דניאל, פרק ב׳, פסוק מ״ד

The grand vision of the four earthly empires culminates in the ultimate promise of an eternal, divine kingdom. This new era will not emerge through conventional military conquest or political maneuvering, but through a direct intervention by God at the end of days, bringing a definitive close to the familiar cycle of human rule.

The primary approach among commentators is that this dramatic shift occurs during the reign of the fourth empire, Rome. While [רש״י] and [ביאור שטיינזלץ] place this event generally during the lifespan of this fourth empire, [המלבי״ם] specifies that it targets the final rulers present at the time of redemption. Addressing the presence of multiple rulers at this climax, [האלשיך] provides a historical perspective. He explains that unlike the first Babylonian empire, which was completely eradicated before its successor took power, the second and third empires were merely subdued and conquered. Therefore, remnants of these earlier empires will still survive during the era of the fourth kingdom, and God's final judgment will encompass all of them together.

At this pivotal moment, God will establish His own kingdom, which the primary approach among commentators identifies as being revealed through the Messianic king. As [אבן עזרא] emphasizes, this kingdom will rise entirely on its own at the appointed end of times, requiring no human effort or armed force. Once established, this new sovereignty will never be abandoned or handed over to another nation. [המלבי״ם] notes that this represents absolute exclusivity; no other people will ever be permitted to rule alongside it or take its place.

The removal of the earthly powers will be a deliberate process. According to [המלבי״ם], this dismantling unfolds in distinct stages: first, the divine kingdom will crush and severely weaken the opposing nations, and only afterward will it completely eliminate them. [מצודת דוד] and [האלשיך] clarify that this destruction will not be limited to the fourth empire, but will sweep away the lingering remnants of all previous empires as well. Ultimately, the Messianic kingdom will stand entirely alone, enduring for all eternity.