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 مُّنتَصِرٌسَيُهْزَمُ الْجَمْعُ وَيُوَلُّونَ الدُّبُرَOr 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 وَأَمَرُّNay, but the Hour is their appointed time, and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter. (54:46