“Another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and yet a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth.” Daniel 2:39
Daniel continues the interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The king is likely relieved and somewhat proud after he heard he was the head of gold. Maybe he thinks that means he will rule the world forever. The interpretation of his dream is not finished and David must
give him “the whole counsel of God”, not just the part he wants to
hear. This is an example of how we are to speak truth to the world.
They like to hear about God’s love, mercy and longsuffering. That is
part of the message we proclaim. But the world does not want to hear
about sin, condemnation and judgment. That part of God’s word that
must be proclaimed as well – the “whole counsel of God”.
Another kingdom The word “another” is used to reflect the next in
sequence. It is used of parts to describe the evil world system –
another beast, another like a leopard, another horn. Here Daniel says
another kingdom showing Nebuchadnezzar he is the head of gold but his kingdom is not eternal.
Another kingdom will arise after his which means his kingdom will cease to exist.
Inferior to you The next kingdom will be inferior (the word means downward or lower than). This kingdom, the chest and arms of silver, will not have the majesty and splendor of the Babylonian empire. Note that Nebuchadnezzar is not told in this dream who this kingdom will be. Daniel will receive more information about these kingdoms in a later vision.
Shall arise after you This kingdom, inferior to the Babylonians, will follow his kingdom. So for Nebuchadnezzar there is good news and bad news. The bad news is his kingdom will not last. The good news is that the kingdom which will follow him will nor be able to surpass his glory.
Yet a third kingdom of bronze Daniel continues. The world kingdom that arises after Nebuchadnezzar will not endure either. A third world kingdom will follow it which will be inferior to both of the kingdoms preceding it. It is composed of bronze.
Which shall rule over all the earth Rule means to have power or authority. The world all means whole. God wants Nebuchadnezzar to know this third world system will rule the known world.
What can we learn? Remember God is revealing the future but He is also calling to Him a king who needs redemption. He shows
Nebuchadnezzar that he has created a wealthy, luxurious kingdom and his kingdom is the best the world can create, but it will not last. He should not be proud for his kingdom will be replaced by an inferior kingdom and then another one even more inferior will arise. God is showing Nebuchadnezzar that the trend of world kingdoms is downward. God shows us in the description of the metals used to create the statue that they deteriorate in terms of value and worth but they increase in terms of hardness and cruelty. They do not become better, they cannot achieve the perfection of God. God wants the king to see mankind for what it is. Did Daniel know at this point which kingdom would replace the Babylonians? Likely he had read the words of Isaiah which prophesized the coming of King Cyrus.
So as he writes these last few verses of Daniel 2 he must be praising God for His prophecies and His faithfulness. The whole truth no matter what Nebuchadnezzar wanted to hear!