Key to the Prophetic Chart

THE HEAD OF GOLD

This image symbolizes four universal kingdoms which should bear rule over the earth, commencing with the then reigning kingdom of Babylon, and extending, in common phraseology, to the end of time. These kingdom’s are denoted by the different metals of which the image was composed, namely, gold, silver, brass, and iron. In his interpretation, the prophet addressing the king of Babylon, as a representative of his kingdom, said, “Thou art this head of gold.” Verse 38. The head of gold, then, represents the kingdom of Babylon. Babylon was but a continuation of the old Assyrian empire which had governed Asia for more than thirteen hundred years, having been founded by Nimrod, the mighty hunter, and a great grandson of Noah. Genesis 10:10. The Kingdom of Babylon, proper, or as we read of it in scripture, dates from B.C. 747; but yet it dates in prophecy from B.C. 677. The reason of this is, because kingdoms are not recognized in the prophetic record, as existing, until they become connected with the people of God. Hence in prophecy, kingdoms must date from that point of time at which they began to act a part in the prophetic drama. Babylon first became connected with the people of God by taking Manasseh, king of Judah, captive, B.C. 677. 2 Chronicles 32. The date of Babylon, therefore, as represented by the head of gold, is B.C. 677. KPC 7.1