A curious entity known as the Little Horn emerges in two places in the Old Testament. One, found in Daniel 8, will appear in the latter days of the Empire of Greece, and bring much suffering to the people Judah while ruling over them. A second Little Horn will appear at the end of our modern era, as described in Daniel 7. He will bring trouble to the entire world. This second Horn, sometimes referred to as the Man of Sin, or Antichrist, is also referenced in the New Testament, and will be a prominent adversary of God and His people in the book of Revelation.
Let’s focus today on the Little Horn of Greece – who is this character and why this strange title? It is certainly not a term that gets much use today. But it has great meaning in the holy scriptures.
Our first clue comes from the biblical description of the great conqueror and world ruler, Alexander the Great. He is described as a large horn in Daniel’s third prophetic vision. So apparently, the large horn represents both personal power and worldwide respect. As Daniel’s prophecy about these events, two hundred years into his future, states:
21 The buck, the male goat, is the king of Greece; and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. 22 The four horns that replaced the one that was broken represent four kingdoms that will arise from this nation, though not with its power. Daniel 8:21 (TLV)
The large horn, Alexander the Great, will defeat the Medo-Persian empire to become leader of the known world. But Alexander would die prematurely at the age of 33. In his place, four lesser leaders, or smaller horns, will divide his empire amongst themselves and rule them independently. These smaller horns do not have the global respect or power that Alexander had. But one from their line, the Little Horn Antiochus Epiphanes IV, will align with satanic powers of darkness to do significant damage to God’s people in the region of Judah, desecrating their worship services, and killing many of them in the process.
23 “‘Now toward the end of their reign, when the measure of transgressions is completed, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 His power will be mighty, but it will not be by his strength alone. He will cause extraordinary devastation, and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy both the powerful and the holy people. 25 By his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper under his hand and he will consider himself superior. He will destroy many, taking them unaware. He will even stand up against the Prince of princes, yet he will be broken, but not by human hands. Daniel 8:23-25 (TLV)
This Little Horn of Daniel 8 who caused such extraordinary devastation is a forerunner of another Little Horn who will arise in our future, near the end of the times of human government – the frightening Antichrist. This prophetic scripture may, in fact, be referring to both of these individuals, simultaneously, emphasizing the parallels in their demonic power and the widespread destruction they will cause. But scripture tells us that neither of these “Horns”, or powerful creatures, will ultimately prevail. Both will be defeated by the hand of God, who, in the last days, will install His own eternal kingdom, to be led by the glorified Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The Lord has given us these scriptures as both a warning and for our preparation. Warnings have not prevented evil dictators from coming to power in the past, nor will they do so in the future. But God wants us to know that we will continue to have a future and a hope under His blessing and protection, no matter who is in power. He is still in control despite the evil leanings of some leaders who are under the influence of dark spiritual powers. In the end, both evil people and the dark powers that influence them, will be totally removed from His kingdom, and those covered with the righteousness of Christ will shine like the sun forever. Let us all choose to be there.
Reflection
We can rest today knowing that, whatever oppression surrounds us, God knows every detail, and will help us to get safely through even the darkest of nights. He loves us and holds us gently in His hands, bringing us care, comfort, and protection. We are eternally safe from the brewing storm, in Christ.
2 I will say of Adonai,
“He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.
3 For He will rescue you from the hunter’s trap
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge.
His faithfulness is body armor and shield.
5 You will not fear the terror by night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the plague that stalks in darkness,
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
and ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you. Psalm 91:2-7 (TLV)
Father God, thank You that we can rest in Your protection and love. Hold us close as we go through the pains and trials of life. Help us to be a comfort to others, just as You are a great comfort to us. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the Lord grant you blessing and protection as you walk with Him today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 