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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Daniel 2:31–45. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Daniel here gives full satisfaction to Nebuchadnezzar concerning his dream and the interpretation of it. That great prince had been kind to this poor prophet in his maintenance and education; he had been brought up at the king's cost, preferred at court, and the land of his captivity had hereby been made much easier to him than to others of his brethren. And now the king is abundantly repaid for all the expense he had been at upon him; and for receiving this prophet, though not in the name of a prophet, he had a prophet's reward, such a reward as a prophet only could give, and for which that wealthy mighty prince was now glad to be beholden to him. Here is,
I.The dream itself, Dan 2:31, Dan 2:45.
Nebuchadnezzar perhaps was an admirer of statues, and had his palace and gardens adorned with them; however, he was a worshipper of images, and now behold a great image is set before him in a dream, which might intimate to him what the images were which he bestowed so much cost upon, and paid such respect to; they were mere dreams. The creatures of fancy might do as well to please the fancy. By the power of imagination he might shut his eyes, and represent to himself what forms he thought fit, and beautify them at his pleasure, without the expense and trouble of sculpture. This was the image of a man erect: It stood before him, as a living man; and, because those monarchies which were designed to be represented by it were admirable in the eyes of their friends, the brightness of this image was excellent; and because they were formidable to their enemies, and dreaded by all about them, the form of this image is said to be terrible; both the features of the face and the postures of the body made it so. But that which was most remarkable in this image was the different metals of which it was composed - the head of gold (the richest and most durable metal), the breast and arms of silver (the next to it in worth), the belly and sides (or thighs) of brass, the legs of iron (still baser metals), and lastly the feet part of iron and part of clay. See what the things of this world are; the further we go in them the less valuable they appear. In the life of a man youth is a head of gold, but it grows less and less worthy of our esteem; and old age is half clay; a man is then as good as dead. It is so with the world; later ages degenerate. The first age of the Christian church, of the reformation, was a head of gold; but we live in an age that is iron and clay. Some allude to this in the description of a hypocrite, whose practice is not agreeable to his knowledge. He has a head of gold, but feet of iron and clay: he knows his duty, but does it not. Some observe that in Daniel's visions the monarchies were represented by four beasts (ch. 7), for he looked upon that wisdom from beneath, by which they were turned to be earthly and sensual, and a tyrannical power, to have more in it of the beast than of the man, and so the vision agreed with his notions of the thing. But to Nebuchadnezzar, a heathen prince, they were represented by a gay and pompous image of a man, for he was an admirer of the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them. To him the sight was so charming that he was impatient to see it again. But what became of this image? The next part of the dream shows it to us calcined, and brought to nothing. He saw a stone cut out of the quarry by an unseen power, without hands, and this stone fell upon the feet of the image, that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces; and then the image must fall of course, and so the gold, and silver, and brass, and iron, were all broken to pieces together, and beaten so small that they became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors, and there were not to be found any the least remains of them; but the stone cut out of the mountain became itself a great mountain, and filled the earth. See how God can bring about great effects by weak and unlikely causes; when he pleases a little one shall become a thousand. Perhaps the destruction of this image of gold, and silver, and brass, and iron, might be intended to signify the abolishing of idolatry out of the world in due time. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, as this image was, and they shall perish from off the earth and from under these heavens, Jer 10:11.; Isa 2:18. And whatever power destroys idolatry is in the ready way to magnify and exalt itself, as this stone, when it had broken the image to pieces, became a great mountain.
II.The interpretation of this dream.
Let us now see what is the meaning of this. It was from God, and therefore from him it is fit that we take the explication of it. It should seem, Daniel had his fellows with him, and speaks for them as well as for himself, when he says, We will tell the interpretation, Dan 2:36. Now,
1.This image represented the kingdoms of the earth that should successively bear rule among the nations and have influence on the affairs of the Jewish church. The four monarchies were not represented by four distinct statues, but by one image, because they were all of one and the same spirit and genius, and all more or less against the church. It was the same power, only lodged in four different nations, the two former lying eastward of Judea, the two latter westward.
