4) The Little Horn
The power that arose among the ten kingdoms
Daniel 7 reveals a special power that would arise among the ten kingdoms of divided Europe. This “little horn” would have unique characteristics and would persecute God’s people. In this lesson, we will identify this power through Scripture.
The Rise of the Little Horn
Where did the little horn arise?
Show answer
Answer: Among the ten horns of the fourth beast
Daniel 7:8: "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."
What happened to three of the ten horns?
Show answer
Answer: They were plucked out before the little horn
Daniel 7:8: "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."
The Adventist historicist tradition identifies the three uprooted horns with the Heruli, the Vandals, and the Ostrogoths, powers that ceased to hinder the rise of the papacy in the West.
The Characteristics of the Little Horn
What physical characteristics did the little horn have?
Show answer
Answer: Eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things
Daniel 7:8: "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."
What would the little horn do against God?
Show answer
Answer: It would speak words against the Most High
Daniel 7:25: "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."
What would the little horn do to God's people?
Show answer
Answer: It would wear out the saints of the Most High
Daniel 7:25: "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."
The Change of Times and Law
What else would the little horn try to do?
Show answer
Answer: Change religious times/calendar and the law of God
Daniel 7:25: "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."
For how long would the saints be delivered to the little horn?
Show answer
Answer: A time, times, and half a time (1260 years)
Daniel 7:25: "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."
“The forty and two months are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time.’” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 439, par. 2.
Ellen G. White identifies this period as the 1,260 prophetic days of Daniel 7, during which the papal power would oppress God’s people. This period began in A.D. 538 and ended in 1798, when the pope was taken prisoner by the French army and papal power received the deadly wound. See Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 439.
Judgment and Kingdom
What happens after the little horn's rule?
Show answer
Answer: The judgment will sit and his dominion will be taken away
Daniel 7:26: "But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end."
Who will receive the kingdom in the end?
Show answer
Answer: The people of the saints of the Most High
Daniel 7:27: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
How long will the kingdom of the saints last?
Show answer
Answer: Forever and ever
Daniel 7:27: "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him."
And Now?
The little horn is identified by Scripture:
- It arose among the ten kingdoms: From divided Rome
- Three kingdoms fell: To make way for it
- It persecuted the saints: For 1260 years
- It tried to change religious times and God’s law: Including the religious calendar, alterations in catechism commandments, and the replacement of the Sabbath with Sunday tradition
- It will be judged: And the saints will receive the kingdom
My Decision
I understand that prophecy identified a power that would oppose God and persecute His people. I choose to remain faithful to God’s Word, even in the face of religious or political pressure. I await the eternal kingdom promised to the saints.