דניאל, פרק ז׳, פסוק כ״ד

Prophetic visions often use dramatic symbols to map out future shifts in global power and the rise of unexpected empires. The mysterious imagery of the beasts is decoded to reveal a sequence of political upheavals. The ten horns seen in the vision represent ten future kings or kingdoms that will emerge from one foundational empire [ביאור שטיינזלץ, יוסף אבן יחיא]. There are different perspectives regarding the identity of this empire. One approach suggests it refers to the kingdom of Ishmael [מצודת דוד]. In contrast, another perspective identifies it as the Roman Empire, predicting that it will eventually expand to dominate all nations and, in the end of days, encompass ten distinct kingdoms [מלבי״ם].

Following the reign of these ten kings, an additional, final ruler will take power. This leader corresponds to the small horn seen earlier in the prophecy [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם], with some identifying him specifically as Titus [רש״י]. What sets this final king apart is his sharp departure from the ways of his predecessors. While all the earlier empires were steeped in idolatry, this new power will completely abandon idol worship, making his rule entirely unique [מלבי״ם]. As he establishes his dominance, this final king will ultimately confront, humiliate, and bring down three of the kings who came before him [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].