Daniel 2:44
Verse
Context
Daniel Interprets the Dream
43As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the peoples will mix with one another, but will not hold together any more than iron mixes with clay.44In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. 45And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
Sermons
Willie Mullan
Bakht Singh
Jackie Pullinger
Mike Bickle
Peter Hammond
Aaron Hills
Tom MacartneySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A kingdom which shall never be destroyed - The extensive and extending empire of Christ. Shall not be left to other people - All the preceding empires have swallowed up each other successively; but this shall remain to the end of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the days of these kings--in the days of these kingdoms, that is, of the last of the four. So Christianity was set up when Rome had become mistress of Judea and the world (Luk 2:1, &c.) [NEWTON]. Rather, "in the days of these kings," answers to "upon his feet" (Dan 2:34); that is, the ten toes (Dan 2:42), or ten kings, the final state of the Roman empire. For "these kings" cannot mean the four successional monarchies, as they do not coexist as the holders of power; if the fourth had been meant, the singular, not the plural, would be used. The falling of the stone on the image must mean, destroying judgment on the fourth Gentile power, not gradual evangelization of it by grace; and the destroying judgment cannot be dealt by Christians, for they are taught to submit to the powers that be, so that it must be dealt by Christ Himself at His coming again. We live under the divisions of the Roman empire which began fourteen hundred years ago, and which at the time of His coming shall be definitely ten. All that had failed in the hand of man shall then pass away, and that which is kept in His own hand shall be introduced. Thus the second chapter is the alphabet of the subsequent prophetic statements in Daniel [TREGELLES]. God of heaven . . . kingdom--hence the phrase, "the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 3:2). not . . . left to other people--as the Chaldees had been forced to leave their kingdom to the Medo-Persians, and these to the Greeks, and these to the Romans (Mic 4:7; Luk 1:32-33). break . . . all-- (Isa 60:12; Co1 15:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And in the days of these kings, &c. Not of the Babylonian, Persian, and Grecian kings; nor, indeed, of the old Roman kings, or emperors; but in the days of these ten kings, or kingdoms, into which the Roman empire is divided, signified by the ten toes, of different power and strength. Indeed the kingdom of Christ began to be set up in the times of Augustus Caesar, under whom Christ was born; and of Tiberius, under whom he was crucified; and was continued and increased in the reigns of others, until it obtained very much in the times of Constantine; and, after it suffered a diminution under the Papacy, was revived at the Reformation; but will not be set up in its glory until Christ has overcome the ten kings, or kingdoms, and put it into their hearts to hate and burn the antichristian whore; and when she and all the antichristian states will be destroyed by the pouring out of the vials: and then in their days shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; this is the kingdom of the Messiah, as is owned by both ancient and modern Jews: so it is said in an ancient book (p) of theirs, "in the time of the King Messiah, Israel shall be one nation in the earth, and one people to the holy blessed God; as it is written, in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, &c.''; and in another of their writings (q), esteemed very ancient, it is said, "the Ishmaelites shall do fifteen things in the earth in the last days; the last of which mentioned is, they shall erect an edifice in the temple; at length two brothers shall rise up against them, and in their days shall spring up the branch of the Son of David; as it is said, in the days of these kings, &c.''; and both Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret this kingdom of the kingdom of the Messiah; and so Jacchiades, a much later writer, says the last kingdom is that of the Messiah: and another modern Jewish writer says (r), in the time of the King Messiah there shall be but one kingdom, and but one King; and this the King, the true Messiah; but the rest of the kingdoms and their kings shall not subsist in his time; as it is written, "in the days of these kings &c."; which kingdom is no other than his church on earth, where he reigns; has his throne; holds forth his sceptre; gives out his laws, and is obeyed: and, though this is already in the world, yet it is not so visible, stable, and glorious, as it will be at the close of the fourth monarchy, which is meant by its being set up, confirmed, and established; and this will be done by the God of heaven, the Maker and possessor of it, and