#1212 Daniel 7 Part 3 Ancient of Days

 

9 “As I looked,

thrones were placed,

and the Ancient of Days took his seat;

his clothing was white as snow,

and the hair of his head like pure wool;

his throne was fiery flames;

its wheels were burning fire.

10 A stream of fire issued

and came out from before him;

a thousand thousands served him,

and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him;

the court sat in judgment,

and the books were opened.

11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

The Son of Man Is Given Dominion

13 “I saw in the night visions,

and behold, with the clouds of heaven

there came one like a son of man,

and he came to the Ancient of Days

and was presented before him.

14 And to him was given dominion

and glory and a kingdom,

that all peoples, nations, and languages

should serve him;

his dominion is an everlasting dominion,

which shall not pass away,

and his kingdom one

that shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7: 9-14 ESV

Daniel 7: 9-14 Ancient of Days

…2He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3And he threw him into the Abyss, shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he could not deceive the nations until the thousand years were complete. After that, he must be released for a brief period of time. 4Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.… Revelation 20: 2-4

As I looked, or I kept looking until - This is the same as the transition in chapter 2, the end of the Gentile kingdoms and the coming kingdom of God. The Stone that was cut, but without human hands,  is at His coronation now and will soon crush the final kingdom which was represented by the strange beast that was a conglomerate of all the gentile kingdoms. It was also represented by the legs of iron and feet and toes mixed with iron and clay.

…33its legs were iron, and its feet were part iron and part clay. 34As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. 35Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.… Daniel 2: 33-35

Thrones were placed - The vision moves to heaven where Christ will be crowned King. He has already conquered sin and death by adding humanity to His deity, living a perfect life in place of mine, and then dying for my sins. This coronation will precede His dominion, long spoken of by the prophets. Just like the literal fulfillment of His substitutionary death as foretold by Isaiah 52 and 53, and in Psalm 22, amongst others, so will be His literal reign, foretold here and in other places like Isaiah 9.

And by the way, this is not a new theme in the Bible either. Do you know that the theme of the coronation of the King is as old as old as the book of Genesis? Do you know that you can go all the way back to the forty-ninth chapter of Genesis, the first book in the Bible, and you will find the promise made that one will come named Shiloh? And Shiloh means “the one whose right it is.” And when Shiloh comes, He will take the scepter. And anybody knows that a scepter belongs to a king. So, in Genesis 49, there will come one whose right it is to take the scepter. ...

If you were to go into an Arab country today, you go into the Middle East today, and this occurred in the Middle East – in fact, it occurred east of the Middle East, not far from India – but if you were to go into that part of the world today, and some very, very important person – a king, a shah, a sheik or whoever, even an ayatollah were to appear, you would find that his throne was cast down in this sense: cushion and pillows would be thrown down as the place where he would sit. This is oriental fashion. A throne is established, and the Ancient of Days takes His place on that throne. - J Mac

…9Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? 10The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. 11He ties his donkey to the vine, his colt to the choicest branch. He washes his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.… Genesis 49: 9-11

1After this I looked and saw a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had previously heard speak to me like a trumpet was saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things.” 2At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. 3The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne.… Revelation 4: 1-3

And the Ancient of Days took His seat - This I believe to refer to God, but specifically God the Father, and the reference Ancient of Days can describe the eternality of all three persons of the Trinity, but here we are dealing with the Father, Who has made a covenant with God the Son before time began. 

I am not sure, but if God's original intention of the meaning of Da 7:22 to picture His Son Jesus returning in judgment, it is further evidence of the great truth of the Trinity, which is incomprehensible to our finite human minds. Whether the Ancient of Days in Da 7:22 represents God the Father or God the Son does not alter the overall message of Daniel 7 regarding God's plan for the future. - Precept Austin

1Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. 2And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look inside it.… Revelation 5: 1-3

His clothing was white as snow - Speaking to His purity and holiness.

Its wheels were burning fire - This takes us back to Ezekiel's vision of the throne of God.

The prophet's vision concerns "four living creatures" that served as a type of chariot for the divine throne, the place from which "the likeness of the glory of the Lord" spoke to Ezekiel (vv. 4, 26, 28). Each of these beings had four different faces—human, eagle, lion, and ox (v. 10). In Scripture, each of these creatures is significant. Human beings, of course, are made in the image and likeness of God, reflecting His capacity for wisdom, dignity, and so forth (Gen. 1:26–28). Eagles are prized in God's Word for their speed and stateliness (Ps. 103:5; Jer. 48:40). The lion is known for its strength and courage (Judg. 14:5; Isa. 31:4), and oxen were found throughout the temple and the sacrificial system in which the presence of God was experienced (Num. 7; 1 Kings 7:23–37). Indeed, there were several elements in the temple that looked very similar to the creatures Ezekiel described, which indicates that these creatures carried the Lord Himself on His throne. Taken with the qualities mentioned above, they symbolize God's omnipotence, wisdom, swiftness, and life-giving nature. - Ligonier Ministries

A stream of fire issued and came out from before Him - Our God is a consuming fire, holy, and sin will not stand before Him.

