Once again, I would propose that by inference, you present a 4a/4b scenario, i.e, ~Revived Holy Roman Empire~ (United States of Europe). And this would be fine if Daniel 2:45 maintained that Iron & Iron/Clay association. However, because the Clay is separated from the Iron, it provides a 4,3,5,2,1 = FIVE distinction. As such, please explain why the Clay is separated from the Iron, versus your ~associated with the Iron~ interpretation.
BibleScribe
That's a nice graphic, albeit incorrect in its interpretation.
We are presently relying upon definitions that were published in the latter part of the nineteenth century and which are woefully inaccurate. Such inaccuracies lead to false doctrine and mislead the saints into error.
The feet of clay pictured in the Biblical text and which is depicted in the graphic refers to the last world empire of man. That last and final empire is to be displaced by the holy mountain which is itself a figure for the political Kingdom of God.
When we try to interpret scripture, it's a good idea to examine the verses to see how they reflect the world in which we live NOT to make them fit into some hundred year old erroneous imagination. The current obsession with Rome as the seat of the anti-Christ's empire is incorrect for THREE reasons. Here's why.
1.) The image of Daniels' text refers to a world empire or world organization. The only organization that fits that description today is the United Nations. Self-styled prophets have been trying to point the finger at Europe and some sort of Italian coalition for decades. Every few years the count has to be revised, altered, and hammered into a new forgery of Biblical scholarship. The European scenario doesn't fit the picture - mostly because it isn't global. The UN is global. Every nation on the planet is a member.
2.) Prophecies of the alliance of anti-Christian and anti-semitic nations opposing Israel name those who will attack the holy land. Few interpreters of scripture have even a basic understanding of history and for that reason their fuminations are in error. Here is the BIG CLUE. The Roman Empire didn't end with the sack of Rome in 476 AD! Look it up!
By the fifth century the Roman Empire had been divided into two sections. The reasons were political, economic and military. The capital of the empire in the west was Rome and the capital of the eastern empire was the city of Byzantium. After the division of the greater empire the western or Roman section collapsed of its own weight. History books record its end in the last quarter of the fifth century BUT the Byzantine Empire continue for another thousand years.
The emperor Constantine the Great (272 AD - 337 AD) used Christianity to validate his grip on the empire. He built a lavish palace in the city of Byzantium. That town was later renamed Constantinople in honor of the emperor. When the western Roman section collapsed, Constantinople became the default capital of the eastern Roman Empire.
The Byzantine Empire eventually withered and died under pressure from the Islamic Ottomans. On May 29, 1453 Constantinople fell to Islamic assault and became the capital of the rising power of the Ottomans. This new empire would last until the twentieth century when it formally ended on July 23, 1923. Five months later (October 29th) the nation of Turkey was proclaimed. It's capital now is Istanbul, formerly Constantinople formerly Byzantium CAPITAL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. So you see, the Roman Empire and its successors extended well into the twentieth century. No consideration of end times prophecy will EVER approach being correct until it consideres this important factor.
In truth, Muslim prophets and political activists (who are also anti-semitic and anti-Christian) OF OUR TIME and in our day look for a new caliphate (the twelfth) headed by Allah's own man. Mahmoud Ahmedinajad, current president of the Islamic state of Iran, often refers to the coming twelfth caliphate. He is the most well known personality of a Muslim group called THE TWELVERS. Their hope is for a revived WESTERN EMPIRE based on the old Ottoman pattern. Their hope is for a new empire based upon old glory. Having that, the final battle upon Israel will commence.
It is not Rome, Italy that interpreters of Biblical prophecy should consider as a key player in the times of the end. Rather it is Istanbul, Turkey and the revived Roman Empire OF THE EAST that seems to be forming RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES. If the reader here is truly concerned about future developments he would be wise TO WATCH TURKEY*.
I strongly recommend you read the book THE ISLAMIC ANTICHRIST by Joel Richardson. No scholarly review of end times prophecy and current events can be complete without it.
* Turkey is THE ONLY European country which is actually prospering these days. Read the news and reviews of current events. All of Europe is in danger of economic disaster EXCEPT Turkey! It's the only country in recent months that is looking forward to having its economic credit index RAISED!
In addition, I suggest that you monitor the news and reviews from that nation.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/
The above link is a pro-US publication in English of Turkish events, politics and opinion. It's a good way to keep an eye on what's going on there. We certainly won't get it from US media or from US Christian news sources as they are committed to a century old world view of end times events.
3.)
"And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write; These things saith he that hath the sharp two-edged sword:
I know where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s throne is: and thou holdest fast my name, and didst not deny my faith, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwelleth."
- Rev 2:12-13
Read the Word of God. The city of Pergamum (or Pergamon depending upon translation) is in Turkey. I didn't write this folks, it's in the book. Satan's throne is in Turkey. Read it, memorize it, meditate upon it. Those of the saints who DO NOT consider God's word as well as current events are in error. It isn't Italy or the church of Rome we need to be concerned about, it is Pergamum and the Muslim hoards of the anti-Christ.
WATCH TURKEY.