Daniel 2:34
Verse
Context
Daniel Interprets the Dream
33its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay. 34As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.35Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Sermons
David Wilkerson
Willie Mullan
Danny Bond
Peter HammondPeter Hammond
Jonathan Edwards
Robert HawkerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A stone was cut out - The fifth monarchy; the spiritual kingdom of the Lord Jesus, which is to last for ever, and diffuse itself over the whole earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stone--Messiah and His kingdom (Gen 49:24; Psa 118:22; Isa 28:16). In its relations to Israel, it is a "stone of stumbling" (Isa 8:14; Act 4:11; Pe1 2:7-8) on which both houses of Israel are broken, not destroyed (Mat 21:32). In its relation to the Church, the same stone which destroys the image is the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20). In its relation to the Gentile world power, the stone is its destroyer (Dan 2:35, Dan 2:44; compare Zac 12:3). Christ saith (Mat 21:44, referring to Isa 8:14-15), "Whosoever shall fall on this stone (that is, stumble, and be offended, at Him, as the Jews were, from whom, therefore, He says, 'The kingdom shall be taken') shall be broken; but (referring to Dan 2:34-35) on whomsoever it shall fall (referring to the world power which had been the instrument of breaking the Jews), it will (not merely break, but) grind him to powder" (Co1 15:24). The falling of the stone of the feet of the image cannot refer to Christ at His first advent, for the fourth kingdom was not then as yet divided--no toes were in existence (see on Dan 2:44). cut out--namely, from "the mountain" (Dan 2:45); namely, Mount Zion (Isa 2:2), and antitypically, the heavenly mount of the Father's glory, from whom Christ came. without hands--explained in Dan 2:44, "The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom," as contrasted with the image which was made with hands of man. Messiah not created by human agency, but conceived by the Holy Ghost (Mat 1:20; Luk 1:35; compare Zac 4:6; Mar 14:58; Heb 9:11, Heb 9:24). So "not made with hands," that is, heavenly, Co2 5:1; spiritual, Col 2:11. The world kingdoms were reared by human ambition: but this is the "kingdom of heaven"; "not of this world" (Joh 18:36). As the fourth kingdom, or Rome, was represented in a twofold state, first strong, with legs of iron, then weak, with toes part of iron, part of clay; so this fifth kingdom, that of Christ, is seen conversely, first insignificant as a "stone," then as a "mountain" filling the whole earth. The ten toes are the ten lesser kingdoms into which the Roman kingdom was finally to be divided; this tenfold division here hinted at is not specified in detail till the seventh chapter. The fourth empire originally was bounded in Europe pretty nearly by the line of the Rhine and Danube; in Asia by the Euphrates. In Africa it possessed Egypt and the north coasts; South Britain and Dacia were afterwards added but were ultimately resigned. The ten kingdoms do not arise until a deterioration (by mixing clay with the iron) has taken place; they are in existence when Christ comes in glory, and then are broken in pieces. The ten have been sought for in the invading hosts of the fifth and sixth century. But though many provinces were then severed from Rome as independent kingdoms, the dignity of emperor still continued, and the imperial power was exercised over Rome itself for two centuries. So the tenfold divisions cannot be looked for before A.D. 731. But the East is not to be excluded, five toes being on each foot. Thus no point of time before the overthrow of the empire at the taking of Constantinople by the Turks (A.D. 1453) can be assigned for the division. It seems, therefore, that the definite ten will be the ultimate development of the Roman empire just before the rise of Antichrist, who shall overthrow three of the kings, and, after three and a half years, he himself be overthrown by Christ in person. Some of the ten kingdoms will, doubtless, be the same as some past and present divisions of the old Roman empire, which accounts for the continuity of the connection between the toes and legs, a gap of centuries not being interposed, as is objected by opponents of the futurist theory. The lists of the ten made by the latter differ from one another; and they are set aside by the fact that they include countries which were never Roman, and exclude one whole section of the empire, namely, the East [TREGELLES]. upon his feet--the last state of the Roman empire. Not "upon his legs." Compare "in the days of these kings" (see on Dan 2:44).