Little Horn (Dan 7)

The Little Horn on the 4^th beast of Dan 7 is a symbol for the Antichrist. This ‘terrible’ 4^th beast is a symbol for the Roman Empire that arose before the advent of Jesus Christ. But, this Roman Empire still exists in the culture, politics and laws of the ‘western world’ today. In fact, it will last until the Last Day of Judgment. This 4^th beast is ultimately a symbol for the Kingdom of Satan that has existed throughout the church age and will exist during the ‘little season’ of the Great Tribulation.

At the time of the Great Tribulation, the ‘little horn’ (Antichrist) springs up among the 10 horns of the 4^th beast. The ‘little horn’ (Antichrist) ‘plucks up’ 3 of the horns. These 3 horns plucked up refer to the Antichrist’s opposition to the will of God during the Great Tribulation by persecuting God’s people on earth. The actions of the ‘little horn’ include:

Persecution / oppression
- Beast – that which devours and scatters – Dan 7:7
- Little horn – small, but with great strength (terrible / strong / look more stout) – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:24, Dan 7:26
- Dreadful – creates fear- Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19
- Persecutes God’s people (war / wear out the saints / 3 horns that are plucked up) – Dan 7:7-8, Dan 7:21, Dan 7:23-25
Deception
- Diverse (changes time and laws) – deception – Dan 7:24-25
- Eyes like a man – great understanding, but deceptive – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:20
- Speaking great things against God – blasphemy – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:11, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:25

Please click on the below link to view a You Tube video on this topic. Or, continue reading below:

Background of Daniel 7

3½ times – Great Tribulation

Symbolism of Beasts

Identity of the 4 Beasts

10 Horns (and 7 Heads)

Characteristics of the Little Horn on the 4^th Beast

Beast

Dreadful and Terrible, Strong

‘Little’ Horn

Look more stout than others

Eyes like a Man

Speaking great things against the Most High

Persecution and Subjection of God’s People

3 Horns Plucked Up

Diverse (Changes Times and Laws)

Summary of Character and Actions of the Little Horn

Background of Daniel 7

Daniel 7 records a dream and visions of Daniel (Dan 7:1). This dream occurred during the Babylonian Captivity, when Belshazzar, King of Babylon, ruled (c. 555 B.C.) over the Babylonian Empire which included the captives of Judah / Jerusalem. Daniel’s dream concerned 4 diverse beasts that arose from the sea (Dan 7:2-3). The sea is a symbol of damnation (e.g., Ps 78:53, Ps 106:10-11); the place of those who are not God’s people. The four beasts were:

Lion with eagle’s wings – Dan 7:4
Bear raised up on one side, 3 ribs in its teeth devouring much flesh – Dan 7:5
Leopard with 4 heads and 4 wings given dominion – Dan 7:6
Dreadful and terrible beast, exceedingly strong, great iron teeth with 10 horns – Dan 7:7-8

In Dan 7:17, the Bible teaches that these 4 beasts were 4 kings which would arise out of the earth. These are the 4 kingdoms that will exist between the 6^th century B.C. until the end of time (i.e., the Last Day). At the Last Day, there will be a final judgment (Dan 7:9-12) and the Most High (the son of God) shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever (Dan 7:13-14, Dan 7:18, Dan 7:26-27).

But, in Dan 7:19, Daniel wanted to know, in particular, the meaning of the description, character and actions of the 4^th beast with the 10 horns. It is among the 10 horns where there comes up a ‘little horn’ (the Antichrist):

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)

3½ times – Great Tribulation

This ‘little horn’ arises during the Great Tribulation. This ‘little horn’ is the Antichrist. This can be known by comparing the characteristics and actions of other titles, symbols and types of the Antichrist.

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (Dan 7:24)
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)

In addition, Dan 7:25 teaches that the ‘little horn’ will control (persecute) the saints of the most for 3½ times. The time, times and dividing of time (i.e., 3½ times) is an important signpost that describes the symbol ‘little season’ of the Great Tribulation:

The 3 and ½ Chart:
- 3 ½ times: Rev 12:14 – church age
- 3 ½ times: Dan 7:25, Dan 12:7 – great tribulation
- 3 ½ days: Dan 9:27, Rev 11:9-11 – great tribulation
- 1260 days: Rev 11:3, Rev 12:6 church age – time of nourishing and prophesying
- 42 months: Rev 11:2, Rev 13:5 – great tribulation
- 3 ½ years: Dan 9:27, Ja 5:17, Lk 4:25 w/ Rev 11:6 – church age

Please refer to the following You Tube video for more information on the symbolic meaning of 3½, 42 and 1260: https://youtu.be/TUoW8gy935c

Symbolism of Beasts

In the Bible, beasts often represent a dangerous created animal. For example Paul fought with beasts at Ephesus (1 Cor 15:32). A viper (Acts 28:4-5) bit Paul, who shook the ‘beast’ off into the fire. In various places in Revelation, the leopard beast (Rev 11:7, 13:1-4, 11-18, Rev 14:9, Rev 16:2, 10-13, 19:19-20, Rev 20:4, Rev 20:10) is a symbol for the Antichrist.

But, importantly, beasts are often symbols of Satan and his ministers (antichrist, unsaved teachers / shepherds) who oppress and scatter the flock of God’s people. Satan is represented as a serpent (Gen 3:1), which is also considered a beast in Acts 28:4-6. Satan, as a beast is called a dragon (Rev 12:1-9) as well as the scarlet beast of Rev 17. The seventh head of the scarlet beast is a symbolic reference to the Antichrist.

Beasts are known in the Bible as that which scattering causing disunity (e.g., Eze 14:15-16, Hos 2:12). Wild beasts refer to removal of security and rest (type of false prophets – Jer 23:1-2). Satan roams around like a lion seeking his prey (1 Pet 5:8).

