The term "Little Horn" appears in the prophetic visions of the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 7 and Daniel 8. This symbol is significant in biblical eschatology and has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion among scholars and theologians.

Daniel 7: The Vision of the Four Beasts

In Daniel 7, the prophet Daniel receives a vision of four great beasts emerging from the sea, each representing a kingdom. The fourth beast is described as "terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong" (Daniel 7:7). It has large iron teeth and ten horns. Among these ten horns, another horn, a "little horn," emerges. This horn is notable for having "eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things" (Daniel 7:8).

The "little horn" in this context is often interpreted as a symbol of a powerful ruler or kingdom that arises from the remnants of the fourth beast's empire. This horn is characterized by its arrogance and blasphemous speech, as well as its persecution of the saints. Daniel 7:25 states, "He will speak words against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change appointed times and laws; and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time."

Daniel 8: The Vision of the Ram and the Goat

In Daniel 8, the prophet receives another vision, this time involving a ram and a goat. The goat, which represents the kingdom of Greece, has a prominent horn that is broken, and in its place, four notable horns arise. From one of these four horns, a "little horn" emerges, which grows exceedingly great toward the south, the east, and the Beautiful Land (Daniel 8:9).

This "little horn" is often identified with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire who desecrated the Jewish temple and persecuted the Jewish people. Daniel 8:11-12 describes the actions of this horn: "It magnified itself, even to the Prince of the host; it removed His daily sacrifice, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. And on account of transgression, the host will be given over to the horn, along with the daily sacrifice. And it will hurl truth to the ground and will prosper in whatever it does."

Interpretations and Significance

The "little horn" in both visions is a subject of much debate and interpretation. In Daniel 7, the "little horn" is often associated with a future antichrist figure, representing a final world ruler who will oppose God and His people. This interpretation aligns with the broader eschatological themes found in the Book of Revelation.

In Daniel 8, the "little horn" is more historically grounded, with many scholars identifying it with Antiochus IV Epiphanes. His actions against the Jewish people and the desecration of the temple are seen as a foreshadowing of future events and a type of the ultimate antichrist figure.

The "little horn" serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The visions in Daniel emphasize God's sovereignty over history and His ultimate victory over all earthly powers.