who dwells in it, and rules there, and over all the earth; and therefore Christ's church, or kingdom, is often called the kingdom of heaven; and when it is thus established, it will ever remain visible; its glory will be no more eclipsed; and much less subverted and overthrown, by all the powers of earth and hell. Christ was set up as King from everlasting, and the elect of God were appointed and given him as a kingdom as early; and in and over these he reigns by his Spirit and grace in time, when they are effectually called, and brought into subjection to him; these are governed by laws of his making: he is owned by them as their Lord and King, and they yield a ready and cheerful obedience to his commands, and he protects and defends them from their enemies; and such a kingdom Christ has always had from the beginning of the world: but there was a particular time in which it was to be set up in a more visible and glorious manner: it was set up in the days of his flesh on earth, though it came not with observation, or was attended with outward pomp and grandeur, it being spiritual, and not of this world; upon his ascension to heaven it appeared greater; he was made or declared Lord and Christ, and his Gospel was spread everywhere: in the times of Constantine it was still more glorious, being further extended, and enjoying great peace, liberty, and prosperity: in the times of Popish darkness, a stop was put to the progress of it, and it was reduced into a narrow compass; at the Reformation there was a fresh breaking of it out again, and it got ground in the world: in the spiritual reign it will be restored, and much more increased, through the Gospel being preached, and churches set up everywhere; and Christ's kingdom will then be more extensive; it will be from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth; it will be more peaceable and prosperous; there will be none to annoy and do hurt to the subjects of it; it will be no more subject to changes and revolutions, but will be in a firm and stable condition; it will be established upon the top of the mountains, and be more visible and glorious, which is here meant by its being "set up": especially this will be the case in the Millennium state, when Christ shall reign before his ancients gloriously and they shall reign with him; and this will never be destroyed, but shall issue in the ultimate glory; for now all enemies will be put under the feet of Christ and his church; the beast and false prophet will be no more; and Satan will be bound during this time, and after that cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, with all the wicked angels and men: and the kingdom shall not be left to another people; as the Babylonian monarchy to the Medes and Persians; the Persian monarchy to the Greeks; and the Grecian monarchy to the Romans; but this shall not be left to a strange people, but shall be given to the saints of the most High; see Dan 7:27, but it shall break in pieces and subdue all these kingdoms; the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman; the three former in the latter, which has swallowed them up; besides, the rest of these monarchies, which are all signified by beasts in an after prophecy, are said still to live, though their dominion is taken away, Dan 7:12, the same nations are in being, though not as monarchies, and have not the same denomination, and are in other hands; now these, and whatsoever kingdoms shall exist, when this shall be set up, shall be either broke to pieces, and utterly destroyed, or become subject to it; see Co1 15:24, and it shall stand for ever: throughout time in this world, and to all eternity in another; it will be an everlasting kingdom; which is interpreted by Irenaeus (s), an ancient Christian writer in the second century, of the resurrection of the just; his words are, "the great God hath signified by Daniel things to come, and he hath confirmed them by the Son; and Christ is the stone which is cut out without hands, who shall destroy temporal kingdoms, and bring in an everlasting one, which is the resurrection of the just; for he saith, the God of heaven shall raise up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed;'' this is the first resurrection, which brings on the personal reign, in which the righteous shall reign with him a thousand years; see Rev 20:5. (p) Zohar in Gen. fol. lxxxv. 4. (q) Pirke Eliezer, c. 30. fol. 31. 2. (r) R. Isaac, Chizzuk Emunah, par. 1. p. 45. (s) Adv. Haeres. l. 5. c. 26.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:44 Those kings were probably kings that arose within the fourth kingdom and attempted to strengthen themselves by alliances of intermarriage. However, the phrase might refer to all the kings of the statue as God’s kingdom persistently breaks into the flow of history. • it will stand forever: Only a kingdom whose authority and power are from God (see John 18:36) can never be destroyed, for all earthly kingdoms crumble.