Therefore, the little horn (Antichrist) has similar features as the beast that he emanates from:

Devours (destroys, consumes into the body of Satan’s kingdom)
Scatters (disunity)
Loss of security and rest

Identity of the 4 Beasts

The four beasts of Revelation 7 represent four kingdoms that exist from the 6^th century B.C. until the future Last Day. Many Bible students as well as secular historians readily recognize these four beasts as representing the kingdoms of Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece and Rome. But, there is much confusion regarding the 4^th beast, its 10 horns and the little horn that arises. However, God’s people must trust the Bible that this 4^th Beast indeed was the Roman empire, which in its various forms and shapes has survived to this day (i.e., the developed ‘Western World’).

Concerning the 1^st kingdom Babylon, there is a robust amount of information in the Old Testament prophets that Babylon was the kingdom that subdued and scattered Judah. This is documented in many places in the Old Testament (e.g., Jer 39, Jer 52, 2 Chr 36, 2 Ki 25, etc.). Babylon, as the servant of God, was responsible for the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the scattering of God’s apostate people. This is known as the Babylonian Captivity, which is a symbol for the Great Tribulation.

Subsequent to Babylon, the kingdom of the Medes-Persians subsumed the Babylonian kingdom. A substantial amount of the Bible discusses this occurrence and the Median-Persian kingdom (e.g., Dan 5, Dan 6, Dan 7:5, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, etc.). After this kingdom arose the Grecian Kingdom (Dan 7:6). The subsuming of the Median-Persian kingdom into the Grecian kingdom is discussed in Dan 8 and Dan 11. Finally, the Grecian kingdom was subsumed into the Roman Empire, which existed at the time of the Advent of Jesus Christ.

In Daniel 2, the same four kingdoms are clearly on display. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and sought one to tell what his dream was and also interpret (Dan 2:1-16). Finally, Daniel was able to tell the king his dream:

Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. (Dan 2:31-35)

In this dream, there is a head of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron and feet part of iron and part clay. In Dan 2:34-35, the Bible reveals Judgment Day. The whole statue is broken by the stone cut without hands (Jesus Christ), which smites the feet of the statue. The whole statue then collapses and is carried away by the wind (Judgment Day). The stone became a great mountain and filled the whole earth (Dan 2:35), which is a symbol of eternity in God’s kingdom in the New Heavens and New Earth (Isa 2:1-3, Micah 4:1-2).

Daniel then gives the interpretation of the dream. It is King Nebuchadnezzar (King of Babylon) who is the head of gold:

This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. (Dan 2:36-38)

The next 2 kingdoms are inferior to Babylon. We find in other passages in Daniel (e.g., Dan 5, Dan 6, Dan 7, Dan 11) that these 2 kingdoms are the Median-Persian kingdom and the Grecian kingdom:

And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. (Dan 2:39)

But, the Bible teaches that there is a 4^th kingdom (dreadful and terrible beast of Dan 7:7). It is important to note that this 4^th kingdom consists of the legs of iron and the feet of iron and clay. In Dan 2:34-35 and Dan 2:44-45, this kingdom is destroyed on the Last Day when Jesus Christ comes to reign in eternity.

The 4^th kingdom features iron, similar to the dreadful and terrible beast of Dan 7. Also, the ten toes relate to the 10 horns of the Dan 7 beasts:

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Dan 2:40-43)

Finally, it is important to note that on Judgment Day all four kingdoms collapse together (i.e., gold, silver, brass, iron and clay). This indicates that each successive kingdom subsumes the previous one. In other words, there are elements of each preceding kingdom’s culture, traits, power, politics, laws, etc. that continues to the end of time. The kingdom of Satan is essentially the same, but just takes different forms:

Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. (Dan 2:45)

This is very similar to the passage in Dan 7, which states that the previous kingdoms continue for some time:

As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. (Dan 7:12)

Comparing Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, the Bible harmonizes as follows:

Kingdom	Daniel 2	Dan 7
Babylon	Head of gold	Lion with eagle’s wings
Medo-Persia	Breasts and arms of silver	Bear raised on one side
Greece	Belly and thighs of brass	Leopard (4 heads, 4 wings)
Roman	Legs of iron; feet of iron and clay	Dreadful / terrible Beast (iron teeth, 10 horns

Just as the 4^th Kingdom of Daniel 2 exists all the way to Judgment Day, so too does the dreadful / terrible beast of Daniel 7 exist. The little horn of Dan 7 is that end-time king (i.e., the Antichrist).

10 Horns (and 7 Heads)

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. (Dan 7:7)
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (Dan 7:20)
And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (Dan 7:24)

It is important to recognize in this passage that there are 10 horns and 7 heads. The 10 horns are 10 kings associated with the 4^th beast (Roman Empire) and the 7 heads are the total of the heads of the 4 beasts (1 for the 1^st beast, 1 for the 2^nd beast, 4 for the 3^rd beast and 1 for the 4^th beast). But, it is important that all of this information from Daniel’s dream be understood in a symbolic manner. Unfortunately, many take the beasts as symbolic, but then they try to literalize the 10 horns as 10 actual kings that existed throughout the 1^st and 2^nd millennia after Christ. By maintaining the discipline of interpreting Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor 2:13) and recognizing the symbolism of the heads and horns, the Bible spiritual truth of this passage can be understood.

In several places in the Bible we find the Kingdom of Satan associated with 7 heads and 10 horns.

7 represents the number of ‘perfection of purpose’ while 10 represents the number of completion / fullness (see Symbolic Meaning of Numbers page)
The following are some examples found in the Bible where 10 represents fullness / completeness:

- 10 commandments ‑ Ex 34:28, Deut 4:13, Deut 10:4
- Parable of the 10 virgins (symbolizes all those waiting for Christ’s return) – Mat 25:1-13
- Parable of the 10 pounds – Lk 19:11-27
- Cleansing of the 10 lepers – Lk 17:12-17
- Parable of the lost coin / 10 pieces of silver – Lk 15:8-10

Heads represent authority (Rev 12:1-2, Rev 1:14, Rev 4:4, also 1 Cor 11:3-10, Eph 1:22, Eph 4:15, Eph 5:23, Col 1:18, Col 2:10, Col 2:19, etc.)
Horns represent strength (Deut 33:13-17, Ps 92:10, Ps 75:10, Jer 48:25, Num 24:8)
- Strength of kings (Dan 7:24, Rev 17:12, Zech 1:18-19, Dan 7, Dan 8:3 Dan 8:8, etc.).

