Daniel 7:9

KJV

¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

I beheld {H1934}{H2370} till {H5705} the thrones {H3764} were cast down {H7412}, and the Ancient {H6268} of days {H3118} did sit {H3488}, whose garment {H3831} was white {H2358} as snow {H8517}, and the hair {H8177} of his head {H7217} like the pure {H5343} wool {H6015}: his throne {H3764} was like the fiery {H5135} flame {H7631}, and his wheels {H1535} as burning {H1815} fire {H5135}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As I watched, thrones were set in place; and the Ancient One took his seat. His clothing was white as snow, the hair on his head was like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, with wheels of burning fire.

Berean Standard Bible

As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

American Standard Version

I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 7:9 presents a profound vision of divine sovereignty and ultimate judgment, shifting the focus from the preceding earthly empires to the majestic heavenly court. In this pivotal verse, the prophet beholds the establishment of divine authority as "thrones were cast down," making way for the "Ancient of days" to take His seat. The vivid imagery of His pure white garment and wool-like hair underscores His eternal holiness and wisdom, while the fiery nature of His throne and wheels powerfully symbolizes His consuming power, purifying presence, and unyielding justice, setting the stage for the cosmic judgment to follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 7:9 is situated within Daniel's second major prophetic vision, which parallels and expands upon the dream of the great image in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream"). While [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") depicted a succession of earthly kingdoms culminating in God's eternal kingdom, [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts") uses animalistic imagery to represent these same empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome/a future empire). Immediately following the description of the terrifying fourth beast and its blasphemous horn, the narrative abruptly transitions from earthly dominion to a celestial courtroom scene. This abrupt shift in [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") signifies that despite the apparent power and longevity of human empires, their authority is finite and ultimately subject to divine oversight and judgment. The verse thus serves as the dramatic introduction to the ultimate divine reckoning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's visions, particularly those in [Daniel 7-12](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Visions of Beasts and the Ancient of Days"), belong to the genre of apocalyptic literature, which flourished during periods of intense persecution and political upheaval for the Jewish people. This genre often employed symbolic language, cosmic visions, and divine intermediaries to convey messages of hope, divine sovereignty, and ultimate justice. The imagery of a heavenly court, with God as the supreme judge, was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where kings often presided over judicial proceedings. However, Daniel elevates this concept to a cosmic scale, portraying YHWH as the pre-eminent, eternal, and universal judge, whose authority transcends all earthly rulers. The description of God's appearance, particularly the white garment and hair, evokes a sense of venerable age, wisdom, and purity, aligning with ancient cultural respect for elders and the symbolic significance of white for holiness and righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute and ultimate authority over all earthly powers and His imminent execution of justice. The "Ancient of days" taking His seat unequivocally demonstrates that all human history, including the rise and fall of empires, is under divine oversight, culminating in a final accountability before God. This verse also highlights the **Eternity and Purity of God**, emphasizing His timeless existence ("Ancient of days") and His perfect holiness and righteousness, untainted by human sin or temporal limitations, as symbolized by His white attire. Finally, the **Consuming Power and Justice** of God are vividly portrayed through the fiery imagery of His throne and wheels, which symbolize His majestic might, His purifying presence, and the irresistible nature of His divine judgment, a theme echoed in [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ancient (Aramaic, _ʻattîyq'_):** (H6268) This term, when combined with "of days" (yomin), forms the unique title "Ancient of days," directly conveying God's venerable age and eternal existence. It emphasizes His pre-eminence over all creation and time, portraying Him as the ultimate, timeless authority and source of all wisdom and justice.
* **throne (Aramaic, _korçêʼ'_):** (H3764) This word refers to a royal seat, signifying authority, power, and the right to rule and judge. In the context of [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne"), the "throne" is not merely a piece of furniture but the very locus of God's universal dominion and judicial power, from which He presides over the cosmic court.
* **fire (Aramaic, _nûwr'_):** (H5135) Used multiple times in this verse ("fiery flame," "burning fire"), this term powerfully symbolizes God's presence, holiness, and especially His judgmental nature. Fire in biblical imagery often denotes purification, divine wrath, and the consuming power that eradicates evil and establishes righteousness. Its repeated use here underscores the intensity and certainty of the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I beheld till the thrones were cast down":** This opening clause sets the scene for a dramatic shift. The phrase "cast down" (rᵉmâh) can imply either earthly thrones being dismantled or removed to make way for the divine judgment, or, alternatively, heavenly thrones being set in place for the divine court to convene. Regardless of the precise interpretation, it unequivocally signals the cessation of human dominion and the ushering in of a period of ultimate divine reckoning, where human authority yields to God's supreme rule.
* **"and the Ancient of days did sit":** This is the central action of the verse, introducing the primary figure of the vision – God Himself, uniquely titled "the Ancient of days." His act of "sitting" (yᵉthib) on the throne signifies His assumption of the role of supreme Judge, ready to execute justice. This imagery conveys His settled authority, His eternal nature, and His readiness to preside over the cosmic court.
* **"whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool":** These descriptive details paint a vivid picture of the Ancient of days. The "white as snow" garment and "pure wool" hair symbolize God's absolute purity, moral perfection, holiness, and venerable wisdom. White is consistently used in scripture to denote righteousness and divine glory, emphasizing the untainted and righteous character of the divine Judge.
* **"his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire":** The imagery here shifts to the throne itself, described with intense fiery metaphors. The "fiery flame" (sᵉbîyb) and "burning fire" (dᵉlaq nûwr) emphasize God's majestic power, His purifying presence, and the consuming nature of His divine justice. Fire is a recurring biblical symbol for God's holiness and His judgment, suggesting an active, dynamic, and irresistible force. The "wheels" (galgal) further enhance this dynamism, possibly alluding to the divine chariot throne seen in [Ezekiel's visions](/ekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of the Chariot Throne"), signifying God's omnipresence, mobility, and active involvement in the execution of judgment and governance.

