Daniel 7:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did you, O man, refrain from expressing this word? It was because it held no reference to the Jews; rather, in divine communication, God imparted it discreetly and concealed it within the heart of the prophet. Thus, he ultimately declares, “These words are hidden and sealed until the last time” (Dan. 12:9), deliberately wishing for their meaning to remain veiled. The same approach is taken by Christ when He teaches through parables. Observe how the prophet extols the greatness of this kingdom in such a way that earthly understanding eludes us. Humanity, despite possessing the entirety of the earth, cannot truly hold it forever or indefinitely. Let no one suggest that the prophet refers to a brief duration.

It is not surprising that the Prophet referred to this horn as small, while noting that its ‘vision’ is more significant than the others. However, it is essential to examine these words carefully. When he first observed this horn, he described it as small, acknowledging its emergence from the humble nation of the Jews and its yet-to-be-revealed authority. Yet, after it had overthrown the three preceding horns, he accurately identifies its vision as greater than the others. Consequently, he persists in questioning, "Why?"