LORD’S DAY, MAY 20
Daniel 7:7-8, 19-22
Daniel 2:33, 41

“… God is angry with
the wicked every day.”

THE FOURTH BEAST: ROME

Our special interest is in the fourth beast: the end time world power, Rome. At the height of power, Roman rule extended from Persia in the east to England in the west, and all those countries in between bordering the Mediterranean Sea in Asia Minor, Europe and Northern Africa. It was a vast empire spanning three continents. From the two dreams (Dan 2 and 7) we understand this fourth world power to be the most powerful. Read its description in Daniel 2:40 and 7:7.

The above is a vivid description of the Roman Empire of history (“Ancient Rome”) which existed from the first century BC to the fifth century AD (with an eastern residue continuing into the fifteenth century). Rome in its heyday was ruthless, exceedingly cruel and destructive. Its enemies/ captives were crucified and fed to wild beasts in the arena for the entertainment and amusement of sadistic spectators. Emperor Nero’s cruelty and tyranny were unparalleled. When the Roman armies overran Jerusalem, they massacred over a million Jews.

Historically, Rome faded away after the fifth century. But if we read Daniel’s prophecy correctly, our Lord’s return will be during the time of Roman power. We must therefore look for the appearance of Rome in another guise. Let us call it “End Time Rome.” Thus:

Reference                             Description                                                          Interpretation
Dan 2:33, 41, 42                  (a) Legs of iron (the first part)                               Ancient Rome
                                             (b)Feet and toes (the last part)                             End Time Rome
                                                  part iron, part clay                                        

Dan 7:7, 19, 20                   (a) Fourth beast: dreadful,                                     Ancient Rome
                                                 terrible, strong exceedingly,
                                                great iron teeth, nails of brass
                                            (b) Ten horns and a little horn                               End Time Rome

THOUGHT: Read Genesis 40:8 and Daniel 2:45.
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for the illumination of Thy spirit.