Daniel 2:44
Daniel Interprets the Dream
43As you saw the iron mixed with clay, so the peoples will mix with one another, but will not hold together any more than iron mixes with clay.44In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. 45And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Common Market) the Time of Thr Toes Appearing
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:01:04Common MarketDAN 2:44DAN 11:36MAT 24:2LUK 21:5ROM 13:122PE 3:11REV 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of the word of God, stating that it will ultimately rule the world. He highlights the importance of getting everyone to humble themselves before God, acknowledging that it can be challenging due to human stubbornness. The preacher mentions the significance of paying attention to two key elements: the mouth, the microphone, and the markets. He refers to the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 2, where Daniel interprets a dream for the Babylonian king, revealing that a kingdom will be established by God that will never be destroyed. The sermon also briefly touches on the four Gentile world powers mentioned in the Bible: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire.
Worship and Lord's Table - Part 6
By Bakht Singh85021:58CommunionPSA 44:4PSA 145:13DAN 2:44MAT 6:331CO 11:261TI 1:19REV 21:27In this sermon delivered by Lord Sarvant, the message focuses on the importance of examining ourselves and searching our hearts as we begin a new year. The Lord's table, symbolized by the bread and cup, is ordained by Jesus Christ to keep us pure and ready for His second coming. The sermon references Psalm 145:13 and Daniel's prophecy of the rise and fall of great world kingdoms. The overall message emphasizes the need to be wise, stand for God with a good conscience, and be prepared for the day of glory when Jesus returns.
Spiritual Gifts Training (Part 4)
By Jackie Pullinger4450:45Spiritual GiftsHealing and ForgivenessKingdom Of GodDAN 2:44MAL 4:1MAT 12:28MRK 1:15LUK 10:9JHN 3:81CO 4:20GAL 1:4EPH 1:212TH 1:7Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the transformative power of the Kingdom of God, asserting that it is not merely about words but about divine power manifesting in healing and restoration. She reflects on the historical longing of Israel for their kingdom and how Jesus proclaimed the nearness of the Kingdom, urging believers to actively participate in its realization through acts of healing and forgiveness. Pullinger encourages the congregation to check the teachings against Scripture and to engage in the mission of spreading the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of forgiveness as a prerequisite for healing and spiritual freedom.
Seven Parables of the Kingdom (Mt. 13)
By Mike Bickle271:09:59Expectations in FaithKingdom Of GodPRO 13:12ISA 55:8DAN 2:34DAN 2:44MAT 13:1MAT 13:44LUK 16:10Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the seven parables of the kingdom found in Matthew 13, which reveal the true nature and expectations of God's kingdom. He explains that these parables were given to correct the misconceptions held by Israel about the kingdom's immediate glory and power, highlighting instead the importance of small, unseen works of God. Bickle warns against the dangers of having wrong expectations that can lead to offense and discouragement, urging believers to recognize the value of faithfulness in small things. He reassures that God's plan is intentional and that the kingdom will ultimately grow and flourish, even if it starts small and hidden. The sermon calls for a realignment of hearts to trust in God's leadership and to embrace the hidden treasures of the kingdom.
Bible Survey - Daniel
By Peter Hammond1EXO 23:2DAN 1:4DAN 2:44DAN 3:17DAN 5:23DAN 6:22DAN 7:14DAN 12:3HEB 11:32Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face of moral conflicts and idolatry serve as powerful examples for believers. Through Daniel's visions and prophecies, we see God's power over the past, present, future, and eternity, emphasizing the importance of never compromising our faith and trusting in God's deliverance and protection.
The Promise of the Father
By Aaron Hills0DAN 2:44Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of following God's divine order and sequence in achieving success in building a great spiritual life. He emphasizes the command given by Jesus to His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, highlighting the necessity of obedience and patience in receiving the Holy Spirit. The sermon delves into the significance of the Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost as the primary blessing that empowers believers for ministry and sanctification, stressing the need for believers to seek this experience expectantly. Aaron Hills also discusses the transformative power that comes with the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to live victoriously, guard against temptations, and effectively witness for Christ.
