Daniel 8:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it waxed great {H1431}, even to the host {H6635} of heaven {H8064}; and it cast down {H5307} some of the host {H6635} and of the stars {H3556} to the ground {H776}, and stamped {H7429} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

It grew so great that it reached the army of heaven; it hurled some of the army and the stars to the ground and trampled on them.

Berean Standard Bible

It grew as high as the host of heaven, and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the earth, and trampled them.

American Standard Version

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and some of the host and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 8:10 is a profoundly significant verse within Daniel's vision of the ram and the goat, vividly portraying the audacious and blasphemous actions of the "little horn" power. This passage depicts an entity that not only achieves immense earthly prominence but daringly extends its aggression to challenge divine authority, persecuting God's people and desecrating that which is sacred. It offers a penetrating prophetic insight into the nature of anti-God powers throughout history and their inevitable confrontation with divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 8:10 is an indispensable part of a complex prophetic vision given to Daniel in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, as meticulously detailed in [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - The Vision of the Ram and the Goat"). The vision unfolds with a two-horned ram symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, followed by a swift, one-horned goat representing the Grecian Empire under Alexander the Great. After the goat's "great horn" is broken, four notable horns emerge, signifying the division of Alexander's empire into four successor kingdoms. From one of these four, a "little horn" arises ([Daniel 8:9](/daniel/8-9 "Daniel 8:9 - The Little Horn Emerges")), which then "waxed great" and directs its aggression not only against earthly powers but, most strikingly, against the "host of heaven." Verse 10 specifically describes this horn's audacious assault on what is understood to be God's people and their spiritual leadership, thereby setting the stage for the intense desolation and persecution detailed in the subsequent verses of [Daniel 8](/daniel/8 "Daniel 8 - Prophecy of Antiochus IV and the End Times"). This verse marks a critical escalation in the horn's blasphemous trajectory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the "little horn" of Daniel 8 is widely interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. His reign was characterized by aggressive Hellenization efforts and a brutal persecution of the Jews, culminating in the infamous desecration of the Jerusalem Temple in 167 BC, an event meticulously recorded in [1 Maccabees 1:54-64](/1_maccabees/1-54-64 "1 Maccabees 1:54-64 - Desecration of the Temple"). His actions, particularly his self-exaltation and violent suppression of Jewish religious practices, align remarkably with the description in Daniel 8:10-12. Culturally, the imagery of "host of heaven" and "stars" carried profound weight in the ancient Near East, often referring to celestial bodies, divine beings, or, significantly, earthly rulers, prominent figures, or even God's covenant people. The acts of "casting down" and "stamping upon" carried the powerful connotation of utter conquest, humiliation, and destructive subjugation, reflecting the complete contempt and tyranny Antiochus IV displayed towards the Jewish people and their faith. This historical fulfillment also serves as a potent type or foreshadowing of a greater, eschatological anti-Christ figure.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 8:10 contributes profoundly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Exalted Arrogance and Blasphemy**, where earthly powers, in their unbridled hubris, dare to challenge divine authority and usurp God's prerogatives. The horn's ambition to wax "even to the host of heaven" signifies a spiritual rebellion against the Most High, echoing the pride seen in other biblical accounts of rebellion, such as the fall of Lucifer in [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer"). Secondly, the verse underscores the grim theme of the **Persecution of God's People**. The "host" and "stars" are widely understood to symbolize God's covenant people, particularly their spiritual leaders or those in positions of prominence and faithfulness. The violent actions of "casting down" and "stamping upon" them vividly depict the brutal oppression and humiliation faced by the faithful. This theme is central to Daniel's message, as seen in the trials of Daniel and his friends, and the persecution of the saints by the "little horn" in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - Persecution of the Saints"). Finally, the verse speaks to the enduring theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Ultimate Judgment**. Despite the temporary triumph of oppressive powers, Daniel's prophecies consistently affirm God's ultimate control over history and His eventual judgment upon all who oppose Him, ensuring the vindication of His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, as powerfully foreshadowed in [Daniel 7:26-27](/daniel/7-26-27 "Daniel 7:26-27 - Judgment and Everlasting Dominion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gâdal (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** Translated as "waxed great," this primitive root properly means to twist, but more broadly, to be or to make large in various senses, including body, mind, estate, or honor, and significantly, in pride. In Daniel 8:10, it conveys not merely growth in size or power, but an arrogant and presumptuous expansion that utterly oversteps all proper bounds, reaching for a divine sphere. It signifies an inflated pride and an ambition that seeks to rival heavenly authority, a characteristic of anti-God powers.
