The Cycle of Empires

In the Book of Daniel the different sections of King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue symbolized some of the mightiest empires in world history such as Babylon, Greece, Rome, and Medo-Persia. These empires reached their peak with: (1) a powerful army (2) brilliant military strategists and (3) the ability to conquer nations.

The rise and fall of empires were not limited to the ones mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Many empires reined the world only to experience the harsh reality of their power and influence fading in time. As an empire crumbled, the world adjusted as another empire took its place, influencing world economies and foreign policies. The Cycle of Empires continues to this very day until the ‘hand of God’ crushes all empires and the one ‘final kingdom’ rules the earth forever and ever. This is symbolized by the demolition of King Neb’s statue by a rock not created by human hands.

Until the final kingdom, empires come and go like the seasons. In modern times, the Cycle’s influence was inflicted upon the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan. Even within nations not considered world powers, their oppressive leaders such as Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot experienced the wrath of the Cycle.

The commonality empires (or super power nations) share is that while their military strength may have conquered other nations, the military never saved the empire when the infrastructure falters. Rome, in my opinion is history’s greatest empire. They were the true founders of democracy which may have attributed to their rule lasting five centuries. Carelessness, slothfulness, combined with greed, sin, and a self-serving ruling party resulted in its demise. Same story held true for Babylon ruler Belshazzar, who choose to ignore warnings of invading nations, failing to see the ‘writing on the wall’, resulting in not only his demise but the end of Babylon.

The demise in infrastructure results in the erosion of the middle class. In addition to greed, lust, and lack of worshipping God are very evident in the past 20 years.

No nation is immune to the Cycle as prophesied in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 2:34, ‘…a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them.” It then goes on to say, “But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.” That rock is Jesus. His kingdom will rule the whole earth.

However, while nations falter and empires crumble, God still holds the individual responsible for their actions. Regardless if a nation thrives, the individual will falter if it lives in sin. If a nation falters, the individual can still thrive if allowing God into the heart.

Jim Hague (Co-producer, The Prophecies of Daniel)

HELP BRING THE VISIONS TO LIFE! MAKE A GIFT TODAY HELP WITH PRODUCTION COSTS!