Daniel 7:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.

NIV: The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.

NASB: As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will humble three kings.

CSB: The ten horns are ten kings who will rise from this kingdom. Another king, different from the previous ones, will rise after them and subdue three kings.

NLT: Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them.

KJV: And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

NKJV: The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings.

Daniel's prophetic dream included a bizarre beast with ten horns, three of which were overcome by the appearance of a new, smaller horn (Daniel 7:7–8). This beast has been explained as a unique kingdom that will dominate the entire world (Daniel 7:23). Here, an angelic interpreter (Daniel 7:16) further explains the symbolism of the horns.

The ten horns on the ferocious beast represent ten kings, national leaders, or emperors. Another horn would imply another ruler. This one usurps the rule of three of the kings. This eleventh horn is different from all the others. These ten kings are prominent in the end times (Revelation 13:1; 17:12). The eleventh king, the little horn of Daniel's vision (Daniel 7:8), will have much more authority than the ten kings. He will extend his rule over the entire world, and he will be more hateful than the ten. He will pour out his hatred on God's people: the saints.

Many expositors identify this horn as "the Antichrist," while others see the false prophet of Revelation 13:11–17 as that figure. The little horn, the eleventh horn, holds political sway over the world, whereas the false prophet exercises religious control over others. References to the Antichrist in the New Testament denounce his religious crimes (1 John 2:18–22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7). For this reason, many expositors identify "the Antichrist" with the apostate false prophet.

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.