* **tsâbâʼ (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** Translated as "host," this word refers to a mass of persons, especially one organized for war (an army), or figuratively, a campaign, or even hardship or worship. When combined with "heaven" (shâmayim), "host of heaven" can literally refer to celestial bodies (stars, planets), angelic armies, or, in a prophetic context, God's people—particularly those organized or serving Him, including their leaders. Here, it denotes the spiritual and earthly community of God's people, possibly including their leaders, whom the horn targets with its aggression.
* **râmaç (Hebrew, _râmaç'_):** Translated as "stamped upon," this primitive root means to tread upon, often in a destructive or abusive manner, as a potter might tread clay or someone might walk. It conveys the idea of crushing, trampling underfoot, or utterly subjugating. In this verse, it vividly portrays the contempt, violence, and complete dominance exercised by the little horn over its victims, signifying their utter humiliation, desecration, and destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it waxed great, [even] to the host of heaven":** This clause describes the extraordinary and audacious growth of the "little horn." Its ambition extends far beyond mere earthly dominion, aiming to challenge the very realm of God's authority and presence, which is symbolically represented by the "host of heaven." This indicates a profound spiritual rebellion and blasphemous self-exaltation, an attempt to elevate itself to a divine status.
* **"and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground":** Following its immense and arrogant growth, the horn actively engages in violent assault. "The host" and "the stars" are potent symbolic representations of God's people, particularly their leaders, priests, or those who shine brightly in faith and spiritual prominence. The act of "casting down" signifies a violent overthrow, humiliation, and forceful removal from their positions of influence, security, or spiritual standing.
* **"and stamped upon them":** This final, brutal action emphasizes the utter contempt, cruelty, and complete subjugation of those who have been cast down. To "stamp upon" implies a demeaning, destructive, and utterly crushing act, highlighting the oppressive power's desire not just to defeat but to utterly desecrate, humiliate, and annihilate its victims. It conveys a sense of total victory and disdain.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 8:10 is rich in **Symbolism**, a key literary device used throughout apocalyptic literature to convey profound truths through evocative imagery. The "little horn" itself is a powerful symbol for a tyrannical, oppressive kingdom or ruler (historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes, prophetically an ultimate antichrist figure). The "host of heaven" and "stars" are potent symbols representing God's people, particularly their prominent leaders, priests, or those who reflect divine light and order. The phrase "waxing great even to the host of heaven" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme arrogance and blasphemous ambition of the horn, suggesting an attempt to usurp divine authority and elevate itself to a cosmic level. The entire verse uses **Metaphor** to describe the horn's actions, portraying a political power as a violent beast that physically attacks celestial bodies, which are themselves metaphors for human beings or spiritual entities. This vivid imagery creates a profound sense of cosmic conflict, highlighting that the persecution of God's people is not merely a political struggle but a spiritual battle with heavenly implications, reflecting a rebellion against the divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 8:10 profoundly illustrates the recurring biblical theme of the relentless conflict between God's kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. It underscores that earthly powers, when driven by pride, rebellion, and a spirit of defiance against God, inevitably turn their aggression towards His people. The "little horn's" audacious attempt to reach "the host of heaven" signifies a spiritual warfare where the true target is divine authority and those who bear God's image and represent His truth on earth. This verse reveals the intense and often brutal nature of spiritual opposition, where the enemy seeks not just to dominate but to desecrate and destroy the sacred and the faithful. Yet, even within this dark prophecy, there is an implicit affirmation of God's ultimate sovereignty, for such a formidable power is only permitted to act for a set time, under God's overarching plan, leading inexorably to its inevitable judgment and the vindication of His suffering people.

