Print Version

Daniel 7:8-28                   

In Lessons 4 and 5 we discovered the four major regions of power that prophecy indicates will rule during the final conflict of the ages.  Secular sources back up the Biblical predictions of the United States along with Great Britain, Russia, Eastern Asia and Western Europe.  In Lesson 6 we are ready to examine the "little horn" power (Daniel 7:8) that will arise out of the fourth beast (7:7) that is said to have ten horns.  We equate this creature with the Western European Union (www.weu.int) of nations, united in a military alliance (see previous Lesson 5).

The current reigning pope (Benedict XVI) is not the Antichrist foretold in prophecy.  As a special note, we want to clearly state that we are not condemning individuals.  Undoubtedly, many in Catholicism have great love and devotion for God.  However, apostasy in the name of religion is not that uncommon.  The once-beloved Lucifer, an angel of high authority, betrayed Heaven; and Judas--one of Christ's disciple and of His inner circle--betrayed Jesus.   Priests have abused young children in their congregations, and many well-known Protestant leaders have betrayed the trust of the Christian community--living in secret sin.  Then we should not be surprised that prophecy reveals a future ruler, whom Satan will propel into the political and religious limelight, the man who will deceive the masses.

Since horns in prophecy represent countries, we can be assured that a "little horn" represents a small country.  The smallest country in the world is in Western Europe and sits on just over 100 acres.  The Holy See is an independent papal state and territory of the Church of Rome, situated in Rome, Italy, under the terms of the Lateran Treaty, as concluded by the Italian government and the Papacy.

The Vatican has its own diplomatic power and financial currency.  The New Catholic Encyclopedia reads, "the Pope alone has the fullness of legislative, executive, and judicial power and represents Vatican City in international relations."  In other words, the Pope rules in absolute authority with his own diplomatic policies, laws and judicial power.  This "little horn" represents a leader who rules over a small country, but who will gain great worldwide authority during the appointed time of the end.

Bible prophecy points to the "little horn" of Western Europe as the focal point of power just following great turmoil. Therefore, out of world catastrophes of war and disaster, particularly from the nuclear attack upon Western Europe by the Russian Federation, Satan will with "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (1 Timothy 4:1) bring his human counterpart into power for the promotion of his idolatrous practices, by means of the office and platform of the Papacy. He will not appear evil, but will rather come as an "angel of light" to the world.  However, he will deceive the nations into following a pagan religion of compromise, devoid of God's blessing.

Quite interestingly, some leaders and teachers in Catholicism have written books suggesting that a future evil leader may, indeed, be a pope who will use the Papal position for his own gain.

Let's look closer at the vision Daniel received, starting with Daniel 7:8, which points clearly to the Papacy.

1. Daniel was considering the ten horns (modern nations of Western Europe) and then he saw a "little horn" emerge.  How many horns, or countries, are uprooted when the small country comes into power?

Three countries

2. In prophecy when an animal, or in this case, "animal parts--the horn", takes on human characteristics, it is saying, “Watch for a personality”.  What human parts are seen in the horn?

In an earlier lesson we studied Daniel 7:4. There the Lion with Eagle's Wings (United States/Great Britain) was found.  When its wings were torn off and the Lion stood up, Daniel wrote that "human feet and a man's heart" was given to it.  Again, prophecy has given an animal human qualities, and is Heaven's warning to the student; "Watch for an important figure to emerge from America or the United Kingdom."  We believe the language of Daniel 7:4 points to the "false prophet" of Revelation 13:11-18, while Daniel 7:8 points to the Antichrist of Revelation 13:1-8.

 3. The eyes and mouth of a man speaking great or boastful things indicates what?

The eyes represent a proud and lofty attitude (Isaiah 2:11; Psalms 101:5).  Antichrist will magnify himself and speak deceptions (Psalms 12:2-4; Obadiah 12) and boastful words about his background and future.  His words are blasphemous (Revelation 13:5); words that exceed what any man, however exalted he may be, has any right to pronounce.  Eventually he will be allowed by Covenant-breaking Israel, because of his Jewish roots, to enter the temple in Jerusalem (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

4. Three horns or countries are destroyed just as the little horn or Vatican comes into power.  What prophetic animal causes the devastation (Daniel 7:5)?

The Russian Bear has three ribs, or tusks, in its mouth equal to the three horns that are uprooted.  No doubt, Russia will launch a nuclear attack on Western Europe and will "eat [its] fill of flesh" by destroying millions of people in three countries.  

From the catastrophe, Antichrist will be brought into power through magnificent signs and miraculous events. Almost the whole world will wonder after him, as he will bring peace to the troubled planet.  Nonetheless, his peace will come at a price; it will be a peace based on false religion, Marian and idol worship, and worship of demonic spirits and apparitions that are seen by millions worldwide. 

5.  In spite of Antichrist's successes through his three and one-half years in power from Western Europe, what does Daniel 7:11-12 say about the boastful man and his region of power? 

While the government beast (Western Europe) is destroyed, given to the "burning flame,'" the rest of the beasts--Lion, Bear and Leopard have their dominion taken away by the declaration of the Court of Heaven (Daniel 7:26), but are allowed to live for a short time longer, until Jesus returns with God's wrath (Revelation 19:19).

6. How do we know the four beasts (Lion, Bear, Leopard and Terrible Beast--US/Britain, Russian Federation, Eastern Asia, Western Europe Union) are contemporary governments, according to Daniel 7:11-12, 17-18?

The beasts are not relics of the past, but end-of-the-world nations.  We know because all four are alive at the same time, for one is destroyed first, while the remaining three live slightly longer.  Second, the four arise to power just before the saints take the kingdom and possess it.

7. Daniel 7:21-22 says the little horn, Papacy, does what to the saints?