At some point after the 10 region confederation is formed, trouble arises within it. Although he is not a ruler over any of the 10 regions initially, later the Antichrist does become a ruler over one of these 10 regions. Additionally, the leaders of 3 other regions are removed by the Antichrist who takes their authority himself. His aggressive actions begin to foretell his future violent role. The confederation’s truly weak political structure will become obvious as the world sees the Antichrist in charge of 4 of the 10 original regions. A looming crisis develops when the leaders of the other 6 regions realize that the Antichrist is attempting to seize control of the whole confederation.
When the 10 individual members first join to form this confederated structure, they will certainly do so for the advantage this system of government is expected to provide. However, the Antichrist radically alters the confederation’s goal of mutually directed governance. With one individual in effective control of multiple regions, the balance of power becomes dangerously skewed. The advantage of semi-autonomous regions existing side by side with a limited central authority structure evaporates as one individual comes to dominate several of the 10 original regions. The worst fears of its founders are aroused as they see the Antichrist possibly pulling the entire Roman system, and thus much of the world, into a totalitarian regime.
In Chapter Three we will be examining the dominating region. We will also look at events that will accompany the overthrow of 3 regions. The overthrow will be examined first. Then the nature and activities of the dominating region will be considered.
The conquest of 3 original regions is described in Daniel 7. As we saw previously, this 4th empire is described three times in Daniel 7. Daniel first describes a vision which he had at night. This vision was of four beasts followed by a court scene in which God is the judge (vs. 1-14). When Daniel asks someone from the vision about the last of the 4 beasts he provides us with additional information (vs. 15-22). In response to Daniel’s question, even more information is provided about the beast, as well as an interpretation of the vision’s symbols (vs. 23-28). The details of this prophecy are so important that Daniel deliberately takes his readers through these future events 3 separate times.
After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; ... And it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth uttering great boasts. ... Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking.
Daniel 7:7, 8, 11
I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. ... Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, ... and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts, and which was larger in appearance than its associates. I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them.
Daniel 7:16a, 19-21
Thus he said: “The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms, and it will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. And he will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.”
Daniel 7:23-25
In the third presentation of Daniel 7, an angel explains the main symbol of the vision. The horns represent “kings.” Each of the 10 horns represents a separate king. In Chapter One we discussed the nature of the 10 kings’ reigns. We realized that the reigns of these 10 kings are contemporaneous with each other. All 10 kings reign at the same time. A fuller understanding concerning the overthrow of these 3 kings and its consequences is essential if we are to understand several significant passages in the book of Revelation.
All three presentations of the other horn’s actions are consistent with each other. Yet each gives us information not available from the other two. Thus, the seemingly redundant telling of events in this final phase of the final empire provides us with a basic outline of events and the keys to interpreting this and later prophecies about this time.
Another “king” appears in the vision. After the original 10 kings are described, we learn about this other king. The individual called the “other horn” has other names and titles in Scripture. For consistency, we will usually refer to him as the Antichrist. But here in Chapter Three, we will call him the “other horn.” This will avoid confusion as we follow the various elements of his rise and career.
Next, we learn that although he starts out weaker than the 10 original kings, he ends up stronger than all of them. When this other horn or “king” first appears among the 10 it is a little horn (7:8). It is not as strong nor of the same stature as any of the 10. However, this other horn does not stay “little.” After removing 3 kings, Dan 7:20 describes the other horn as “that horn ... which was larger in appearance than its associates.” Conquering 3 kings elevates the other horn from his previous inferior stature to one which overshadows all the remaining kings. Three different expressions are used in each of the presentations of Daniel 7 to describe the removal of the 3 kings. When these three expressions are combined, a more complete picture emerges regarding this event.
In the first presentation Daniel says “three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it” (Dan 7:8). In the second presentation, Daniel describes the same event slightly differently: “the other horn which came up and before which three of them fell” (Dan 7:20). In the third presentation, the angelic interpreter described the event: “and will subdue three kings” (Dan 7:24). Daniel 7 indicates that 3 kings were “pulled out by the roots,” “fell,” and were subdued by the other horn.
The first description of pulling out by the roots tells us that none of these 3 kings could possibly return to power. The event surrounding their loss of kingship was such that no return is possible. The second is not as descriptive, yet does confirm the order of these events. The third description is significant for what it says and for what it does not say, “Subduing” implies bringing under subjection. Subduing also suggests that while the ability to control their own fate is lost, the regions themselves remain. They are not obliterated but seem relatively intact. Their leaders are different. The 3 regions continue but with the other horn as their leader.
