What scriptural connections highlight the "waging war" theme in Daniel 7:21? Setting the Scene: Daniel 7:21 “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them.” • Daniel’s “little horn” pictures a real ruler who openly assaults God’s people. • The verse is part of Daniel’s night vision that traces rising empires until God’s kingdom replaces them. Internal Echoes within Daniel • 7:22 – Rescue arrives: “until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints.” • 7:25 – Further detail: “He will speak words against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High.” • 8:24 – Another horn, same pattern: “He will destroy the mighty along with the holy people.” • 11:33–35 – End-time king persecutes “those who understand.” • 12:7 – “when the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” These links keep the “waging war” line threaded through Daniel’s prophecies, portraying a climactic, God-limited season of oppression. Old Testament Roots of Holy War against God’s People • Genesis 3:15 – First promise of conflict: the serpent’s seed will bruise the heel of the woman’s seed. • Psalm 2:1–3 – “Why do the nations rage … against the LORD and against His Anointed?” • Isaiah 14:13–14 – The rebel who says, “I will ascend … I will make myself like the Most High.” • Ezekiel 38–39 – Gog mobilizes nations “against My people Israel.” Each passage reinforces the ancient pattern: earthly and spiritual rebels unite in hostility toward God’s covenant people. New Testament Parallels and Fulfillment • Revelation 12:17 – “The dragon … went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep God’s commandments.” • Revelation 13:7 – Of the beast: “He was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them.” • Revelation 17:14 – “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph.” • 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 – “the man of lawlessness … opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god.” • Matthew 24:9–13 – Jesus forewarns: “You will be hated by all nations because of My name.” The same Spirit-inspired vocabulary shows Daniel’s “little horn” and John’s “beast” describing the identical final antagonist. Heaven’s Assurance in the Midst of Warfare • Daniel 7:27 – “The kingdom … will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.” • Revelation 19:11–16 – Christ returns as the conquering Rider on a white horse. • Ephesians 6:12 – “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood” but spiritual forces; God supplies armor. • Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Though war rages, victory is certain and already secured in Christ. Key Takeaways • Daniel 7:21 stands in a continuous biblical storyline of satanically energized rulers assaulting God’s people. • That hostility intensifies near the end but never frustrates God’s plan; every attack is bounded by divine sovereignty (“until the Ancient of Days came”). • The final conflict foretold by Daniel synchronizes with Revelation’s vision, assuring believers that the same Lord who permits temporary persecution will also execute final judgment and hand the kingdom to His saints. |
    |