Daniel 7:10

KJV

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

A fiery {H5135} stream {H5103} issued {H5047} and came forth {H5312} from {H4481} before {H6925} him: thousand {H506} thousands {H506} ministered {H8120} unto him, and ten thousand {H7240} times ten thousand {H7240} stood {H6966} before {H6925} him: the judgment {H1780} was set {H3488}, and the books {H5609} were opened {H6606}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A stream of fire flowed from his presence; thousands and thousands ministered to him, millions and millions stood before him. Then the court was convened, and the books were opened.

Berean Standard Bible

A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.

American Standard Version

A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:10 presents a breathtaking and awe-inspiring scene from Daniel's prophetic vision, depicting a celestial courtroom where the "Ancient of Days"—God Almighty—is enthroned in magnificent glory. This pivotal verse vividly portrays the divine majesty and the absolute certainty of God's ultimate judgment, characterized by an overwhelming display of power, an innumerable host of heavenly attendants, and the solemn opening of the books of record, signifying universal accountability and the meticulous nature of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:10 is situated at the dramatic climax of Daniel's vision of the four beasts, which represent successive earthly empires destined to rise and fall. Following the terrifying description of the fourth beast and its arrogant "little horn" in [Daniel 7:7-8](/daniel/7-7 "Daniel 7:7-8 - The Fourth Beast and Little Horn"), the narrative abruptly shifts from earthly dominion to heavenly sovereignty. [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days Enthroned") introduces the "Ancient of Days" taking His seat on a fiery throne, setting the stage for the divine tribunal. Verse 10 then elaborates on the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this heavenly court, detailing the fiery presence of God, the countless angelic attendants, and the commencement of judgment, which ultimately leads to the destruction of the beastly powers and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom under the Son of Man in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives Dominion").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions were given during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis for Israel. The book of Daniel, written largely in Aramaic (as is this chapter), addresses a Jewish audience grappling with foreign domination and the apparent triumph of pagan empires. The imagery of a divine council or heavenly court was familiar in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but Daniel's portrayal is distinct, emphasizing the absolute sovereignty of the one true God over all earthly powers and history. The concept of "books" being opened for judgment resonates with ancient administrative practices where records were meticulously kept, symbolizing God's omniscience and the meticulous nature of His justice, a concept that would offer hope and assurance to a people under oppressive rule, reminding them that ultimate authority rested with God, not with earthly kings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Majesty**, presenting God as the ultimate authority before whom all earthly powers must bow. The "fiery stream" and the countless attendants emphasize His overwhelming power and holiness, a theme echoed in [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire"). Secondly, the verse establishes the **Certainty of Divine Judgment**, declaring that "the judgment was set." This signifies an irreversible, pre-ordained decree, assuring that justice will inevitably prevail over all evil and oppression, as also seen in [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God's Eternal Throne and Judgment"). Thirdly, "the books were opened" introduces the theme of **Universal Accountability**, symbolizing God's perfect knowledge and record-keeping of all deeds, words, and intentions. This imagery finds a powerful parallel in the New Testament's description of the [Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened at the Great White Throne Judgment"), where both the books of deeds and the Book of Life are opened. Finally, the "thousand thousands" and "ten thousand times ten thousand" emphasize the **Innumerable Heavenly Host**, showcasing the grandeur and solemnity of this divine court and the vastness of God's heavenly retinue.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fiery (Aramaic, _nûwr'_):** From an unused root meaning "to shine," this Aramaic word refers to "fire." In Daniel 7:10, it describes the "fiery stream" issuing from God's presence, signifying His intense holiness, purifying power, and consuming judgment. It conveys the awesome, unapproachable nature of the divine.
* **judgment (Aramaic, _dîyn'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew `dîn`, this Aramaic term denotes "judgment," encompassing the suit, justice, sentence, or tribunal. Its use here indicates that a formal judicial process is underway, where decisions are made, and justice is meted out, underscoring the legal and authoritative nature of the heavenly proceedings.
* **opened (Aramaic, _pᵉthach'_):** Corresponding to the Hebrew `pāthaḥ`, this primitive root means "to open." In the context of "the books were opened," it signifies the revelation and disclosure of their contents, implying that all records are laid bare for scrutiny and that nothing is hidden from the divine Judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him:"** This clause paints a vivid picture of the Ancient of Days' majestic and terrifying presence. The "fiery stream" (Aramaic: _nahar dinur_, "river of fire") symbolizes not only overwhelming power and purity but also the consuming nature of divine judgment and holiness. It suggests an active, dynamic emanation of God's essence and authority.
* **"thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him:"** This describes the innumerable host of heavenly beings attending the divine throne. "Thousand thousands" (myriads of myriads) and "ten thousand times ten thousand" (a myriad of myriads) are hyperbolic expressions conveying an immeasurable, countless multitude of angels. They are depicted both "ministering" (serving) and "standing" (awaiting command, ready for service), emphasizing the vastness of God's retinue and the solemnity of the court.
* **"the judgment was set,"** This phrase declares the formal commencement and unwavering certainty of the divine tribunal. The Aramaic word `yᵉthib` for "set" implies that the court was established, fixed, and ready for its proceedings. It underscores that this is not a hypothetical event but a definite, irreversible decree, highlighting the inevitability of God's justice.
* **"and the books were opened."** This powerful imagery signifies God's omniscience and meticulous record-keeping. These "books" symbolize the complete and accurate account of all human deeds, words, and intentions. Their opening indicates that everything will be brought to light, affirming universal accountability and the transparency of God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:10 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Hyperbole**. The "fiery stream" is a powerful symbol of God's consuming holiness, purity, and the destructive power of His judgment, reminiscent of fire in biblical imagery as both purifying and destructive. The numbers "thousand thousands" and "ten thousand times ten thousand" are classic examples of **Hyperbole**, used not to denote a precise count but to convey an immeasurable, awe-inspiring multitude, emphasizing the grandeur and solemnity of the heavenly court. The "books" being opened are also symbolic, representing God's perfect knowledge and the comprehensive record of all human actions, ensuring absolute fairness and accountability in judgment. The entire scene employs vivid **Imagery** to create a sense of overwhelming majesty and solemn dread, shifting from the earthly realm of beastly power to the transcendent reality of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:10 serves as a profound theological anchor, asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It foreshadows the final eschatological judgment where all earthly powers and individuals will be held accountable before the divine throne. This vision underscores the biblical truth that while evil may seem to triumph temporarily, God remains on His throne, meticulously observing and recording, ensuring that a day of reckoning will surely come. This scene provides comfort to the oppressed, promising vindication, and serves as a solemn warning to the unrighteous, urging repentance. It connects the Old Testament prophetic vision of a heavenly court to the New Testament's consistent emphasis on a future judgment, where every person will stand before Christ.

