This paper explores the symbolic connection between Nebuchadnezzar's golden image described in the Book of Daniel and the number 666 referenced in Revelation 13. The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) refutes the claim that the golden image represents the reality of 666, arguing that there is no evidence to confirm that the image contained 600 talents of gold. However, biblical interpretation and historical evidence support the assertion that the design and the amount of gold used in the image reflect the symbolic reality of 666.
2.1. Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image
According to Daniel 3:1, Nebuchadnezzar erected a colossal golden image with a height of 60 cubits and a width of 6 cubits. While the exact amount of gold used in the image is not specified in the Bible, the fact that Nebuchadnezzar built this image after praising God (Daniel 2:47–49) suggests that the design may have been influenced by the structure of the temple that symbolized God’s presence.
2.2. Solomon's Temple and the Design of the Golden Image
The Holy of Holies in Solomon’s temple was designed with dimensions of 20 cubits in length, width, and height, making a total length of 60 cubits (1 Kings 6:20). The total amount of gold used in the Holy of Holies was 600 talents (1 Kings 6:21–22).
The similarities between the golden image and the Holy of Holies include:
Thus, it can be inferred that the amount of gold used in the golden image may have been the same as in the Holy of Holies, i.e., 600 talents.
3.1. Gold Coating Thickness in the Holy of Holies and the Golden Image
Calculations based on the dimensions of the Holy of Holies and the use of 600 talents of gold reveal that the interior was coated with 2mm of gold, which aligns with historical records of gold coating thickness used in temple interiors.
In contrast, calculations for the surface area of the golden image suggest that 4mm of gold would have been used if 600 talents of gold were applied. This corresponds to the typical gold coating thickness (4–5mm) used for outdoor statues in ancient Babylon.
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the golden image used the same amount of gold—600 talents—as the Holy of Holies.
3.2. The Babylonian Base-60 System and Perfect Numbers
Ancient Babylon employed a sexagesimal (base-60) numeral system, in which 60 was regarded as a perfect number, representing completeness and divine order.
4.1. The Symbolic Meaning of 666
Revelation 13 describes 666 as the number of the beast, representing a satanic system that compels idol worship. The number symbolizes the essence of worldly power opposed to God.
4.2. The Connection Between Babylon and 666
A central theme of Revelation is the prophecy of spiritual Israel’s deliverance from spiritual Babylon (Revelation 17–18). Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image represents the Babylonian system of idol worship, and its dimensions and gold usage (60, 6, 600) provide the symbolic origin of 666.
The golden image serves as a foreshadowing of the beast system, compelling worshipers to submit to its authority. This parallels the symbolism in Revelation 13, where the beast’s followers bear the mark of 666.
The WMSCOG refutes the connection between the golden image and 666, demanding direct evidence that the image used 600 talents of gold. However, biblical interpretation and historical evidence support the conclusion that the image reflects the design of the Holy of Holies and used an equivalent amount of gold.
The golden image embodies the Babylonian system and serves as a symbolic precursor to the beast system described in Revelation. The WMSCOG’s failure to grasp this symbolism reflects a misunderstanding of biblical truths.
Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, with its 60 cubit height, 6 cubit width, and inferred use of 600 talents of gold, reflects the Babylonian sexagesimal system and serves as a symbolic representation of 666. This connection underscores the image as a symbol of Babylonian power and idol worship.
The golden image represents the essence of the beast system described in Revelation 13, tying together biblical and historical symbolism. The WMSCOG’s arguments dismissing this connection lack a comprehensive understanding of both biblical context and historical evidence.
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