Knowing and Serving the Lord in a Day of Crisis
By Tom Macartney01SA 2:30PSA 68:18JER 25:11DAN 2:44MAT 6:33ACT 17:6EPH 4:8EPH 6:10Tom Macartney preaches on the life of Daniel, who lived through a time of crisis during the exile in Babylon. Daniel's foundations were his personal knowledge of God and his unswerving loyalty to Him, even in the face of temptation and risk. His life was marked by experiencing the Lord's faithfulness, having courage of faith, commitment to fellowship, and a deep understanding of God's character and sovereignty. Daniel's spiritual stamina, wisdom, prayer life, and service exemplify a life lived in close fellowship with the Lord, standing firm in the midst of trials and challenges.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0ISA 28:16JER 27:5EZK 11:22DAN 2:44MAT 21:44LUK 21:241CO 4:3REV 17:12Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the prophetic unfolding in the Book of Daniel, focusing on the great pivotal chapter introducing the times of the Gentiles. The chapter reveals the succession of world empires through the vision of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, symbolized by a great image with different metals representing Babylon, Medo-Persia, Graeco-Macedonian, and Rome. The stone cut out of the mountain, striking the image's ten toes, symbolizes Christ's Second Coming to establish His eternal Kingdom after the final form of Gentile dominion is judged. Gaebelein emphasizes the importance of understanding the prophetic timeline and the imminent fulfillment of these events.
Christian Nations
By Anton Bosch0DAN 2:44MAT 7:21ACT 11:261JN 5:19REV 3:5Anton Bosch discusses the misconception of nations claiming to be 'Christian nations' throughout history, emphasizing that merely bearing the name 'Christian' does not make a nation or an individual godly. He highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, as Jesus himself warns that many will claim to know Him but will be rejected due to their lawless behavior. Bosch points out that the Bible only mentions Israel and the Church as having a special relationship with God, and challenges the notion of any nation having a unique covenant with God, citing the lack of mention of powerful nations like America in biblical prophecy.
Demonstration 5 (Of Wars)
By Aphraates0GEN 27:40GEN 49:10DEU 4:2DEU 32:21ISA 5:1DAN 2:44DAN 7:27HOS 8:10MAT 19:28LUK 2:1Aphraates preaches about the prophetic visions in the book of Daniel, highlighting the rise and fall of kingdoms, the humbling of the proud, and the ultimate victory of God's Kingdom. He emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in historical events where those who exalted themselves were eventually humbled by God. Aphraates encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in times of turmoil and conflict, knowing that God's Kingdom will prevail in the end.
Daniel 2:44
By Chuck Smith0The Kingdom of GodProphecy and HopeISA 9:6DAN 2:44Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic vision in Daniel 2:44, emphasizing the transition from human governance to the divine kingdom established by God. He reflects on Israel's historical governance, from a theocracy to a monarchy, and ultimately to Gentile domination, highlighting the failures of human leadership. Smith points out that the current political landscape mirrors the biblical prophecy of the iron and clay feet, symbolizing the fragility of human attempts at unity. He assures that God's kingdom, represented by the stone cut without hands, will ultimately prevail, bringing justice and peace, and that the return of Christ is imminent. The sermon encourages believers to remain hopeful and vigilant as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
The Kingdom of God
By Harris Franklin Rall0DAN 2:44MAT 5:3MAT 7:15MAT 13:44MAT 25:31MRK 2:9MRK 4:26MRK 10:35LUK 17:20Harris Franklin Rall delves into the concept of the Kingdom of God as portrayed in the Gospels, emphasizing the imminent arrival of the expected Kingdom that both John and Jesus proclaimed. While the Jewish belief in the Kingdom centered around God's rule leading to Israel's triumph, Jesus introduced a different perspective, focusing on the reign of righteousness, peace, and goodwill under a loving and compassionate God. Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is a precious gift, offering forgiveness, eternal life, and the ultimate fulfillment of seeing God. He highlighted the importance of obedience and service to others as essential aspects of entering and living in the Kingdom, challenging his followers to embody the spirit of righteousness and love.
