the fourth: i.e. Rome (Luke 2 and Luke 3). Observe that it does not say there were "four, and no more", as alleged; but "the fourth". An ordinal number, not cardinal. The Chaldee is rebi aya. (text), or rebi a'ah (margin). fourth, as in Daniel 3:25; Daniel 7:7; Daniel 7:19; Daniel 7:23. Not. arba ', which. four. The fifth is revealed in verses: Daniel 2:41-43. The power which was to succeed Rome in the possession of Jerusalem was to be the Mohammedan power, which was still future when our Lord referred to it in Luke 21:24. but the Lord does not name it, because the condition of Acts 3:18-26 could not be anticipated, assumed, or forestalled.
strong. hard. This was the character of Rome, both royal, imperial, and republican.
subdueth. crusheth.
breaketh. dasheth, or bringeth to ruin. Chaldee. r e' a '. Not the same word as in verses: Daniel 2:1; Daniel 2:34; Daniel 2:35, Dan 1:42, Dan 1:44, Dan 1:45.
bruise. bring to ruin. Chaldee. r e' a '. App-44. The same word as "breaketh" earlier in the verse.