THE destruction of the ten toes in Daniel 2
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEN TOES IN DANIEL 2
As Seventh-day Adventists, we often see Nebuchadnezzar’s Image as culminating with the Papal Roman Empire. However, because we view the Ten Toes as ten Germanic tribes, we have a difficult time determining when in history those toes existed. Some illustrations place the feet culminating at the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. Others place the culmination of the prophecy with the introduction of the Papacy in 538 AD. However, knowing the prophecy continues to the end of the world we declare it from 476 to the Second Coming. However, the problem with this theory is that at no time in history do we find Rome divided into ten Germanic tribes that were infused with the Papacy. As a matter of fact, our traditional view of the Germanic tribes is that three of them were destroyed by the Papacy before the Papacy was established. I believe this problem can be alleviated if we see the image with a different set of eyes.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Image like you’ve never seen it
I want you to see Nebuchadnezzar’s image in a new light. Instead of thinking of the image as a list of nations, I want you to see it as the narrative for the end of the world. But first, you must understand that the head of gold, in a sense, includes Egypt and Assyria. Now, to be clear, the Bible specifically says that Babylon is the only power that is represented by the head of gold. However, using Repeat and Expand, we discover that Babylon is somewhat inclusive of the two world powers that preceded it. When we look at Daniel 7, we see Babylon’s successor, Medo-Persia. Its symbol is a bear. However, this bear had three ribs in its mouth. The ribs indicate the remains of what was demolished. Thus we understand that one of those ribs represented Babylon’s leftovers. However, what did the other two ribs represent? The leftover of the world powers that preceded Babylon—Egypt and Assyria.
In this manner, we can almost say that Babylon was inclusive of three world powers. Now, what you also must understand is that Spiritual Babylon is also inclusive of three world powers. These powers are the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet.
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” Revelation 16:13
These three powers make up the three divisions of Spiritual Babylon. We know there are three divisions because the Scriptures declare that “…the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God… “ Revelation 16:19
Like the three phases at the top of the image, it’s imperative that you see there are also three phases at the bottom of the image. (See image below)
As Seventh-day Adventists, we often see Nebuchadnezzar’s Image as culminating with the Papal Roman Empire. However, because we view the Ten Toes as ten Germanic tribes, we have a difficult time determining when in history those toes existed. Some illustrations place the feet culminating at the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. Others place the culmination of the prophecy with the introduction of the Papacy in 538 AD. However, knowing the prophecy continues to the end of the world we declare it from 476 to the Second Coming. However, the problem with this theory is that at no time in history do we find Rome divided into ten Germanic tribes that were infused with the Papacy. As a matter of fact, our traditional view of the Germanic tribes is that three of them were destroyed by the Papacy before the Papacy was established. I believe this problem can be alleviated if we see the image with a different set of eyes.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Image like you’ve never seen it
I want you to see Nebuchadnezzar’s image in a new light. Instead of thinking of the image as a list of nations, I want you to see it as the narrative for the end of the world. But first, you must understand that the head of gold, in a sense, includes Egypt and Assyria. Now, to be clear, the Bible specifically says that Babylon is the only power that is represented by the head of gold. However, using Repeat and Expand, we discover that Babylon is somewhat inclusive of the two world powers that preceded it. When we look at Daniel 7, we see Babylon’s successor, Medo-Persia. Its symbol is a bear. However, this bear had three ribs in its mouth. The ribs indicate the remains of what was demolished. Thus we understand that one of those ribs represented Babylon’s leftovers. However, what did the other two ribs represent? The leftover of the world powers that preceded Babylon—Egypt and Assyria.
In this manner, we can almost say that Babylon was inclusive of three world powers. Now, what you also must understand is that Spiritual Babylon is also inclusive of three world powers. These powers are the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet.
