Appendix D - Little Horn of Daniel 8

p 80 -- APPENDIX D -- ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES and the LITTLE HORN of DANIEL 8

The reason for discussing Antiochus Epiphanes in relationship to "the little horn" of Daniel 8 is that most modern prophetic commentators consider this Seleucid king as the fulfillment of the prophecy of "the abomination of desolation." ["Transgression of desolation" (8:13); "the abomination that maketh desolate" (11:31; 12:11)]

Antiochus Epiphanes was the eighth ruler in the Seleucid dynasty which arose out of the divisions of Alexander the Great's Empire. This dynasty was more or less continuous from 312-65 BC Son of Antiochus the Great, Antiochus Epiphanes reigned from 175-164 BC He designated himself as Theos Epiphanes - "God Manifest." A devotee of Zeus, probably perceiving himself as an incarnation of this chief deity, he sought the advancement of Greek culture and religion throughout the regions he controlled. This brought him into direct conflict with the Jews. He wrought the most damage upon the city of Jerusalem since the siege and destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. His most provocative act toward the Jews was the desecration of the Temple by offering a pig on the sacred altar, and forcing the people to eat of the sacrificed swine. In I Maccabees 1:54, it is stated - "They builded an abomination of desolation upon the altar." Three years later to the day a new altar was "dedicated afresh." (4:53-54) These historical facts form the basis for the identification of Antiochus Epiphanes as "the little horn" of Daniel 8. A review of the specifications of the prophecy and the statement of Jesus Himself negate such an interpretation.

Daniel 8 begins with a vision of a ram, designated as "the kings of Media and Persia." (8:3,20) This is followed by a he-goat declared to be "the king of Grecia" with the single notable horn "as the first king." (8:5,21) The "great horn" is broken, and in its place comes "up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven." (8:8) This is interpreted by Gabriel to mean that "four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power." (8:22) The Seleucid dynasty was one of these kingdoms of which Antiochus Epiphanes was but one of the line - not even the greatest!

The prophecy continues - "And out of one of them came forth a little horn." (8:9) Whether the "one" refers back to "winds" of heaven, or to the "horns" involves the linguistics of verses 8 & 9. If "winds," indicating location, a significant case can be made as to where "the little horn" was to arise; for the direction of conquest, and thus origin, form a vital part of this prophecy. The "little horn" was to move "toward the south, toward the east, and toward the pleasant land." Directions were also given for the movements of the ram and the he-goat. (8:4-5) For example, the ram moved westward, northward, and southward. This means that he came from the east. See map on next page.

Applying this same reasoning to "the little horn" who moved south, east and toward the pleasant land, or Palestine, he would have to originate in the north and west. This leads to the designation of Rome as "the little horn." The conquests of Rome followed the directional sequence of the prophecy. First Rome challenged and conquered Carthage to the south; then Greece to the east, followed by the conquest of the Eastern Mediterranean area.

There are other prophetic criteria identifying "the little horn." The ram "became great;" the he-goat "waxed very great;" but the little horn "became exceeding great." (8:4,8,9) The interpretation given by Gabriel indicated further, that the little horn would appear at "the latter end of their [horn's] kingdom." (8:23) Antiochus Epiphanes meets none of these specifications.

In The Historians' History of the World, Vol. V, p. 1, is an observation which fits perfectly this prophecy if the "One of them" refers to the "horns." It

p 81 -- reads:

"As a matter of fact, the West [or Greek part of Italy] was left by the mother country to its own devices. But it presently became evident that the development that took place was fraught with consequences of the utmost moment to the Hellenistic political system. By abstaining from preemptory interference, while such interference was yet possible, the Macedonian kingdoms permitted a power to arise in Italy so strong that in a very short time it proceeded to aim a fatal blow at their own existence."

Jesus Christ Himself gives the final word to the question as to whether "the little horn" of Daniel 8 is Antiochus Epiphanes. He told His disciples that "the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet" was yet future in their day. (Matthew 24:15.)

DIRECTION OF CONQUEST IN PROPHECY OF DANIEL 8