Daniel 7:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them,

NIV: As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them,

NASB: I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and prevailing against them,

CSB: As I was watching, this horn waged war against the holy ones and was prevailing over them

NLT: As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them,

KJV: I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

NKJV: “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them,

In his prophetic vision (Daniel 7:1), Daniel saw nations and kings represented by animals (Daniel 7:2–8). When asking for further information, Daniel gives more details about what he saw. The most striking image of his dream was the fourth beast, whose ten horns were disrupted by the appearance of a "little horn" (Daniel 7:8) which overpowered three of the others. Here, this same "horn," which presumably spoke strong words of blasphemy, also successfully persecuted God's people, referred to as "saints."

Bible interpreters vary on their views of the "end times." Many, however, believe there will be an intense period of persecution and worldwide trouble known as the "tribulation." This time is often associated with a figure known as "the Antichrist." This world leader will persecute Christians and enact terrible violence against them. He will seize control of the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and his forces will rule Jerusalem for three and a half years (Revelation 11:2). In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus predicted this, which He called unprecedented great persecution (Matthew 24:21). He advised: "Let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Matthew 24:16).

This Antichrist will be empowered by Satan, the Devil, referred to as a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns in Revelation 12:3. Satan will vent his wrath on the Jewish people by using the Antichrist and worldly power to hunt down the Jews. However, many saved Jews will flee to the wilderness, where they will be kept safe for three and a half years (Revelation 12:1–17).

Satan and the Antichrist will only "prevail" over God's people for a short while. Ultimately, Christ will return (Revelation 19:11–16) and evil will be eliminated forever (Revelation 20:7–15). As the following verse notes, God will not allow His people to be held captive forever (Daniel 7:22).

Daniel 7:15–28 offers a detailed interpretation of Daniel's dream and visions (Daniel 7:1–14). The interpretation deals mainly with the fourth beast with teeth of iron and claws of bronze. It ends with the prediction that God will judge this fourth beast and give an everlasting kingdom to the Messiah. The New Testament reveals that this Promised One is Jesus Christ (Acts 13:23).

Daniel experiences a troubling vision in the form of a dream. He sees animal-like beasts representing successive kingdoms. The last of these is uniquely powerful and led by a mysterious figure. This person, depicted as a "little horn," will be known for usurping power, blasphemy against God, and intense persecution of the saints. Yet his time will be short and it will end in God's successful judgment.

This chapter is the intersection of two different divisions in the book of Daniel. This is the last passage written in Aramaic, the common language of the world at that time. It is also the first segment focusing on prophecy, shifting from a record of events in the past to show a glimpse of the future. This passage connects to other descriptions of the end times, such as those found in Revelation chapters 13, 19, and 20.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.