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.
And in the rebellion
This phrase refers to a period of apostasy and defiance against God. Historically, this can be linked to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who desecrated the Jewish temple, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. The rebellion signifies a time when God's people turned away from His commandments, paralleling other biblical instances of rebellion, such as the Israelites' idolatry in the wilderness (Exodus 32).

the host and the daily sacrifice were given over to the horn
The "host" represents the people of God, and the "daily sacrifice" refers to the continual offerings made in the temple. The "horn" symbolizes a powerful ruler or kingdom, in this context, Antiochus IV, who disrupted the temple services. This event is a foreshadowing of future desecrations, including the abomination of desolation mentioned in Daniel 9:27 and referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, indicating a pattern of persecution against God's worship.

and it flung truth to the ground
This phrase illustrates the suppression and distortion of God's truth. Antiochus IV attempted to eradicate Jewish religious practices and impose Hellenistic culture, symbolizing the broader spiritual warfare against divine truth. This act of casting truth to the ground is reminiscent of Satan's deception in Genesis 3 and his ongoing efforts to undermine God's word throughout history.

and prospered in whatever it did
Despite its rebellion against God, the horn experienced temporary success. This prosperity highlights the biblical theme that evil may flourish for a time, as seen in Psalm 73:3-12, where the wicked appear to thrive. However, such success is ultimately fleeting, as God's justice prevails. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, as prophesied in Daniel 2:44 and Revelation 11:15.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Little Horn
Represents a powerful ruler or kingdom that arises, often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who desecrated the Jewish temple.

2. The Host
Refers to the people of God, possibly the Jewish nation, who are subjected to persecution.

3. The Regular Burnt Offering
The daily sacrifices in the Jewish temple, which were disrupted by the actions of the little horn.

4. Transgression
The sin or rebellion that leads to the host being given over, possibly referring to the collective sins of the people or the specific actions of the oppressor.

5. Truth
Represents God's word and the faithful practice of worship, which is cast down by the little horn.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Sin and rebellion can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of God's protection and the rise of oppressive forces.

The Importance of Truth
Upholding God's truth is crucial, even when it is under attack. Believers must remain steadfast in their faith and practice.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent success of evil, God remains in control and will ultimately judge and restore righteousness.

Perseverance in Faith
Believers are called to endure persecution and remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate victory.

The Role of Prophecy
Understanding biblical prophecy helps believers recognize the patterns of history and remain vigilant in their spiritual walk.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of transgression in Daniel 8:12 relate to the broader theme of sin and its consequences in the Bible?

2. In what ways can believers today ensure that they are upholding truth, even when it is being "flung to the ground"?

3. How does the prophecy in Daniel 8:12 encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty despite the success of evil forces?

4. What parallels can you draw between the events described in Daniel 8:12 and the warnings given in the New Testament about end times?

5. How can understanding the historical context of Daniel 8:12 help us apply its lessons to our current spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7
The vision of the four beasts and the little horn, which parallels the rise of oppressive powers against God's people.

2 Thessalonians 2
The man of lawlessness who opposes and exalts himself over everything that is called God, similar to the actions of the little horn.

Revelation 13
The beast from the sea, which also blasphemes God and wages war against the saints, echoing the persecution seen in Daniel 8.

Isaiah 59:14-15
Describes truth being lacking and justice being turned back, similar to the truth being flung to the ground in Daniel 8:12.

Hebrews 10:26-31
Warns against willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, which can lead to severe consequences, akin to the transgression mentioned in Daniel 8:12.
The Temporary Triumph of ViolenceJ.D. Davies Daniel 8:1-12
The World-Powers and IsraelJoseph A. Seiss, D.D.Daniel 8:1-27
Vision of the Ram and the He-GoatT. Kirk.Daniel 8:1-27
Vision of the -Ram and the He-GoatWilliam M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 8:1-27
Modes of Supersensual VisionH.T. Robjohns Daniel 8:2, 13, 15
Two World-EmpiresH.T. Robjohns Daniel 8:3-8, 20-22
The Scourge of IsraelH.T. Robjohns Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25
People
Belshazzar, Daniel, Elam, Gabriel, Javan
Places
Babylon, Elam, Greece, Media, Persia, Susa, Ulai
Topics
Account, Acted, Along, Appointed, Army, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Cast, Continual, Crushed, Daily, Disobedience, Fling, Ground, Horn, Host, Offering, Perform, Pleasure, Practiced, Practised, Prosper, Prospered, Reason, Regular, Sacrifice, Saints, Throweth, Thrown, Transgression, Trial, Truth, Worked, Wrought
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 8:12

     1461   truth, nature of

Daniel 8:1-14

     1469   visions

Daniel 8:3-12

     4627   creatures

Daniel 8:9-12

     4125   Satan, agents of
     8703   antinomianism

Daniel 8:9-14

     7259   promised land, later history

Library
Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
"And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him." If we consider the sketch, given us in scripture, of the life of this patriarch, we shall find that few have had equal manifestations of the divine favor. But the light did not at all times shine on him. He had his dark hours while dwelling in this strange land. Here we find an horror of great darkness to have fallen upon him. The language used to describe his state, on this occasion,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua.
The New Testament distinguishes between the hidden God and the revealed God--the Son or Logos--who is connected with the former by oneness of nature, and who from everlasting, and even at the creation itself, filled up the immeasurable distance between the Creator and the creation;--who has been the Mediator in all God's relations to the world;--who at all times, and even before He became man in Christ, has been the light of [Pg 116] the world,--and to whom, specially, was committed the direction
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Apocalypse.
On the Lit. and life of John, see §§ 40 and 41 (this vol.); on the authorship of the Apoc. and the time of composition, § 37 (this vol.); § 41 (this vol.); and § 84 (this vol.) 1. Modern Critical, works of German and French scholars on the Apocalypse: Lücke (Voltständige Einleitung, etc., 2d ed., 1852; 1,074 pages of introductory matter, critical and historical; compare with it the review of Bleek in the "Studien and Kritiken" for 1854 and 1855); DeWette Com., 1848,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Daniel
Daniel is called a prophet in the New Testament (Matt. xxiv. 15). In the Hebrew Bible, however, the book called by his name appears not among the prophets, but among "the writings," between Esther and Ezra. The Greek version placed it between the major and the minor prophets, and this has determined its position in modern versions. The book is both like and unlike the prophetic books. It is like them in its passionate belief in the overruling Providence of God and in the sure consummation of His
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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