Daniel 7:22

KJV

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

Until {H5705} the Ancient {H6268} of days {H3118} came {H858}{H1768}, and judgment {H1780} was given {H3052} to the saints {H6922} of the most High {H5946}; and the time {H2166} came {H4291} that the saints {H6922} possessed {H2631} the kingdom {H4437}.

Complete Jewish Bible

until the Ancient One came, judgment was given in favor of the holy ones of the Most High, and the time came for the holy ones to take over the kingdom.

Berean Standard Bible

until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom.

American Standard Version

until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:22 marks a pivotal turning point in Daniel's prophetic vision, shifting the narrative from the relentless oppression of the "little horn" and the beastly empires to the definitive intervention of the "Ancient of days." This verse powerfully declares that divine judgment will be rendered in favor of the persecuted "saints of the most High," culminating in a preordained time when these saints will ultimately inherit and possess the eternal kingdom, signifying the triumph of God's righteous rule over all earthly dominion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:22 is situated within Daniel's vision of four great beasts, which symbolize successive Gentile empires that rise and fall, culminating in the oppressive "little horn" that makes war against the saints. The preceding verses, particularly [Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Little Horn's War Against the Saints"), vividly describe the "little horn's" relentless persecution and apparent triumph over God's people. Verse 22 introduces a dramatic reversal, serving as the climax of the heavenly court scene first introduced in [Daniel 7:9-10](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9-10 - The Ancient of Days and the Heavenly Court"), where the "Ancient of days" takes His seat for judgment. This verse provides the resolution to the conflict, assuring the reader that the "little horn's" reign is temporary and subject to divine decree, leading to the ultimate vindication and enthronement of the saints.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions were given during a period of significant geopolitical upheaval, with the Babylonian Empire giving way to the Medo-Persian, and then the Grecian and Roman empires. The "little horn" is often interpreted as a figure or power that would arise from these empires, particularly hostile to God's people. Historically, this could point to figures like Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose persecution of the Jews was severe, or later, to the Roman Empire's persecution of early Christians. The concept of a divine court and judgment was familiar in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where kings often presided over legal proceedings. However, Daniel's vision elevates this to a cosmic scale, with God Himself, the "Ancient of days," serving as the ultimate Judge, ensuring that justice would eventually prevail over all earthly tyranny and that His covenant people would be vindicated, despite their present suffering under foreign dominion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel and biblical prophecy. It underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that even amidst the chaos and oppression of human empires, God remains the ultimate authority, orchestrating history toward His predetermined end. The theme of **Divine Judgment** is central, as the "Ancient of days" intervenes to execute justice, not only condemning the oppressive powers but also vindicating His persecuted people. This leads directly to the theme of the **Vindication and Exaltation of the Saints**, who, despite their suffering (as seen in [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - Persecution by the Little Horn")), are ultimately granted dominion. Finally, the verse clearly articulates the **Establishment of God's Eternal Kingdom**, which will supersede all earthly kingdoms, a theme echoed earlier in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Eternal Kingdom of God"), where God's kingdom is described as one that "shall never be destroyed."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ancient (Aramaic, _ʻattîyq'_):** This word, corresponding to H6268, means "venerable" or "ancient." In the phrase "Ancient of days," it emphasizes God's eternal nature, His pre-existence before creation, and His timeless authority. It portrays Him as the ultimate, unchangeable, and supreme Judge, whose wisdom and dominion transcend all temporal limitations.
* **Judgment (Aramaic, _dîyn'_):** Corresponding to H1780, this term refers to "judgment" in the sense of a legal suit, justice, a sentence, or a tribunal. Here, it signifies a formal, decisive legal verdict issued by the divine court. Crucially, the judgment is "given to the saints," indicating that the verdict is in their favor, vindicating them and condemning their oppressors.
* **Saints (Aramaic, _qaddîysh'_):** This word, corresponding to H6922, means "sacred" or "holy." It refers to those set apart by God, His holy ones. In this context, it primarily denotes God's faithful people on earth who endure persecution, but it can also encompass heavenly beings who participate in the divine court. Their designation as "saints of the most High" underscores their unique relationship with God and their ultimate destiny.
* **Possessed (Aramaic, _chăçan'_):** Corresponding to H2631, this verb means "to hold in occupancy" or "to possess." It conveys an active and authoritative taking of control, not merely passive reception. When applied to the saints possessing the kingdom, it signifies their active participation in the reign and administration of God's eternal dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Until the Ancient of days came":** This clause establishes a temporal marker and introduces the central figure of divine authority. The arrival of the "Ancient of days" (God Himself) signifies the decisive intervention of the eternal, sovereign God into human history, marking the end of the oppressive era and the beginning of His righteous judgment.
* **"and judgment was given to the saints of the most High":** This phrase reveals the outcome of the divine court proceedings. The "judgment" is not against the saints but is rendered in their favor, signifying their vindication, justification, and the condemnation of the "little horn" and the oppressive empires. It underscores God's commitment to justice for His persecuted people.
* **"and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom":** This final clause declares the ultimate destiny of God's people. Following their vindication, a specific "time" arrives when the "saints" actively "possessed" (took possession of, inherited, held dominion over) the "kingdom." This signifies the transfer of authority from earthly, transient empires to God's eternal kingdom, administered by and through His faithful people.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 7:22 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident in the majestic portrayal of the "Ancient of days" as a judicial figure, seated on a throne, presiding over a heavenly court. This anthropomorphic depiction makes God's ultimate authority and direct intervention tangible and relatable. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting the preceding narrative of the "little horn's" oppressive power and war against the saints with the ultimate vindication and reign of these very saints. This creates a dramatic shift from despair to triumph. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is pervasive, with "judgment" representing not just a legal verdict but the cosmic reordering of power, and "the kingdom" symbolizing God's eternal, righteous dominion that supersedes all earthly realms. The phrase "time came" also carries symbolic weight, indicating a divinely appointed, eschatological moment in God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 7:22 is a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, offering profound insight into God's ultimate plan for history and His people. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, ensuring that no human empire, no matter how formidable or oppressive, can ultimately thwart His divine purposes. The verse highlights the theme of divine justice, demonstrating that God will not allow His faithful people to be perpetually persecuted but will intervene decisively to vindicate them and establish His righteous rule. This climactic moment in Daniel's vision provides a powerful assurance of future hope, where the suffering of the saints is temporary, and their ultimate destiny is one of co-reigning with God in His eternal kingdom.

* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - The Lord Reigns Forever")
* [Revelation 20:4](/revelation/20-4 "Revelation 20:4 - Saints Reign with Christ")
* [Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inheriting the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 7:22 offers profound solace and strength to believers facing any form of adversity, persecution, or injustice. It serves as a powerful reminder that while earthly powers may seem overwhelming and oppressive in the present, their dominion is finite and subject to the ultimate authority of the "Ancient of days." This verse calls us to cultivate a long-term, eternal perspective, understanding that our present sufferings are temporary and that God's justice will ultimately prevail. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our faithfulness, even in the face of tribulation, is not in vain, but leads to a glorious future where we will share in Christ's reign. This truth empowers us to live with courage and hope, confident that the kingdom of God will indeed come in its fullness, and His saints will eternally possess it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "Ancient of days" coming to judge influence your understanding of God's character and His involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does the promise that "judgment was given to the saints" offer comfort and hope in times of personal or collective injustice?**
* **What practical implications does the future reality of "the saints possessed the kingdom" have for how you live your life and engage with the world today?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "saints of the most High" mentioned in Daniel 7:22?**

Answer: The "saints of the most High" (Aramaic, _qaddîyshê ʻelyônîn'_) refer primarily to God's faithful people, those who are set apart for Him and remain loyal to Him, even under persecution. While the term "saints" can sometimes refer to heavenly beings (angels) in a broader sense, in the context of Daniel 7, it specifically denotes the earthly community of believers who are oppressed by the "little horn" (as seen in [Daniel 7:21](/daniel/7-21 "Daniel 7:21 - The Little Horn's War Against the Saints") and [Daniel 7:25](/daniel/7-25 "Daniel 7:25 - Persecution of the Saints")). This verse promises their ultimate vindication and triumph over their adversaries.

**What does it mean that "judgment was given to the saints"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a favorable verdict for God's people in the heavenly court presided over by the "Ancient of days." It does not mean the saints are the ones doing the judging, but rather that the divine judgment is rendered *in their favor*. It is a declaration of their righteousness and vindication, and simultaneously, a condemnation of the oppressive powers that persecuted them. This divine ruling reverses the earthly suffering and injustice experienced by the saints, affirming their rightful place in God's eternal plan and paving the way for them to "possess the kingdom." It is a testament to God's ultimate justice and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, as also alluded to in [1 Corinthians 6:2](/1_corinthians/6-2 "1 Corinthians 6:2 - Saints Will Judge the World").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 7:22 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Son of Man" (as revealed in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Comes")). While the "Ancient of days" is God the Father, it is through Christ, the incarnate God, that this judgment is executed and the kingdom is established. Jesus, as the Lamb who was slain, perfectly embodies the suffering "saints" who are vindicated, yet as the resurrected Lord, He also embodies the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The judgment given to the saints is realized in their union with Christ; because He has triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, those who are "in Christ" share in His victory and His reign. The "time came that the saints possessed the kingdom" is fulfilled in the inauguration of God's kingdom through Christ's first coming and its consummation at His second coming, when believers will indeed "reign with Him" ([2 Timothy 2:12](/2_timothy/2-12 "2 Timothy 2:12 - Reigning with Christ")) and inherit the eternal kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world ([Matthew 25:34](/matthew/25-34 "Matthew 25:34 - Inheriting the Kingdom")). Thus, Daniel 7:22 is a powerful prophecy of Christ's ultimate triumph and the glorious destiny of His church.

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

Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 5:10

And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Luke 22:29

And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;