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” Revelation 16:13
These three powers make up the three divisions of Spiritual Babylon. We know there are three divisions because the Scriptures declare that
“…the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God… “ Revelation 16:19
Like the three phases at the top of the image, it’s imperative that you see there are also three phases at the bottom of the image. (See image below)
Now that you understand the three phases of iron, you should now see that Spiritual Babylon is represented in the feet and toes of iron and clay. We understand that the original iron was Imperial Rome, and the clay was the Papacy. However, you also must understand that Rome has three phases: Pagan Rome, Papal Rome, and Protestant Rome (aka, the United States of America). Spiritually they represent three religions: Paganism, Papalism, and False Protestantism. These three form the foundation for the Harlot’s endtime religion. Notice the name found on the Harlot’s forehead in sense refers to this threefold union:
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5
- Babylon the Great = Paganism.
- Mother of Harlots = Catholicism of the Dark Ages who adopted Pagan traditions.
- Abominations of the Earth = Protestants who adopt Catholic traditions.
The End of the Toes
According to the prophecy, here’s what happens to the toes:
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.” Daniel 2:41
According to the text, Spiritual Babylon is the kingdom referred to in verse 41. That kingdom is the alliance of the last days. This union has the strength channeled from Imperial Rome. Rome’s strengths were military, financial, and political might. The United States provides the military. Europe provides the financial power, but it needs political. It needs to be an alliance of nations. It must have a global impact. Thus, the Harlot system brings them into the fold. Miracles are performed in the last day by demons pretending to be deities. Regarding this illusion, Ellen White says the following:
“As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world.” Testimonies to Ministers p. 117
Again, the Messenger of the Lord provides further insight when she declares that Satan will also personate Christ Himself!
"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ." Darkness before Dawn p. 41
So when this alliance is brought together it will have the strength of Rome’s iron, but it will be mixed with the Clay of Papal traditions. This is why verse 42 says the kingdom is partly strong, but it’s partly brittle. The Ten Kings of the East make this alliance brittle as they are brought in through deception. This deception was introduced by the United States of America in Revelation 13:14.
"And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
Daniel 2:43 reveals that this alliance doesn’t last for long.
"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."
Soon after the alliance is formed, the plagues begin falling and the people of the Spiritual Euphrates realize they’ve been deceived. Thus, just like iron and clay don’t mix, the alliance can’t contain its cohesion.
At the end of the image, the prophecy makes an interesting claim. It says, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 2:44
“In the days of these kings,” suggests that the kings of all the previous world powers will be destroyed at the end of time. But how can this be? It’s because, in a special sense, the Ten Kings represent all the previous world powers that ruled from the time God called a people to Himself. The reason they are present at the end of time is because when Christ is crowned King of kings, He will be crowned in the presence of all the previous nations who falsely claimed that title.
Finally, we see that the stone cut out of a mountain became a mountain upon this earth. The symbolism of Daniel 2:45 is somewhat ambiguous; however, we should understand that a mountain is also symbolic of a kingdom. Thus, Christ brings the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth. In essence, the New Earth will be a chip off the old block!
Ellen White’s Statements on the Ten Toes
You may not know this but Ellen White makes a few statements that refer to the Ten Toes. Here’s what she says:
“We have come to a time when God's sacred work is represented by the feet of the image in which the iron was mixed with the miry clay.” Manuscript Releases Vol 1 p.51
Here she seems to suggest that the toes of iron and clay represent God’s sacred work. How can this be? Well, look at what else she says later in that same paragraph:
"The mingling of church craft and state craft is represented by the iron and the clay. This union is weakening all the power of the churches. This investing the church with the power of the state will bring evil results." Ibid.
From these texts, many Seventh-day Adventists believe the Ten Toes represent Protestant churches. However, let’s try to understand what Ellen White was saying and try to determine why she made this connection.
Notice how Ellen White viewed Nebuchadnezzar’s Image: “While representing the kingdoms of this earth, the image that was revealed to Nebuchadnezzar also fitly represented deterioration of religion.” Review and Herald February 6, 1900
The above quotation is very important. The reason is that it explains the previous two quotations. Ellen White understood the image represented the kingdoms of this world, but she often viewed the image from a position of religious deterioration. She made the connection that since America is the final world power, and the feet and toes were the final component of the image, that the Protestants must be in the feet and toes. She wasn’t wrong, she just didn’t have the full picture as you and I have today. America will be the last superpower of this world, and thus when America tells the world to make an image to Rome, and the Ten Toes join that union, they will, in effect, be under the influence of Protestant America. (If you want to read more about Ellen White's statements on the Ten Kingdoms, see the link at the bottom of this page.)