(1.)The head of gold signified the Chaldean monarchy, which was now in being (Dan 2:37, Dan 2:38): Thou, O king! art (or rather, shalt be) a king of kings, a universal monarch, to whom many kings and kingdoms shall be tributaries; or, Thou art the highest of kings on earth at this time (as a servant of servants is the meanest servant); thou dost outshine all other kings. But let him not attribute his elevation to his own politics or fortitude. No; it is the God of heaven that has given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory, a kingdom that exercises great authority, stands firmly, and shines brightly, acts by a puissant army with an arbitrary power. Note, The greatest of princes have no power but what is given them from above. The extent of his dominion is set forth (Dan 2:38), that wheresoever the children of men dwell, in all the nations of that part of the world, he was ruler over them all, over them and all that belonged to them, all their cattle, not only those which they had a property in, but those that were ferae naturae - wild, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven. He was lord of all the woods, forests, and chases, and none were allowed to hunt or fowl without his leave. Thus "thou art the head of gold; thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, for seventy years." Compare this with Jer 25:9, Jer 25:11, especially Jer 27:5-7. There were other powerful kingdoms in the world at this time, as that of the Scythians; but it was the kingdom of Babylon that reigned over the Jews, and that began the government which continued in the succession here described till Christ's time. It is called a head, for its wisdom, eminency, and absolute power, a head of gold for its wealth (Isa 14:4); it was a golden city. Some make this monarchy to begin in Nimrod, and so bring into it all the Assyrian kings, about fifty monarchs in all, and compute that it lasted above 1600 years. But it had not been so long a monarchy of such vast extent and power as is here described, nor any thing like it; therefore others make only Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-merodach, and Belshazzar, to belong to this head of gold; and a glorious high throne they had, and perhaps exercised a more despotic power than any of the kings that went before them. Nebuchadnezzar reigned forty-five years current, Evil-merodach twenty-three years current, and Belshazzar three. Babylon was their metropolis, and Daniel was with them upon the spot during the seventy years.
(2.)The breast and arms of silver signified the monarchy of the Medes and Persians, of which the king is told no more than this, There shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee (Dan 2:39), not so rich, powerful, or victorious. This kingdom was founded by Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian, in alliance with each other, and therefore represented by two arms, meeting in the breast. Cyrus was himself a Persian by his father, a Mede by his mother. Some reckon that this second monarchy lasted 130 years, others 204 years. The former computation agrees best with the scripture chronology.
(3.)The belly and thighs of brass signified the monarchy of the Grecians, founded by Alexander, who conquered Darius Codomannus, the last of the Persian emperors. This is the third kingdom, of brass, inferior in wealth and extent of dominion to the Persian monarchy, but in Alexander himself it shall by the power of the sword bear rule over all the earth; for Alexander boasted that he had conquered the world, and then sat down and wept because he had not another world to conquer.
(4.)The legs and feet of iron signified the Roman monarchy. Some make this to signify the latter part of the Grecian monarchy, the two empires of Syria and Egypt, the former governed by the family of the Seleucidae, from Seleucus, the latter by that of the Lagidae, from Ptolemaeus Lagus; these they make the two legs and feet of this image: Grotius, and Junius, and Broughton, go this way. But it has been the more received opinion that it is the Roman monarchy that is here intended, because it was in the time of that monarchy, and when it was at its height, that the kingdom of Christ was set up in the world by the preaching of the everlasting gospel. The Roman kingdom was strong as iron (Dan 2:40), witness the prevalency of that kingdom against all that contended with it for many ages. That kingdom broke in pieces the Grecian empire and afterwards quite destroyed the nation of the Jews. Towards the latter end of the Roman monarchy it grew very weak, and branched into ten kingdoms, which were as the toes of these feet. Some of these were weak as clay, others strong as iron, Dan 2:42. Endeavours were used to unite and cement them for the strengthening of the empire, but in vain: They shall not cleave one to another, Dan 2:43. This empire divided the government for a long time between the senate and the people, the nobles and the commons, but they did not entirely coalesce. There were civil wars between Marius and Sylla, Caesar and Pompey, whose parties were as iron and clay. Some refer this to the declining times of that empire, when, for the strengthening of the empire against the irruptions of the barbarous nations, the branches of the royal family intermarried; but the politics had not the desired effect, when the day of the fall of that empire came.
2.The stone cut out without hands represented the kingdom of Jesus Christ, which should be set up in the world in the time of the Roman empire, and upon the ruins of Satan's kingdom in the kingdoms of the world. This is the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, for it should be neither raised nor supported by human power or policy; no visible hand should act in the setting of it up, but it should be done invisibly the Spirit of the Lord of hosts. This was the stone which the builders refused, because it was not cut out by their hands, but it has now become the head-stone of the corner.
(1.)The gospel-church is a kingdom, which Christ is the sole and sovereign monarch of, in which he rules by his word and Spirit, to which he gives protection and law, and from which he receives homage and tribute. It is a kingdom not of this world, and yet set up in it; it is the kingdom of God among men.
