A KINGDOM-VAST BUT INFERIOR

Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar that the belly and thighs of the immense image constituted "another kingdom, a third one, of copper, that [would] rule over the whole earth." (Daniel 2:32, 39) This third kingdom would follow Babylonian and Medo-Persia.  As copper is inferior to silver, this new world power would be inferior to Medo-Persia in that it would not be honored with any privilege like that of liberating Jehovah's people.  However, the copperlike kingdom would"rule over the whole earth," indicating tha tit would be more extensive than either Babylonia or Medo-Persia. What do the facts of history bear out about this world power?  

Shortly after inheriting the throne of Macedonia in 336 B.C.E. at 20 years of age, ambitious Alexander III embarked upon campaign of conquest. Because of his military successes, he cam to be called Alexander the Great. Gaining one victory after another, he kept moving into the Persian domain.  When he defeated Darius III in battle at Guagamela in 331 B.C.E., the Persian Empire began to collapse and Alexander established Greece as the new world power. 

After the victory at Guagamela, Alexander went on to take the Persian capitals Babylon, Susa, Persepolis, and Ecbatana.  Subduing the rest of the Persian Empire, he extended his conquests into western India.  Greek colonies were established in the conquered lands. Thus, Greek language and culture spread throughout the realm.  The Grecian Empire, in fact, became  greater than any that had preceded it.  As Daniel had foretold, the copper kingdom 'ruled over the whole earth.'  One result of this was that Greek (Koine) became an international language.  With its capacity for accurate expression, it proved highly suitable for writing the Christian Greek Scriptures and for spreading the good news of God's Kingdom.

Alexander the Great lived only eight years as world ruler.  Young though he was, 32-year old Alexander fell ill after a banquet and died shortly thereafter, on June 13, 323 B.C.E. In time,  his huge empire was divided into four territories, each ruled by one of his generals.  Thus out of one great kingdom came four kingdoms that were eventually swallowed up by the Roman Empire.  The copperlike world power continued only until 30 B.C.E. when the last of these four kingdoms-the Ptolemaic dynasty ruling in Egypt-finally fell to Rome.

Next time: A KINGDOM THAT CRUSHES AND SHATTERS

From the book:  PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999