What is the context?
The fourth beast is dreadful and exceptionally strong. Its iron teeth crush and devour, and its feet trample what remains. Unlike the earlier beasts, it is not compared with a familiar animal.
It has ten horns. As Daniel watches, another, smaller horn rises among them and uproots three. This horn has human-like eyes and a mouth speaking arrogantly.
The later explanation identifies the horns as kings. These opening details draw attention to both the violence of the kingdom and the particular ruler whose boastful speech will become a central concern.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Readings differ over the ruler in view. Henry connects the little horn with papal Rome. Gaebelein expects a future ruler of a revived Roman Empire. The USCCB notes identify the fourth kingdom with the Greek empire and the horn with Antiochus IV, the king who persecuted the Jews.
These are different identifications of the symbols; they should not be treated as one agreed Christian reading.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Revelation 13:1–10 takes up Daniel’s imagery: a beast rises from the sea with ten horns and features of a leopard, bear and lion. It speaks against God and wages war on His people.
John places the beast’s authority in opposition to the Lamb and calls the saints to perseverance and faith. The connection carries Daniel’s warning about violent, self-exalting power into the church’s witness to Jesus. The response God seeks from His people is faithful endurance, even when the opposition appears overwhelming.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.