All schools of Hermeneutics possess preconceived notions that provide a starting point. As Historicists, we accept as given what has been extensively established by numerous pious and learned authors who came before us. With this foundation, we proceed to assume the following conclusions:
1 That in symbolic prophecy a “day” is the symbol of a year, and a “time” of 360 years.
2 That Daniel’s prophetic visions of the fourfold metallic image and of the four beasts have been fulfilled in the histories of the Babylonian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman empires.
3 That “Babylon the Great” in Rev 17 is the Roman Catholic Church.
4 That the little horn of Daniel 7 represents the Papal dynasty, and the little horn of chapter 8 is, as to its final form, the Mohammedan power,—the one arising out of the Roman empire, and ruling in western Europe; the other arising out of one of the divisions of the Greek empire, and ruling in eastern Europe and in Asia.
The Horns
In both Chapters 7 and 8 of Daniel, the focus is on the two Little Horns—distinct from the other horns that symbolize vast empires. These little horns are unique because they don’t develop into dynastic rulers like the others; instead, they represent oppressive, apostate religious powers that act almost as parasites, living off the larger empires. Unlike the standard horns that symbolize political kingdoms, these Little Horns are rooted in religious corruption, trampling both God’s truth and His people.
These twin powers—identified as the Papacy and Islam—have wielded considerable influence over their followers. Despite their modest beginnings, they grew by establishing religious systems that challenged the divine order. The Papacy is often seen as the Great Apostasy of the West, leading a spiritual rebellion and replacing true worship with man-made doctrines. Conversely, Islam is viewed as a significant force in the East, having conquered literal Jerusalem and exerting control over the Jewish homeland and its people.
The two horns have many similarities. They both demand conformity among those they subjugate. There is no freedom of thought or conscience allowed in their respective schemes. Conform or be condemned to death.
FYI: Some stubbornly cling to the interpretation that these Little Horns are the same power; they represent the papacy. However, Scripture specifically states that the Little Horn of chapter seven arose from the Roman Beast, from among the Ten Nations of Western Europe, whereas the Little Horn of chapter eight arose from one of the horns of the Greek He-goat. One rules in the Western Latin Empire while the other rules the Eastern Greek Empire. These little horns constitute that last phase of Gentile powers addressed by these prophecies; they are the Papacy in the west and Islam in the east.
When looking at the history that these portend, we see that these two little horns come up within one hundred years of each other. The Roman horn appeared with the Edict of Justinian in 533 AD, and the Greek horn arose from the teachings of Mohammed in 622 AD. They both subjugate all to their religion.
Daniel records that these Little Horns have ten characteristics each. They are similar but not the same.
