The large statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2:24-45) represented the four kingdoms that would dominate as world powers. We recognize these as the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, the Grecian Empire, and the Roman Empire. All of these will be crushed and brought to an end by the Kingdom of God, which will continue forever.
Material: Gold
Empire: Babylonian (606 B.C.–539 B.C.)
Material: Silver
Empire: Medo-Persian (539 B.C.–331 B.C.)
Material: Bronze
Empire: Grecian (331 B.C.–146 B.C.)
Material: Iron and Clay
Empire: Roman (146 B.C.–A.D. 476)