Daniel 7:21

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

I beheld {H1934}{H2370}, and the same {H1797} horn {H7162} made {H5648} war {H7129} with {H5974} the saints {H6922}, and prevailed {H3202} against them;

I watched, and that horn made war with the holy ones and was winning,

As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them,

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

Commentary

Context

Daniel chapter 7 is a pivotal prophetic vision given to the prophet Daniel, occurring in the first year of Belshazzar's reign. It describes four great beasts rising from the sea, symbolizing a succession of world empires. The fourth beast is particularly terrifying and dreadful, unlike any before it, possessing iron teeth and ten horns (Daniel 7:7). From among these ten horns, a "little horn" emerges, uprooting three of the first horns and characterized by eyes like a man and a mouth speaking great things (Daniel 7:8). Daniel 7:21 focuses on the aggressive actions of this "same horn," revealing its direct conflict with God's people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persecution of the Saints: The verse explicitly states that the "little horn" "made war with the saints." This highlights a recurring prophetic theme: that God's faithful people will face intense opposition and tribulation from hostile worldly powers, especially in the end times. This spiritual conflict is not merely ideological but manifests as active persecution.
  • Temporary Triumph of Evil: The chilling phrase "and prevailed against them" indicates a period where this oppressive power appears victorious over the saints. This temporary prevalence of evil forces is a sobering reality presented in biblical prophecy, designed to prepare believers for difficult times. It underscores that God permits a season of trial for His people, though it is always within His ultimate sovereign control.
  • The Nature of the "Little Horn": While not explicitly named in this verse, the "little horn" is widely interpreted by theologians as a powerful, arrogant, and blasphemous figure or kingdom, often associated with the Antichrist. Its actions here foreshadow a period of intense spiritual and physical tribulation for those who remain faithful to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "horn" (ืงึถืจึถืŸ, qeren) is a common biblical symbol for power, strength, and dominion. Its use in the context of the "little horn" emphasizes the immense, albeit prideful and temporary, authority this entity wields. The phrase "made war" (ืขึฒื‘ึทื“ ืงึฐืจึธื‘, 'avad qerav in Aramaic, the language of Daniel 2:4-7:28) signifies an active, aggressive, and deliberate conflict, not merely passive opposition or ideological disagreement.

Related Scriptures

This verse is crucial because it sets the stage for the ultimate divine intervention. While the horn prevails temporarily, the subsequent verses in Daniel 7 reveal God's ultimate judgment. The Ancient of Days will sit in judgment, and dominion will be taken from the horn and given to the saints of the Most High (Daniel 7:22, Daniel 7:26-27). This prophetic imagery of a beast making war with the saints and overcoming them is strikingly echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation 13:7, further solidifying the connection between Daniel's vision and end-times prophecy.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:21 serves as both a warning and a source of steadfast hope for believers.

  • Expectation of Trials: It prepares believers for the reality that following Christ may involve facing persecution and opposition from a world hostile to God's truth. This foresight helps prevent discouragement when such trials arise.
  • Perseverance and Faithfulness: Despite the temporary "prevalence" of evil, the larger context of Daniel 7 assures us that God's ultimate plan will prevail. Believers are called to endure with spiritual resilience, trusting in God's sovereign control and ultimate victory. The suffering of the saints is not meaningless but part of a divine narrative that culminates in God's eternal kingdom.
  • Hope in Ultimate Victory: Even in the face of apparent defeat, the Christian hope is rooted in the knowledge that this period of tribulation is limited, and God's justice will ultimately be served, leading to the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 12:7

    And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

  • Revelation 17:14

    ยถ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

  • Daniel 8:24

    And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

  • Revelation 13:5

    And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months.

  • Revelation 13:18

    Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six.

  • Revelation 17:6

    And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

  • Revelation 12:3

    And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.