#### Literary Devices
[Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") is rich with **Symbolism** and vivid **Imagery**. The "Ancient of days" is a profound symbol for God the Father, emphasizing His eternal nature, wisdom, and supreme authority as the ultimate Judge. The "garment white as snow" and "hair... like the pure wool" are powerful visual symbols for God's absolute purity, holiness, and venerable wisdom. The recurring motif of **fire** ("fiery flame," "burning fire") is a potent symbol throughout scripture for God's presence, His holiness, His purifying power, and His consuming judgment. The description of the throne as "like the fiery flame" and its "wheels as burning fire" employs **Metaphor** to convey the intensity and irresistible nature of God's power and justice. The depiction of God with a garment, hair, and sitting on a throne also involves **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like characteristics to God to make His divine attributes more comprehensible to human understanding, though it maintains His transcendent, non-physical nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") serves as a foundational text for understanding God's ultimate sovereignty and His role as the righteous Judge of all creation. It unequivocally declares that despite the tumultuous rise and fall of human empires, God remains eternally on His throne, actively overseeing history and poised to execute perfect justice. This vision underscores the biblical truth that all earthly power is temporary and accountable to a higher, divine authority. The "Ancient of days" embodies timeless wisdom, unblemished purity, and irresistible power, assuring believers that justice will ultimately prevail and that God's eternal kingdom will indeed triumph over all human kingdoms. This divine judgment is not merely punitive but also purifying, setting right all wrongs and establishing righteousness.

* [Revelation 20:11](/revelation/20-11 "Revelation 20:11 - The Great White Throne Judgment")
* [Psalm 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "Psalm 90:2 - From Everlasting to Everlasting")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The majestic vision of the Ancient of days in [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") offers profound comfort and a powerful call to reverence. In a world often marked by injustice, chaos, and the seemingly unchecked power of human authorities, this verse provides an unwavering assurance that God remains supremely in control. He is the eternal, pure, and righteous Judge who will ultimately bring all things to account. This truth should inspire a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness and power, encouraging us to live righteously in anticipation of His coming judgment. It also fosters patience in the face of present injustices, knowing that a perfect Judge sees all and will rectify every wrong. Furthermore, recognizing that all earthly powers are temporary and finite, while God's reign is eternal and absolute, compels us to align our lives, priorities, and allegiances with His kingdom, living with an eternal perspective that shapes our daily decisions and actions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the description of the "Ancient of days" reveal about God's character, and how does this impact your view of Him?**
* **How does the vision of God's fiery throne and wheels influence your understanding of divine justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways should the knowledge of God's ultimate sovereignty and judgment shape your response to the injustices or challenges you face in the world today?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to live a life of purity and righteousness, knowing that you will ultimately stand before the "Ancient of days"?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "Ancient of days" mentioned in Daniel 7:9?**

Answer: The "Ancient of days" is a unique and majestic title for God the Father, emphasizing His eternal existence, pre-eminence, and supreme authority as the ultimate Judge. It highlights His timeless nature, His infinite wisdom, and His venerable position as the one who existed before all creation and will endure forever. This title underscores His role as the sovereign ruler and arbiter of all history.

**What is the significance of the "thrones were cast down" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "thrones were cast down" (or "set in place") signifies the preparation for a divine court. It can be interpreted in two primary ways: either that earthly thrones and human dominion are being dismantled or removed to make way for God's supreme authority, or that heavenly thrones are being set up for the heavenly court to convene. In either interpretation, it powerfully conveys a transition from human rule to divine reckoning, emphasizing that all earthly power is temporary and ultimately subject to God's eternal judgment. It sets the stage for the ultimate accountability of all powers before the "Ancient of days."

**What do the white garment and fiery throne symbolize in Daniel 7:9?**

Answer: The "garment white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool" symbolize God's absolute purity, moral perfection, holiness, and venerable wisdom. White is a biblical color often associated with righteousness, divine glory, and untainted holiness. The "throne [like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire" symbolize God's majestic power, His purifying presence, and the consuming nature of His divine justice. Fire in scripture frequently represents God's holiness, His active presence, and His judgment, indicating an irresistible and all-consuming force that eradicates evil and establishes righteousness. This imagery underscores the severity and certainty of the judgment to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Daniel 7:9](/daniel/7-9 "Daniel 7:9 - The Ancient of Days on His Fiery Throne") primarily depicts God the Father as the "Ancient of days" presiding over the cosmic court, its imagery and themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The ultimate judgment described here is ultimately entrusted to the Son, Jesus Christ, who is Himself described with similar majestic and fiery attributes. [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son") states that "the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." Furthermore, the description of the Ancient of days' white hair and pure garment finds a striking parallel in the vision of the glorified Christ in [Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Revelation 1:14 - Description of the Son of Man"), where His "head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire." This connection suggests that the Son embodies the same eternal purity, wisdom, and consuming power as the Father. The "thrones cast down" and the establishment of divine judgment foreshadow the ultimate triumph of Christ's kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalted Jesus")). Jesus, as the Son of Man in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Comes"), receives everlasting dominion and glory from the Ancient of days, signifying that the judgment and eternal reign are ultimately fulfilled through Him, establishing a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.

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

Revelation 1:14

His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;

Mark 9:3

And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

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.

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

Daniel 7:13

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

Matthew 17:2

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Revelation 19:18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.