Definition: And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 7:25. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic passage about impending judgment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a time when someone will be very powerful – almost godlike – but they’re going to actively try to harm or disrupt the people of God. It’s a warning about a future period of great trouble and upheaval. Let's break it down word by word: “And he shall speak [great] words…” - This suggests that the person speaking will be very powerful and influential, likely with a significant impact on the world. “Great” emphasizes this magnitude. “…against the most High…” – This is crucial. "The most High" refers to God. This isn't just any God; it’s the God of the Jewish people throughout history. The person speaking will be challenging or attacking God himself . “…and shall wear out the saints of the most High…” - “Staints” refers to God’s people – the followers of God, the Israelites in Daniel's time. “Wear out” means to weaken or destroy them. This is a very serious threat. It suggests that this person will systematically undermine their faith and community. “…and think to change times and laws:” - They won’t just be disruptive; they'll actively try to alter the established order, rules, and traditions of the world. This implies a deliberate attempt to defy God’s plan. “They shall be given into his hand until a time and times…” – This is where it gets really significant. “A time and times” refers to a specific point in history that will eventually come, and this person will have the power to control or influence that moment. It’s a reference to God's plan for the world. “…and the dividing of time:” - This is an important part. It means that this period of trouble won’t be a single event; it will be divided into stages, with periods of great blessing and then significant hardship. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Daniel 7:25 is a prophecy about a powerful figure who seeks to undermine God's people and disrupt the established order. It suggests that this person will eventually be in control and that the world will experience periods of both good and bad. It’s a warning against complacency and a reminder that God’s plan is secure, even when things seem chaotic. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prediction of a time of great persecution and upheaval for the Jewish people in the future. However, it's also seen as a broader prophecy about the rise and fall of powerful figures who challenge God's will. Resources to Explore Further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/25/Daniel%3A25](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/25/Daniel%3A25) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletrend.com/2016/05/28/daniel-7-25/](https://thebibletrend.com/2016/05/28/daniel-7-25/) --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific historical event or figure (without getting too detailed)? Discuss the different interpretations of this prophecy?