Daniel 7:15-27

DANIEL—NOTE ON Daniel 7:15 Daniel’s vision returns to the four beasts (vv. Daniel 7:1). As for the “little” horn from the fourth beast (vv. Daniel 7:7), who made war with the saints and prevailed over them (v. Daniel 7:21) and who shall wear out the saints (v. Daniel 7:25), many take this to represent the Antichrist, whom they expect in the end times. Other interpreters think there is not enough precise data to identify the little horn. It is clear, however, that this king will blaspheme against God, oppress the saints, and try to abolish the calendar and the law, which govern how God’s people worship. The saints will be handed over into his power for a time, times, and half a time (v. Daniel 7:25)—totaling three and a half times, or half of a total period of seven times of judgment. The angel’s primary concern is the judgment to come and the triumph of the saints, rather than the identity of the little horn. The central point of the vision is that God limits the time when the beastly kingdoms of the earth will oppress the saints. In the heavenly court, the beasts will finally be destroyed.