Daniel 7.24-The Interpretation of the Ten Horns and the Little Horn
Wenstrom Bible Ministries
Pastor-Teacher Bill Wenstrom
Thursday June 13, 2013
Daniel: Daniel 7:24-The Interpretation of the Ten Horns and the Little Horn
Lesson # 223
Please turn in your Bibles to Daniel 7:1.
Daniel 7:1 During Belshazzar’s, Babylon’s king, first year, Daniel saw a dream specifically visions in his mind on his bed. Then, he wrote down the dream. He declares the beginning of the account. 2 Daniel began to speak and said, “I was in a trance like state, staring because of my vision during the night as behold the heaven’s four winds were blowing violently against the great sea. 3 Then, four great beasts, one different from the other, came up out from the sea. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagle’s wings attached to it. I was in a trance like state staring when its wings were torn off. Then it was lifted up from the ground for the purpose of it standing on two feet like a human being. A human mind was also given to it. 5 Next, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear with it raised up to one side with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. Then, they issued orders to it, ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’ 6 After this, I was staring in a trance like state as behold, another one, was like a leopard with it having four bird’s wings on its back. Also, the beast had four heads. Indeed, governmental dominion was given to it. 7 After this, I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these night visions as behold, a fourth beast, intimidating, yes even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. Indeed, it was characterized as different from all the beasts which were before it in the sense of possessing ten horns. 8 I was contemplating in a trance like state because of these horns as behold, another little horn emerged out from among them. Then, the first three originating from the horns was torn out by being in the presence of it. In fact, behold, on this horn, were eyes like a human being’s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully. 9 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when thrones were set up. Then, the One Ancient in Days sat. His clothing was white like snow. Also, the hair of His head was like lamb’s wool. His throne was fiery flames. Its wheels were a blazing fire. 10 A river composed of fire was flowing, yes issuing forth from His presence. A thousand times a thousand were continually rendering worshipful service to Him. In fact, ten thousand times ten thousand were continually standing in His presence. The court convened resulting in scrolls being opened. 11 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state at that time because of the sound coming from the boastful words which the horn was making a habit of speaking. I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when the beast was killed. In fact, its body was destroyed. Specifically, it was given over to the consuming fire. 12 On the other hand, the rest of the beasts, their governmental dominion was taken away, though for their benefit an extension of life was granted for a period of time, yes an appointed period of time. 13 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these visions as behold One like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven. Specifically, He went up to the One Ancient in Days in the sense that He approached His presence. 14 Then, governmental dominion was given to Him as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. His governmental dominion is an eternal governmental dominion which can never be taken away so that His kingdom is one which can never be destroyed. 15 As for me, Daniel, my soul was distressed in the midst of my body. Specifically, the visions in my mind caused me to be terrified. 16 I went up to one from those standing nearby in order to request from him the truth regarding all this. Consequently, he spoke to me in order to make known to me the interpretation of these events. 17 ‘These great beasts, which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth’s inhabitants. 18 However, the saints belonging to the Most High will receive the kingdom. Indeed, they will possess the kingdom throughout eternity, yes throughout eternity, the ages.’ 19 Then, I desired to know the meaning concerning the fourth beast which was different from all the others, extraordinarily intimidating, its two rows of teeth composed of iron as well as its claws composed of bronze. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. 20 Also, I desired to know the meaning concerning the ten horns which were on its head as well as the one which emerged and in addition three fell by being in the presence of it. Specifically, that horn possessing eyes as well as a mouth making it a habit of speaking boastfully. Indeed, its appearance was more distinguished than its contemporaries. 21 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state as that horn was continually waging war against the saints so as to overpower them 22 until the One Ancient in Days intervened. Specifically, He rendered judgment in favor of the saints. Then, the moment arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. 23 Thus, he said, ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all these kingdoms in the sense that it will devour the entire earth. Specifically, it will trample it down so that it crushes it.’” (My translation)
Daniel 7:24 “‘As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.’” (NASB95)
“As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise” teaches that the ten horns represent the ten kings who will originate from the fourth kingdom represented by the fourth beast in Daniel’s vision.
“And another will arise after them” indicates that sometime after the ten kings ascend to power, another king who is the Antichrist will ascend to power.
“And he will be different from the previous ones” stands in contrast to the previous statement, which records the unidentified interpreter telling Daniel that the ten horns represent ten kings and the little horn represents a king as well who will emerge after the ten.
This adversative clause teaches that this king represented by the little horn will be different in comparison to the ten kings represented by the ten horns of the fourth beast.
“And will subdue three kings” explains specifically what the interpreter meant by his previous description of the king represented by the little horn as being different in comparison to the ten kings represented by the ten horns.
The verb šep̄ǎl means “to subdue, conquer, to bring in subjection” implying violence and hostility and is referring to military conquest.
This interpretation of the word is indicated by the fact that in Daniel 7:8, Daniel tells the reader that three of the first horns were pulled out by being in the presence of the little horn.
In this verse, the verb ʿǎqǎr means “to tear out by the roots,” implying destruction.
Thus, the verb šep̄ǎl in verse 24 is referring to the Antichrist conquering during Daniel’s Seventieth Week three of the ten nations of the Revived Form of the Roman Empire by military power.
Daniel 7:24 “‘Also, the ten horns are ten kings who will arise from this kingdom. Then, another will arise after them. However, he will be different in comparison to the previous ones. Specifically, he will conquer three kings.’” (My translation)
Here in verse 24, Gabriel proceeds to the interpretation of the ten horns of this fourth beast.
He tells Daniel that the ten horns represent ten kings who will ascend to power from this fourth kingdom which is the Roman Empire.
This indicates that at some point in the future, the Roman Empire will be re-emerge or be revived but it will not be as unified as the Old Roman Empire.