Twee Koninkrijken - 1 (Dutch)
By Anton Bosch0GEN 10:10DAN 2:44LUK 4:5JHN 18:36HEB 11:26REV 17:17Anton Bosch preaches about the misconception among many Christians who believe they can somehow 'convert' worldly kingdoms into God's kingdoms, focusing on influencing governments to transform them. However, the Bible reveals that human-made kingdoms are inherently anti-God and anti-Christ, contrasting with God's eternal Kingdom. Jesus affirmed that the kingdoms of the world belong to Satan, emphasizing the spiritual nature of God's Kingdom. While earthly kingdoms will be destroyed, God's Kingdom is everlasting and indestructible, contrasting the temporary nature of worldly empires.
Christ of the First Century
By H.W. Everest0DAN 2:44MAT 16:18ACT 2:11CO 3:11EPH 4:42TI 3:16REV 12:11H.W. Everest preaches about the kingdom of heaven as a great fact embodied in the church of Christ, emphasizing its miraculous conception and realization. He delves into the first century of the Church of Christ, highlighting its inauguration, confirmation, heroic age, and miraculous guidance by the Holy Spirit. Everest stresses the importance of the first century church as a finality, the only source of authority in religious matters, and the need to adhere to the inspired record left by the Apostles. He calls for a return to the characteristics of the Apostolic church, focusing on its simplicity, obedience, freedom, unity, missionary spirit, endurance through suffering, and triumphant spread of the Gospel.
The First Petition
By Isaac Errett0DAN 2:44MRK 16:15JHN 3:5JHN 17:21ROM 14:17EPH 2:19EPH 4:11HEB 12:28Isaac Errett preaches about the nature and objectives of the Kingdom of Heaven as depicted in the New Testament, emphasizing its divine origin, aggressive spirit, universal dominion, and ultimate triumph. He highlights the importance of prayer, unity, and love among believers as essential means to accomplish the goals of the Kingdom. Errett stresses the significance of public preaching of the Gospel, the maintenance of church order and worship, and the missionary spirit within the Church for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. He urges believers to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven in their thoughts, prayers, plans, and offerings, emphasizing the need for a deep consecration to the service of the King.
Two Kingdoms - 1
By Anton Bosch0GEN 10:10DAN 2:44LUK 4:5LUK 17:21JHN 18:36HEB 11:26REV 17:17Anton Bosch addresses the misconception among Christians that they can convert the kingdoms of this world into the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that the kingdoms of this world, ruled by Satan, will never transform into God's Kingdom. He highlights the distinction between the two kingdoms, with the world's kingdoms being man-made and anti-God, while God's Kingdom is eternal and spiritual. Through biblical references, he clarifies that God's Kingdom will never be left to other people and will ultimately prevail over the kingdoms of this world.
The Remnant Principle - 5
By Chip Brogden0DAN 2:44DAN 4:26DAN 6:10DAN 9:1MAT 6:10MAT 16:18GAL 4:26EPH 4:11REV 21:2Chip Brogden preaches on the principles learned from the Book of Daniel. He emphasizes the Lord's Purpose for Christ to have preeminence, the concept of a Remnant chosen to fulfill God's Will, the inevitable conflict when aligning with God's Kingdom, and the assurance of Heaven's support for those aligned with God's Purpose. Brogden highlights the characteristics of the Overcoming Remnant, the importance of prayer for God's Kingdom, and the spiritual warfare that begins with prayer for God's Purpose, using Daniel's life as an example.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 3
By John Wesley0The Kingdom of HeavenRepentanceLEV 11:22ISA 40:3DAN 2:44MAT 3:1John Wesley expounds on Matthew 3, emphasizing the significance of John the Baptist's ministry and the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. He explains that the Kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present reality that requires repentance and a transformation of heart. Wesley highlights the importance of baptism, not just as a ritual but as a means of receiving the Holy Spirit and fulfilling God's righteousness. He also critiques the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and underscores the necessity of genuine repentance for true discipleship. Ultimately, Wesley points to the divine affirmation of Jesus at His baptism as a model for believers.
