Daniel 7:24
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.
Original Language Analysis
מִן
from
H4481
מִן
from
Strong's:
H4481
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of
יְק֣וּם
shall rise
H6966
יְק֣וּם
shall rise
Strong's:
H6966
Word #:
7 of 17
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְק֣וּם
shall rise
H6966
יְק֣וּם
shall rise
Strong's:
H6966
Word #:
9 of 17
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְה֤וּא
H1932
וְה֤וּא
Strong's:
H1932
Word #:
11 of 17
he (she or it); self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demonstrative) this or that; occasionally (instead of copula) as or are
Cross References
Daniel 7:20And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.Revelation 13:1And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.Daniel 11:36And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Historical Context
Various rulers have exhibited patterns matching this description: Antiochus IV Epiphanes rising to power through intrigue, Roman emperors consolidating authority, medieval and modern tyrants eliminating rivals. Each provides partial fulfillment, but the definite article ("the little horn") and connection to final judgment suggest primary reference to eschatological antichrist. The pattern recurs until ultimate fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the little horn's political consolidation through eliminating rivals warn about tyrannical patterns recurring throughout history?
- What does being "diverse from the first" teach about distinguishing unique eschatological evil from normal political corruption?
- How should recognizing partial historical fulfillments prepare believers to identify eschatological fulfillment when it occurs?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The angel interprets: "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." The "ten kings" has generated extensive interpretation—possibly ten historical rulers, symbolic completeness, or future confederacy. The emphasis falls on the eleventh figure who "shall be diverse from the first," indicating qualitatively different character from previous rulers.
The phrase "he shall subdue three kings" matches the earlier observation of three horns plucked up (v. 8), indicating political consolidation through force. This ruler rises to power by overthrowing rivals, demonstrating ruthless ambition. The pattern appears throughout history: tyrants consolidating power by eliminating competitors. Yet this figure represents unique evil—"diverse" suggests not merely political ambition but spiritual wickedness opposing God directly.
This description points to antichrist who will arise from a confederation of powers, seize control through deception and force, and establish unprecedented tyranny (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation 13:1-8). The historical pattern (Antiochus and others) finds ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological man of lawlessness. Believers must discern the difference between normal political evil (common throughout history) and qualitatively unique opposition to Christ. Christ will destroy this figure at His coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8).