By using the symbolic meaning of these numbers couple with the symbolism of heads and horns, the terrible 4^th beast can be recognized as the Kingdom of Satan. The 7 heads are the perfection of Satan’s authority on earth and the 10 horns can be recognized as the fullness of leadership of the kingdom of Satan with the horns represents the strength of kings. The number of kings of Satan’s kingdom is not limited to a literal 10 since we know that Satan has power over all the kingdoms of the world (Mat 4:8-10, 2 Cor 4:4, etc.).

Below are other references to Bible passages featuring 7 heads and 10 horns with links to the associated studies on this topic:

Red Dragon of Rev 12:3 – this red dragon represents Satan (Rev 12:9)
- See You Tube video: https://youtu.be/0iJWLkiSgfw
- 7 heads and 10 horns represent the perfection of purpose in the fullness of Satan’s kingdom
Leopard Beast of Rev 13:1-10 – represents the kingdom of the Antichrist (powered by Satan’s and his kingdom)
- See You Tube video: https://youtu.be/OA8izQNNkZA
Scarlet Beast of Rev 17 – represents the kingdom of Satan that powers Babylon
- Scarlet Beast with 7 heads and 10 horns – see You Tube video: https://youtu.be/cn1XdZoSKAw
- 7^th Head is the Antichrist – see You Tube video: https://youtu.be/Ofjh-5xq7Og
- 10 Horns of the Scarlet Beast – see You Tube video: https://youtu.be/JzVtF7XH0Qg
4 Beasts of Dan 7 – represents Satan’s kingdom from Babylon to the Last Day (judgment)
- 1^st beast (Lion with eagle’s wings) – 1 head
- 2^nd beast (Bear lifted up on one side) – 1 head
- 3^rd beast (Leopard, 4 heads, 4 wings) – 4 heads
- 4^th beast (terrible beast with 10 horns) – 1 head
- Total of 4 beasts – 7 heads and 10 horns

See also: Scarlet Beast, 7^th Head and 10 Horns webpage for more information.

Characteristics of the Little Horn on the 4^th Beast

The following are the key Scriptures in Dan 7 that describe the time of the 4^th beast and the little horn. During the Great Tribulation the Beast will exist with 7 horns (3 are fallen) and the little horn:

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. (Dan 7:7)
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head … (Dan 7:19-20)
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise … (Dan 7:23-24)

Beast

Therefore, the little horn (Antichrist) has similar features as the beast that he emanates from:

Devours (destroys, consumes into the body of Satan’s kingdom)
Scatters (disunity)
Loss of security and rest

Dreadful and Terrible, Strong

In Dan 7:7, the Bible teaches that the Beast is dreadful, terrible and exceedingly strong.

The word ‘dreadful’ (H1763, 6 occurrences, dechal) means to cower in fear (Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19). It is the same word used of:

Nebuchadnezzar being in dread over a disturbing dream – Dan 4:5
Darius made a decree that all should be in dread of Daniel’s God – Dan 6:26
All nation were in dread of King Nebuchadnezzar – Dan 5:19
Great image of the Dan 2 statue was dreadful to view – Dan 2:31

The word ‘terrible’ (H574 – only occurrence) is based on H4975, which literally means ‘loins’ (47 occurrences). Loins is where strength is derived from (Job 40:16, 2 Chr 10:10, Nah 2:1, Pr 31:17). So, this 4^th kingdom is a very strong kingdom and corresponds to the phrase ‘exceedingly strong’ in Dan 7:7.

The fear of the beast and the strength of this beast harmonizes with other symbols for Satan and the Antichrist (e.g., Rev 13:2, Dan 8:24, etc.)

‘Little’ Horn

In Dan 7:8 and Dan 8:9, the Bible teaches that there is a little horn from the 4^th Beast (Dan 7:8) and a little horn that arises from the kingdom of Greece (Dan 8:9). These two separate symbols are both referred to as a ‘little horn’ and are both symbols of the same entity, the Antichrist. That is, it is a ‘king’ who has small beginnings, yet grows to be a very power leader that is given the power and authority of Satan (Dan 8:24, Rev 13:2). The adjective ‘little’ regarding the beginnings of the Antichrist’s career is related to the state of Satan prior to and after his loosing from the bottomless pit (Rev 20:3-8). Prior to Satan’s loosing, Satan’s power to deceive God’s people (the elect) was limited during the church age (Rev 20:1-4). This allowed the Gospel to move forth to the furthest reaches of the world to bring the good news to God’s elect. At this time, Satan could still affect the kingdoms of this world and his children (2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2, 2 Tim 2:24-26, 1 John 3:8-10).

However, once released from his prison, Satan could now give his power and authority to the Leopard Beast (a.k.a., the Man of Sin, the Antichrist, the Little Horn, etc.). The little horn could then was greater and greater in power, deception and subjection of the world.

Look more stout than others

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (Dan 7:20)

The Aramaic word for ‘look’ is chezev, which refers to a vision. In Dan 7 alone, this word is used 7 times including Dan 7:20. This word is referring to the vision that Daniel saw in his dream. This vision is a series of symbols, which describe spiritual truths of prophecy.

Some have believed that the little horn’s ‘look’ is referring to the Antichrist’s physical appearance, but that belief is at odds with the Scripture. The phrase in Dan 7:20 whose look was more ‘stout’ than his fellows could be better translated that the vision of the little horn was greater than his fellows. The word ‘stout’ literally means great or greatest (as used in Dan 4:9, Dan 5:11, Dan 2:14, Dan 2:48, etc.). The word for fellow simply means ‘associate’.