My Conclusion
This is the understanding of the Ten Toes, Ten Horns, and Ten Kings that I believe is expressed in God’s Word. Not only that, I believe it is also supported by Ellen White’s inspiration better than the ten Germanic tribes. Your prophetic eyes will take some time to adjust to this view of the Ten Kings, so continue praying and studying and ask God to open your eyes, and you will see that there’s a whole world of prophecy that we have yet to uncover. This journey has just begun. We’re only scratching the surface of what God is revealing to the Adventist Church. Stay tuned…you won’t believe what’s next.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we often see Nebuchadnezzar’s Image as culminating with the Papal Roman Empire. However, because we view the Ten Toes as ten Germanic tribes, we have a difficult time determining when in history those toes existed. Some illustrations place the feet culminating at the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD. Others place the culmination of the prophecy with the introduction of the Papacy in 538 AD. However, knowing the prophecy continues to the end of the world we declare it from 476 to the Second Coming. However, the problem with this theory is that at no time in history do we find Rome divided into ten Germanic tribes that were infused with the Papacy. As a matter of fact, our traditional view of the Germanic tribes is that three of them were destroyed by the Papacy before the Papacy was established. I believe this problem can be alleviated if we see the image with a different set of eyes.
Nebuchadnezzar’s Image like you’ve never seen it
I want you to see Nebuchadnezzar’s image in a new light. Instead of thinking of the image as a list of nations, I want you to see it as the narrative for the end of the world. But first, you must understand that the head of gold, in a sense, includes Egypt and Assyria. Now, to be clear, the Bible specifically says that Babylon is the only power that is represented by the head of gold. However, using Repeat and Expand, we discover that Babylon is somewhat inclusive of the two world powers that preceded it. When we look at Daniel 7, we see Babylon’s successor, Medo-Persia. Its symbol is a bear. However, this bear had three ribs in its mouth. The ribs indicate the remains of what was demolished. Thus we understand that one of those ribs represented Babylon’s leftovers. However, what did the other two ribs represent? The leftover of the world powers that preceded Babylon—Egypt and Assyria.
In this manner, we can almost say that Babylon was inclusive of three world powers. Now, what you also must understand is that Spiritual Babylon is also inclusive of three world powers. These powers are the Dragon, the Beast, and the False Prophet.
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” Revelation 16:13
These three powers make up the three divisions of Spiritual Babylon. We know there are three divisions because the Scriptures declare that “…the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God… “ Revelation 16:19
Like the three phases at the top of the image, it’s imperative that you see there are also three phases at the bottom of the image. (See image below)
Now that you understand the three phases of iron, you should now see that Spiritual Babylon is represented in the feet and toes of iron and clay. We understand that the original iron was Imperial Rome, and the clay was the Papacy. However, you also must understand that Rome has three phases: Pagan Rome, Papal Rome, and Protestant Rome (aka, the United States of America). Spiritually they represent three religions: Paganism, Papalism, and False Protestantism. These three form the foundation for the Harlot’s endtime religion. Notice the name found on the Harlot’s forehead in sense refers to this threefold union:
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5
- Babylon the Great = Paganism.
- Mother of Harlots = Catholicism of the Dark Ages who adopted Pagan traditions.
- Abominations of the Earth = Protestants who adopt Catholic traditions.
The End of the Toes
According to the prophecy, here’s what happens to the toes:
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.” Daniel 2:41
According to the text, Spiritual Babylon is the kingdom referred to in verse 41. That kingdom is the alliance of the last days. This union has the strength channeled from Imperial Rome. Rome’s strengths were military, financial, and political might. The United States provides the military. Europe provides the financial power, but it needs political. It needs to be an alliance of nations. It must have a global impact. Thus, the Harlot system brings them into the fold. Miracles are performed in the last day by demons pretending to be deities. Regarding this illusion, Ellen White says the following:
“As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world.” Testimonies to Ministers p. 117
Again, the Messenger of the Lord provides further insight when she declares that Satan will also personate Christ Himself!