(2.)The God of heaven was to set up this kingdom, to give authority to Christ to execute judgment, to set him as King upon his holy hill of Zion, and to bring into obedience to him a willing people. Being set up by the God of heaven, it is often in the New Testament called the kingdom of heaven, for its original is from above and its tendency is upwards.
(3.)It was to be set up in the days of these kings, the kings of the fourth monarchy, of which particular notice is taken (Luk 2:1), That Christ was born when, by the decree of the emperor of Rome, all the world was taxed, which was a plain indication that that empire had become as universal as any earthly empire ever was. When these kings are contesting with each other, and in all the struggles each of the contending parties hopes to find its own account, God will do his own work and fulfil his own counsels. These kings are all enemies to Christ's kingdom, and yet it shall be set up in defiance of them.
(4.)It is a kingdom that knows no decay, is in no danger of destruction, and will not admit any succession or revolution. It shall never be destroyed by any foreign force invading it, as many other kingdoms are; fire and sword cannot waste it; the combined powers of earth and hell cannot deprive either the subjects of their prince or the prince of his subjects; nor shall this kingdom be left to other people, as the kingdoms of the earth are. As Christ is a monarch that has no successor (for he himself shall reign for ever), so his kingdom is a monarchy that has no revolution. The kingdom of God was indeed taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles (Mat 21:43), but still it was Christianity that ruled, the kingdom of the Messiah. The Christian church is still the same; it is fixed on a rock, much fought against, but never to be prevailed against, by the gates of hell.
(5.)It is a kingdom that shall be victorious over all opposition. It shall break in pieces and consume all those kingdoms, as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands broke in pieces the image, Dan 2:44, Dan 2:45. The kingdom of Christ shall wear out all other kingdoms, shall outlive them, and flourish when they are sunk with their own weight, and so wasted that their place knows them no more. All the kingdoms that appear against the kingdom of Christ shall be broken with a rod of iron, as a potter's vessel, Psa 2:9. And in the kingdoms that submit to the kingdom of Christ tyranny, and idolatry, and every thing that is their reproach, shall, as far as the gospel of Christ gets ground, be broken. The day is coming when Jesus Christ shall have put down all rule, principality, and power, and have made all his enemies his footstool; and then this prophecy will have its full accomplishment, and not till then, Co1 15:24, Co1 15:25. Our savior seems to refer to this (Mat 21:44), when, speaking of himself as the stone set at nought by the Jewish builders, he says, On whomsoever this stone shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
(6.)It shall be an everlasting kingdom. Those kingdoms of the earth that had broken in pieces all about them at length came, in their turn, to be in like manner broken; but the kingdom of Christ shall break other kingdoms in pieces and shall itself stand for ever. His throne shall be as the days of heaven, his seed, his subjects, as the stars of heaven, not only so innumerable, but so immutable. Of the increase of Christ's government and peace there shall be no end. The Lord shall reign for ever, not only to the end of time, but when time and days shall be no more, and God shall be all in all to eternity.
III.Daniel having thus interpreted the dream, to the satisfaction of Nebuchadnezzar, who gave him no interruption, so full was the interpretation that he had no question to ask, and so plain that he had no objection to make, he closes all with a solemn assertion,
1.Of the divine original of this dream: The great God (so he calls him, to express his own high thoughts of him, and to beget the like in the mind of this great king) has made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter, which the gods of the magicians could not do. And thus a full confirmation was given to that great argument which Isaiah had long before urged against idolaters, and particularly the idolaters of Babylon, when he challenged the gods they worshipped to show things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods (Isa 41:23), and by this proved the God of Israel to be the true God, that he declares the end from the beginning, Isa 46:10.
2.Of the undoubted certainty of the things foretold by this dream. He who makes known these things is the same that has himself designed and determined them, and will by his providence effect them; and we are sure that his counsel shall stand, and cannot be altered, and therefore the dream is certain and the interpretation thereof sure. Note, Whatever God has made known we may depend upon.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Verse 40. "And there shall be a fourth empire like unto iron. Just as iron breaks to pieces and overcomes all else, so it shall break to pieces and shatter all these preceding empires . ..." Now the fourth empire, which clearly refers to the Romans, is the iron empire which breaks in pieces and overcomes all others. But its feet and toes are partly of iron and partly of earthenware, a fact most clearly demonstrated at the present time. For just as there was at the first nothing stronger or hardier than the Roman realm, so also in these last days there is nothing more feeble, since we require the assistance of barbarian tribes both in our civil wars and against foreign nations. However, at the final period of all these empires of gold and silver and bronze and iron, a rock (namely, the Lord and Savior) was cut off without hands, that is, without copulation or human seed and by birth from a virgin's womb; and after all the empires had been crushed, He became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. This last the Jews and the impious Porphyry apply to the people of Israel, who they insist will be the strongest power at the end of the ages, and will crush all realms and will rule forever.
