Daniel Chapter 8 Vs. 10

Daniel's Vision of the Ram and the Goat

Daniel 8:10 "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."


host... Heb. tsaba, The words host and hosts are used 491 times of various armies of earth and of heaven, as well as the mass of stars, etc. The term host of heaven is used of the sun, moon, and stars; of the angels; and here of the high priest, the priests and the Levites (v. 24-25; 12:7). It is a technical term for the ministers of the temple (Num. 4:23-43; 8:24-25).

The host may also include the worshippers (Rev. 11:1-2). They are pictured under the figure of stars of heaven (v.10).

to the ground... the fact that the host will be trodden under the foot of the man proves it refers to the Jewish people on earth, and not literal stars of heaven (v. 10, 13).

This picturesque language portrays antichrist persecution against Jewish people using the figure of stars. When defeated, the “stars” (Jewish people) will fall under the tyrant’s domination.

Revelation 6:13 "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind."

The fig tree symbolizes the house of Israel. The "host of heaven" could be speaking of Israel.

This particular Scripture could have two messages. One would be to the time very near to when Daniel lived, and the other could reach to the end of time.

This picturesque language portrays Antiochus’ persecution against Jewish people using the figure of stars. When defeated, the “stars” (Jewish people), will fall under the tyrant’s domination.





He became a great persecutor of the people of Israel (the host of the heaven; cf. “host” in Dan. 8:13) and he subjugated that nation (trampled on them).