Daniel 7 – The Four Beasts and the Little Horn
Daniel sees a vision of four beasts rising out of the sea, each representing a kingdom. From the fourth beast, which is terrifying and strong, ten horns emerge. Then, a “little horn” arises among the ten, displacing three of them. Daniel 7:8 (ESV) “I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots. And behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.” This little horn is: Arrogant, speaking blasphemous words. Persecutes the saints. Attempts to change times and laws. Has temporary power: “time, times, and half a time” (interpreted by many as 3½ years).
📖 Daniel 8 – The Ram and the Goat
In a later vision, Daniel sees a goat defeating a ram. From the goat’s broken horn, four horns grow, and then a “little horn” emerges again. Daniel 8:9 (ESV) “Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land.” This horn: Grows in power and challenges the host of heaven. Stops daily sacrifices and defiles the sanctuary. Represents a king who is “bold-faced” and understands dark schemes.
🔍 Interpretations:
Historical view: Many scholars identify the little horn in Daniel 8 as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Greek king who desecrated the Jerusalem temple around 167 BCE (which sparked the Maccabean Revolt). Daniel 7’s little horn has a broader interpretation. Some say it: Represents Antichrist (in Christian eschatology). Refers to a Roman emperor, or symbolic of oppressive political powers. Others interpret it as a symbol of religious or political tyranny that exalts itself against God.
🧠 Summary:
The “little horn” is a prophetic symbol of a ruler or power that opposes God and persecutes His people. It’s used to describe arrogant, blasphemous, and persecuting leaders in both visions. It has both historical and possibly future significance, depending on one’s theological perspective (Jewish, Christian, historicist, futurist, etc.).