The Remnant Principle - 2
By Chip Brogden0DAN 2:22DAN 2:441CO 15:57COL 2:151JN 3:8Chip Brogden preaches on the Remnant Principle found in the Book of Daniel, highlighting the importance of maintaining the Testimony of Jesus in the midst of universal compromise and darkness. He emphasizes the need for Overcomers to stand firm in the face of opposition, demonstrating the Truth of Christ through their lives. The sermon delves into the revelation of God's Kingdom and the victory found through Christ, urging believers to pray from victory, not for victory, and to live out the Truth they proclaim.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A kingdom which shall never be destroyed - The extensive and extending empire of Christ. Shall not be left to other people - All the preceding empires have swallowed up each other successively; but this shall remain to the end of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the days of these kings--in the days of these kingdoms, that is, of the last of the four. So Christianity was set up when Rome had become mistress of Judea and the world (Luk 2:1, &c.) [NEWTON]. Rather, "in the days of these kings," answers to "upon his feet" (Dan 2:34); that is, the ten toes (Dan 2:42), or ten kings, the final state of the Roman empire. For "these kings" cannot mean the four successional monarchies, as they do not coexist as the holders of power; if the fourth had been meant, the singular, not the plural, would be used. The falling of the stone on the image must mean, destroying judgment on the fourth Gentile power, not gradual evangelization of it by grace; and the destroying judgment cannot be dealt by Christians, for they are taught to submit to the powers that be, so that it must be dealt by Christ Himself at His coming again. We live under the divisions of the Roman empire which began fourteen hundred years ago, and which at the time of His coming shall be definitely ten. All that had failed in the hand of man shall then pass away, and that which is kept in His own hand shall be introduced. Thus the second chapter is the alphabet of the subsequent prophetic statements in Daniel [TREGELLES]. God of heaven . . . kingdom--hence the phrase, "the kingdom of heaven" (Mat 3:2). not . . . left to other people--as the Chaldees had been forced to leave their kingdom to the Medo-Persians, and these to the Greeks, and these to the Romans (Mic 4:7; Luk 1:32-33). break . . . all-- (Isa 60:12; Co1 15:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And in the days of these kings, &c. Not of the Babylonian, Persian, and Grecian kings; nor, indeed, of the old Roman kings, or emperors; but in the days of these ten kings, or kingdoms, into which the Roman empire is divided, signified by the ten toes, of different power and strength. Indeed the kingdom of Christ began to be set up in the times of Augustus Caesar, under whom Christ was born; and of Tiberius, under whom he was crucified; and was continued and increased in the reigns of others, until it obtained very much in the times of Constantine; and, after it suffered a diminution under the Papacy, was revived at the Reformation; but will not be set up in its glory until Christ has overcome the ten kings, or kingdoms, and put it into their hearts to hate and burn the antichristian whore; and when she and all the antichristian states will be destroyed by the pouring out of the vials: and then in their days shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; this is the kingdom of the Messiah, as is owned by both ancient and modern Jews: so it is said in an ancient book (p) of theirs, "in the time of the King Messiah, Israel shall be one nation in the earth, and one people to the holy blessed God; as it is written, in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, &c.''; and in another of their writings (q), esteemed very ancient, it is said, "the Ishmaelites shall do fifteen things in the earth in the last days; the last of which mentioned is, they shall erect an edifice in the temple; at length two brothers shall rise up against them, and in their days shall spring up the branch of the Son of David; as it is said, in the days of these kings, &c.''; and both Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret this kingdom of the kingdom of the Messiah; and so Jacchiades, a much later writer, says the last kingdom is that of the Messiah: and another modern Jewish writer says (r), in the time of the King Messiah there shall be but one kingdom, and but one King; and this the King, the true Messiah; but the rest of the kingdoms and their kings shall not subsist in his time; as it is written, "in the days of these kings &c."; which kingdom is no other than his church on earth, where he reigns; has his throne; holds forth his sceptre; gives out his laws, and is obeyed: and, though this is already in the world, yet it is not so visible, stable, and glorious, as it will be at the close of the fourth monarchy, which is meant by its being set up, confirmed, and established; and this