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands,.... Or, "wast seeing" (e); the king continued looking upon the image that stood before him, as he thought, as long as he could see it, till he saw a "stone": an emblem of the Messiah, as it often is in Scripture, Gen 49:24, because of his strength, firmness, and duration; and so it is interpreted here by many Jewish writers, ancient and modern, as well as by Christians; and also of his kingdom, or of him in his kingly office; see Dan 2:44. In an ancient book (f) of theirs, written by R. Simeon Ben Jochai, the author interprets this stone, cut out of the mountain without hands, to be the same with him who in Gen 49:24, is called the Shepherd and Stone of Israel; as it is by Saadiah Gaon, a later writer; and in another of their writings (g), reckoned by them very ancient, it is said, that the ninth king (for they speak of ten) shall be the King Messiah, who shall reign from one end of the world to the other, according to that passage, "the stone which smote the image", &c. Dan 2:35 and in one of their ancient Midrashes (h), or expositions, it is interpreted of the King Messiah: and so R. Abraham Seba (i), on those words, "from thence is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel", Gen 49:24; observes, the King Messiah does not come but by the worthiness of Jacob, as it is said, "thou sawest, till that stone cut out without hands, because of Jacob". This is said to be "cut out without hands"; that is, the hands of men, as Saadiah and Jacchiades explain it; not cut out by workmen, as stones usually are out of quarries; but was taken out by an unseen hand, and by invisible power, even purely divine: this may point at the wondrous incarnation of Christ, who was made of a woman, of a virgin, without the help of a man, by the power of God; see Heb 8:2, and at his kingdom, which was like a single stone at first, very small, and was cut out and separated from the world, and set up and maintained, not by human, but divine power, and being of a spiritual nature, Co2 5:1, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces; this seems to represent this image as in a plain, when, from a mountain hanging over it, a stone is taken by an invisible hand, and rolled upon it; which falling on its feet, breaks them to pieces, and in course the whole statue falls, and is broken to shivers; this respects what is yet to be done in the latter day, when Christ will take to himself his great power, and reign, and subdue, and destroy the ten kings or kingdoms that are given to antichrist, and him himself, and the remainder of the several monarchies, and in which they will all end. (e) "videns eras", Montanus, Michaelis. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 86. 2. (g) Pirke Eliezer, c. 11. fol. 12. 2. (h) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 13. fol. 209. 4. (i) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 63. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:34 The phrase from a mountain is implied (cp. 2:35) but is not in the Aramaic text.
Daniel 2:34
Daniel Interprets the Dream
33its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay. 34As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them.35Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Exclusiveness of Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson2.3K27:44Jesus ChristDAN 2:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the exclusiveness of Christ as the only way to salvation. He refers to the vision of Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel, where a stone representing Jesus Christ crushes all the kingdoms of the world. The speaker urges believers to use the full name of the Godhead, emphasizing "Jesus Christ the Lord." He also mentions a prophecy he received about coming persecution and the importance of holding onto the name of Jesus in the face of a world church that may include other religions.
(Daniel) Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - Part 1
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:10:40NebuchadnezzarDAN 2:34In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar as described in the book of Daniel. The sermon is divided into 10 sections, with each section taking about 5 minutes to discuss. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the four world Gentile powers represented by the image in the dream. He highlights the importance of the final projection of the image, which is represented by the ten toes, indicating the end of Gentile supremacy. The preacher also mentions his belief that Hitler could not win the war based on his understanding of the Bible, and asserts that the Russians cannot govern the world either.
The Certain Reign of Christ
By Danny Bond58743:08PSA 2:6DAN 2:34DAN 7:18DAN 7:222CO 10:4REV 15:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses how Christ regains control of the earth through the judgment of seals, trumpets, and bowls. The next three chapters of Revelation explain how these judgments unfold in a telescoping fashion. The seventh trumpet blast signals the beginning of the rapid-fire seven bowl judgments, which take place in the last few months and days of human history before Jesus Christ returns. The sermon emphasizes the epic nature of this time, describing it as both the worst of times and a season of darkness, but also a time of hope and praise as the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ.
What Inspired the Greatest Century of Missions?
By Peter Hammond0PSA 22:27ISA 54:2DAN 2:34MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 15:57REV 7:9Peter Hammond preaches about the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significant impact of the 19th Century missionary movement led by pioneers like William Carey and Adoniram Judson. Despite facing immense challenges, including legal restrictions, personal tragedies, and harsh opposition, these missionaries persevered with unwavering faith and dedication, resulting in the spread of Christianity to nations and the establishment of lasting legacies. Their sacrificial service, comprehensive approach to ministry, and optimistic eschatology of victory inspired a generation to fulfill the Great Commission and change the world.