* [Revelation 12:4](/revelation/12-4 "Revelation 12:4 - The Dragon and the Stars")
* [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - The Little Horn's War Against the Saints")
* [Matthew 24:29-30](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 8:10 serves as a sobering and yet profoundly encouraging reminder that throughout history, and especially as the end times approach, God's people will face formidable opposition from powers that are not merely humanly ambitious but divinely defiant. This verse calls believers to a profound awareness of the spiritual dimension of persecution, recognizing that attacks on the faithful are ultimately attacks on God Himself and His divine order. It encourages steadfastness, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of such trials, knowing that even when God's people are "cast down" and "stamped upon," their ultimate vindication and triumph rest securely in God's sovereign hand. We are called to discern the signs of the times, to remain faithful amidst adversity, and to remember that the temporary triumph of evil will ultimately give way to God's eternal and unshakeable kingdom. This passage strengthens our resolve to endure, trusting in the divine promise of ultimate victory and the establishment of everlasting righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "little horn's" ambition to reach "the host of heaven" challenge our understanding of human pride and spiritual rebellion in the contemporary world?**
* **In what ways might believers today experience being "cast down" or "stamped upon" by opposing forces, whether physical persecution, ideological pressure, or cultural marginalization?**
* **What comfort and encouragement can we draw from the broader narrative of Daniel regarding God's unwavering sovereignty over all oppressive powers and His ultimate justice?**
* **How does understanding this prophecy deepen our commitment to stand firm in faith, to pray for those who persecute, and to proclaim the truth of God's kingdom, even when facing adversity?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "little horn" in Daniel 8:10, and what does it represent?**

Answer: The "little horn" in Daniel 8:10 is a multifaceted symbolic figure that carries both a historical and an eschatological interpretation. Historically, it is widely understood to represent Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. He is infamous for his severe persecution of the Jewish people and, most notably, for desecrating the Jerusalem Temple in 167 BC. His actions, such as stopping daily sacrifices and setting up an idol in the Temple (the "abomination that makes desolate" in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination that Makes Desolate")), align remarkably with the horn's aggressive and blasphemous behavior described in the prophecy. Prophetically, Antiochus IV serves as a powerful type or foreshadowing of a future, ultimate antichrist figure who will embody similar characteristics of self-exaltation, blasphemy, and intense persecution of God's people, as vividly depicted in [Revelation 13](/revelation/13 "Revelation 13 - The Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth"). Therefore, the "little horn" represents a recurring pattern of anti-God power that opposes divine authority and persecutes the faithful throughout history, culminating in a final, ultimate manifestation before Christ's return.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 8:10, with its chilling depiction of a blasphemous power attacking the "host of heaven" and "stars," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing cosmic conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of evil, culminating in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "little horn's" attempt to exalt itself even to heaven foreshadows the ultimate rebellion against God's anointed King, Jesus, who is Himself the true and radiant [Morning Star](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Bright Morning Star") and the sovereign [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The persecution of the "host" and "stars"—symbolizing God's people—is a direct assault on Christ's body, the Church, which He promised the [gates of hell would not overcome](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock"). While earthly powers may temporarily "cast down" and "stamp upon" believers, Christ has already decisively triumphed over all principalities and powers through His death and resurrection, [disarming them and making a public spectacle of them](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities") on the cross. The ultimate "stamping upon" will not be of God's people, but of His enemies, when Christ returns in power and glory to [tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Winepress of God's Wrath"), establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells and no opposing power will ever again rise "to the host of heaven."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 14:13

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Revelation 12:4

And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Daniel 8:7

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.

Daniel 11:33

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Daniel 11:28

Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant; and he shall do [exploits], and return to his own land.