Surah Sad Tafseer

they will be a defeated host like the Confederates of the old times.

meaning, these hosts of disbelievers who are in false pride and opposition will be defeated and overwhelmed and disgraced, just as the Confederates of the old times were disgraced before them.

This Ayah is like the Ayah:

أَمْ يَقُولُونَ نَحْنُ جَمِيعٌ مُّنتَصِرٌ

سَيُهْزَمُ الْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّونَ الدُّبُرَ

Or say they:"We are a great multitude, victorious."

Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. (54:44-45)

-- which is what happened on the day of Badr --

بَلِ السَّاعَةُ مَوْعِدُهُمْ وَالسَّاعَةُ أَدْهَى وَأَمَرُّ

Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time, and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter. (54:46