The Little Horn | Introduction to Daniel's Prophecies

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?

From the sea Among the ten horns of the fourth beast From another beast From heaven

What happened to three of the ten horns?

They grew larger They were plucked out before the little horn They united Nothing happened

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?

It was invisible Eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things Wings of an eagle Claws of a lion

What would the little horn do against God?

It would worship Him It would speak words against the Most High It would ignore Him It would serve Him

What would the little horn do to God's people?

It would protect them It would wear out the saints of the Most High It would bless them It would ignore them

The Change of Times and Law

What else would the little horn try to do?

Create new kingdoms Change religious times/calendar and the law of God Conquer new territories Make alliances

For how long would the saints be delivered to the little horn?

10 years A time, times, and half a time (1260 years) 100 years Forever

“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?

It remains forever The judgment will sit and his dominion will be taken away It grows even larger Nothing changes

Who will receive the kingdom in the end?

The little horn The ten kings The people of the saints of the Most High The four beasts

How long will the kingdom of the saints last?

1000 years A limited time Forever and ever Until the next power arises

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.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

4) The Little Horn