Based on the above, the phrase ‘more stout than his fellows’ refers to the fact that the little horn (the Antichrist) is the greater that the 10 symbolic horns (kings) of the 4^th dreadful and terrible beast. The time of the Antichrist is known as the Great Tribulation that brings great trouble for God’s people:

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Mat 24:21)

Eyes like a Man

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (Dan 7:20)

In the Bible, the eyes often represent the spiritual sight, whether one who can see the truth of spiritual things or another who is blind to spiritual truth (Eph 1:18, Rev 3:18, Lk 11:34, Mat 6:22, Acts 26:18, Mat 13:13-16, Jer 31:8. Acts 28:26f, Ro 1:20, Ro 11:8, Ro 11:25, Is 6:9, Jer 5:21, Eze 12:2, John 9:39-41, Is 59:10, Is 35:5, Is 42:7, Is 42:16-19, Ps 8:3, Ps 19, Job 12:7-9). In Dan 7:8 and Dan 7:20, the little horn has the eyes of a man. The reference to a ‘man’ relates to the Antichrist. He is called the ‘man of sin’ in 2 Thess 2:3 Also, the King of Babylon (another type of the Antichrist and Satan) is called a ‘man’ (Isa 14:13-16) as well as the Prince of Tyre who is referred to as a ‘man’ and has great worldly wisdom to make himself rich (Pr 28:1-5). Although the little horn in Dan 8 is able to understand ‘dark sentences’ (Dan 8:23), this knowledge is used deceitfully due to the Antichrist being under the power of Satan (Dan 8:24).

The following proverbs shed light into the ‘eyes’ of unsaved man and therefore, apply as well to the little horn as the Antichrist:

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. (Pro 12:15)
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (Pro 16:2)
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. (Pro 17:24)
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts. (Pro 21:2)
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. (Pro 26:5)
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him. (Pro 26:12)
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. (Pro 26:16)
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (Pro 27:20)
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out. (Pro 28:11)
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him. (Pro 28:22)
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (Pro 30:12-13)

Diverse

It is important to note that the 4^th beast (Dan 7:7, 19, 23) is ‘diverse’ and the little horn (Dan 7:24-25) is ‘diverse’. Although all 4 beasts of Daniel 7 are considered to be ‘diverse’ or different from each other (Dan 7:3), the 4^th dreadful and terrible beast is repeatedly mentioned as being ‘diverse’ from the other 3 beasts:

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. (Dan 7:7)
Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; (Dan 7:19)
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (Dan 7:23)

The Old Testament word in the original language is the word ‘shena’ (H8133), which literally means to alter or change. It is translated as ‘change’ in several other passages in Daniel (Dan 2:9, Dan 3:19, Dan 3:27-28 (2), Dan 4:16, Dan 5:6, Dan 5:9-10 (2), Dan 6:8, Dan 6:15, Dan 6:17, Dan 7:25, Dan 7:28).

Notably, in Dan 7:25 the same word (shena) is used as referring to the little horn (the Antichrist) as changing times and laws. It is also important to note that the little horn is also diverse from the other 10 horns of the dreadful and terrible beast:

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (Dan 7:24)
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)

There are 3 ways that the Little Horn is diverse (different) in his characteristics and actions:

Speak great words against the Most High – arrogant
Wear out the saints of the Most High – persecute
Changes times and laws – devalue / disregard the Bible

Speaking great things against the Most High

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)
… voice of the great words … the horn spoke … (Dan 7:11)
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (Dan 7:20)
… speak great words against the most High … (Dan 7:25)
- Words
- Great things

An important characteristic of the little horn (Antichrist) is that it speaks very great things. In other prophetic passages concerning the Antichrist, this has to do with his deceptive blasphemy against God, which has its roots in pride:

Opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God (2 Thess 2:4)
And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. (Rev 13:5-6)
Magnified himself even to the prince of the host (Christ) – Dan 8:11
Power is mighty, but not by his own power – Dan 8:24
Magnify in his heart – Dan 8:25
And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. (Dan 11:36-37)

That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon … For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isa 14:4,13-15)
… say unto the prince of Tyrus … Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and hast gotten gold and silver into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches (Eze 28:2-5)

Persecution and Subjection of God’s People

… and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it … (Dan 7:7)
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)
… whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet (Dan 7:19)
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell … and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; (Dan 7:20-21)
Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (Dan 7:23)
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)

The 4^th Beast and the ‘Little Horn’ seek to persecute and control God’s people. It is important to note that this has been the role of Satan’s kingdom throughout time. While Satan is imprisoned in the bottomless pit (Rev 20:1-8), deception is limited so that an enormous amount of God’s people are saved during the church age. During this time, Satan is still the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2) and went around as a devouring lion (1 Pet 5:8). When the Great Tribulation begins (Satan loosed from his prison – Rev 20:3-8), the Antichrist (i.e., little horn, beast of Rev 13, etc.) receives the power and authority of Satan (Rev 13:2) and goes out to persecute God’s people. Deception will prevail during the Great Tribulation.

Persecution by the 4^th Terrible Beast (Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19, Dan 7:23):

Persecution directed to Remnant (Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19) and Whole Earth (Land)

In the Bible, the remnant (residue points to God’s people as the minority (many are called, but few chosen – Mat 22:14)
- Remnant – God’s people – Ro 9:27, Ro 11:4-6, Jer 31:7, Jer 23:3-4, Is 46:3, Is 37:32, Ezra 9:8, Ezra 9:14, Is 1:9, Is 10:20-21, Is 24:13, Jer 5:10, Eze 6:8, Micah 5:3-8, Zech 8:6-12, Mic 2:12, 4:7, Eze 11:13, Is 37:32, Jer 23:3, Lk 24:9-10, Acts 2:37, Acts 27:44, Acts 28:9, Ro 1:13, Phil 4:3, Rev 2:24, Rev 11:13, Rev 12:17
The Whole earth (literally, land) points to where people dwell (Dan 7:25).
- This points to not only the physical promised land in the Middle East, but it wherever God’s people dwell but the entirety of the earth.
- Compared to Dan 7:7 and Dan 7:19 which uses the word ‘remnant’, a different term is used in Dan 7:23 for the object of the 4^th beast’s persecution: whole earth. The word ‘earth’ is actually the word for ‘land’. This is a reference to the promised land (where God’s people reside).
- Land – type of promised land / salvation – Ro 4:13, Gen 12:7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 17:8, Jer 27:5, Mat 28:18, Mat 3:17, Heb 11:13-16
- Land symbolically points to ‘promised land’ – Ro 4:13, Eze 34:13, Eze 36:24, Eze 37:21, Is 43:5‑6, Heb 11:9, Heb 11:13‑16, Gen 12:1-7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 17:8, Jer 27:5, Num 14:8, Mat 28:18, Mat 3:17, Ps 37:29, Heb 3:6-Heb 4:10, etc

Iron and Brass (Dan 7:7):

In Dan 7:7 and Dan 7:19, the terrible 4^th beast has teeth of iron and nails of brass (see below for further discussion on teeth, nails and feet). Iron is also featured in the 4^th kingdom, which is the legs and feet of the Great Statue of Daniel 2. In Daniel 2, iron refers to the strength of that 4^th kingdom. The 4^th kingdom of Daniel 2 (similar to Daniel 7) is the complete fullness of the Roman Empire in all of its forms and shapes from just before the 1^st advent of Jesus Christ up to the present day. This 4^th kingdom in Daniel 2 also subsumed the previous kingdoms of Babylon, Media / Persia and Greece. Please refer to the King of Babylon page for more information on the 4^th beast of Daniel 2.