"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ." Darkness before Dawn p. 41
So when this alliance is brought together it will have the strength of Rome’s iron, but it will be mixed with the Clay of Papal traditions. This is why verse 42 says the kingdom is partly strong, but it’s partly brittle. The Ten Kings of the East make this alliance brittle as they are brought in through deception. This deception was introduced by the United States of America in Revelation 13:14.
"And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
Daniel 2:43 reveals that this alliance doesn’t last for long.
"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."
Soon after the alliance is formed, the plagues begin falling and the people of the Spiritual Euphrates realize they’ve been deceived. Thus, just like iron and clay don’t mix, the alliance can’t contain its cohesion.
At the end of the image, the prophecy makes an interesting claim. It says, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 2:44
“In the days of these kings,” suggests that the kings of all the previous world powers will be destroyed at the end of time. But how can this be? It’s because, in a special sense, the Ten Kings represent all the previous world powers that ruled from the time God called a people to Himself. The reason they are present at the end of time is because when Christ is crowned King of kings, He will be crowned in the presence of all the previous nations who falsely claimed that title.
Finally, we see that the stone cut out of a mountain became a mountain upon this earth. The symbolism of Daniel 2:45 is somewhat ambiguous; however, we should understand that a mountain is also symbolic of a kingdom. Thus, Christ brings the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth. In essence, the New Earth will be a chip off the old block!
Ellen White’s Statements on the Ten Toes
You may not know this but Ellen White makes a few statements that refer to the Ten Toes. Here’s what she says:
“We have come to a time when God's sacred work is represented by the feet of the image in which the iron was mixed with the miry clay.” Manuscript Releases Vol 1 p.51
Here she seems to suggest that the toes of iron and clay represent God’s sacred work. How can this be? Well, look at what else she says later in that same paragraph:
"The mingling of church craft and state craft is represented by the iron and the clay. This union is weakening all the power of the churches. This investing the church with the power of the state will bring evil results." Ibid.
From these texts, many Seventh-day Adventists believe the Ten Toes represent Protestant churches. However, let’s try to understand what Ellen White was saying and try to determine why she made this connection.
Notice how Ellen White viewed Nebuchadnezzar’s Image: “While representing the kingdoms of this earth, the image that was revealed to Nebuchadnezzar also fitly represented deterioration of religion.” Review and Herald February 6, 1900
The above quotation is very important. The reason is that it explains the previous two quotations. Ellen White understood the image represented the kingdoms of this world, but she often viewed the image from a position of religious deterioration. She made the connection that since America is the final world power, and the feet and toes were the final component of the image, that the Protestants must be in the feet and toes. She wasn’t wrong, she just didn’t have the full picture as you and I have today. America will be the last superpower of this world, and thus when America tells the world to make an image to Rome, and the Ten Toes join that union, they will, in effect, be under the influence of Protestant America. (If you want to read more about Ellen White's statements on the Ten Kingdoms, see the link at the bottom of this page.)
My Conclusion
This is the understanding of the Ten Toes, Ten Horns, and Ten Kings that I believe is expressed in God’s Word. Not only that, I believe it is also supported by Ellen White’s inspiration better than the ten Germanic tribes. Your prophetic eyes will take some time to adjust to this view of the Ten Kings, so continue praying and studying and ask God to open your eyes, and you will see that there’s a whole world of prophecy that we have yet to uncover. This journey has just begun. We’re only scratching the surface of what God is revealing to the Adventist Church. Stay tuned…you won’t believe what’s next.
Now that you understand the three phases of iron, you should now see that Spiritual Babylon is represented in the feet and toes of iron and clay. We understand that the original iron was Imperial Rome, and the clay was the Papacy. However, you also must understand that Rome has three phases: Pagan Rome, Papal Rome, and Protestant Rome (aka, the United States of America). Spiritually they represent three religions: Paganism, Papalism, and False Protestantism. These three form the foundation for the Harlot’s end-time religion. Notice the name found on the Harlot’s forehead in sense refers to this threefold union:
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5
- Babylon the Great = Paganism.
- Mother of Harlots = Catholicism of the Dark Ages who adopted Pagan traditions.
- Abominations of the Earth = Protestants who adopt Catholic traditions.
