Daniel 7:11-12 - The peril of exalting oneself against God

The enigmatic visions of Daniel, whose interpretation is yet to be unveiled, can be found in the latter part of chapter 7. We shall delve into this intriguing revelation when we come to it. As we have gleaned from verses 9-10, the narrative has transitioned from the tumultuous sea to a solemn courtroom, where the fourth beast awaits its judgment.

Verse 11 draws our attention to the fourth beast, a creature of immense power and ferocity, as the little horn captures Daniel’s gaze. This horn, with its eyes and a mouth of human size, was arrogantly boasting. Daniel continued to observe with a steadfast gaze until the fourth beast was vanquished, hinting at the possibility that the little horn could be the ultimate manifestation of this formidable creature.  

Later, we’ll discover that in his prideful arrogance, the little horn dares to hurl blasphemies against God the Most High. Verse 12 reveals a stark contrast to the previous three beasts. Unlike them, which were overthrown but not completely wiped out, this fourth beast, with its dictator, was not just slain but mercilessly annihilated.  

One key lesson we can glean here is the danger of pride and arrogance. The little horn, with its boastful claims and blasphemies against God, warns against the perils of exalting oneself above others and disregarding the authority of the divine. Additionally, the complete annihilation of the fourth beast with its dictator highlights the consequences of choosing a path of destruction and violence. Ultimately, we learn that humility and respect for God and humanity are essential virtues for a peaceful and just society.