Meaning of Daniel 7:20

Daniel 7:20 describes a particularly striking and symbolically potent image within the apocalyptic vision of the prophet Daniel. The vision presents four colossal beasts emerging from the sea, representing successive world empires that would dominate the ancient Near East. The fourth beast, in particular, is depicted as terrifying and powerful, with ten horns. This verse focuses on two specific elements of this fourth beast: the ten horns and a subsequent, more prominent horn that emerges among them. The prophet's intense curiosity about these horns signifies their importance in understanding the nature and progression of these empires and the divine judgment that would be enacted upon them. The "other horn" that arises, characterized by its imposing appearance, its "eyes," and its "mouth that spoke boastfully," represents a distinct and malevolent entity that subverts and overcomes three of the initial ten, highlighting a theme of usurpation and arrogant defiance against divine authority.

Context and Background

The vision in Daniel 7 unfolds after a period of Babylonian exile. The beasts are generally interpreted by scholars as representing the major empires that would succeed Babylon: the Medes and Persians (lion), Greece under Alexander the Great (leopard), and the Greco-Syrian empire (leopard with four heads). The fourth beast, however, is often understood to represent the Roman Empire, or a future empire that embodies its characteristics. The ten horns are frequently interpreted as either ten distinct kingdoms or rulers that emerged from the fragmentation of the empire, or as a symbolic representation of a complete and powerful dominion. The "other horn," which arises after the initial ten and causes three to fall, is a crucial element that signals a significant shift in power and a period of intense opposition.

Key Themes and Messages

This verse underscores several critical themes:

• The Rise and Fall of Empires: The vision illustrates the cyclical nature of human power, showing how empires rise and conquer but are ultimately subject to divine judgment and overthrow.
• The Nature of Evil and Opposition: The "boastful mouth" and "eyes" of the eleventh horn clearly symbolize a self-aggrandizing, perceptive, and verbally aggressive force that actively opposes established order and, by extension, divine will.
• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: Despite the terrifying power of the beasts and their horns, the overarching message is that God is sovereign and will ultimately judge these earthly powers, establishing His eternal kingdom.
• Usurpation and Subversion: The fact that this eleventh horn "came up" and caused three of the original ten to fall indicates a process of subversion and the rise of a power that is not part of the original divinely ordained sequence but rather a disruptive force.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, the verse serves as a reminder that worldly powers and their leaders, however formidable, are transient. The "boastful mouth" can be seen as a representation of pride, deception, and blasphemy, characteristics that stand in direct opposition to humility, truth, and reverence for God. The application for believers lies in recognizing the ephemeral nature of worldly authority and maintaining steadfast faith in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It calls for discernment to identify and resist forces that seek to usurp divine authority or lead people astray through prideful rhetoric and deceptive actions.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Daniel 7's vision of successive empires and their eventual judgment resonates with other biblical narratives that speak of God's control over history. This includes the prophecies in Isaiah and Jeremiah concerning the fall of nations, and importantly, the New Testament's portrayal of the ultimate defeat of evil forces through Christ's redemptive work and the establishment of His eternal reign. The imagery of horns is also found elsewhere in Scripture, often symbolizing power or kingship (e.g., Psalm 75:10; Revelation 17:12-13), reinforcing the interpretation of these as political entities or rulers.

Analogies

One can visualize the ten horns as a series of established, seemingly stable pillars or thrones that are part of a grand structure. The eleventh horn is then akin to a powerful, aggressive force that systematically dismantles and replaces three of these existing pillars, seeking to dominate the entire structure with its own imposing presence and destructive pronouncements. Another analogy could be a complex political landscape where initial factions or powers (the ten horns) are established, but then a charismatic and manipulative leader emerges (the eleventh horn), skillfully maneuvering to undermine and absorb several of these established powers through cunning and overt aggression.

Relation to Other Verses

• Daniel 7:21-22: These verses directly follow, describing how "this horn was making war with the holy people and conquering them, until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom." This clarifies the hostile nature of the eleventh horn and points to the ultimate divine intervention.
• Daniel 7:25: This verse further elaborates on the eleventh horn's actions: "He shall speak words against the Most High, and wear out the saints of the Most High, and he shall think to change the times and the law, and they shall be given into his hand for a time, for a time, and half a time." This highlights its blasphemous and persecutory character.
• Revelation 13:1-10: The imagery of a beast with multiple heads and horns, and a deceptive, blasphemous figure, bears strong thematic similarities to the descriptions in Revelation, suggesting a consistent biblical portrayal of oppressive, anti-God powers throughout history and into the eschatological future.
• Psalm 75:10: "All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted high." This psalm echoes the theme of God's judgment on wicked power and vindication of the righteous.