Future Empires Unveiled MEMORY VERSE: “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding” (Daniel 2:21).
Suggested Reading:
Prophets and Kings, pp. 491–502.
“The strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill God’s purpose.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 502.
1. AN IMPRESSIVE DREAM Sun, Apr 12
a. What did king Nebuchadnezzar command after waking from a troubling dream? Daniel 2:1, 2.b. How did the king’s counsellors respond to his unusual request? Daniel 2:3–7.“The king knew that if they could really tell the interpretation, they could tell the dream as well. The Lord had in His providence given Nebuchadnezzar this dream, and had caused the particulars to be forgotten, while the fearful impression was left upon his mind, in order to expose the pretensions of the wise men of Babylon.”—The Sanctified Life, p. 34.c. Despite their claims to connection with the spirit world and afterlife, what did these wise men of Babylon admit? Daniel 2:8–11.“Filled with fear for the consequences of their failure, the magicians endeavored to show the king that his request was unreasonable and his test beyond that which had ever been required of any man.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 492.
2. DANIEL INTERVENES Mon, Apr 13
a. How did the king react to the wise men’s failure to reveal and interpret his dream, and how did Daniel become involved? Daniel 2:12–16.“Among those sought for by the officers who were preparing to fulfill the provisions of the royal decree, were Daniel and his friends. When told that according to the decree they also must die, ‘with counsel and wisdom’ Daniel inquired of Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, ‘Why is the decree so hasty from the king?’ Arioch told him the story of the king’s perplexity over his remarkable dream, and of his failure to secure help from those in whom he had hitherto placed fullest confidence. Upon hearing this, Daniel, taking his life in his hands, ventured into the king’s presence and begged that time be granted, that he might petition his God to reveal to him the dream and its interpretation.“To this request the monarch acceded. ‘Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions.’ Together they sought for wisdom from the Source of light and knowledge. Their faith was strong in the consciousness that God had placed them where they were, that they were doing His work and meeting the demands of duty.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 493.b. What can we learn from how Daniel and his companions prayed on this occasion? Daniel 2:17–23.“In times of perplexity and danger [Daniel and his compenions] had always turned to [God] for guidance and protection, and He had proved an ever-present help. Now with contrition of heart they submitted themselves anew to the Judge of the earth, pleading that He would grant them deliverance in this their time of special need. And they did not plead in vain. The God whom they had honored, now honored them. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, and to Daniel, ‘in a night vision,’ was revealed the king’s dream and its meaning.”—Ibid., pp. 493, 494.“[The four Hebrews] had not sought the mercies of God in vain. Then Daniel called together his companions, and thanked God that their prayers had been heard and answered, and they presented to God an offering of praise and thanksgiving, that was wholly acceptable to the Ruler of the universe. [Daniel 2:20–22 quoted]. Daniel and his fellows had a praise meeting, and all the universe of heaven united with them in thanksgiving.”—The Youth’s Instructor, November 22, 1894.
3. A PECULIAR STATUE Tue, Apr 14
a. How did Daniel address Nebuchadnezzar regarding the revealing of his dream? Daniel 2:24–30.“Behold the Jewish captive, calm and self-possessed, in the presence of the monarch of the world’s most powerful empire. In his first words he disclaimed honor for himself and exalted God as the source of all wisdom. To the anxious inquiry of the king, ‘Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?” he replied: ‘The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.’ ”—Prophets and Kings, pp. 494–497.“The Jewish captive stood before the monarch of the most powerful empire that the sun ever shone upon. Notwithstanding his riches and glory, Nebuchadnezzar was in great distress of mind, but the youthful exile was calm and happy in his God. Then, if ever, was an opportunity for Daniel to exalt himself—to make prominent his own goodness and superior wisdom. But his first effort was to disclaim all honor for himself, and to exalt God as the Source of wisdom.”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 1, 1903.b. Describe the image that the king saw in his dream. Daniel 2:31–33.“Listening with solemn attention as every particular was reproduced, the king recognized this as the dream over which he had been so troubled; and he was prepared to receive with favor the interpretation.”—Ibid.“The King of kings was about to communicate great truth to the Babylonian monarch. God would reveal that He has power over the kingdoms of the world, power to enthrone and to dethrone kings. Nebuchadnezzar’s mind was to be awakened, if possible, to a sense of his responsibility to Heaven. The events of the future, reaching down to the end of time, were to be opened before him.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 498.c. What happened to the image as the king looked at it? Daniel 2:34, 35.