Reformation and Revival
By Peter Hammond0PSA 22:27PSA 72:9ISA 54:2DAN 2:34MAT 28:19Peter Hammond preaches on the transformative power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need for it to change lives and nations. He highlights the commitment of Frontline Fellowship to fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations and applying the Lordship of Christ in every aspect of life. The sermon delves into the challenges faced by missionaries like William Carey and the sacrifices made by prominent missionaries of the 19th century, showcasing their perseverance and dedication to spreading the Gospel amidst trials and hardships.
Christ Exalted
By Jonathan Edwards0PRO 18:14DAN 2:34DAN 7:13MAT 16:18ROM 4:251CO 15:25COL 2:15HEB 2:14REV 19:1REV 21:4Jonathan Edwards preaches about the glorious exaltation of Jesus Christ above all evil in the work of redemption, emphasizing how Christ triumphs over Satan, guilt, corruption, affliction, and death. Edwards explains how Christ's victory is manifested in his resurrection, ascension, and sanctification of believers, ultimately leading to the complete destruction of evil and the eternal exaltation of the elect. He encourages sinners to come to Christ, assuring them that no sin or misery is too great for Christ to overcome. Believers are urged to glory in their Redeemer, who is infinitely above all evil and promises victory over every enemy.
A Stone Cut Without Hands
By Robert Hawker0ISA 11:9DAN 2:34PHP 2:9REV 11:15Robert Hawker preaches on the vision of the heathen king in Daniel 2:34-35, highlighting how the Lord often blesses and comforts His people in unexpected ways, even using their enemies as instruments for good. The image in the vision symbolizes the kingdoms of the world before the coming of Jesus Christ, with each kingdom succeeding the other. Jesus, represented as 'the stone cut out without hands,' would arise during the Roman power to establish His spiritual kingdom, filling the earth.
Exposition on Psalm 99
By St. Augustine0PSA 98:1ISA 66:1DAN 2:34MAT 5:44ROM 13:10St. Augustine preaches about the importance of seeking Christ in the Psalms, Prophets, and Law, understanding that all scriptures point to Jesus. He emphasizes how believers in Christ may face anger and persecution from those who worship idols, but encourages fasting, prayer, and love for enemies. St. Augustine highlights the concept of believers becoming the throne of God through love and knowledge of His Law, and the significance of magnifying and worshiping God on His holy hill, symbolizing the Catholic Church as the great mountain that has filled the earth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A stone was cut out - The fifth monarchy; the spiritual kingdom of the Lord Jesus, which is to last for ever, and diffuse itself over the whole earth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stone--Messiah and His kingdom (Gen 49:24; Psa 118:22; Isa 28:16). In its relations to Israel, it is a "stone of stumbling" (Isa 8:14; Act 4:11; Pe1 2:7-8) on which both houses of Israel are broken, not destroyed (Mat 21:32). In its relation to the Church, the same stone which destroys the image is the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20). In its relation to the Gentile world power, the stone is its destroyer (Dan 2:35, Dan 2:44; compare Zac 12:3). Christ saith (Mat 21:44, referring to Isa 8:14-15), "Whosoever shall fall on this stone (that is, stumble, and be offended, at Him, as the Jews were, from whom, therefore, He says, 'The kingdom shall be taken') shall be broken; but (referring to Dan 2:34-35) on whomsoever it shall fall (referring to the world power which had been the instrument of breaking the Jews), it will (not merely break, but) grind him to powder" (Co1 15:24). The falling of the stone of the feet of the image cannot refer to Christ at His first advent, for the fourth kingdom was not then as yet divided--no toes were in existence (see on Dan 2:44). cut out--namely, from "the mountain" (Dan 2:45); namely, Mount Zion (Isa 2:2), and antitypically, the heavenly mount of the Father's glory, from whom Christ came. without hands--explained in Dan 2:44, "The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom," as contrasted with the image which was made with hands of man. Messiah not created by human agency, but conceived by the Holy Ghost (Mat 1:20; Luk 1:35; compare Zac 4:6; Mar 14:58; Heb 9:11, Heb 9:24). So "not made with hands," that is, heavenly, Co2 5:1; spiritual, Col 2:11. The world kingdoms were reared by human ambition: but this is the "kingdom of heaven"; "not of this world" (Joh 18:36). As the fourth kingdom, or Rome, was represented in a twofold state, first strong, with legs of iron, then weak, with toes part of iron, part of clay; so this fifth kingdom, that of Christ, is seen conversely, first insignificant as a "stone," then as a "mountain" filling the whole earth. The ten toes are the ten lesser kingdoms into which the Roman kingdom was