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Summary
Daniel 2:40 provides a vivid description of the fourth global empire in Nebuchadnezzar's prophetic dream, portraying it as exceptionally strong and destructive, akin to iron. This kingdom's unparalleled might is emphasized by its capacity to "break in pieces and subdue" all that stands before it, utterly crushing and dominating previous powers and territories. The verse highlights its formidable military and administrative prowess, setting the stage for its eventual interaction with the divine, eternal kingdom that will ultimately supersede all earthly dominions.
Context
Literary Context
Daniel 2 unfolds King Nebuchadnezzar's forgotten dream and Daniel's divinely inspired interpretation, which outlines a divinely ordained succession of four world empires, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The dream image, a colossal statue composed of various metals, symbolizes these empires. The "head of gold" represents Babylon, the "chest and arms of silver" symbolize Medo-Persia, and the "belly and thighs of bronze" depict the Greek Empire. Verse 40 specifically details the "legs of iron," following the description of the bronze kingdom, and precedes the crucial description of the feet, which are a mixture of iron and clay. This mixed composition indicates a later, divided phase of this same kingdom, leading directly to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as seen in Daniel 2:44-45. This verse, therefore, serves as a pivotal description of the dominant, unified phase of the fourth empire before its eventual fragmentation and the ultimate, decisive triumph of God's kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery of a succession of empires was a familiar concept in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but the specificity and divine origin of Daniel's prophecy set it apart. Historically, the "legs of iron" are widely understood to represent the Roman Empire (c. 27 BCE – 476 CE in the West), renowned for its unparalleled military strength, engineering prowess, and ruthless efficiency in conquest and administration. Rome's capacity to "break in pieces and subdue" aligns perfectly with its historical expansion, absorbing vast territories and diverse peoples into its dominion through sheer force and a sophisticated system of law and governance. The use of iron as a metaphor speaks to its durability, hardness, and ability to dominate other, softer materials, reflecting Rome's ability to crush and assimilate the empires that preceded it, establishing a dominion of unprecedented scale and longevity.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Imperial Strength and Conquest, vividly portraying the destructive and dominating nature of earthly empires. The iron imagery emphasizes this kingdom's formidable power and its capacity to enforce its will through military might. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty over Human History, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over the rise and fall of nations. Even the most powerful human kingdoms are part of a divine plan, as Daniel 2:21 states, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." Finally, it points to the Transience of Earthly Power in contrast to the Enduring Nature of God's Kingdom. Despite its overwhelming strength, this iron kingdom, like all before it, is temporary and ultimately destined to be superseded by an eternal, divine kingdom, a truth powerfully articulated in Daniel 2:44.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to dominion, either abstractly (the concept of kingship/rule) or concretely (a realm or reign). In Daniel 2:40, it specifically denotes the fourth successive world empire predicted in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, highlighting its political and territorial authority as a comprehensive, governing entity.
Corresponding to the Hebrew term for powerful, this word emphasizes the immense might and formidable nature of the fourth kingdom. It suggests a kingdom characterized by its robust military, administrative efficiency, and an unyielding capacity to exert its will and maintain its dominance.
This Aramaic verb means to crumble or crush. Its repeated use in the verse underscores the destructive power of the iron kingdom, indicating its ability to utterly shatter and dismantle opposing forces and existing structures, leaving nothing intact and thoroughly subjugated.
Verse Breakdown
"And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron:"
This clause introduces the nature of the fourth empire in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The comparison to "iron" immediately conveys its unparalleled strength, hardness, and durability, setting it apart from the preceding kingdoms of gold, silver, and bronze, which represent progressively weaker metals in terms of intrinsic value but stronger in terms of political and military dominance. This kingdom is characterized by an unyielding, formidable might.
"forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]:"
This explanatory clause elaborates on the "iron-like" nature of the kingdom, providing the rationale for the comparison. It highlights iron's inherent ability to shatter and conquer. The phrase "breaketh in pieces" and "subdueth" emphasize the kingdom's ruthless military efficiency and its capacity to utterly dominate and absorb all opposition and existing structures. The "all [things]" signifies its comprehensive and widespread conquests, leaving no territory or people untouched by its power.
"and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise."