will be done by the God of heaven, the Maker and possessor of it, and who dwells in it, and rules there, and over all the earth; and therefore Christ's church, or kingdom, is often called the kingdom of heaven; and when it is thus established, it will ever remain visible; its glory will be no more eclipsed; and much less subverted and overthrown, by all the powers of earth and hell. Christ was set up as King from everlasting, and the elect of God were appointed and given him as a kingdom as early; and in and over these he reigns by his Spirit and grace in time, when they are effectually called, and brought into subjection to him; these are governed by laws of his making: he is owned by them as their Lord and King, and they yield a ready and cheerful obedience to his commands, and he protects and defends them from their enemies; and such a kingdom Christ has always had from the beginning of the world: but there was a particular time in which it was to be set up in a more visible and glorious manner: it was set up in the days of his flesh on earth, though it came not with observation, or was attended with outward pomp and grandeur, it being spiritual, and not of this world; upon his ascension to heaven it appeared greater; he was made or declared Lord and Christ, and his Gospel was spread everywhere: in the times of Constantine it was still more glorious, being further extended, and enjoying great peace, liberty, and prosperity: in the times of Popish darkness, a stop was put to the progress of it, and it was reduced into a narrow compass; at the Reformation there was a fresh breaking of it out again, and it got ground in the world: in the spiritual reign it will be restored, and much more increased, through the Gospel being preached, and churches set up everywhere; and Christ's kingdom will then be more extensive; it will be from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth; it will be more peaceable and prosperous; there will be none to annoy and do hurt to the subjects of it; it will be no more subject to changes and revolutions, but will be in a firm and stable condition; it will be established upon the top of the mountains, and be more visible and glorious, which is here meant by its being "set up": especially this will be the case in the Millennium state, when Christ shall reign before his ancients gloriously and they shall reign with him; and this will never be destroyed, but shall issue in the ultimate glory; for now all enemies will be put under the feet of Christ and his church; the beast and false prophet will be no more; and Satan will be bound during this time, and after that cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, with all the wicked angels and men: and the kingdom shall not be left to another people; as the Babylonian monarchy to the Medes and Persians; the Persian monarchy to the Greeks; and the Grecian monarchy to the Romans; but this shall not be left to a strange people, but shall be given to the saints of the most High; see Dan 7:27, but it shall break in pieces and subdue all these kingdoms; the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman; the three former in the latter, which has swallowed them up; besides, the rest of these monarchies, which are all signified by beasts in an after prophecy, are said still to live, though their dominion is taken away, Dan 7:12, the same nations are in being, though not as monarchies, and have not the same denomination, and are in other hands; now these, and whatsoever kingdoms shall exist, when this shall be set up, shall be either broke to pieces, and utterly destroyed, or become subject to it; see Co1 15:24, and it shall stand for ever: throughout time in this world, and to all eternity in another; it will be an everlasting kingdom; which is interpreted by Irenaeus (s), an ancient Christian writer in the second century, of the resurrection of the just; his words are, "the great God hath signified by Daniel things to come, and he hath confirmed them by the Son; and Christ is the stone which is cut out without hands, who shall destroy temporal kingdoms, and bring in an everlasting one, which is the resurrection of the just; for he saith, the God of heaven shall raise up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed;'' this is the first resurrection, which brings on the personal reign, in which the righteous shall reign with him a thousand years; see Rev 20:5. (p) Zohar in Gen. fol. lxxxv. 4. (q) Pirke Eliezer, c. 30. fol. 31. 2. (r) R. Isaac, Chizzuk Emunah, par. 1. p. 45. (s) Adv. Haeres. l. 5. c. 26.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:44 Those kings were probably kings that arose within the fourth kingdom and attempted to strengthen themselves by alliances of intermarriage. However, the phrase might refer to all the kings of the statue as God’s kingdom persistently breaks into the flow of history. • it will stand forever: Only a kingdom whose authority and power are from God (see John 18:36) can never be destroyed, for all earthly kingdoms crumble.