…2Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. 3Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side. 4His lightning illuminates the world; the earth sees and trembles.… Psalm 97: 2-4

Spurgeon comments on fire goes before Him… : Like an advance guard clearing the way. So was it at Sinai, so must it be: the very Being of God is power, consuming all opposition; omnipotence is a devouring flame which burneth up His enemies round about. God is longsuffering, but when He comes forth to judgment He will make short work with the unrighteous, they will be as chaff before the flame. Reading this verse in reference to the coming of Jesus, and the descent of the Spirit, we are reminded of the tongues of fire, and of the power which attended the gospel, so that all opposition was speedily overcome. Even now where the gospel is preached in faith, and in the power of the Spirit, it burns its own way, irresistibly destroying falsehood, superstition, unbelief, sin, indifference, and hardness of heart. In it the Lord reigneth, and because of it let the earth rejoice. - Precept Austin

Ten thousand times ten thousand - The angels and saints before the throne.

11Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. 12In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”… Revelation 5: 11-12

And the books were opened - This is coming judgment, and all judgment will be given to the Son. There are books plural though which could also be the Book of Life. This is also a coronation where God the Father will give the title deed of the earth to God the Son. He is the one worthy to open the scroll, He purchased Creation back by His blood. A will and last testament or title deed like this would have seven seals. 

16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. 17“They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. 18So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”… Malachi 3: 16-18

4And I began to weep bitterly, because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. 5Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.… Revelation 5: 4-6

I looked then because of the sound - Something draws his attention back to earth, it is the antichrist still running off at the mouth, spouting his blasphemies. He is like all the other false Christ, dirty politicians and prophets. 

…17These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. 18 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error. 19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.… 2 Peter 2: 17-19

The beast was killed - The antichrist was killed and the other beasts were aloud to go on a bit longer.

11Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds.… Revelation 20: 11-13

…19Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. 20But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.… Revelation 19: 19-21

…7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. 9The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,… 2 Thessalonians 2: 7-9

With the clouds of Heaven - We are reminded of the ascension, also the Shekinah glory of God that shrouded the temple in a cloud, and the cloud that led Israel through the wilderness by day. 

…29Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’ 30 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.… Matthew 24: 29-31

There came One like a Son of man - Jesus often referred to Himself this way, and this is good what J Mac writes here.

I believe He applied this title to Himself – mark this – in direct reference to Daniel’s prophecy. I don’t think it was some kind of an accident that He called Himself Son of Man. I think, in effect, He was saying to Israel, “I am the one of whom Daniel spoke.” He called Himself Son of Man multiple times. That was His favorite designation for Himself. And I believe every time He said it, He was saying to the Jewish people alive at the time He lived, “If you just understood what Daniel was saying, you’d make the connection. I am that Son of Man who was brought to the throne of the Ancient of Days to receive the kingdom.” You see?

And so, I think Christ was purposely linking Himself with Daniel’s prophecy. Let me tell you why, for a minute. It’s very interesting to me that Jesus specifically uses this title. Now watch, He specifically uses this title when He is referring to His second coming. Have you ever noticed that? And that is the title used here for His second coming, when He comes in power and glory to take His kingdom. - J Mac

…26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done. Matthew 16: 26-27

…27“Look,” Peter replied, “we have left everything to follow You. What then will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.… Matthew 19: 27-29

Came to the Ancient of Days - God the Son was presented before God the Father, as the One worthy to open the scroll and receive the kingdom. Worthy is the Lamb.

And to Him was given dominion - Now He has already conquered sin and death as mentioned before, but now speaks to His literal reign, in person, fulfilling the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. Shiloh takes the scepter.

…21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes. 22Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, 23so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.… John 5: 21-23

…19and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, 20which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.… Ephesians 1: 19-21

That all peoples - Everything is under God as the Creator, yet it became reprobate with sin, fallen away. Instead of permanently destroying all things, God has through Christ chosen to save some. He will also eventually make a new heaven and earth. Christ is a Redeemer.

…8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. 9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,… Philippians 2: 8-10

His dominion is an everlasting dominion - And to His government there will be no end. He is the eternal God, Christ will reign forever.

…31Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”… Luke 1: 31-33