Iron and brass are often used together in Scripture as we find in the following passages:

Gen 4:22; Lev 26:19; Num 31:22; Deu 8:9; Deu 28:23; Deu 33:25; Jos 6:19; Jos 6:24; Jos 22:8; 1Ch 22:3; 1Ch 22:14; 1Ch 22:16; 1Ch 29:2; 1Ch 29:7; 2Ch 2:7; 2Ch 2:14; 2Ch 24:12; Job 28:2; Job 40:18; Job 41:27; Psa 107:16; Isa 45:2; Isa 48:4; Isa 60:17; Jer 6:28; Eze 22:18; Eze 22:20; Dan 2:35; Dan 2:45; Dan 4:15; Dan 4:23; Dan 5:4; Dan 5:23; Dan 7:19; Mic 4:13; Rev 18:12.

Iron and brass are symbols or that which is strong:

Iron – strength – Job 40:18, Job 41:27, Dan 2:33-45, Is 45:2, Ps 107:16, Micah 4:13, Dan 2:33-45, 7:7,19, Rev 2:27, Rev 12:5, Rev 19:15, Jer 28:13-14, 1 Chr 22:3, Ps 2:9, Rev 18:12
Iron – represents to be sovereignty (i.e., rod of iron, Rev 19:15, 2:27, Ps 2:9).
Brass is was what a warrior’s armor was made of (1 Sam 17:5-6, 1 Sam 17:38, 2 Sam 21:16).
Brass (brazen) as strong:
Gates of brass – Ps 107:16
Hoofs of brass – Micah 4;13
Walls of brass – Jer 1:18, Jer 15:20
Mountains of brass – Dan 2:35
Brow of brass – Isaiah 48:4
Wicked are brass and iron – Jer 6:28, Eze 22:18

Great Iron Teeth to Devour:

In Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19 and Dan 7:23, the Bible teaches that the 4^th beast has teeth like iron in which to devour. As stated above, iron points to strength and sovereignty. Devouring points to the desire to destroy another person:

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. (Pro 30:14)
The gnashing of teeth, in the Bible, also represents the desire to devour (Ps 37:12, Ps 35:16, Ps 58:6, Job 16:9, Acts 7:54).

Satan has always walked about seeking to devour (1 Pet 5:8). In the Great Tribulation, there exists an onslaught against God’s true people. Just as what happened to those faithful of Judah in the Babylonian Captivity, there will exist captivity, the sword, famine, pestilence and wild beasts that will symbolically persecute God’s people.

Captivity – the capture of God’s people within a church controlled by Satan’s ministers
Scattering – Church divisions, splits, disunity, people leaving the church (driving God’s people out of the church and into the wilderness)
Killing – Spiritually ‘killed’ (hated, persecuted, silenced in an environment of a sin-sick church controlled by Satan and his ministers that do not proclaim the truth of the Bible):
Famine –bread of life, no Word of God
Evil Beasts – Satan’s ministers desolating the church by either catching (devouring them) or scattering them
Sword – spiritual warfare, the righteous being persecuted, divided, hated and silenced
Pestilence – The church is a sin-sick environment

See the Babylonian Captivity page for more information.

Stamped (Tread) them with his Feet (Nails of Brass)

The symbolism of treading down the remnant (God’s people in the whole land) in Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19 and Dan 7:23 points to placing God’s people in subjection to the kingdom of Satan:

Under the Feet (tread down) symbolizes subjection
- Subjection under feet of Christ – Heb 1:13, Heb 2:8-15, Heb 10:13, Acts 2:34f, Mk 16:19, Mat 11:27, Mat 22:44, Mat 26:64, Mat 28:18, Ps 8:6, Ps 110:1, Eph 1:22, 1 Cor 15:24-27, Rev 13:3, Rev 13:12-14, Rev 19:10, Is 60:14.
- Symbolism – To be under the feet of someone symbolically means to be within the control of or in subjection to another – 1 Ki 5:3, Ps 91:11-13, Josh 10:24, Lam 3:34, Mal 4:3, Ro 16:20, Deut 33:29, Is 26:5-6, Gen 3:15, Is 60:14, Heb 1:13, Heb 2:8, 1 Cor 15:27-28, Ps 8:6, Ps 110:1, Heb 10:12-13, Acts 2:34-35, Eph 1:22, Mat 22:44
Tread under foot – Gr: pateo (G3961) – 5 occurrences
- Disciples given power to tread on serpents and scorpions – Lk 10:19
- Jerusalem trodden down in the Great Tribulation – Lk 21:24
- Court of the temple – Rev 11:2
- Winepress of wrath of God trodden down outside of the city – Rev 14:20
- Treads the winepress of Judgment day – Rev 19:15
Tread down – Old Testament
- Tread down in prophecy – antichrist
- Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (Dan 7:23)
- Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? (Dan 8:13)
- Tread down – Babylonian Captivity (Type of the Great Tribulation)
- The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. (Isa 63:18)
- The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. (Lam 1:15)
- And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: (Isa 5:5)
- The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: (Isa 28:3)
- Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. (Isa 28:17-18)
- Great Tribulation Verses
- Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (2Th 2:4)
- But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. (Rev 11:2)
- And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luk 21:24)
- Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? (Dan 8:13)
- And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Dan 8:23-25)
- And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. (Dan 11:45)
- And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:6-8)

Break in pieces:

Concerning the ‘breaking in pieces’ (H1855) by the 4^th beast in Dan 7:7 and Dan 7:19, this phrase points to the subjection of others as seen in these other usages:

And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. (Dan 2:40)
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. (Dan 2:34)
Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. (Dan 2:45)

The phrase ‘break in pieces is the Aramaic / Hebrew word deqaq, which occurs a total of 21 times in the Old Testament (H1855 / H1854).

