2:36 The dream of Nebuchadnezzar reveals the course of world history until the end times. The golden head of the image (v. 32) represents the Babylonian Empire under the wealthy and powerful Nebuchadnezzar. A kingdom arising after Babylon is represented by breast and arms of silver (v. 32). Although stronger than Babylon, as silver is superior to gold in strength, the Medo-Persian Empire (note the two arms as the joining of the Medes and the Persians) would be inferior to Babylon, as silver is worth less than gold. The image’s belly and thighs are of bronze, the metal associated with the conquering legions of Alexander the Great. Bronze is stronger than either gold or silver, but the statue’s value continues to decline. Finally, the legs of the image are of iron, and the feet and toes are of iron mixed with clay (v. 33). The iron refers to the Roman Empire, at one point in time the strongest of all. Yet it, too, divided into the two empires—the East and the West, and in the last days ultimately will become a confederation of many kingdoms (the toes) containing iron and clay, a mixture of strength and weakness. This remarkable prophecy of Daniel was fulfilled exactly as he predicted. Babylon fell to the Medes and the Persians, the Persian Empire to Alexander and the Macedonians, and the four divisions of Alexander’s empire to Rome. During the times of the Roman Emperors, the Kingdom of God was established 50 days after Jesus was crucified. Acts chapter 2 records the momentous occasion when God's prophecies were fulfilled concerning the establishment of His Kingdom, the pouring out of His Spirit, the availability of forgiveness of sins and the change of covenants.

2:44 One final feature of the vision records the ultimate reason for the dream. The vulnerable toes of the great image become the target of a stone which comes from nowhere. The stone has been "cut out" without hands, an indication that the stone, unlike the great image, is not of human origin. Striking the toes of the image, the stone renders a crushing blow to the iron and clay composition. The entire image falls, being utterly destroyed in that fall. This stone, which "became a great mountain and filled the whole earth" (v. 35), is identified as the kingdom of God. Following the destruction of the image, the kingdom of God continues forever in full strength. Apparently, the dream had several results: (1) the dream and its interpretation brought Daniel to prominence in Babylon with Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 46-49); (2) the dream further served as an initial warning to Nebuchadnezzar that he, though great, was not invincible, and must prepare for the ultimate dissolution of his kingdom unless he humbled himself to the true God; (3) the dream must have provided immense consolation to Daniel and the Hebrew captives, assuring them that ultimately God’s kingdom would be triumphant, overcoming all of the ruthless reigns of earthly sovereigns; and (4) Nebuchadnezzar was thereby introduced to the true and living God (v. 47).