Daniel 8:9
And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אַחַ֖ת
And out of one
H259
אַחַ֖ת
And out of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
יָצָ֥א
of them came forth
H3318
יָצָ֥א
of them came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
4 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
קֶֽרֶן
horn
H7161
קֶֽרֶן
horn
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
5 of 15
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
אַחַ֖ת
And out of one
H259
אַחַ֖ת
And out of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וַתִּגְדַּל
great
H1431
וַתִּגְדַּל
great
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
8 of 15
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יֶ֛תֶר
which waxed exceeding
H3499
יֶ֛תֶר
which waxed exceeding
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
הַנֶּ֥גֶב
toward the south
H5045
הַנֶּ֥גֶב
toward the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
11 of 15
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
Cross References
Daniel 11:16But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.Psalms 48:2Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.Ezekiel 20:6In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands:Ezekiel 20:15Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;Daniel 7:8I 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.
Historical Context
Antiochus IV Epiphanes ("God Manifest") ruled the Seleucid Empire 175-164 BC. He invaded Egypt twice (170, 168 BC), conquered territory eastward, and especially targeted Judea. In 167 BC he desecrated the Jerusalem temple, sacrificing pigs on the altar, forbidding circumcision and Sabbath observance, and requiring worship of Zeus. This sparked the Maccabean revolt, described in 1-2 Maccabees. His persecution epitomized hostility toward covenant faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Antiochus's small beginning but great impact warn us that Satan's attacks on faith may start subtly but grow destructive?
- What does God's special designation of Israel as 'the pleasant land' teach us about His covenant faithfulness despite enemy attacks?
- In what ways does Antiochus Epiphanes prefigure the future Antichrist, and how should this prepare believers for end-times persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The "little horn" emerging from the four kingdoms has been interpreted various ways, but most scholarship identifies Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC), the Seleucid king who brutally persecuted Jews. He started "little"—initially not heir to the throne—but gained power through manipulation. His expansion "toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land" describes his campaigns: south toward Egypt (Ptolemaic kingdom), east toward Parthia and Armenia, and especially toward "the pleasant land" (Hebrew: hatzvi, הַצְּבִי)—Israel.
"The pleasant land" emphasizes Israel's special status to God—beautiful, desirable, His chosen nation. Antiochus's targeting of Israel prefigures later oppressors who particularly attack God's people. The phrase "waxed exceeding great" seems hyperbolic for a relatively minor ruler, but Antiochus's religious persecution had effects disproportionate to his political power—he nearly extinguished Jewish faith, provoking the Maccabean revolt.
Prophetically, many see Antiochus as a type of the future Antichrist—a pattern of hostility toward God's people that will find ultimate expression in end-times persecution. Both attack covenant faith, demand worship, desecrate holy places, and face divine judgment. This dual fulfillment shows Scripture's depth—historical events prefigure eschatological realities, with Christ's first coming judging Antiochus-like powers and His return abolishing them forever.