What is the meaning of Daniel 7:21? As I watched Daniel records, “As I watched” (Daniel 7:21), reminding us that what follows is not conjecture but a firsthand report of a God-given vision. • Earlier in the chapter he repeats the phrase (vv. 2, 4, 6, 9), underscoring the continuity and reliability of divine revelation. • Similar prophetic “watching” appears in Ezekiel 1:15 and Revelation 4:1, linking Daniel’s vision to other literal glimpses of future events. • The vantage point is heavenly, yet the scene concerns literal history unfolding on earth (cf. Daniel 7:17). This horn The focus narrows to “this horn”—the same “little horn” introduced in Daniel 7:8. Scripture consistently uses horns to depict political rulers, so this verse is addressing a specific end-time leader. • Daniel 7:24 says he rises after ten kings and uproots three, matching Revelation 17:12-13 where ten kings surrender authority to the beast. • Revelation 13:5-7 expands his profile: blasphemous, empowered for forty-two months, and global in reach. • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 describes him as “the man of lawlessness,” exalting himself above God. Taken together, the “horn” is a literal future ruler commonly called the Antichrist. was waging war The phrase portrays deliberate, ongoing aggression: “was waging war.” • Daniel 7:25 clarifies the campaign: “He will speak words against the Most High and persecute the saints of the Most High”. • Revelation 12:17 pictures Satan’s fury against “those who keep God’s commandments.” The horn is Satan’s earthly instrument. • This warfare is not merely ideological; it includes legislation, economic pressure (Revelation 13:16-17), and lethal force (Revelation 20:4). • The conflict spans three and a half years—“time, times, and half a time” (Daniel 7:25)—showing God sets the limits. against the saints “Saints” refers to all who belong to God during this period—both the faithful remnant of Israel (Daniel 12:1) and Gentile believers who come to Christ in the tribulation (Revelation 7:9-14). • They are “saints” because they are set apart by God, not because they enjoy earthly safety. • Jesus forewarned such persecution: “You will be hated by everyone because of My name” (Matthew 10:22). • The verse assures us that suffering for righteousness has always been foreseen and will culminate in this final assault. and prevailing against them For a season the horn “prevails.” • Revelation 13:7 mirrors the wording: “He was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them.” • Yet the victory is only apparent and temporary. Daniel 7:22 immediately adds, “until the Ancient of Days arrived and judgment was given to the saints.” • This pattern—temporary triumph of evil followed by divine reversal—echoes throughout Scripture (Psalm 37:12-13; John 16:33). • God allows the horn’s success to expose wickedness fully, to refine the saints (Daniel 12:10), and to set the stage for Christ’s visible return (Revelation 19:11-16). summary Daniel 7:21 shows a literal end-time ruler, the “little horn,” empowered to launch a fierce, short-lived campaign against God’s people. Though he appears unbeatable, his success is strictly limited by God’s timetable. The verse encourages believers to expect opposition, trust God’s sovereign control, and look forward to the Ancient of Days who will overturn every evil verdict and grant the kingdom to the saints forever. |
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