Three Horns of Daniel 7

A standard identification of the three horns introduced in Daniel 7:8 has been the Ostrogoths, Vandals, and Heruli. As it turns out, this is not the best view historically.

Often the three horns are identified as the three Arian tribes among the Germanic invaders of the Roman empire, implying that there were only three Arian groups. In reality, nearly all of the Barbarian nations to invade the Roman empire were Arian. The two notable exceptions were the Franks and the Anglo-Saxons, both of which were still pagan when they arrived. Considering that as many as eight of the commonly listed Barbarian nations were probably Arian, the three are not unique on that count alone.

A map of the year 500 will be of help to us. The three major Barbarian kingdoms that at that time controlled the territory of the former western Roman Empire were the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. The elimination of these three was essential to the supremacy of the papacy.

The following is a quote from the Biblical Research Institute Release #7, Historical Confirmation of Prophetic Periods, by Heinz Schaidinger, May 2010.

"I do not favour the Heruli as one of the three uprooted powers for the following reasons: (1) It was not the tribe of the Heruli that was destroyed by Theoderic's murder of Odoacer. Odoacer was partly of Herulian descent, true; yet, his soldiers were mercenaries coming from many tribes. There was no such thing as a 'Herulian kingdom'. (2) The fight between Theoderic and Odoacer had nothing to do with the Roman pontiff. The papacy did not gain anything out of the change of rulership from Odoacer to Theoderic."

Ten Horns of Revelation 17

"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast." Revelation 17:12

Unlike those mentioned in Revelation 13:1, these horns have no crowns. These are powers that have received no kingdom as yet, so at this point at least they are not really kings. They will someday, however, be given power "as" kings for one hour with the beast. They will then exercise political influence.

These ten horns are not regular political heads of state. It looks instead like these are the leading evangelical churches which for a short time will enjoy king-like power. They will help to form the image of the beast, replicating the authority exercised by the papacy during the dark ages.

The word "hour" here is the same word used in Revelation 14:7 where it says, "the hour of his judgment is come." It indicates a limited but unspecified period of time.

"These have one mind...." Revelation 17:13

It has become increasingly popular for churches to ignore doctrinal differences and focus on common beliefs. Denominationalism is now considered outdated as believers flock to non-denominational worship centers. The "unity of the body of Christ" is the all-important concern.

Speaking of "the evangelical Protestant denominations," Charles Beecher in the nineteenth century said, "And what do we see just ahead? Another general council! A world convention! Evangelical alliance, and universal creed!"

"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result." Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 445.

"...And shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:13

Just as the Roman ecclesiastical system received its medieval power by the support of the ten horns of Daniel 7, so its endtime rejuvenation is accomplished by the support of the ten horns of Revelation 17. As the barbarians changed the nature of the Roman Empire, so the Evangelicals will change the nature of America.

"These shall make war with the Lamb...." Revelation 17:14

When the evangelical churches abandon the principles of Protestantism to the extent that they seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas, when they push for legislation that would ultimately compel people to violate a commandment of God, they are making war with the Lamb. This hasn't happened yet, but it is predicted in Revelation 13:16, 17. See commentary on those verses.

"These shall hate the whore...." Revelation 17:16

When the vials of God's wrath are poured out upon those who have rejected God's commandments in order to keep the laws of man, it will finally be seen that the great religious union was all a counterfeit. The true character of the symbolic "woman" will be unmasked. Those who supported her will turn from her in disgust, pouring out their contempt upon her.

"For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree...." Revelation 17:17

That is, among themselves. "There has been for years, in churches of the Protestant faith, a strong and growing sentiment in favor of a union based upon common points of doctrine. To secure such a union, the discussion of subjects upon which all were not agreed--however important they might be from a Bible standpoint--must necessarily be waived." The Great Controversy, p. 444.

"...And give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled." Revelation 17:17

"What is it that gives its kingdom to this power? Protestantism." 7BC 983.