Definition: Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 8:8. It's a really interesting and symbolic verse about future times and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when God is setting up a powerful system to protect His people. It speaks of a period of great growth and potential for good, but also hints at a challenge that will need to be overcome. Let's unpack the parts: “Therefore the he goat waxed very great…” : This refers to a large, growing animal – think of a goat. “Waxing” suggests increasing in size and strength. “…and when he was strong, the great horn was broken…” : This is a crucial point. It means that God’s plan is about to be fulfilled, and He's preparing for something significant. "The great horn" represents a powerful and important element of this future. “And for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.” : This is where it gets symbolic. “Four winds of heaven” are usually interpreted as the four directions – North, South, East, and West. The fact that these "notable ones" are coming towards them suggests that God’s plan is being directed towards a specific outcome or solution. What does this all mean in a broader sense? Many translations interpret this verse as referring to the coming of a Messiah (Jesus) . Here's how it connects: The “Great Horn” : This represents the Kingdom of God, which will be brought forth by Jesus. “Four Winds of Heaven” : These represent the four spiritual forces – faith, hope, charity, and repentance – that will guide people toward God and ultimately lead to His Kingdom. In short, this verse describes a time when God is establishing a system to protect and bless His people, with a significant event (the coming of the Messiah) at its core. Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/charts](https://www.biblegateway.com/charts) - You can easily find different translations and interpretations of this passage. Different Bible Resources: Many websites like Bible.org or The Bible Project offer detailed explanations and analyses of biblical verses. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolic meaning? Compare it to other biblical passages about future events?