OF MONUMENTS AND MONSTERS

That image, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was rising up in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. Daniel 2:31

The Holy Spirit is an artist! The structure of the prophecy of Daniel is stunning in its symmetrical parallelism, in which various narratives directly correspond to one another (a literary device known as chiasm). An example of this is the correspondence between chapters two and seven, which thematically parallel one another. Both visions deal with Earth’s future, dating from Daniel’s time up until the establishment of Christ’s Millennial Reign (called the “Times of the Gentiles;” Luke 21:24). Both deal with four world empires—the last of which has a final Antichrist phase—and both deal with the complete downfall of the world-system and the rise of the Messianic Kingdom.

The differences between the two accounts are just as interesting. The first portrait of these world empires (given to Nebuchadnezzar) takes the form of a grand colossus that is so awesome it even inspires the Babylonian King to imitation, building a similar colossus in chapter three.

Chapter seven, however, casts worldly power and human sophistication in a much different light. Here, Daniel receives the Divine perspective upon the same four empires—and the results are this time both “distressing” and “alarming” (7:15)! Now we see the same four empires portrayed as hideous, ravenous beasts. It is noteworthy that Rome—the model and foundation for much of modern western civilization—is depicted as something that is almost indescribable in its fearful ugliness!

Let us not be unduly “impressed,” Brethren, by those things treasured by the world, which are often repulsive, vile, and grotesque in the sight of God. Our values must be informed by the Word—not by a morally inverted culture that calls evil “good,” and good “evil” (Isaiah 5:20)!

Terry L. Reese