◄ Daniel 2:42 ►
And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle.
Study Bible
And as the toes of the feet were partly iron and partly clay
This phrase refers to the vision of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which Daniel interprets. The toes represent the final stage of the statue, which is composed of different materials, each symbolizing successive kingdoms. The mixture of iron and clay suggests a divided kingdom, with elements of strength and weakness. Iron, a strong metal, symbolizes power and durability, while clay, a fragile material, indicates instability and vulnerability. This duality reflects the nature of the kingdom, which will have strong elements but will also be prone to division and internal conflict. The imagery of toes suggests a fragmented political structure, possibly representing a coalition of states or regions that lack cohesion.

so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle
The kingdom described here is often interpreted as the Roman Empire or a future revived form of it, characterized by both strength and fragility. Historically, the Roman Empire was known for its military might and extensive reach, symbolized by the iron. However, it also faced internal divisions, political corruption, and social unrest, akin to the brittleness of clay. The prophecy suggests that while the kingdom will have formidable power, it will also be susceptible to collapse due to its inherent weaknesses. This duality can be seen as a warning about the limitations of human empires, which, despite their might, are ultimately unstable without a foundation in divine principles. Theologically, this points to the transient nature of earthly kingdoms in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God, as prophesied in Daniel 2:44, where God's kingdom will crush and bring an end to all these kingdoms, establishing a dominion that will never be destroyed.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A Hebrew prophet and interpreter of dreams who served in the court of Babylonian kings. He is the one who interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in this chapter.

2. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon who had a troubling dream about a great statue, which Daniel interprets as a prophecy concerning future kingdoms.

3. The Statue
A symbolic representation of successive world empires, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The feet and toes, made of iron and clay, represent a divided kingdom.

4. Babylon
The empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, representing the head of gold in the statue.

5. Future Kingdoms
The feet and toes of iron and clay symbolize a future divided kingdom, which is partly strong and partly weak.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophecy
Daniel 2:42 teaches us about the nature of prophetic visions and their fulfillment in history. It encourages believers to study and understand biblical prophecy as a way to see God's sovereignty over history.

The Nature of Earthly Kingdoms
The mixture of iron and clay symbolizes the inherent instability in human governments. This reminds us that no earthly kingdom is perfect or eternal, pointing us to the eternal kingdom of God.

Strength and Weakness
The passage highlights that even strong kingdoms have inherent weaknesses. This can be applied to our personal lives, reminding us to rely on God's strength rather than our own.

God's Sovereignty
The prophecy in Daniel 2 underscores God's control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all human history.

Living in a Divided World
The divided nature of the kingdom in the prophecy can be seen in today's world. Christians are called to be peacemakers and to work towards unity in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of iron and clay in Daniel 2:42 reflect the nature of human governments today?

2. In what ways can understanding biblical prophecy, like that in Daniel 2, strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty?

3. How can the concept of strength and weakness in Daniel 2:42 be applied to your personal spiritual journey?

4. What are some practical ways you can promote unity in a divided world, as suggested by the divided kingdom in the prophecy?

5. How do the themes in Daniel 2 connect with Jesus' teachings about the end times in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7
This chapter also contains visions of future kingdoms, using different imagery but conveying similar themes of divided and successive empires.

Revelation 17
This passage discusses the end times and the division of kingdoms, echoing the themes of division and instability found in Daniel 2.

Matthew 24
Jesus speaks of the end times, which can be connected to the prophetic nature of Daniel's interpretation of the statue.
Sermons
The Universal World-PowersH.T. Robjohns Daniel 2:31-33, 37-43
The Everlasting KingdomH.T. Robjohns Daniel 2:34-36, 44, 45
Nebuchadnezzar's DreamG. F. Pentecost, D. D.Daniel 2:34-49
Progressive MovementsMartin Post.Daniel 2:34-49
The Dream Recovered and InterpretedW. M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 2:34-49
The Evil and Good in Human HistoryHomilistDaniel 2:34-49
The Statue and the StoneH. Macmillan, D.D.Daniel 2:34-49
The Stone and the ImageE. Mellor, D.D.Daniel 2:34-49
The Stone and the ImageFrank W. Bristol, D.D.Daniel 2:34-49
The Stone Cut Out of the MountainJ. White.Daniel 2:34-49
The Stone that Smote the ImageJohn N Norton.Daniel 2:34-49
The Succession of KingdomsJoseph A. Seiss, D.D.Daniel 2:34-49
Human SovereigntyJ.D. Davies Daniel 2:36-43
People
Abednego, Arioch, Azariah, Belteshazzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Meshach, Mishael, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach
Places
Babylon, Shinar
Topics
Brittle, Broken, Clay, Fragile, Iron, Kingdom, Partly, Pottery, Readily, Strong, Thereof, Toes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 2:17-49

