In part 2 we discussed what each section of the statue meant. Nebuchadnezzar dreamed that the statue was destroyed by a giant stone. But what does this giant stone mean?

We read in Daniel that Jerusalem, the people, and the holy temple are in trouble. The people were taken captive. But even during those rough times, God kept his promises. Kings and kingdoms may rise to power, but God still has the last word and is working on His plan.

During Daniel’s time, Babylon was the powerful kingdom in control. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that an everlasting kingdom will rise and this kingdom will not be overthrown by any man. The point to make clear is that the stone in the dream pointed to the Messiah that God promised to Israel. This would be a Savior, a Redeemer, and an Everlasting God. Jesus Christ fulfilled all of those promises of the God of Daniel. Jesus came, died, and rose again. He then went back to Heaven to receive the promise of his kingdom that Jesus spoke about in Luke 19:11-12.

Daniel made several important points when he interpreted the dream to Nebuchadnezzar:

1. The stone refers to Jesus Christ. He is the stone and we as believers and followers of Jesus Christ are part of this stone. The stone continues to grow and will fill up the entire earth. Every born-again believer born and who have received Christ as Lord and Savior are part of the everlasting kingdom. Old Testament saints are included.
2. A stone struck the image. The statue represents all of the kingdoms that have been on the earth, are currently on the earth, or will be on the earth in the future. The whole statue is broken into pieces and carried off into the wind.
3. The stone becomes larger. The stone is described as becoming as large as a mountain that filled the corners of the earth. Believers in Christ become part of the stone along with Jesus.
4. All earthly kingdoms will be destroyed. The kingdom of Jesus Christ will wipe out any kingdom that exists now or has ever existed in history.
5. An eternal kingdom will rise. Jesus came to fulfill God’s promise to mankind. This kingdom began when Jesus went to Heaven and took his blood to his Father as a payment for all human sins. His blood redeemed all mankind past, present, and future. All sins are totally paid in full by the blood of Christ.

This is why Hebrews 1:1-4 will echo for generations:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

We will continue to examine Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel’s vision mentioned in chapter 7, and how they connect with each other in part 4 of the series.

Click here to review part 1.

Click here to review part 2.