Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Man’s Failure to Unite Nations

What was indicated by the mixture of clay and iron in the feet and toes of the image? BR-ASI9 135.1

“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided.” Daniel 2:41. BR-ASI9 135.2

Note.—The barbarian tribes that overran the Roman Empire formed the kingdoms which developed into the nations of modern Europe. BR-ASI9 135.3

In what prophetic language was the varying strength of the ten kingdoms of the divided empire indicated? BR-ASI9 135.4

“And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken [“brittle,” margin].” Daniel 2:42. BR-ASI9 135.5

Were any efforts to be made to reunite the divided empire of Rome? BR-ASI9 135.6

“And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Daniel 2:43. BR-ASI9 135.7

Note.—Charlemagne, Charles V, Louis XIV, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Hitler all tried to reunite the broken fragments of the Roman Empire and failed. By marriage and intermarriage of royalty ties have been formed with a view to strengthening and cementing together the shattered kingdom, but none have succeeded. The element of disunion remains. Many political revolutions and territorial changes have occurred in Europe since the end of the Western Roman Empire in A.D. 476; but its divided state still remains. BR-ASI9 135.8

What is to take place in the days of these kingdoms? BR-ASI9 135.9

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: . . . but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 2:44. BR-ASI9 135.10

Note.—This verse foretells the establishment of another universal kingdom, the kingdom of God. This kingdom is to overthrow and supplant all existing earthly kingdoms, and is to stand forever. The time for the setting up of this kingdom was to be “in the days of these kings.” This cannot refer to the four preceding empires, or kingdoms; for they were not contemporaneous, but successive; neither can it refer to an establishment of the kingdom at Christ’s first advent, for the ten kingdoms which arose out of the ruins of the Roman Empire were not yet in existence. It must therefore be yet future. BR-ASI9 135.11

In what announcement in the New Testament is the establishment of the kingdom of God made known? BR-ASI9 136.1

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15. BR-ASI9 136.2

For what have we been taught to pray? BR-ASI9 136.3

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10. BR-ASI9 136.4