In Daniel 7:24, Gabriel tells Daniel that another king will arise or ascend to power after the ten kings ascend to power who are represented by the ten horns of the fourth beast.
However, the angel tells him that this king will be different in comparison to these ten kings.
Then, he begins to explain to Daniel why this king will be different than the ten.
First of all, he says that this king will destroy in war three of the ten kings.
In Daniel 7:25, Gabriel continues to explain why this king represented by the little horn will be different than the ten preceding him by informing Daniel that this king will speak arrogantly against God and kill the saints of God.
He will even make alterations in times and in law and these will be given into his power for a three and a half year period.
So this king represented by the little horn will be different than the ten kings represented by the ten horns in that he will have a war-like character and will openly oppose God and His people.
He will also be different because of his enormous power over all the earth’s inhabitants.
So the description of this little horn in Daniel chapter 7 makes clear that it is symbolic of a human being who is a ruler of a kingdom.
The little horn refers to the Antichrist since it is identified with the Revived Roman Empire.
Also, in Daniel 7:19-26, he is described as waging war against God’s people up to the time of the Second Advent of Christ, which corresponds to the depiction of the Antichrist in Revelation (Daniel 7:11, 20-26; 8:25; Revelation 13:1-10; 19:20).
The little horn cannot possibly be referring to Antiochus Epiphanes since he was from the Greek empire and this little horn is said to originate from the fourth beast, which refers to the Roman Empire for reasons we have noted above.
Furthermore, Antiochus Epiphanes was not destroyed by Jesus Christ’s Second Advent.
Also, history does not record him subduing three kings who reigned contemporaneously with him.
He never attempted to make alterations in times and in law and these were never given into his power for a three and a half year period by God.
Nor, does history record him speaking blasphemies against God, which Daniel seven records the king represented by the little horn doing.
The description of the little horn in Daniel chapter 7 indicates that the Antichrist will start off as an insignificant world ruler among ten other rulers of kingdoms but will defeat three of these ten kingdoms and emerge as a world ruler.
The eyes of the little horn speak of the faculty of careful observation implying that the Antichrist will be extremely intelligent.
The boastful speaking indicates that the Antichrist will be a great speaker who in the judgment of God is arrogant in his words.
The Scriptures give the Antichrist many titles and names: (1) “The beast” (Revelation 13:1-2) (2) “The prince that will come” (Daniel 9:26-27) (3) The “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10) (4) The “scarlet beast” (Revelation 17:3) (5) The willful king (Daniel 11:36-40) (6) “The man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3), (7) “The son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) (8) The Desolater (Daniel 9:27).
He will not appear until the Day of the Lord has begun (2 Thessalonians 2:2) and his manifestation is being hindered by the Restrainer (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7) and this appearance will be preceded by the rapture of the church (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Antichrist will be a Gentile since he arises from the sea according to Revelation 13:1 and since the sea depicts the Gentile nations according to Revelation 17:15, he must be of Gentile origin.
Daniel 9:26 indicates that this little horn will be a Roman dictator as indicated by the phrase “the people of the prince who is to come.”
“The people” were the Romans who destroyed the temple forty years after the death of Christ while “the prince” refers to the little horn, i.e. the Antichrist indicating that the Antichrist will be a Roman.
He will be the head of the last form of Gentile world dominion, for he is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion (Revelation 13:1; compare Daniel 7:7-8, 20,24; Revelation 17:9-11) and as such he is a political leader.
Daniel 7:21-22 reveals the following regarding the little horn: (1) He will persecute the saints of the Most High and is thus a person and Daniel 7:24 says that he is a king. (2) He will overcome the nation of Israel and will bring that nation under his authority (Revelation 12:13-17; 17:7). (3) He will be judged by God (Revelation 19:19-20) and Israel will thus enter into her millennial reign.
Daniel 7:23 reveals that the little horn will have a world-wide kingdom (Compare Revelation 13:7) and it will be an overwhelming conquest, which anticipates a coming one-world government under a worldwide dictator.
Daniel 7:25 corresponds to Revelation 13:1-10 and gives us three more additional facts about the little horn: (1) He will oppose God’s authority as indicated by the phrase “He will speak out against the Most High” (Compare Revelation 13:6). (2) He will oppress born-again Israel as indicated by the statement “wear down the saints of the Highest One”. (3) He will introduce an entirely new era in which he will abandon all previous laws and institute his own system as indicated by the statement “he will intend to make alterations in times in law” (Compare Daniel 11:36-37; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).
Daniel 9:27 says that Antichrist will pretend to be Israel’s benefactor and make a treaty with her but will turn against her in the mid way point of Daniel’s Seventieth Week and will persecute Israel and occupy Jerusalem for three and a half years.
He will make a seven-year treaty with the leaders of Israel, which will begin the final seven prophetic years called the seventieth week and during the middle of this seventieth week after three and a half years, he will break the treaty and stop the sacrifices in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and declare himself God.
Daniel 7:26 refers to the Supreme Court of Heaven, (God the Father) passing down the decision to remove the little horn’s power, which will take place at the Second Advent of Christ, which terminates Daniel’s Seventieth Week (See Revelation 19:11-20:6).
This prophecy concerning the little horn will take place in the future since no such ruler has attained world-wide rulership over a one-world government, no such ruler has subdued three of ten kings who were ruling at once and no such ruler has persecuted Israel for three and a half years and no such ruler has been destroyed by the return of Jesus Christ!
Therefore, we can see that toward the end of the Times of the Gentiles, a one world government under a tyrannical dictator will emerge from a ten nation confederacy.
This confederacy will emerge out of the old Roman Empire and thus will be a European confederacy that will exist in the future which will be a revived form of the Roman Empire since it is portrayed in Daniel 2 and 7 as emerging from the fourth kingdom, Rome.