Daniel 7:22

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Daniel 7:22 (KJV) stands as a pivotal moment in Daniel's prophetic vision, offering a profound message of hope and divine justice amidst the rise and fall of earthly powers. This verse marks a dramatic reversal, shifting focus from the oppressive reign of worldly kingdoms to the ultimate triumph and reign of God's people.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's vision in Daniel chapter 7, which describes four successive beasts representing powerful Gentile empires. The vision culminates with a "little horn" arising from the fourth beast, symbolizing a blasphemous and persecuting power that makes war with the saints. Daniel 7:21 describes this persecution. Verse 22 then introduces a turning point: the intervention of the "Ancient of days" and the establishment of a divine court. This moment of divine judgment is crucial, as it signifies the end of the oppressive power and the beginning of God's righteous rule.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The arrival of the "Ancient of days" unequivocally asserts God's ultimate authority and timeless dominion over all earthly affairs. It assures that no evil power, no matter how formidable, can escape divine reckoning.
  • Vindication of the Saints: Despite suffering persecution and oppression, the "saints of the most High" are not forgotten. This verse promises a favorable verdict for them in the heavenly court, signifying their ultimate justification and triumph over their adversaries.
  • Inauguration of God's Eternal Kingdom: The most significant theme is the transfer of authority. The time comes when the saints "possessed the kingdom," indicating that the reign of human empires will cease, and God's people, under His authority, will inherit and rule in an everlasting kingdom. This is a fulfillment of God's promise for His people to reign with Him.
  • Hope Amidst Adversity: For those facing persecution or injustice, Daniel 7:22 provides a powerful message of enduring hope, reminding them that their suffering is temporary and their ultimate future is one of victory and reign with God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Ancient of days": The Aramaic phrase is 'Attiq Yomim (ืขึทืชึผึดื™ืง ื™ื•ึนืžึดื™ืŸ), which literally means "Ancient of Days." This majestic title emphasizes God's eternal nature, His pre-existence, and His ultimate authority as the timeless and sovereign judge over all creation.
  • "Saints of the most High": The Aramaic qaddishei 'elyonin (ืงึทื“ึผึดื™ืฉืึตื™ ืขึถืœึฐื™ื•ึนื ึดื™ืŸ) refers to God's holy ones or holy people. This term can have a dual meaning, referring to both heavenly beings (angels) who participate in God's court and, more prominently in this context, to God's chosen earthly people (believers) who are set apart for His purposes.
  • "Judgment was given": This phrase implies a formal legal decision or verdict in the heavenly court. The judgment is not against the saints but in their favor, signifying their vindication and the condemnation of their oppressors, particularly the "little horn."
  • "Possessed the kingdom": The Aramaic yachsenun malchutha' (ื™ึทื—ึฐืกึฐื ื•ึผืŸ ืžึทืœึฐื›ื•ึผืชึธื) means to "take possession of," "inherit," or "hold dominion over the kingdom." This is an active and authoritative role, not merely passive reception. It speaks to the saints co-reigning with Christ, as seen in other biblical prophecies like Revelation 5:10.

Practical Application

Daniel 7:22 offers profound encouragement for believers across all generations, particularly those enduring hardship or persecution for their faith. It serves as a powerful reminder that:

  • God is Ultimately in Control: No matter how chaotic or unjust the world appears, God remains sovereign. His divine timetable ensures that justice will prevail.
  • Perseverance is Rewarded: The suffering of the saints is not in vain. This verse promises a future where their faithfulness will be vindicated, and they will share in Christ's reign. This echoes the sentiment that if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.
  • Hope for the Future: This prophecy points to a glorious future where God's kingdom will be fully established, and His people will inherit it, bringing an end to all forms of evil and oppression. It provides a steadfast hope that transcends present difficulties.

Understanding Daniel 7:22 strengthens faith, encouraging believers to remain steadfast, knowing that the "Ancient of days" will indeed come, and His saints will ultimately possess the kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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;
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