This 4^th kingdom (Roman Empire) is prophesied as breaking down the whole land (the remnant, God’s people). In fact, the occurrences of H1855 / H1854 symbolize ‘complete judgment of destruction’. Some sacrifices in the Old Testament were ground to powder which symbolized the completed consumption of the sacrifice (Exo 32:20). Also, King David’s victories over his enemies involved breaking them into pieces and stamping on them:

Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. (2Sa 22:43)

This phrase (break in pieces) further underscores the subjection of people to Satan’s kingdom.

Persecution by the Little Horn:

War with the Saints (Dan 7:20-21)

The little horn makes war with the saints (Dan 7:20-21). The saints are God’s people; His holy ones (1 Pet 1:2, 1 Pet 2:15, 1 Pet 2:24, Gal 6:15, 2 Thess 2:13, Jude 1, Heb 3:1, Col 2:11‑13, 2 Cor 3:1‑11, Ps 4:3, 5:4, Col 3:12, 1 Cor 1:2,12,30,6:11,5:7, Acts 20:32, 2 Cor 5:17, Jer 1:5, Rev 1:5, etc.). This war is not a war of guns and artillery. It is not a fleshly war, but a spiritual war (Eph 6:11-12, Phil 3:20, 2 Cor 10:1-5. The weapons of the Antichrist are the promotion of lawlessness (see the Man of Sin), deception, and removing the daily and setting up the abomination of desolation in the holy place (which is worldliness, worship of other gods and idols, which is Satan’s kingdom). The phrase to ‘wear out the saints’ in Dan 7:25 literally means to corrupt the saints. The goal of the Antichrist is to corrupt by lawlessness and by flatteries (Dan 11:32-34). The word ‘prevail in Dan 7:21 literally means ‘to be able’ or in other words, have influence / control over physically.

The following verses highlight the Antichrist’s persecution of God’s people during the Great Tribulation:

Son of perdition (2 Th 2:3) – destruction
(Control of Church) – So that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God (2 Thess 2:4)
Destroy city and sanctuary (place of God’s people – church) – Dan 9:26
- Promotion of abominations (idolatry) – Dan 9:26
- Results in desolation – Dan 9:26
- Cause sacrifice and oblation to cease (normal Christian activities of Bible study and prayer removed) – Dan 9:26
Destroyer (literal meaning of Abaddon / Apollyon) – Rev 9:11 – 5 months – torment unsaved in church by false teaching / prophets / gospels – Rev 9:5
… and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion … (Rev 13:2)
(War with saints, power over diverse people) – And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Rev 13:7)
(Image of beast can speak and receives worship) – And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Rev 13:15)
(Mark of the beast – control of people’s buying and selling, which is a type of being in the marketplace of religion) – And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev 13:17)
(10 horns, not the 7^th head) These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Rev 17:14)
Became great to the host of heaven , cast down host and stars to the ground and stamped on them – Dan 8:10
Place of sanctuary cast down – Dan 8:11
Destroy wonderfully the mighty and holy people – Dan 8:24
Practiced and prospered – Dan 8:12, 24
Daily and transgression of desolation, sanctuary and host trodden to the ground 2300 days – Dan 8:13-14, 26
Will stand up against the Prince of princes – Dan 8:25
4^th kingdom subdues, breaks in pieces – Dan 2:40
…but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (Dan 11:32-35)
Gog’s persecution of those living in safety (God’s people)
- And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Rev 20:8)
- And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (Rev 20:9)
- After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. (Eze 38:8)
- Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. (Eze 38:9)
- Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought: (Eze 38:10)
- And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates, (Eze 38:11)
- To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land. (Eze 38:12)
- Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? (Eze 38:13)
- Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it? (Eze 38:14)
- And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: (Eze 38:15)
- And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes. (Eze 38:16)
- Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them? (Eze 38:17)
- And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. (Eze 38:18)
- And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: (Eze 39:2)

Given into his hand (Dan 7:25):

To be given into the hand of another also points to be given over to another’s will. Hand represents the will of a person. For example, when a nation lost to another in battle, it was referred to as being delivered into the hand of the victor (see Judges 11:32, Judges 13:1, Judges 15:12‑13, Judges 16:23‑24, 1 Chr 14:10, 1 Ki 15:18, 2 Sam 8:1, Ps 37:33, Ps 71:4, Ps 106:41-42). Also, the word ‘wear out’ literally means ‘to fail’ (antichrist causes spiritual killing of God’s people through silencing, dividing, etc.).

Changes Times and Laws

It is important to note that the 4^th beast (Dan 7:7, 19, 23) is ‘diverse’ and the little horn (Dan 7:24-25) is ‘diverse’.

In Dan 7:25 the same word (shena) is used as referring to the little horn (the Antichrist) as changing times and laws. It is also important to note that the little horn is also diverse from the other 10 horns of the dreadful and terrible beast:

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (Dan 7:24)
And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)

In Dan 7:25, God teaches us that what makes the little ‘diverse’ is that the little horn ‘thinks’ to change times and laws. This occurs during the Great Tribulation (i.e., the 3½ times of Dan 7:25). The word ‘times’ (H2166/H2165) points to appointed times as used in the below passages:

Feast of Purim – Est 9:27, Est 9:31
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecc 3:1)
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (Dan 7:22)
As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. (Dan 7:12)
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: (Dan 2:21)

In Dan 7:22, the word ‘time’ points to the Last Day. The Feast of Purim was held at a certain time (Est 9:27, Est 9:31). Also, God is in charge of the appointment of times in the history of humankind (Dan 2:21, Dan 7:12, Ecc 3:1). Therefore, this word ‘times’ points to God’s sovereign timetable of events, which correlates to prophecy (which is the fore-telling events before they occur). Prophecy was communicated through God’s prophets, which is now documented in the Bible. The changing of times by the little horn (Antichrist) points to false prophecy, which could include errors involving the order of prophetic events or setting a timetable for prophetic events. In 2 Pet 3:3-4 and Jude 18, the Bible teaches that there will be mockers in the last time that questioning the timing of the return of Christ and the Last Day.