finally to be divided; this tenfold division here hinted at is not specified in detail till the seventh chapter. The fourth empire originally was bounded in Europe pretty nearly by the line of the Rhine and Danube; in Asia by the Euphrates. In Africa it possessed Egypt and the north coasts; South Britain and Dacia were afterwards added but were ultimately resigned. The ten kingdoms do not arise until a deterioration (by mixing clay with the iron) has taken place; they are in existence when Christ comes in glory, and then are broken in pieces. The ten have been sought for in the invading hosts of the fifth and sixth century. But though many provinces were then severed from Rome as independent kingdoms, the dignity of emperor still continued, and the imperial power was exercised over Rome itself for two centuries. So the tenfold divisions cannot be looked for before A.D. 731. But the East is not to be excluded, five toes being on each foot. Thus no point of time before the overthrow of the empire at the taking of Constantinople by the Turks (A.D. 1453) can be assigned for the division. It seems, therefore, that the definite ten will be the ultimate development of the Roman empire just before the rise of Antichrist, who shall overthrow three of the kings, and, after three and a half years, he himself be overthrown by Christ in person. Some of the ten kingdoms will, doubtless, be the same as some past and present divisions of the old Roman empire, which accounts for the continuity of the connection between the toes and legs, a gap of centuries not being interposed, as is objected by opponents of the futurist theory. The lists of the ten made by the latter differ from one another; and they are set aside by the fact that they include countries which were never Roman, and exclude one whole section of the empire, namely, the East [TREGELLES]. upon his feet--the last state of the Roman empire. Not "upon his legs." Compare "in the days of these kings" (see on Dan 2:44).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands,.... Or, "wast seeing" (e); the king continued looking upon the image that stood before him, as he thought, as long as he could see it, till he saw a "stone": an emblem of the Messiah, as it often is in Scripture, Gen 49:24, because of his strength, firmness, and duration; and so it is interpreted here by many Jewish writers, ancient and modern, as well as by Christians; and also of his kingdom, or of him in his kingly office; see Dan 2:44. In an ancient book (f) of theirs, written by R. Simeon Ben Jochai, the author interprets this stone, cut out of the mountain without hands, to be the same with him who in Gen 49:24, is called the Shepherd and Stone of Israel; as it is by Saadiah Gaon, a later writer; and in another of their writings (g), reckoned by them very ancient, it is said, that the ninth king (for they speak of ten) shall be the King Messiah, who shall reign from one end of the world to the other, according to that passage, "the stone which smote the image", &c. Dan 2:35 and in one of their ancient Midrashes (h), or expositions, it is interpreted of the King Messiah: and so R. Abraham Seba (i), on those words, "from thence is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel", Gen 49:24; observes, the King Messiah does not come but by the worthiness of Jacob, as it is said, "thou sawest, till that stone cut out without hands, because of Jacob". This is said to be "cut out without hands"; that is, the hands of men, as Saadiah and Jacchiades explain it; not cut out by workmen, as stones usually are out of quarries; but was taken out by an unseen hand, and by invisible power, even purely divine: this may point at the wondrous incarnation of Christ, who was made of a woman, of a virgin, without the help of a man, by the power of God; see Heb 8:2, and at his kingdom, which was like a single stone at first, very small, and was cut out and separated from the world, and set up and maintained, not by human, but divine power, and being of a spiritual nature, Co2 5:1, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces; this seems to represent this image as in a plain, when, from a mountain hanging over it, a stone is taken by an invisible hand, and rolled upon it; which falling on its feet, breaks them to pieces, and in course the whole statue falls, and is broken to shivers; this respects what is yet to be done in the latter day, when Christ will take to himself his great power, and reign, and subdue, and destroy the ten kings or kingdoms that are given to antichrist, and him himself, and the remainder of the several monarchies, and in which they will all end. (e) "videns eras", Montanus, Michaelis. (f) Zohar in Gen. fol. 86. 2. (g) Pirke Eliezer, c. 11. fol. 12. 2. (h) Bemidbar Rabba, sect. 13. fol. 209. 4. (i) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 63. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:34 The phrase from a mountain is implied (cp. 2:35) but is not in the Aramaic text.