The End of the Toes
According to the prophecy, here’s what happens to the toes:
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay.” Daniel 2:41
According to the text, Spiritual Babylon is the kingdom referred to in verse 41. That kingdom is the alliance of the last days. This union has the strength channeled from Imperial Rome. Rome’s strengths were military, financial, and political might. The United States provides the military. Europe provides the financial power, but it needs political. It needs to be an alliance of nations. It must have a global impact. Thus, the Harlot system brings them into the fold. Miracles are performed in the last day by demons pretending to be deities. Regarding this illusion, Ellen White says the following:
“As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world.” Testimonies to Ministers p. 117
Again, the Messenger of the Lord provides further insight when she declares that Satan will also personate Christ Himself!
"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ." Darkness before Dawn p. 41
So when this alliance is brought together it will have the strength of Rome’s iron, but it will be mixed with the Clay of Papal traditions. This is why verse 42 says the kingdom is partly strong, but it’s partly brittle. The Ten Kings of the East make this alliance brittle as they are brought in through deception.
This deception was introduced by the United States of America in Revelation 13:14. "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
Daniel 2:43 reveals that this alliance doesn’t last for long. "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."
Soon after the alliance is formed, the plagues begin falling and the people of the Spiritual Euphrates realize they’ve been deceived. Thus, just like iron and clay don’t mix, the alliance can’t contain its cohesion.
At the end of the image, the prophecy makes an interesting claim. It says, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 2:44
“In the days of these kings,” suggests that the kings of all the previous world powers will be destroyed at the end of time. But how can this be? It’s because, in a special sense, the Ten Kings represent all the previous world powers that ruled from the time God called a people to Himself. The reason they are present at the end of time is because when Christ is crowned King of kings, He will be crowned in the presence of all the previous nations who falsely claimed that title.
Finally, we see that the stone cut out of a mountain became a mountain upon this earth. The symbolism of Daniel 2:45 is somewhat ambiguous; however, we should understand that a mountain is also symbolic of a kingdom. Thus, Christ brings the Kingdom of Heaven upon earth. In essence, the New Earth will be a chip off the old block!
Ellen White’s Statements on the Ten Toes
You may not know this but Ellen White makes a few statements that refer to the Ten Toes. Here’s what she says:
“We have come to a time when God's sacred work is represented by the feet of the image in which the iron was mixed with the miry clay.” Manuscript Releases Vol 1 p.51
Here she seems to suggest that the toes of iron and clay represent God’s sacred work. How can this be? Well, look at what else she says later in that same paragraph:
"The mingling of church craft and state craft is represented by the iron and the clay. This union is weakening all the power of the churches. This investing the church with the power of the state will bring evil results." Ibid.
From these texts, many Seventh-day Adventists believe the Ten Toes represent Protestant churches. However, let’s try to understand what Ellen White was saying and try to determine why she made this connection. Notice how Ellen White viewed Nebuchadnezzar’s Image:
“While representing the kingdoms of this earth, the image that was revealed to Nebuchadnezzar also fitly represented deterioration of religion.” Review and Herald February 6, 1900
The above quotation is very important. The reason is that it explains the previous two quotations. Ellen White understood the image represented the kingdoms of this world, but she often viewed the image from a position of religious deterioration. She made the connection that since America is the final world power, and the feet and toes were the final component of the image, that the Protestants must be in the feet and toes. She wasn’t wrong, she just didn’t have the full picture as you and I have today. America will be the last superpower of this world, and thus when America tells the world to make an image to Rome, and the Ten Toes join that union, they will, in effect, be under the influence of Protestant America. (If you want to read more about Ellen White's statements on the Ten Kingdoms, see the link at the bottom of this page.)
My Conclusion
This is the understanding of the Ten Toes, Ten Horns, and Ten Kings that I believe is expressed in God’s Word. Not only that, I believe it is also supported by Ellen White’s inspiration better than the ten Germanic tribes. Your prophetic eyes will take some time to adjust to this view of the Ten Kings, so continue praying and studying and ask God to open your eyes, and you will see that there’s a whole world of prophecy that we have yet to uncover. This journey has just begun. We’re only scratching the surface of what God is revealing to the Adventist Church. Stay tuned…you won’t believe what’s next.
