The phrase "The Great Horn is Broken" refers to a prophetic vision found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 8. This vision is part of a larger apocalyptic narrative that reveals future events concerning the rise and fall of empires, symbolized through various animals and horns. The imagery of the "great horn" is central to understanding the prophetic message conveyed to Daniel.

Biblical Context

In Daniel 8, the prophet Daniel receives a vision while in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. In this vision, he sees a ram with two horns standing beside the Ulai Canal. The two horns are described as high, but one is higher than the other, and the higher one comes up last. This ram charges westward, northward, and southward, and no beast can stand against it (Daniel 8:3-4).

As the vision continues, Daniel sees a male goat coming from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. This goat has a conspicuous horn between its eyes. It charges at the ram with great rage, shattering its two horns and trampling it to the ground. The ram is powerless to stand against the goat (Daniel 8:5-7).

Interpretation of the Vision

The angel Gabriel is sent to Daniel to provide the interpretation of the vision. Gabriel explains that the ram with two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. The goat represents the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king (Daniel 8:20-21).

The "great horn" is identified as the first king of Greece, historically understood to be Alexander the Great. The breaking of the great horn signifies the sudden and untimely death of Alexander, which led to the division of his empire. After the horn is broken, four notable horns arise in its place, representing the four kingdoms that emerge from Alexander's empire, but not with his power (Daniel 8:8, 22).

Historical Fulfillment

The prophecy of the "great horn" being broken is widely recognized as having been fulfilled in the historical events following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. Alexander's empire, which had rapidly expanded to cover a vast territory, was divided among his four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. These generals established their own kingdoms, which correspond to the four horns that arise after the great horn is broken.

Theological Significance

The breaking of the great horn and the subsequent division of the Greek Empire serve as a testament to the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. The vision underscores the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate fulfillment of God's divine plan. It also sets the stage for the later prophecies in the Book of Daniel, which continue to reveal God's unfolding purposes in history.

The imagery of the broken horn is a reminder of the limitations of human authority and the futility of relying on worldly power. It calls believers to place their trust in God's eternal kingdom, which will ultimately prevail over all earthly dominions.