Definition: And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Daniel 8:7. It’s a pretty complex verse, but we can understand its core meaning without getting bogged down in all the details. Here's what it essentially says: “And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.” Let’s unpack it into smaller parts: “And I saw him come close unto the ram…” – This means Daniel saw a vision of future events. It's not about a single event, but a vision of something happening. “…and he was moved with choler against him…” - "Choler" is a Hebrew word that translates to anger or rage. Daniel saw this person (we don’t know who it is) becoming intensely angry and hostile towards the ram. It's a powerful, intense feeling of hostility. “…and smote the ram, and brake his two horns…” – This describes a violent action: Daniel smashed the ram with his hand. He broke its horns - essentially causing significant damage. “And there was no power in the ram to stand before him…” – This is the crucial part! The ram (a sacrificial animal) couldn’t withstand this attack. It was completely helpless. “…but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.” – This is a devastating final act. Daniel deliberately smashed the ram to the ground and then marked it with a stamp (a symbol of punishment or control). It’s as if he completely immobilized the ram. No one, not even the strongest animal, could free it from his grasp. So, what does this verse mean? This is often interpreted as a prophecy about Israel being brought into a covenant with God. Daniel saw this future event – when Israel is judged and receives blessings – and was portrayed as powerfully resisting God's plan. The ram represents the sacrifices of the people, and its destruction symbolizes a loss of faith or rebellion against God. Key Takeaway: This verse speaks about divine judgment and the power of God . It’s a warning that even seemingly strong forces can be overcome by God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss what this verse might symbolize within a broader context of biblical prophecy? Provide a simpler, easier-to-understand explanation?