afford, but we trust that the reader will
not be satisfied to read these notes without personal reference to the
Scriptures themselves.  Keep the Book open.
From the urgency with which he demanded the interpretation, and the
extreme measures he adopted to punish inability to comply with that demand,
it is clear that Nebuchadnezzar considered the vision to be of supreme
importance.  It is blessed to see Daniel and his friends confidently laying
the matter before 'the God of heaven', and to read the gracious answers
given.
After a passing reference to the utter failure of the wise men of
Babylon to help the king, Daniel said:
'But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known
to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days' (Dan.
2:28).
Evidently the king himself had been seriously thinking about the future
of the dominion committed to him, for Daniel continues:
'As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed,
what should come to pass hereafter' (2:29).
Now while, in one sense, the succession of Medo -Persia to the dominion
was something that should come to pass 'hereafter', as also was that of
Greece, these successive monarchies are, nevertheless, not in mind, except as
steps leading to the goal.  In 2:45 Daniel becomes more explicit:
'Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain
without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the
clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the
king what shall come to pass hereafter'.
'The latter days' and 'hereafter' have particular reference to 'the
days of these kings' of verse 44, when the stone shatters the image and the
kingdom of the Lord is set up.
When we come to study chapter 7, we shall find the same concentration
on the 'end' and a rapid passing over of the steps leading to that end, as
witness the words: 'I would know the truth of the fourth beast' (7:19).