* [Revelation 20:11](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11 - The Great White Throne Judgment")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God, a Consuming Fire")
* [Psalm 9:7](/psalms/9-7 "Psalm 9:7 - God's Eternal Throne and Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision in Daniel 7:10 calls us to a profound sense of reverence and accountability before a holy and just God. It reminds us that no earthly power, however formidable or oppressive, can ultimately escape divine scrutiny. For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance: God is sovereign, He sees all injustice, and He will bring all things to account. This truth should inspire us to live righteously, to trust in His ultimate plan, and to persevere in faith, knowing that our vindication is secure in Him. For all people, it serves as a solemn reminder that life is not lived in a vacuum; every action, word, and even thought is known to God. This should prompt a sober examination of our lives and a deep consideration of our standing before the Judge of all the earth, urging us to seek His mercy and grace while there is still time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "fiery stream" and the "thousand thousands" impact your understanding of God's majesty and holiness?**
* **What practical implications does the certainty of divine judgment have for your daily choices and priorities?**
* **If "the books were opened" on your life today, what would they reveal, and how does this thought motivate you?**
* **How does this vision of God's ultimate sovereignty bring you comfort or challenge in light of current world events?**

### FAQ
**What does the "fiery stream" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "fiery stream" (Aramaic: _nahar dinur_, "river of fire") is a powerful symbol of God's intense holiness, purity, and the consuming nature of His divine presence and judgment. It signifies His unapproachable glory and the destructive power unleashed against evil. This imagery evokes a sense of both awe and dread, highlighting God's absolute power and His role as the ultimate Judge.

**Who are the "thousand thousands" and "ten thousand times ten thousand" mentioned here?**

Answer: These numbers are hyperbolic expressions, meaning "myriads upon myriads" or "countless multitudes." They refer to the innumerable host of angelic beings who serve and stand before God in His heavenly court. This vast assembly underscores the immense grandeur, solemnity, and significance of the divine judgment scene, demonstrating the unparalleled majesty of the Ancient of Days.

**What are "the books" that were opened, and what do they represent?**

Answer: "The books" symbolize God's perfect omniscience and His meticulous record-keeping of all human deeds, words, and even thoughts. Their opening signifies that everything is known to God and will be brought to light during the judgment. This imagery assures that divine justice is precise and comprehensive, ensuring universal accountability. This concept is echoed in [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Books Opened for Judgment"), where books of deeds and the Book of Life are opened at the Great White Throne Judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:10, with its majestic portrayal of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Ancient of Days presides over this awesome court, the New Testament reveals that all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). The "fiery stream" and the consuming holiness of God are perfectly embodied in Christ, who is both the righteous Judge and the merciful Savior. The countless heavenly host ministering before the Ancient of Days foreshadows the worship of the Lamb in glory ([Revelation 5:11-12](/revelation/5-11 "Revelation 5:11-12 - The Myriads of Angels Worship the Lamb")). Most profoundly, the opening of "the books" points to the final reckoning, but for those who are "in Christ," their names are found in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life is Opened"), not the book of deeds that condemns. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, has provided the means for humanity to stand righteous before this very tribunal, transforming the terrifying prospect of judgment into the glorious hope of eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - He Who Believes is Not Condemned")). Thus, the awe-inspiring judgment scene in Daniel 7:10 ultimately magnifies Christ as the one through whom God's perfect justice and boundless mercy are fully realized.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 30:27

¶ Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning [with] his anger, and the burden [thereof is] heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:

Deuteronomy 33:2

And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.

Psalms 50:3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

Revelation 5:11

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Isaiah 30:33

For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.