דניאל, פרק ז׳, פסוק י״א

A prophetic vision of terrifying beasts reaches a dramatic climax as overwhelming arrogance directly brings about absolute destruction. A prominent horn speaks with loud, boastful, and arrogant words. The primary approach among commentators is that this loud boasting represents governmental pride, which becomes the central sin that angers God. This pride triggers His strict justice, sealing the fate of the entire beast. Offering a more specific identification, [מלבי״ם] views this speaking horn as the kingdom of the Ishmaelites. In this view, the harsh judgment is handed down because of the heresy and rebellion spread by their prophet against the true faith and against God Himself.

As a direct result of this arrogant voice, the vision continues until the beast is slain [מצודת דוד]. Its body is completely ruined and wiped out of existence. Ultimately, the remains are handed over to be consumed by a blazing fire. Identifying the source of this flame, [רש״י] connects it to the fire of Jacob. Drawing on the prophecy in Obadiah which states that the house of Jacob will become a fire, this indicates the specific power that will ultimately consume the beast.

On a historical and prophetic level, the slaughter and burning of the beast symbolize the absolute downfall of the fourth kingdom after a long period of time [יוסף אבן יחיא], specifically marking the final end of the power and dominion of the Ishmaelites [מלבי״ם].