Bible Strands
Daniel 7:21
As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Daniel addresses the vision he is currently observing, describing a beast's horn actively attacking the holy ones during his prophetic sight. The account occurs mid-vision, immediately following the horn's arrogant appearance and preceding divine intervention.
The words — The Aramaic עָבְדָה קְרָב ('a.ve.Dah ke.Rav) literally renders "was making war" or "waged war." The action targets קַדִּישִׁ֑ין (ka.di.Shin), "the holy ones," while the verb עָבְדָה emphasizes the horn's deliberate campaign rather than a spontaneous clash.
The thread — This temporary victory mirrors Daniel 12:7's measured period of persecution and aligns with Daniel 8:24's note that destructive power operates without originating from the wielder. Revelation 13:5 connects the horn's arrogant speech and limited authority to the beast's forty-two-month reign.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that opposing forces will temporarily dominate before the Ancient of Days executes judgment. It calls for patient observation of the horn's campaign while anchoring expectation in the coming verdict that transfers the kingdom to the saints.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Cross-references
- Daniel 12:7 And the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, and times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people has finally been shattered, all these things will be completed.”
- Daniel 8:24 His power will be great, but it will not be his own. He will cause terrible destruction and succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men along with the holy people.
- Revelation 13:5 The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
- Revelation 17:14 They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
- Revelation 12:3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads.
- Revelation 17:6 I could see that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and witnesses for Jesus. And I was utterly amazed at the sight of her.
- Revelation 11:7 When the two witnesses have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will wage war with them, and will overpower and kill them.
- Revelation 19:19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army.
- Daniel 8:12 And in the rebellion, the host and the daily sacrifice were given over to the horn, and it flung truth to the ground and prospered in whatever it did.
- Daniel 11:31 His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation.