Daniel 8:23-27

< Back to Daniel Index


TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

A Prediction of an End­-Times Anti-­Semitic Ruler

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The little horn of Daniel 8 is not the same as the little horn of Daniel 7.

  2. The little horn of Daniel 8 typifies the future king of the North.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Don’t quit work when you study Bible prophecy.

QUESTIONS

  1. Review Daniel’s vision earlier in chapter 8.

  2. Who was this “little horn”?

  3. What were the nicknames of Antiochus IV?

  4. Who was the little horn of Daniel 7?

  5. What did Gabriel mean by his statement that this vision would not be completely fulfilled until the time of the end (verses 17 and 19)?

ANSWERS

  1. Daniel had a vision of two beasts, which represented two of the world’s ancient empires. The butting ram represented the Medo-Persian Empire and the swift goat represented the Greek Empire. The large horn of the goat represented Alexander the Great; after his death the Greek Empire was divided into four kingdoms. Out of one of these four horns or divisions arose a little horn, a king who persecuted the Jewish people.

  2. It was Antiochus IV of the Seleucid kingdom. He killed thousands of Jews, destroyed Scripture, and desecrated the Temple.

  3. His friends called him Antiochus Epiphanes, “the Illustrious One,” but the Jews called him Antiochus Epimanes, “the Madman.”

  4. The little horn that grew out of one of the ten horns of the fourth beast represented the powerful end-time world leader known as the Roman beast. He will head up the Revived Roman Empire, and is the 666 character of Revelation 13.

  5. We believe the prophecy of the little horn here, while fulfilled historically in Antiochus IV, foreshadows an end-time world leader as well.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. When reading the prophecies of Daniel it is easy to get confused about all the beasts and horns. How have you enjoyed your study of prophecy thus far? Do you think studying biblical prophecy is profitable? Why or why not?

  2. Discuss the end-time leader typified by the little horn of Daniel 8. Some say he is the Roman Beast of 666 notoriety (the little horn of Daniel 7). Explain the arguments for him being a distinct character, the King of the North.

CHALLENGE

  1. When we read of the world-wide catastrophes and plagues to come in the future, it can actually be physically exhausting and emotionally disturbing. But don’t give up and stay in bed. Be like Daniel and continue to fulfill your responsibilities.

KEY VERSES

  • “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise.” Daniel 8:23

  • “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means.” Daniel 8:25

Daniel, Old Testament, TalksDeb HarmsDaniel 8:23-27