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Book of Daniel - Chapter 2 - Verse 35

2:35
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

Meaning

In the book of Daniel, this verse describes a vision given to the prophet by God. The image that is broken into pieces represents the kingdoms of the world, with each element symbolizing a different empire - iron representing Rome, clay for the divided states, brass for Greece, silver for Media and Persia, and gold for Babylon. The destruction of these kingdoms signifies the end of human rulership on earth, as they are swept away like chaff by the wind. The stone that strikes the image and becomes a great mountain represents the kingdom of God, which will ultimately prevail and fill the whole earth. This vision serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly power and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereignty over all nations.

Theological Overview

The passage from Daniel 2:35 depicts the destruction of a multi-metallic statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, representing kingdoms that would rise and fall throughout history. The breaking of the different materials - iron, clay, brass, silver, and gold - symbolizes the end of these earthly kingdoms and their power. They are likened to chaff blown away by the wind, signifying their temporary and fleeting nature in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God. The stone that strikes the image and grows into a great mountain represents the establishment of God's kingdom, which will endure forever and ultimately fill the whole earth. This imagery emphasizes the triumph of God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of this world, highlighting the importance of seeking and aligning with His eternal kingdom rather than placing trust in the fleeting powers of human institutions.

American Standard Version

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
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