The first part of Daniel’s dream vision was the stuff of night terrors. The four apocalyptic beasts were fierce predators, each more terrifying than the previous one. The four parts of the statue in chapter two represented four kingdoms; now Daniel saw their true nature. These rapacious creatures embodied the four brutal super-powers under which God’s people would suffer—repeatedly. While the stationary image signified the idolatrous world views of the dark kingdoms, the violence of these beasts exposed the lawless end product of idolatry, no matter what form it takes. God’s people should rightfully quail at the prospect.
For that reason, the second part of the vision is of utmost importance—for Daniel’s audience and for us.
The Almighty God is on His throne. What words can possibly capture God’s radiant and holy presence? God is surrounded by fire and flaming wheels, with an accompanying river of fire. Fire purifies. Woe to us indeed, if we fail to bow our faces to the ground in appropriate fear and dread; “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28–29).
What can convey God’s absolute and everlasting rule of the universe? That’s the point of “Ancient of Days” and blindingly white hair and clothing (see Psalm 104:2). We must linger on these words and images that catapult us to the vaults of heaven. Far above all else that we may find tumultuous and terrifying, God reigns supreme, and God will judge. Daniel saw the books opened and those utterly fearsome beasts either subdued or destroyed.
Then, the Son of Man arrived with the clouds of heaven, was ushered into the presence of the Ancient of Days, and was given dominion, glory, and power (Daniel 7:13–14). Everyone would serve Him, and His kingdom would never end. In other words, the Son of Man is God.
Jesus intentionally chose this title for Himself (Matthew 8:20; 11:18–19). His audiences might first have thought of Ezekiel, whom God repeatedly summoned with the words, “son of man,” affirming the prophet’s human nature, entirely given over to serving God. But they would also be familiar with this passage. Daniel’s “Son of Man” was invested with all the accoutrements of deity. By consistently calling Himself “Son of Man,” Jesus was affirming and declaring that He is both fully God and fully human.
That culminated in the exchange between Caiaphas and Jesus (Matthew 26:57–67). When Caiaphas put Jesus under oath, Jesus declared they would “see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (v.64). This one bold statement drew together this passage from Daniel 7 and King David’s words from Psalm 110:1—two key passages Caiaphas would have been well acquainted with, both of which unquestionably point to God and no one less. No wonder those religious leaders at Jesus’s trial tore their robes!
Make no mistake, Jesus was declaring Himself God before those religious leaders who should have been anxiously awaiting His arrival. Their human judgment of Jesus is an ironic contrast with the image of God’s coming judgment in Daniel 7:9–10. Nevertheless, in God’s cosmic judicial proceedings, those events affected true justice—for eternity.
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40 thoughts on "The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man"
Thank you, Angie for the suggestion to read HRT this morning. This image of God the Father is so powerful and beautiful: “He is the picture of strength that comes from wisdom and the power of righteousness. He doesn’t inspire fear, but worship.”
May I be inspired to worship Him today and everyday.
Beautiful prayer.
Beautiful prayer!
I’ve had terrifying dreams. I’ve learned to wake myself up so as not to be overcome with dread nor see the potential ending. Daniel’s vision is indeed terrifying but I’m so glad he stayed focus on the vision beyond the beasts’ appearing. Daniel “kept watching” and so he saw thrones set in place and the very Ancient of Days take his seat. Daniel “continued watching” and saw “one like the son of man” coming with the clouds of heaven. He saw Jesus! Daniel’s terrifying dream revealed hope for all generations! May I too keep watch, keep looking forward to the hope we have. Let’s choose to glance at the beasts but fix our gaze on Jesus. Beasts are but for a moment. Jesus’ kingdom is forever more. Let us be thankful!
Beautiful, Angie! Thank you for sharing. I am one of those teacher friends. I appreciate your prayers & am praying for you. As of next week, we will have made it through the whole first quarter in person, with some kids remote. The hybrid model, plus everything else, is exhausting & overwhelming. Friends, teachers need your prayers & your words of encouragement.
As I was adjusting to my new schedule for my clinical rotation last week, the early mornings got the better of me and I only did my devotions 2 times last week. This week I’ve been going to bed earlier so I can wake up early because I love to start my days off with time for me and God. God has sure been faithful waking me up at 5:30 (before my alarm) the last 3 mornings so I have plenty of time for Him. While I am thankful that the Son of Man is radiant, powerful, and mighty; I’m also thankful that He is the quiet gentle spirit that naturally wakes me up extra early to coax me into precious moments with Him :)
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A couple of weeks ago, when the teenage girls were here for Bible study, they asked me what would happen when we die. Specifically they asked about when we go before God in judgement and heaven. I am not a funny person but, I came back with, “I haven’t actually been there yet, but…” and we all laughed. They asked about the Bema Seat, and judgement. As they were asking I was praying for help…I am in so over my head Lord…what was I thinking, give me only Your words please Lord, nothing more, nothing less. I shared whatever God gave me at that time, which was not detailed, or eloquent (as Churchmouse would have been). Then Sunday, at church, the pastor preached on Heaven. He talked about the Bema Seat, the Great White Throne judgement, and about what scripture says Heaven will be like. He talked about the gift of salvation and that while we can do nothing to earn our salvation what we do while we are here on Earth does matter. He shared some of what God gave me that night and so much more. Last night, as the girls came again, they stayed late (for me), laughing, questioning, and talking about…so many things. Included in much of that time was conversation about Jesus return and our going to Heaven then or when we die. I was able to share some of what I learned from the sermon on Sunday. Then this morning SRT has these scriptures from Daniel. (I can honestly say I am thankful the girls didn’t ask me about these!) I thank God for bringing more learning to my heart and mind this morning. It is those details of God, the eternal past, present, and future – ness of Him that continues to astound me. I think I know Him, then He draws me in even closer. And, I am thankful.
P.S. Ladies the He Reads Truth…so awesome today again also. May you be blessed today and always. Teacher friends…you are in my thoughts and prayers heavily right now. May God’s power and strength be yours, moment by moment.
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Thank You, Almighty God, that You are on Your throne. Thank You that even though life is weird and shaky and at times terrifying I know that Your kingdom is unshakable. It cannot be moved. Help me to serve you acceptably, with reverence and awe.