The ‘laws’ that are being changed refer to God’s law. This includes the law of Moses and the prophets (Lk 2:22, 2 Ki 17:13, etc.) in the Old Testament and the law of Christ in the New Testament (Gal 6:2, Ro 8:2, 1 Cor 9:21). God’s law is changed by ‘deception’ which is a very prominent characteristic and action of the Antichrist. The deception occurs as a result of the removal of the ‘daily’ activities of the Christian (Bible study, prayer, service, righteousness) with the Abomination of Desolation (worshiping of Satan’s kingdom, other gods and idols, worldliness). The following are other verses that testify to the deception of the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation:

Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. (1Jn 2:22)

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (2Th 2:9)

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (Mat 24:5)
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Mat 24:11)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Mat 24:24)
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mar 13:22)
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Rev 13:13-14)

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2Th 2:10-12)

And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (Rev 13:12-14)

(Deception / sin) – With all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish (Thess 2:10)
Destroyer (literal meaning of Abaddon / Apollyon) – Rev 9:11 – 5 months – torment unsaved in church by false teaching / prophets / gospels – Rev 9:5
Cause sacrifice and oblation to cease (normal Christian activities of Bible study and prayer removed) – Dan 9:26
Deception (stings in tails, lions’ teeth, women, gold crowns) – Rev 9:7-10 – Uses false teaching in the church
(Mark of the beast – control of people’s buying and selling, which is a type of being in the marketplace of religion) – And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Rev 13:17)
Mouth speaking great words against the Most High – Dan 7:8, 11, 20, 25
Think to change times and laws – Dan 7:25
Daily taken away – Dan 8:11
Host given to him against the daily – Dan 8:12
By transgression, cast truth to the ground – Dan 8:12
Daily and transgression of desolation, sanctuary and host trodden to the ground 2300 days – Dan 8:13-14, 26
Though his policy, cause crafty (deceit) to prosper – Dan 8:25
By peace, destroy many – Dan 8:25
…his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits … he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. (Dan 11:28-30)
And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. (Dan 11:31)
And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries…but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. (Dan 11:32, 34)
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (Dan 12:11)
Gog’s deception of the nations:
And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Rev 20:8)

3 Horns Plucked Up

In Dan 7:8 and Dan 7:20, the Bible teaches us that when the ‘little horn’ comes up among the 10 horns, 3 of the horns are ‘plucked up’ and ‘fell’:

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (Dan 7:8)
And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. (Dan 7:20)
And the 10 horns out of this kingdom are 10 kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue 3 kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:24-25)

Many have tried to search for historical fulfillment in the fall of the 3 horns. Some have tried to analyze history and then make proposals on which 3 kingdoms of the last 2 millenia these 3 horns represent, while others also literalize the passages by teaching falsely that the 3 horns are 3 actual kings:

False prophecy often literalize, instead of symbolize
Premillennialism:
- 3 literal, future heads of state after the ‘rapture’ of the saints during the Great Tribulation
Historicists / Preterists:
- Consider this as completed prophecy, for example:
  - Turks (little horn) conquering of Asia, Greece, Egypt
  - Antiochus Epiphanes (little horn) conquers 3 kings of Syria
  - Pope (little horn) conquers exarchate of Ravenna, the kingdom of the Lombards and the state of Rome
  - References: Matthew Henry Commentary on Dan 7:8 and Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary on

However, this is not a valid method to interpret the Bible. Also, since the ‘little horn’ represents the Antichrist who rises in the Great Tribulation, then these 3 horns are not plucked up (fall) until the Great Tribulation (see Dan 7:25, 3½ times points to the Great Tribulation).

In order to correctly interpret the ‘3 horns’ that fall, it is important to understand the spiritual meaning of:

Plucked up by the roots
Fell
Subdued
3
Horns

Plucked up by the roots

This phrase in the Bible is actually a single word (aqar) in the original languages of the Bible (H6132 / H6131). In the Hebrew / Aramaic, it is used a total of 8 times and literally means to disable (hamstring). For example, the word is used to hamstring (disable) a horse in Josh 11:6, Josh 11:9, 2 Sam 8:4, 1 Chr 18:4. It is used in Ecc 3:2 to harvest (pluck up) that which is planted. In Zeph 2:4, the word is used to make a city fall.

Fall

In the Bible, the word ‘fall’ often refers to judgment (a decision to not use these 3 kings any longer) – 1 Tim 3:6, Gal 5:4, Mat 7:25-27, 15:14, Heb 10:31, 1 Cor 10:12, Lk 8:13, Mk 14:27, etc.

Subdued

In Dan 7:24, the word ‘subdued’ (shephel – H8214 / H8213) literally means to abase, put down, humble (Dan 4:37, Dan 5:19, Dan 5:22, Isa 5:15). Therefore, the putting down of the 3 horns is in the sense of humbling or abasing the 3 horns.

