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

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.

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

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.

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).