“So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression.” 1 Chron. 9:1.
Note.—From the earliest times it has been God's purpose that those who receive the gospel should make it known to others. For this purpose He chose a special people and established them in Palestine, in the highway of the nations; but they shut up the revelation of the truth to themselves, and so lost it. A few, like Daniel and his companions, maintained a personal connection with God, although surrounded by spiritual declension and dry formalism, and so were chosen by God to carry out His plan that the gospel of the kingdom should be preached in Babylon. They were tested and trained in Babylon, as shown in the first chapter of Daniel, and then, being ready to make known the gospel, the way providentially opened for them by the dream of Nebuchadnezzar.
7. In interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream, what kingdom did Daniel say would follow the four world empires?
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” Dan. 2:44.
8. What was this kingdom to do to the other kingdoms?
“The kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.” Same verse.
9. How long is this kingdom to continue?
“And it shall stand forever.” Same verse, last clause.
10. What words of Christ imply the gospel's final triumph?
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18.