The Little Horn of Daniel 7 (Daniel 7:8, 11, 19-27; Revelation 13) can readily be identified as the 11th Caesar of the Roman Empire. Titus Flavius Caesar Domitianus Augustus, or Domitian for short, was son of Emperor Vespasian, and ruled after his brother Titus over what had become the Roman Empire under Caesar Augustus (or, Octavius) from what had previously been merely a republic.
The Roman Empire became what it was after the battle of Actium in September of 31 BC, where then Octavius defeated the Marc Antony and Cleopatra, and Rome defeated Greece in becoming the dominant world power over the inhabited world. Julius Caesar, before him, had never been hailed as an emperor, but merely a ‘dictator’, and likewise, Octavius was granted the title from the Senate, as opposed to Julius Caesar’s title which was one the Senate could not grant. [ref]http://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Empire/, “The Early Dynasties”[/ref]
Under the new title, and with the new dominion, Caesar Augustus led the nation into it’s new role until his death in 14 AD. But, it was four emperors later, the fifth Emperor, that things became difficult for the Jews. In 37 AD, Emperor Nero (“Nero Claudius Caesar Augusutus Germanicus”) became emperor. His persecution of Christians as well as the Jews increased until his eventual death during the war on Jerusalem in June of 68 AD.
Vespasian replaced him as emperor, and Vespasian’s son Titus, to be emperor after his father’s death, took his father’s role in the war on Jerusalem and besieged Israel’s capital. This set the stage, therefore, of Domitian’s eventual rule after Titus’ death in 51 AD.
Daniel 7’s prophecy of the Little Horn
As it pertains to Scripture, particularly the prophecy of Daniel 7, we see several characteristics of the ‘little horn’.
[8] While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.
Daniel 7:8
- It is called ‘another’, meaning additional, so it an 11th horn. (v8)
- It is described as ‘little’. (v8)
- It came up ‘among them’, the first horns, meaning it was one of them (part of the first 10 kings). (v8)
- Three horns were pulled out before it. (v8, 20, 24 “he will subdue” or “he will bring low”)
- Possessed eyes like a man. (v8, 20)
- Uttered great boasts. (v8, 11, 20)
- Larger than those around it. (v20)
- Different than the previous ones. (v24)
- Speak out against the Most High. (v25)
- Will intend to make alterations in the laws and the times. (v25)
- They will be given over for a time, times, and half a time (three and a half years). (v25)
- Dominion taken away and destroyed (annihilated forever). (v26)
Domitian as Daniel 7’s Little Horn
Of these, Domitian fits exceptionally well.
- Domitian was the 11th Emperor of Rome.
- Domitian was also little. As a horn can indicate strength or, in this case, a ruler, Domitian was not the first choice for Emperor. Titus was preferred before him, both in leading the siege against Jerusalem, and as ruler before him. Domitian, in fact, was in Rome during the upheaval after Nero died.
- Domitian was Vespasian’s son, as was Titus, and is considered a part of the Flavian Dynasty. Thus, he is from them.
- After Nero died in 68 AD, 69 AD is known as the year of four emperors. The generals vied for the throne in the absence, and, only after these three died, did Vespasian become Emperor in December of that year. He ruled for ten years, and his son Titus, after him, for two years and three months.
- “Eyes” can signify observation, insight, learning, or even arrogance. Domitian fits these characteristics. He saw himself as the new Augustus, and nominated himself as the perpetual ‘censor’, the one who dictated public and private morals.[ref]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domitian[/ref]
- Domitian fits the image of being boastful. He revived the imperial cult which implemented emperor worship. He set up a massive statue of himself in Ephesus for the requirement of worship. He nominated himself as the perpetual keeper of morals.
- Domitian’s reign lasted longer than many before him, back until Tiberius. As well, his ruling and dominion throughout the empire were much much greater than those before.
- Domitian was also much different than the others. He revived the cult. Tried revising the legal and calendar systems. Domitian, although he started out as a small horn (very little political strength), became a large tyrant, ruling and trampling underfoot.
- Domitian revived the Imperial Cult, which demanded emperor worship. Domitian is regarded as the second persecutor of Christians.
- Domitian attempted to change the legal and calendar systems under his rule.
- It is said the outright persecution under Domitian lasted this long (3 1/2 years).
- Domitian’s assasination marked the end of the Flavian dynasty. After him, while Rome continued for a time (Daniel 7:12), they did not exercise the dominion or authority of Domitian. Indeed, what followed next were known as the “good emperors”, who ruled relatively benevolently.
Conclusion
By all the indications of Daniel 7, Caesar Domitian fits perfectly. His rule fits in the empire at this time, as well as the characteristics of his reign. His persecution of the Christians towards the end of his reign, then, appear to correspond to the character described in Revelation 13.
Of note, however, is that the three and a half years of Daniel 7:25 is not the same as elsewhere in Scripture. However, this should surprise no one, because it is merely the most natural division of God’s set time-clock, the Sabbath of years, or 7-year cycle that God described as His calendar.
The other thing to note is that this cannot be the ‘little horn’ described in Daniel 8:9, as some scholars claim. Whereas the horn in Daniel 7 is in the fourth beast, the horn of Daniel 8 is clearly in the last. What we have here, then, is merely an over-application of an adjective which is not sufficiently distinct to identify any specific individual. “Small” merely indicates the size of strength or rulership, not area of appointment. As Domitian was not a great leader, nor the recognition in the Roman, or fourth kingdom in Daniel 7, so Antiochus was likewise held captive in a foreign city, and never ruled with great ability. While both their abilities grew, neither one was ‘likely’ to be ruler (Antiochus was not even the next eligible when he was crowned).
Domitian fits the characteristics of Daniel 7, and as our next article will show, that of Revelation 13 as well.