The main emphasis of each presentation in Daniel 7 is not the 10 original horns nor the remaining 7 horns. Rather, the focus of each presentation involves the nature and activities of the other horn. While our main interest in the first portion of this chapter is the other horn's involvement in subduing 3 of the original 10 horns, the biblical presentation of this other horn must be explored more fully. The topic of this chapter is whether the Antichrist himself becomes a ruler over one of the 10 original kingdoms. In order to look more closely at this question, a more narrowly focused examination of his direct role in removing 3 of those original 10 "kings" is required.
The first question we must answer is whether the other horn himself is one of the original 10. This question is directly addressed twice in Daniel 7.
and behold, a fourth beast, ... and it had ten horns. While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them
Daniel 7:7-8
Thus he said: "The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, ... As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings."
Daniel 7:23a, 24
In the verses above all 10 horns are already in existence. None of the original 10 kings are described as coming up or arising. None of the 10 horns are described as either growing or shrinking in size. All 10 horns are already present and complete.
Daniel 7:8 presents the arrival of that other horn as a subsequent event to the existence of the 10 original horns. In the angel’s explanation of this 4th beast, he provides more direct evidence about the timing of the other horn’s arrival. The angel clearly states that the other horn “will arise after" the 10 kings. We see then that Daniel 7 is clear upon the question of whether the other horn is himself one of the 10 original horns. He is not. Clearly, the other horn is not initially presented as one of the 10 horns but is a unique horn distinct from that group of 10.
This brings us to the question: Does the Antichrist, the other horn of Daniel 7, become one of the 10 kings? Our first reaction might be to say no. However, comparisons with other passages seem to indicate that the Antichrist does actually become a king for one of the regions represented by the 10 horns.
While we have just seen that the other horn was not originally one of the 10, this other horn is still associated with them.
While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them
Daniel 7:8a
We should specifically notice the phrase, "came up among them." The other horn arose among the group of the 10. Thus, while clearly not initially one of the 10 himself, the other horn is not completely separate from them either.
After the removal of the 3 other kings, the Antichrist is no longer a “little” horn in comparison to the remaining kings. Rather, now that the 3 kings are gone this other horn is “larger” than the other kings. This disparity in strength is portrayed immediately after the 3 kings are removed. We should also notice that the remaining kings are referred to as “associates.” The root of this Aramaic word means “to join, to be in association or league with.” [ 27 ] The Antichrist is more powerful than the remaining rulers with whom he is joined. The moment in future history that the angel is describing will occur after the other horn subdues 3 other kings. [ 28 ] However, the use of the word “associates” would still seem more consistent if he were not just a usurper, but one of them himself.
To truly be an ‘associate’ with the other remaining original kings the other horn would need to obtain kingship over one of the 7 regions that he does not subdue. After he removes 3 of his “associates” he appears larger than them. The Antichrist as the “other horn” would himself then be one of the remaining 7 rulers in the Roman confederation. The depiction of the “other horn” as “larger” than these associates would be understandable when we recall that the Antichrist himself would then control 4 of the 10 regions of the Roman confederation.
Some may wonder if the “other horn” is really just another kingdom. They might doubt that this “other horn” should be seen as a personal ruler. However, the other horn is described using human characteristics.
While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, ... and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth uttering great boasts.
Daniel 7:8
and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, ... namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts, ... I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them
Daniel 7:20-21
As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. And he will speak out against the Most High and will wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.
Daniel 7:24-25
In two of the three descriptions of the little horn, there are references to eyes and a mouth that talks. These are human features. Among other things, the symbolism of human characteristics seems to indicate that this other horn is a man, as opposed to a region or an area of political influence. The other horn is a king, not just a kingdom.
This other horn is also said to be using its human mouth to make great boasts. Dan 7:25 indicates that these boasts will include "speaking out against the Most High." However, the other horn will not be limited just to boastful and blasphemous speech. Dan 7:25 goes on to say that the other horn will "wear down the saints of the Highest One." Dan 7:20-21 also shows that the other horn, whose mouth was “uttering great boasts,” then follows up by "waging war with the saints and overpowering them." Finally, the length of time during which the other horn will have authority is “a time, times, and half a time” (Dan 7:25). The seemingly cryptic phrase actually very precisely equals one year, plus two years, plus one-half year, or a total of 3 ½ years.
The observations we should currently carry forward from Daniel 7 are that the other horn, while not then one of the 10 kings, is still in the same group with them when he appears. After he subdues 3 of these 10 kings, the other horn is then said to be a larger horn than the remaining ones. Then the other horn and the remaining kings are called “associates.” The other horn is also described as having human characteristics, namely "eyes like the eyes of a man," and a mouth which speaks. The other horn makes great boasts, which are followed by aggressive actions against the saints of God, resulting in the saints being overcome. The total length of time this other horn will have authority to accomplish these things is 3 ½ years or 42 months.
So far, our attention has been limited to Daniel 7. However, other passages provide even more information as we answer the question of whether the Antichrist becomes a ruler of one of the 10 original regions.
And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. ... And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed.
Revelation 13:1b, 3
In Chapter One we saw that the same “beast” is found in three different prophetic passages. Daniel 7, Rev 13:1-10 and Revelation 17 all discuss this final ruling power. Since the three prophetic passages are describing the same ruling power, what is revealed in one passage augments what we learn from the other two. When the angel in Rev 17:9-10 informs the Apostle John that the 7 heads of the beast are kings, we can apply this knowledge to other questions about the makeup of the empire.
The seven heads are ..., and they are seven kings.
Revelation 17:9,10
We know that the head which was wounded and which recovered in Rev 13:3 is one of the 7 kings of the ruling empire because we are told that the heads are kings in Rev 17:9-11. When Rev 13:3 indicates that one of the 7 heads receives a fatal wound from which it recovers, a consistent interpretation is to regard this wounding as occurring to one of the 7 kings referred to in Rev 17:9-11.
The wounded head of Rev 13:3 is also then, one of the 7 kings of Rev 17:9-11. There remains the task of determining if this same wounded and recovered king is the “other horn” of Daniel 7. To examine this question further we must look more closely at Revelation 13.
Verse 3 is not the only reference to the wounding and recovery of the beast. Both are actually mentioned 3 times in Revelation 13. The 2nd and 3rd references are found in a portion of the chapter where an assistant “beast” (who is called the False Prophet in Rev 19:20) is introduced.
And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. ... And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. ... And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life.
Revelation 13:11, 12, 14
Revelation 13 contains 3 references to the wounding and recovery of the beast (vs. 3, 12, 14). Clearly, the wounding and recovery are central to the false ministry of the False Prophet in Rev 13:11-18.
Further reflection on Rev 13:1-10 also reveals how central these wounding and healing events are to the development of the beast.
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, ... And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.
Revelation 13:3-4a, 5-7a
Notice the progression. There is a fatal wound to one of the 7 kings. However, after dying, the king returns to life. The whole earth marvels. The worldwide amazement turns to worship of both the king who is resurrected and the dragon who seems to have facilitated the recovery of life. As the king and the dragon are worshiped, a mouth speaking arrogant and blasphemous words is given to the king, who also is given 42 months of authority to act. The blasphemy is directed against God and those who dwell in heaven. His blasphemy progresses from words to action as the king who is worshiped makes war upon the saints of God, and overcomes them.
The wounding and supernatural resurrection of one of the 7 kings plays a central role in the development of the beast, and also plays a central role in the ministry of the False Prophet, as both are portrayed in Revelation 13.
From Revelation 13 it seems clear that the king or “head” that is fatally wounded and resurrected is an individual who goes on to have a dominant role in the empire that the beast represents. The ascendency of this king is seen from the unfolding of events that follow his fatal wounding and resurrection, and from the prominence that they seem to play in the ministry of the False Prophet.
The raising of the dead king to authority over other kings is also seen in Revelation 17. The imagery is different from what we saw in Revelation 13, but the meaning is the same. The imagery used in each of the three references follows this theme - the beast was, and is not, and is coming. The three references in Revelation 17 to this death and resurrection are so integral to the text where they appear that the entire passage should be read together.
And the angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I shall tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth will wonder, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. And the beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction.
Revelation 17:7-11
“Was” refers to a past condition in which the beast was alive. “Is not” refers to the beast not being alive in that present moment of time. “Is coming” refers to the beast being alive again in the future. The motif of “was, and is not, and is” carries the same meaning as having a fatal wound and unexpectedly being raised from the dead.
In Rev 17:8 the angel uses this motif to reveal that an important person will be resurrected from the dead. In this same verse, the angel tells the Apostle John that everyone in the whole world, except those who belong to Christ, will marvel over this beast. The emphasis in Rev 17:8 is very similar to what we found in Revelation 13.
The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth will wonder, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.
Revelation 17:8
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, ... And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
Revelation 13:3-4a, 8
The third reference using the motif of “was, and is not, and is” can be found in Rev 17:11. After each of the 7 kings has served their turn in leadership and surrendered authority, the text speaks of an 8th king. This 8th king is identified two different ways. He is first identified by means of the same motif “was, and is not, and is.” Then the 8th king is identified as being “of the seven” kings.