Definition: And it waxed great, [even] to the host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important Bible verse from Daniel 8:10. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan for the future and how He will protect His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God setting a plan in motion to protect his chosen people – specifically, Israel – from a terrible threat. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it waxed great…” : This is like saying "it grew and became bigger." It suggests that the plan was becoming increasingly important and powerful. “…to the host of heaven” : This refers to all the angelic beings, or heavenly messengers, who are part of God’s divine presence. Think of them as a collective group of angels watching over the world. “And it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground…” : This is the key part! It means that God took action to discourage or even stop something – perhaps a rebellion or an impending disaster. He deliberately weakened some of these heavenly beings, causing them to fall to the ground (like being knocked down). “and stamped upon them.” : This is the most dramatic part. God then used his power and authority to stamp or mark something on those fallen angels. It’s like a punishment, but it wasn't necessarily about inflicting pain – it was more about demonstrating His judgment and control. What does this verse mean practically? This is often interpreted as a prophecy about the coming of a time when God will: Protect Israel: The phrase "protect his chosen people" speaks to the history of the Israelites, who were promised land and blessing in the Bible. Overcome Opposition: It suggests that God will ultimately defeat any opposition or challenge to His people. Establish Justice: The stamping onto the angels is seen as a sign of justice and divine authority being exercised. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse is debated among scholars, but it’s generally understood as a symbolic representation of God's ultimate victory over evil and a promise of His protection for his people. In short, Daniel 8:10 describes a powerful event where God used his authority to subdue a group of angels – a sign of His future plan to defend His chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Explore different interpretations of this passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?