“And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered” (Daniel 8:12).

Previously, we saw the papacy exercising power against God’s people, persecuting them, arrogantly speaking and acting against God and causing the refreshing Sabbath bread of His presence to be abandoned from the heart. That corrupt organization changed so many of God’s laws by tradition (much of it with pagan roots) that God could no longer dwell in the sanctuary (church or heart).

If this all seems overwhelming to you, we want to stop briefly, just for you – Gabriel is describing the most terrible persecution that God’s people will ever experience. He is presenting Satan and his agents at their most powerful and devilish hour with overt hatred towards man and God. But – as a good counselor and adviser always does, Gabriel says, Hope is coming. And what beautiful hope it is. Let’s continue our study together. Wonderful and encouraging things will soon be shared.

We’ve seen so far this anti-God force impeding the atonement process, opposing the covenant relationship and, with resistance, trying to create a schism between God and His people. In what we have already learned, we can conclude that the papal little horn has become exceedingly powerful. He is doing something to take away the divine Sabbath presence from the sanctuary of man’s heart and His people.

The ram represents Jesus and His sacrificing people who are seeking to become a pure covenant host. The he-goat symbolizes Satan and his people coming against them – just like Greece came against Persia. The little horn is Satan’s last-day representative who is out to hurt the final stages of the redemptive
process.

We have seen what this papal power will do, but what is the great “sin” or transgression that causes all these terrible things to come about? The pivotal text in this message is verse 12: “And an host was given [him] [little horn] against the daily sacrifice by reason [here it is] of [transgression], and it cast down the [truth] to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered” (Daniel 8:12).

Previously, the Hebrew word for host (tsaba) related to the heavenly Prince’s people. Now, using the very same word, Gabriel says the little horn also has a “host” against the “daily” or God’s restorative presence, especially His divine Sabbath presence. This imagery of support ties with Revelation 13:3 where there is loyalty to the beast (another symbol of the papacy) from the whole world.

The basis for all the actions of the little horn is a transgression (pesha). This word symbolizes those who reject God’s authority, laws and covenant.

1.  Authority – as Creator

2.  Laws – standards of God’s kingdom

3.  Covenant – restoration agreement

In the context of the ram and the he-goat, we see the conflict between good and evil. In the abandonment of the “daily” we find a rebellion against God’s presence and His Sabbath rest. In the challenge against God’s dwelling place in the sanctuary we see a man-produced barrier impeding the convicting work of God in man’s heart. This is rebellion against the very atonement covenant process. God had previously inspired David to write: “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” (Psalm 77:13). The word for “sanctuary” is qodesh. We will see that again in verse 14. Qodesh means a holy or a sacred place. It is wherever God’s presence resides – His temple. That could be any place from our own hearts to His church to the sanctuary of heaven.

Here in Daniel the papacy and its supporters sin against God’s covenant, His law and His authority. This transgression drives away God’s presence. The power of His transforming grace is replaced by a man-made institution.

God’s authority, the great objective of man’s restoration (law) and His promise of rest (covenant), are all embodied in the Sabbath commandment. The little horn, the papacy, uses its power to undermine God’s holy Sabbath day. All the symbology seen in the previous few verses comes to this focal point. The pesha is against the law that God wrote on stone and told us to “Remember.” To actively war against God’s people, appealing to laws that promote falsehood (a transgression), the little horn or papacy promotes a false Sabbath!

Amazing is the clarity of Scripture. The message defines the issue further by saying that truth is cast to the earth. Truth is the defining attribute of God. For man it depicts salvation and the way of life. This apostate power tears at that foundation. To make this blasphemous power more hideous, Daniel said it practiced and prospered. The linguistics here means it fashioned its own standards and prospered.

How does the little horn sin?

1.   It makes its own moral standards (“practiced” – asah)

2.   It abandons truth

3.   It blasphemes God – defies His authority

4.   It takes away the Sabbath presence

5.   It creates a barrier for the completion of the everlasting covenant

6.   It impedes the Spirit working in the sanctuary of man’s heart

7.   It sets up a false sabbath against the fourth commandment

“In the last days those who are opposed to God shall prosper for a time through cunning and deceit (Daniel 8:12, 24f). But their success will be only temporary for God is preparing a time of judgment against all evil to accomplish His indignation (Daniel 11:36). It must be clearly affirmed that transgression of God’s law will never finally succeed (Numbers 14:41).”[1]

Some of you may want to go back and restudy the last two chapters. In special language the terrible antics of the papacy are outlined. When each is studied, an amazing picture is painted. It is not unlike the fearful activity of the sea and earth beasts of Revelation 13 working together. Imagery is being developed that portrays the Babylon of Revelation, Jeremiah and Isaiah.

Next we will begin laying the groundwork to see when all this will happen. Jesus told us when that appointed time would be. Of all things – when the pesha is matured! Exciting surprises and wonderful messages are just ahead.

Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D.; Prophecy Research Initiative © 2009