DAILY TEXT, Today Tuesday, April 9, 2024, This struck the iron and clay feet of the statue (Dan. 2:34).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Tuesday April 9, 2024

It struck the iron and clay feet of the statue (Dan. 2:34).

The world power represented by “feet of iron and clay” already exists. It emerged during the First World War, when the United Kingdom and the United States formed a special alliance. The statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream gives us details about this world power that would make it different from all previous ones. Unlike the other world powers in the vision, the power formed by the United Kingdom and the United States is not represented by a single metal, such as gold or silver, but by a mixture of iron and clay. The clay represents “the offspring of mankind,” that is, the common people (Dan. 2:43, note). No one can deny that this world power has difficulty achieving its goals because of the influence exerted by the people through elections, civil rights campaigns, demonstrations and unions. w22.07 4, 5 paras. 9, 10.

What detail reinforces our confidence that we are living in the time of the end?

The second detail is given to us by the fact that this power is represented by the feet of the statue. The power formed by the United Kingdom and the United States is the last one predicted by the Bible. This means that no other power will come after it. It and all other human governments will come to a rapid end when the Kingdom of God destroys them at Armageddon (Rev. 16:13, 14, 16; 19:19, 20).c

What other evidence does Daniel's prophecy provide, and how do they give us comfort and hope?

How does this prophecy help us? Daniel's prophecy provides further evidence that we are living in the time of the end. He prophesied more than 2,500 years ago that, after the fall of Babylon, four other world powers would have a great impact on God's people. Furthermore, he revealed that the power formed by the United Kingdom and the United States would be the last of them. This comforts us and gives us hope, because we know that soon the Kingdom of God will leave no trace of human governments and will take control of the Earth (Dan. 2:44).

Who are the “eighth king” and “10 kings” of Revelation 17:9-12, and how has this prophecy been fulfilled?

World War I caused great destruction, and that led to the fulfillment of another prophecy about the last days. As world leaders wanted to promote international peace, they created the League of Nations in January 1920, which in October 1945 was replaced by the United Nations. The Bible says that this organization is “an eighth king.” But it is not a world power. Its strength and influence depend on the support given to it by governments. These governments are called “10 kings” in the Bible.

What does Revelation 17:3-5 say about “Babylon the Great”? And what is happening with the support that false religions receive?

Jehovah gave the apostle John a vision in which he saw a prostitute named “Babylon the Great.” This woman represents all the false religions of the world. What does this vision tell us? Fake religious organizations have been working closely with the governments of this world for many years and have given them their blessing. But soon Jehovah will put it in the hearts of rulers to “carry out his thoughts.” What will be the result? That the “10 kings”—that is, governments—will attack false religious organizations and put an end to them (Rev. 17:1, 2, 16, 17).

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