This final clause reiterates and intensifies the destructive power of the fourth kingdom, reinforcing the totality of its impact. The repetition of "break in pieces" underscores the completeness of its destructive capacity. The addition of "bruise" further emphasizes the severity of its impact, suggesting not just breaking but also inflicting deep and lasting damage, leaving its conquered foes utterly crushed, incapacitated, and unable to recover. This highlights the kingdom's overwhelming and devastating impact on the world stage.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Daniel 2:40 is Simile, directly comparing the fourth kingdom to "iron." This comparison effectively conveys the kingdom's attributes: its immense strength, hardness, durability, and destructive capability. The repeated use of verbs like "breaketh in pieces," "subdueth," and "bruise" creates a powerful sense of Repetition and Emphasis, underscoring the kingdom's overwhelming and comprehensive power to dominate and crush all opposition. The imagery of iron breaking and bruising also functions as Metaphorical Language, vividly portraying the military and political might of this empire without explicitly naming it, allowing the prophecy to transcend specific historical identification while maintaining its symbolic power and universal applicability regarding the nature of formidable earthly powers.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Daniel 2:40 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over human history, revealing that even the most formidable and destructive earthly powers operate within the confines of His divine plan. The "iron kingdom" serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for conquest and dominion, yet it simultaneously points to the ultimate transience of all human empires. God, who raises up and casts down kings, orchestrates the unfolding of history, ensuring that no earthly power can ultimately thwart His purposes. This divine oversight provides comfort and assurance that despite the chaos and might of human kingdoms, God's ultimate kingdom will prevail, bringing about His eternal will.
Reflection and Application
The description of the iron kingdom in Daniel 2:40 invites us to reflect on the nature of power, both human and divine. While human empires rise and fall through conquest and dominance, God's kingdom operates on an entirely different principle – one of enduring righteousness, justice, and peace. This verse reminds us that no matter how overwhelming or oppressive earthly powers may seem, they are ultimately temporary and subject to God's overarching plan. For believers, this instills a profound sense of hope and perspective, encouraging us not to place our ultimate trust or allegiance in transient human systems, but in the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God. It challenges us to consider where our true citizenship lies and how we can live as agents of God's kingdom in a world still dominated by earthly powers, seeking justice and peace rather than conquest and destruction, and demonstrating the superior, lasting nature of God's reign.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the historical identity of the "fourth kingdom" described as strong as iron?
While the prophecy does not explicitly name the kingdom, biblical scholars and historians widely interpret the "fourth kingdom" described as "strong as iron" in Daniel 2:40 to represent the Roman Empire. This interpretation is based on Rome's historical characteristics, which align perfectly with the prophetic description: its formidable military strength, its extensive conquests that "broke in pieces and subdued" vast territories, and its long-lasting dominion over the known world following the Greek Empire. The subsequent description of the feet of iron and clay in Daniel 2:41-43 is often seen as representing the later, divided phases of the Roman Empire, including its eventual fragmentation and internal weaknesses.
How does the strength of this "iron kingdom" compare to the preceding empires in Nebuchadnezzar's dream?
The strength of the "iron kingdom" is depicted as qualitatively different and superior in terms of its destructive and dominating capacity compared to the preceding empires. The head of gold (Babylon), chest of silver (Medo-Persia), and belly of bronze (Greece) represent a progression in military and territorial might, even as their intrinsic value decreases. Iron, though less valuable than gold, silver, or bronze, is far harder and more effective at breaking and crushing other materials. Daniel 2:40 emphasizes this by stating that it "breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]," highlighting its unparalleled ability to conquer and assimilate. This suggests a kingdom whose power is not just greater in degree, but more absolute and devastating in its application, reflecting Rome's unparalleled military machine and administrative efficiency in subduing and governing its vast empire with an unyielding grip.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Daniel 2:40, in its vivid portrayal of the "iron kingdom," sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of God's eternal kingdom, which finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the iron kingdom represents the pinnacle of human military and political might, destined to "break in pieces and bruise" all earthly opposition, it is ultimately superseded by a kingdom "cut out of the mountain without hands" (Daniel 2:45). This "stone" is universally understood to be a prophetic symbol of Christ and His kingdom. Jesus, the true King, does not establish His reign through military conquest and brute force like the iron empire, but through self-sacrificial love and spiritual transformation, as He declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36). Yet, His kingdom is depicted as having an "iron" authority, not in earthly dominion, but in righteous judgment and unbreakable truth, as He is the one who will "rule all nations with a rod of iron" (Revelation 19:15). Thus, the terrifying strength of the iron kingdom in Daniel 2:40 ultimately serves to magnify the incomparable and eternal power of Christ's reign, which will never be destroyed but will stand forever, bringing true peace and justice to all the earth (Luke 1:33).