The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man
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Daniel 7:1-14, Psalm 104:1-5, Hebrews 12:28-29
BY Elaine Phillips
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.
40 thoughts on "The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man"
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Hallelujah! Praise the name of the Lord!!
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I am so thankful for these daily readings. Prayers to you all! <3
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Praise be to God’s dominion. Blessed by His Son. Today’s readings hit home ❤️
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God is so good!
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This vision kinda scares me.. especially with what’s going on in our world. I’m surprised by how much I’m learning from Daniel. I loved the comment from yesterday that said God saved Daniel while he was IN the lions den.. he saved the 3 men while they were IN the furnace. Hard events and life’s struggles are guaranteed as well as His presence and protection during those times. I’m adding the phrase “God shut the lions mouth” to my daily prayers. Love this so much.
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We in deed in perilous times but Daniel and lion den and the 3 men in the furnace show me God is always with and he will protect his people. So he will protect us. They give me hoe and comfort. Psalms also does and pleading the blood of Jesus over myself and family daily.
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Jene praying thanking God for your husband and all the RN’s and medical staff out there serving and helping so many, and praying for quick healing and God’s rest for him. Sarah D, praying with you and for you to draw near to the Lord, for as you immerse yourself in the Word and His desires for you, He will tell you your value and you will find strength for the waiting and the right relationship when it comes. He has good for your heart, don’t settle for less. Rhonda Wood praying for you and all the teacher servants pouring out time and care for kids that is so needed. His grace and strength over you all. What gifts you are. May you feel Jesus joy and the Holy Spirit filling you with all you need as you trust in our loving God. Angie, praying your MRI results are good and you don’t have to have any more. I have prayed and wept in those machines twice in my life because I was required to lay flat on my back once and it was so much pain that all I could do was pray and the pain leaked out of my eyes. I thought that would be the worst of it and when I injured my arm years later tried to comfort myself with it wouldn’t be as bad as the time before, but they required I hold my injured arm raised in an awkward position and this too was such intense pain as I called upon Jesus and wept, trying not to move. He helped me through it. I do not have the fear, but can understand it. Hugs dear Angie. He is so good to us, never leaves or fails us. I read your faith daily and it encourages me. Hugs Sisters all! His incredible joy to your day!
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Oh Father, help us to maintain our hope and joy and bravery from your great Might— help us to resist looking to ourselves, to culture or to man to find relief or safety. In the midst of chaos in our land and world, we pray that you would help us to find peace in you alone. Lord, please give your people wisdom and courage to defend our God given liberties, and stand in the face of evil, but also the humility to follow your lead. Thank you for being bigger than it all.
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Such a great reminder of God’s sovereignty, needed in this tumultuous time! With the Ancient of Days on the throne and the Son of Man shepherding me, all is well with my soul!
Sending prayers to you, Sarah, to keep your focus on Christ. We do best to bring ourselves whole to relationships, not looking for others to fulfill what only Jesus is able to. You are wise to know this. Be confident! As a Christ follower, you are amazing. Make sure whomever is privileged enough to be on your arm knows this too!
Prayers for all educators. I truly cannot imagine the stress. You are serving our future. Take heart and know many are praying for you! Lay your stress at His feet. Know that only the power of heaven could stand in this crazy time. Take rest in Him. I know you are all doing your best in these trying times. Thank you for your service.
I am trying to help a young lad who is 8 and doing online school. I have one student an hour or two a day. It is very trying. I struggle with patience. I cannot imagine a classroom! Lord, pour out Your favor on our educators! Give them heavenly strength, wisdom and rest. Pour out Your favor on parents who are now educators! Comfort us all in Your loving embrace. We all need Your supernatural love power in this difficult time. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our healer and advocate. Draw us closer to You, the only Truth that matters.
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