4. THE DREAM INTERPRETED Wed, Apr 15
a. What was the meaning of the head made of gold? Daniel 2:36–38.“Under King Nebuchadnezzar, Babylon was the richest and most powerful kingdom on the earth. Its riches and splendor have been faintly portrayed by Inspiration.”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 29, 1903.b. What empires were signified by the following metals? Daniel 2:39, 40.“Prophecy has traced the rise and progress of the world’s great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 535.“Daniel . . . declared to Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom should be superseded. His greatness and power in God’s world would have their day, and a second kingdom would arise, which also would have its period of trial as to whether it would exalt the one Ruler, the only true God. Not doing this, its glory would fade away, and a third kingdom would occupy its place. Proved by obedience or disobedience, this also would pass away; and a fourth, strong as iron, would subdue the nations of the world. These predictions of the Infinite One, recorded on the prophetic page and traced on the pages of history, were given to demonstrate that God is the ruling power in the affairs of this world. He changes the times and the seasons, He removes kings and sets up kings, to fulfil His own purpose.”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 29, 1903.“Babylon passed away because in her prosperity she forgot God, and ascribed the glory of her prosperity to human achievement.“The Medo-Persian kingdom was visited by the wrath of heaven because in this kingdom God’s law was trampled under foot. The fear of the Lord found no place in the hearts of the people. The prevailing influences in Medo-Persia were wickedness, blasphemy, and corruption.“The kingdoms that followed were even more base and corrupt. They deteriorated because they cast off their allegiance to God. As they forgot Him, they sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral value.”—Ibid., September 22, 1903.c. How were the kingdoms represented by the feet and toes unique? Daniel 2:41–43.“Our position in the image of Nebuchadnezzar is represented by the toes, in a divided state, and of a crumbling material, that will not hold together.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 361.
5. GOD’S KINGDOM TO STAND FOREVER Thu, Apr 16
a. What kingdom will bring an end to the entire system of world powers? Daniel 2:44, 45.“The dream of the great image, opening before Nebuchadnezzar events reaching to the close of time, had been given that he might understand the part he was to act in the world’s history, and the relation that his kingdom should sustain to the kingdom of heaven. In the interpretation of the dream, he had been plainly instructed regarding the establishment of God’s everlasting kingdom.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 503.b. When will the reign of the kingdom of God in glory begin? John 18:36; Matthew 25:31–34; 26:64; Revelation 6:15–17.“Our kingdom is not of this world. We are waiting for our Lord from heaven to come to earth to put down all authority and power, and set up His everlasting kingdom. . . . Prophecy shows us that the great day of God is right upon us. It hasteth greatly.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 360, 361.c. How did the king respond to Daniel’s success in revealing his dream? Daniel 2:46–49.“Daniel’s exposition of this dream resulted in the king’s conferring honor and dignity upon him and his companions. . . . Daniel’s three companions were made counselors, judges, and rulers in the land. These men were not puffed up with vanity, but they saw and rejoiced that God was recognized above all earthly potentates, and that His kingdom was extolled above all earthly kingdoms.”—The Youth’s Instructor, September 8, 1903.
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS Fri, Apr 17
1. What did King Nebuchadnezzar discover regarding his trusted wise men?2. What is significant about the fact that Daniel’s prayer of thanks is recorded, but not his prayer of request?3. Despite being the wisest man in Babylon, what attribute did Daniel have?4. Describe the characteristics of the kingdoms represented by the changing metals.5. When will the part of the dream regarding the stone be fulfilled?