How can Daniel 7:21 encourage Christians facing persecution today? The Setting of Daniel 7:21 “As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them.” - Daniel is shown a vision of a blasphemous “horn” (a future ruler) attacking God’s people. - The verse captures the darkest moment—“prevailing” suggests real, painful loss for the faithful. - God lets His prophet see that persecution is not accidental but part of an unfolding plan under His sovereignty. Persecution Foretold—Not Surprising - Jesus warned, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33b). - Paul echoed, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). - Daniel 7:21 reassures believers that hostility toward the saints is neither new nor unexpected; Scripture has always spoken plainly about it. Temporary Triumph of Evil - The horn “was…prevailing,” but only for a season. - This limited victory exposes the illusion that evil is in total control. - Revelation 13:7 mirrors the scene yet soon shows the Lamb’s absolute conquest (Revelation 17:14). - Knowing the enemy’s reign is brief guards believers from despair when opposition feels overwhelming. Heaven’s Court Will Sit - Daniel immediately records the turning point: “until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was rendered in favor of the saints” (7:22). - God’s courtroom overrules every earthly verdict. - Psalm 94:15: “For justice will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.” - The persecuted can rest in the certainty that God’s judgment is not distant—it is scheduled. Christ’s Everlasting Dominion - Daniel 7:13-14 reveals the Son of Man receiving “an everlasting dominion that will not pass away.” - Persecutors can silence voices but not the eternal Kingdom. - Matthew 28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” - The risen Christ’s authority ensures that every blow against His people ultimately advances His purposes. Encouragement for Believers Today Hold these truths when pressure mounts: • God predicted the struggle—your pain is seen and acknowledged. • Any apparent victory of evil is brief, bounded by God’s timetable. • The final judgment is already set in heaven’s calendar; vindication is certain. • Christ’s unshakable Kingdom stands behind you; no earthly power can revoke your inheritance (1 Peter 1:4-5). • Suffering now will magnify future glory (Romans 8:18). Daniel 7:21 comforts persecuted Christians by framing their trials within God’s prophetic timeline, assuring them that the battle’s outcome has been decided and eternal triumph is guaranteed. |
    |