Day 14 – The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man
Read Daniel 7: 9 – 14
Chapter 7 is the only chapter in the Bible that uses the term “Ancient of Days” for God. The term literally means “the One who never had a beginning.” Daniel is given a vision of heaven where he sees God the Father in all His holiness, eternity and glory. Intertwined with this glimpse into the majesty of God’s throne room is the earthly vision of turmoil, upheaval, chaos, beasts and evil.
Thrones represent authority and judgment. White clothing represents purity or righteousness, and white hair indicates old age and wisdom. Fire often represents judgment. Thousands of attendants mean a large kingdom. An open book suggests a court case that’s still in progress. A body destroyed and thrown into a blazing fire demonstrates complete destruction. Clouds of heaven tend to conjure God and heaven. “All nations and peoples of every language” suggests the whole world. God is clearly the victor and will reign eternally.
Daniel 7: 11 – 12 is a rapid-fire description of the slaying of the beast that has risen up as part of a future dynasty depicted as a small horn emanating from the fourth beast. This little horn with the eyes of a man and a boastful mouth is a symbol of a coming world leader named “The Antichrist.” This beast will come upon the scene and create havoc and persecution for a short period before he is defeated and permanently banished to the Lake of Fire by King Jesus who will conquer the forces of evil and establish his kingdom on earth. The future kingdom to be established by King Jesus will be uniquely different from any earthly kingdom. It will be unified, universal, unending, and unconquerable. For Christ followers, citizenship in this glorious, coming kingdom is our blessed hope and true joy. The best day we have ever had on earth doesn’t even begin to compare with any day in the life of a citizen of the new kingdom where Jesus is the perfect king and we live according to His will.
Q1. With the suggested metaphoric interpretations listed above, reread today’s passage and see if the vision makes more sense.
Q2. The Bible has several references to books maintained by God (Revelation 20:12; Malachi 3:16; Exodus 32:32). What things do you think God records in these books? What do you think is written about you in these books?
Q3. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will come to earth again to defeat the armies of this world and establish an eternal kingdom on this earth where he will live and reign supremely with his people. Some folks are filled with dread when they consider the thought of Jesus returning and doing away with the life they now live. How do you feel about Christ’s return? Are you excited? Fearful?
Final thought: One of the names of Jesus Christ often given in prophetic passages is “the Son of Man.” The Son of God speaks to His deity, the Son of David speaks to His royalty, and the Son of Man speaks to His humanity. Eighty-three times in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Son of Man and he often uses the term to describe himself. The Pharisees were very familiar with this passage in Daniel and quickly accused Jesus of blasphemy when he referred to himself as the Son of Man.