     6694   mystery

Daniel 2:27-45

     7730   explanation

Daniel 2:31-45

     1409   dream
     5305   empires

Daniel 2:36-45

     5367   kingdoms

Daniel 2:37-44

     9145   Messianic age

Daniel 2:37-45

     4971   seasons, of life

Daniel 2:38-44

     7773   prophets, role

Daniel 2:40-43

     4336   iron

Daniel 2:41-43

     5222   baking

Daniel 2:41-45

     4315   clay

Library
The Image and the Stone
'This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath He given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39. And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Book and Tract Catalogue.
THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION. BY I. C. WELLCOME AND C. GOUD. "The Plan of Redemption is an earnest book, evidently prepared after no little study, and with a conscientious desire to advance the cause of Christ. The Bible is made the basis of argument; it contains many fresh and well considered suggestions. The careful reader will find much that is valuable."--Watchman and Reflector. "This treatise aims to serve up the gospel scheme in a compact form. It states the plan and work well, and usually correctly. …
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

Editor's Preface
Professor Maspero does not need to be introduced to us. His name is well known in England and America as that of one of the chief masters of Egyptian science as well as of ancient Oriental history and archaeology. Alike as a philologist, a historian, and an archaeologist, he occupies a foremost place in the annals of modern knowledge and research. He possesses that quick apprehension and fertility of resource without which the decipherment of ancient texts is impossible, and he also possesses a sympathy …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 1

The Scattering of the People
[Illustration: (drop cap A) The Fish-god of Assyria and Babylonia] At last the full punishment for their many sins fell upon God's chosen people. The words of warning written in the fifth book of Moses had told them plainly that if they turned aside and worshipped the wicked idol-gods of Canaan, the Lord would take their country from them and drive them out into strange lands. Yet again and again they had yielded to temptation. And now the day of reckoning had come. Nebuchadnezzar, the great king …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been …
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

A Description of Heart-Purity
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 The holy God, who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity' calls here for heart-purity, and to such as are adorned with this jewel, he promises a glorious and beatifical vision of himself: they shall see God'. Two things are to be explained the nature of purity; the subject of purity. 1 The nature of purity. Purity is a sacred refined thing. It stands diametrically opposed to whatsoever defiles. We must distinguish the various kinds …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Wicked Husbandmen.
"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto …
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The First Great Group of Parables.
(Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Sower. ^A Matt. XIII. 3-23; ^B Mark IV. 3-25; ^C Luke VIII. 5-18. ^a Behold, ^c 5 The sower went forth to sow his seed [Orientals live in cities and towns. Isolated farmhouses are practically unknown. A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it]: ^b 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed { ^a seeds } fell by the way side, ^c and it was trodden under foot, and the birds of …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable Constitution of God.
John III. 3. John III. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. WHILE the ministers of Christ are discoursing of such a subject, as I have before me in the course of these Lectures, and particularly in this branch of them which I am now entering upon, we may surely, with the utmost reason, address our hearers in those words of Moses to Israel, in the conclusion of his dying discourse: Set your hearts unto all …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Letters of St. Bernard
I To Malachy. 1141.[924] (Epistle 341.) To the venerable lord and most blessed father, Malachy, by the grace of God archbishop of the Irish, legate of the Apostolic See, Brother Bernard called to be abbot of Clairvaux, [desiring] to find grace with the Lord. 1. Amid the manifold anxieties and cares of my heart,[925] by the multitude of which my soul is sore vexed,[926] the brothers coming from a far country[927] that they may serve the Lord,[928] thy letter, and thy staff, they comfort …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his Approaching Passion.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke XII. 1-59. ^c 1 In the meantime [that is, while these things were occurring in the Pharisee's house], when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another [in their eagerness to get near enough to Jesus to see and hear] , he began to say unto his disciples first of all [that is, as the first or most appropriate lesson], Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [This admonition is the key to the understanding …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
(at Nazareth, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 26-38. ^c 26 Now in the sixth month [this is the passage from which we learn that John was six months older than Jesus] the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth [Luke alone tells us where Mary lived before the birth of Jesus. That Nazareth was an unimportant town is shown by the fact that it is mentioned nowhere in the Old Testament, nor in the Talmud, nor in Josephus, who mentions two hundred four towns and cities of Galilee. The …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a Pure Religion --First Disciples.
Joseph died before his son had taken any public part. Mary remained, in a manner, the head of the family, and this explains why her son, when it was wished to distinguish him from others of the same name, was most frequently called the "son of Mary."[1] It seems that having, by the death of her husband, been left friendless at Nazareth, she withdrew to Cana,[2] from which she may have come originally. Cana[3] was a little town at from two to two and a half hours' journey from Nazareth, at the foot …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
"This is He whom Seers in old time Chanted of with one accord; Whom the voices of the Prophets Promised in their faithful word." We have seen that, in the providence of God, John the Baptist was sent to proclaim to the world that "The Kingdom of Heaven" was at hand, and to point out the King. And as soon as the Herald had raised the expectation of men by the proclamation of the coming Kingdom, our Lord began His public ministry, the great object of which was the founding of His Kingdom for the salvation …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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