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Bible Question: Daniel
2:36-45 mentions five kingdoms. Where would these kingdoms be located
today on the map? Are these kingdoms represented in Daniel 7 as four
beasts?
Bible Answer: Daniel
2:36-45 describes five empires or kingdoms which conquered and controlled
the regions of Israel and Judah from 605 BC to AD 70. These kingdoms
are symbolized by four metals: gold, bronze, silver, and iron. This
passage continues by telling us the fourth kingdom undergoes change
and reemerges (ten toes or iron/clay). This kingdom is eventually
defeated by God and the fifth kingdom which is symbolized by a mountain
emerges. This is the eternal kingdom. These kingdoms are mentioned
again in Daniel 7. But in Daniel 7:3-8 the symbols of these kingdoms
change to four beasts and the kingdom of the Son of Man.
| |
Kingdom |
Daniel
2:36-45 |
Daniel
7:1-14 |
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| |
Babylon |
Gold
Head |
Lion |
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Media-Persia |
Silver
Chest |
Bear |
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Greece |
Bronze
Waist |
Leopard |
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Rome |
Iron
Legs |
Dreadful
& Terrible |
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Rome
Revived |
Iron
& Clay Feet |
Beast
with 10 horns |
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Eternal
Kingdom |
Great
Mountain |
Everlasting
Kingdom |
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An explanation of these passages is given in "Rapture
and Prophecy."
Geography. These ancient empires
were located in the Middle East since they occupied the land of Israel.
The maps presented below show the boundaries of the Babylonian Empire,
Media-Persian Empire, Grecian or Alexander's Empire, and the Roman
Empire as they would appear on a map of today.
Conclusion:The
prophet Daniel predicted the order in which these great empires would
occur. His prophecies were given during the time of the Babylonian
and Media-Persian empires. His prophecies about Greece came about
200 years before this empire appeared. His prophecy about Rome occurred
at least 450 years before it appeared.
Daniel predicted that Media-Persia was
an alliance of two nations. He predicted that the Alexandrian Empire
would eventually be split among four generals and one of them would
be superior. Daniel's
predictions have been one hundred percent accurate so far. This is
not the case with present day "prophets" - secular or spiritual.
God says that His prophets never make a mistake. God's Word is truth. |
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