The Number 3

The number 3 represents the ‘will’ of either God (as the trinity) and His kingdom or the Satanic trinity and his kingdom. See study on the symbolic meaning of numbers for more information.
- God is a trinity – 1 John 5:6-10, Mat 28:19
- 3rd heaven – 2 Cor 12:2
- 3 days/night – John 2:19-20, Mk 8:31, Mat 27:63
- Build temple in three days – Mk 15:29, John 2:16
- Satanic trinity – Rev 16:13, Rev 20:10
- 3 appeals to take away thorn – 2 Cor 12:7-8
- Paul goes to Corinth 3 times – 2 Cor 12:14 (ready / prepared to come)

- Divine judgment on Babylon: MENE, TEKEL, PERES – Dan 5:25-28
- Faith, hope and Love – 1 Cor 13:13
- 3-fold nature of a person (spirit, soul, body) – 1 Th 5:23
- 3-fold lust of people (flesh, eyes, pride) – 1 John 2:16

Baptize in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit – Mat 28:19

- The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2Co 13:14)
- Through Jesus, we have access by the Spirit to the Father – Eph 2:18

Jesus prays to the Father to send the Holy Spirit to abide with you forever – Jon 14:16-17, John 15:26
Holy Spirit, who the Father will send in the name of Jesus – John 14:26
Baptism of Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit descended upon Him, You are my beloved Son – Lk 3:21-22
God established His people in Christ and seals with the Holy Spirit – 2 Cor 1:21-22

Horns

Horns represent strength (Deut 33:13-17, Ps 92:10, Ps 75:10, Jer 48:25, Num 24:8)
- Strength of kings (Dan 7:24, Rev 17:12, Zech 1:18-19, Dan 7, Dan 8:3 Dan 8:8, etc.).
Refers to strength of kingdoms / leaders to attempt salvation:

Where repentance is attempted ‑ appeal to authority of God at altar ‑ 1 Ki 1:50‑51, 1 Ki 2:28, Ex 21:14
Horns of the altar of Bethel to be cut off – Amos 3:14
Take horns by own strength – Amos 6:13
Antichrist – Rev 13:1, Rev 13:11
Satan’s kingdom – Rev 12;3, Rev 17:3, Rev 17:7, Rev 17:12, Rev 17:16
10 horns – Rev 12:3, Rev 13:1, Rev 17:3,9-12, Dan 7:7-8, Dan 7:11, Dan 7:20-21, Dan 7:24 (fullness of sovereign strength)
2 Horns of Greece – Dan 8:3, Dan 8:6-7, Dan 8:20
Strength of nations to scatter Judah, Israel and Jerusalem – Zech 1:18-21
Horns of ivory brought as a present from the men of Dedan – Eze 27:15
Need to be saved from horns of unicorns – Ps 22:21
Prideful Horn of wicked – Ps 75:4-5
Shepherds of Israel pushed the diseased with their horns – Eze 34:21
Horns of iron push Syrians – 1 Ki 22:10, 2 Chr 18:10
Horn of Moab cut off – Jer 48:25
Horn of Israel cut off – Lam 2:3, Lam 2:17 (horn of adversaries set up)

Combining the above symbolic meaning of the ‘plucking up by the roots, falling and subduing of the 3 horns’, it can be discerned that the meaning of this phrase is that the ‘little horn’ (Antichrist) will impose his will upon the will of God. The context of Dan 7 supports this since the ‘little horn’ speaks against God and wears down the saints. The saints are given into his hand:

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)

In fact in Dan 7:25, we see again the symbolic meaning of 3. There are 3 actions that the antichrist (little horn) takes to exert his will over the will of God (speaks great words against God, wear out the saints of the Most High and change times and laws). See above discussion on these three actions of the little horn that makes the little horn diverse from the other 10 horns. The 3 horns, therefore, represent the 3 horns point to the presence of God’s will in the world kingdoms through His people, who will be subdued (persecuted. Controlled, silenced) during the Great Tribulation.

Prior to the Great Tribulation, Satan was bound in the bottomless pit (Rev 20:1-8). This allowed deception to be limited and during the church age, many people were saved. God’s people became a Great Multitude (Rev 7) during the church age. Because God’s people live on the earth, they live within the kingdoms of Satan. Satan throughout the church age had limited control over the kingdoms of this world:

Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (Mat 4:8-9)

During the church age, some of the nations controlled by Satan were heavily Christianized and the Christian church had substantial political power during history. It is in that sense that within the 10 horns of the 4^th terrible beast, there was an element of the kingdom of Satan (i.e., the 3 horns) that had sovereignty both over the church and state. However, once Satan is released from his prison (Rev 20:3-8), deception once again prevails, the Christian church goes into captivity and persecution prevails. It is in that sense that the will of God is removed from Satan’s kingdom (i.e., the 3 horns are plucked up / fall / subdued). This leaves 7 horns in place (perfection of the strength of Satan’s kingdom) with the ‘little horn’ (Antichrist) with the power and authority of Satan (Rev 13:2, Dan 8:24). The 3 kings are symbolic of a minor portion of the world’s peoples that are under the will of God (i.e., God’s people). The 3/10 ratio again should not be taken literally, but rather that God’s people are a smaller minority of the total people in the world.

Summary:

7 Horns
- 7 – Perfection of the Satan’s purpose during the great tribulation
- Horns – strength of Satan’s kingdom
3 Horns
- Presence of God’s will in the world’s kingdoms
- Horns – Strength of God’s will working through His people
Plucked up / fall / subdued

Speaking great words – arrogant
Wear out (war) the saints of the Most High – persecute
Changes times and laws – Deception / false prophecy
- Great Tribulation – Satan loosed to deceive the world (Rev 20:3-8)

Summary of Character and Actions of the Little Horn

Persecution / oppression
- Beast – that which devours and scatters – Dan 7:7
- Little horn – small, but with great strength (terrible / strong / look more stout) – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:24, Dan 7:26
- Dreadful – creates fear- Dan 7:7, Dan 7:19
- Persecutes God’s people (war / wear out the saints / 3 horns that are plucked up) – Dan 7:7-8, Dan 7:21, Dan 7:23-25
Deception
- Diverse (changes time and laws) – deception – Dan 7:24-25
- Eyes like a man – great understanding, but deceptive – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:20
- Speaking great things against God – blasphemy – Dan 7:8, Dan 7:11, Dan 7:20, Dan 7:25

Little Horn (Dan 7)

Background of Daniel 7

3½ times – Great Tribulation

Symbolism of Beasts

Identity of the 4 Beasts

10 Horns (and 7 Heads)

Characteristics of the Little Horn on the 4th Beast

Beast

Dreadful and Terrible, Strong

‘Little’ Horn

Look more stout than others

Eyes like a Man

Diverse

Speaking great things against the Most High

Persecution and Subjection of God’s People

Changes Times and Laws

3 Horns Plucked Up

Summary of Character and Actions of the Little Horn

Characteristics of the Little Horn on the 4^th Beast