The sequence “little horn, judgment and then the kingdom” is given three times in Daniel 7 so God obviously wants us to take notice!
And letting the Bible explain itself, we read:
“This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool. He sat on a fiery throne. … Millions of angels ministered to him, and a hundred million stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. … I saw someone who looked like the Son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and royal power over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:8-14)
“As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and was defeating them, until the Ancient One came and judged the holy people of the Most High. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.” (Daniel 7:21, 22)
“This fourth beast is the fourth world power” — Roman — “that will rule the earth. … Its ten horns are ten kings that will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. He will defy the Most High and wear down the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their times and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time. But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. They will rule forever, and all rulers will serve and obey them.” (Daniel 7:23-27)
We are living in the time of this “little horn” kingdom but the judgment has sat and soon God’s eternal kingdom of peace will begin. Daniel teaches us that God is in control of events, even those that unfold today. And even if it does not turn out well for us personally, in the end, we who trust Christ, will be lovingly swept up into an “everlasting kingdom that shall not pass away.”
Next time, we will look at the “little horn” kingdom power.
Ian Cotton is the retried pastor of the Creston Seventh-day Adventist Church.