Definition: Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Daniel 8:18. It's a really rich and symbolic verse, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a vision of the future where Daniel is asleep while God is speaking to him. God then uses this sleep as a way to prepare for something significant that will happen in the future. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Now as he was speaking with me…” : This tells us the verse is from a conversation between Daniel and God. “…I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground…” : Daniel was asleep, likely lying down. The “face toward the ground” part is key – it suggests a state of vulnerability and surrender. He wasn’t actively resisting or fighting anything; he was simply resting. “but he touched me, and set me upright.” : This is where the symbolism really kicks in. God reached out and gently placed Daniel upright. This isn't just about physical positioning – it represents a crucial shift in something happening. What does this all mean? The most common interpretation is that this verse describes: God’s plan for Israel: It speaks of God preparing his people for a time of great challenge and need. He’s essentially putting his plans into action, even while Daniel is asleep. A period of hardship: The verse suggests that there will be difficult times ahead for Israel. God's sovereignty and protection: It highlights God's absolute control and ability to protect His people, even when they are seemingly vulnerable. Important Note: This is a symbolic verse. It doesn’t describe a literal event that happened in the past. It’s a vision of future events, a promise of God’s plan for his people. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Daniel/8:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Daniel/8:18) – This provides a good overview of the verse’s context and interpretations. The Bible Project: [https://thebiblestory.com/daniel-8-18/](https://thebiblestory.com/daniel-8-18/) - This video offers a visual and engaging explanation. Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?