Daniel 7:9

¶ 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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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.

Daniel 7:9 is a pivotal verse in Daniel's apocalyptic vision, introducing the majestic and awe-inspiring figure of God, referred to as the "Ancient of days," presiding over a cosmic judgment scene. This vision, seen after Daniel's dream of four great beasts representing successive earthly kingdoms, shifts focus from human empires to divine sovereignty and justice.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's second major prophetic vision in Chapter 7, which parallels and expands upon the vision of the great image in Daniel 2. While Daniel 2 depicted earthly kingdoms leading to God's eternal kingdom, Daniel 7 uses animal imagery to represent these empires (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome/future empire) and then immediately transitions to a heavenly court scene. The phrase "till the thrones were cast down" signifies the removal or preparation of earthly rulers' authority, making way for the supreme divine judgment. It sets the stage for the ultimate accountability of all earthly powers before God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The primary theme is God's absolute authority over all earthly powers and His imminent judgment. The "Ancient of days" takes His seat to execute justice, demonstrating that ultimately, all human history is subject to divine oversight.
  • Eternity and Purity of God: The description of the "Ancient of days" emphasizes God's eternal nature ("Ancient") and His perfect holiness and righteousness ("white as snow," "pure wool"). He is beyond time and untainted by human sin.
  • Consuming Power and Justice: The fiery imagery of the throne and its wheels symbolizes God's majestic power, His purifying presence, and the consuming nature of His divine justice. It speaks to the severity and certainty of the judgment to come.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Ancient of days" comes from the Aramaic phrase 'attiq yomin (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין). This unique designation for God highlights His eternal existence, His pre-eminence over all creation, and His venerable wisdom gained through infinite ages. It underscores His role as the ultimate, timeless authority.

Symbolism

  • "Thrones were cast down": This can be interpreted as earthly thrones being dismantled or removed to make way for the divine judgment, or simply being set in place for the heavenly court to convene. Either way, it signals a shift from human dominion to divine reckoning.
  • "Ancient of days": Represents God the Father, emphasizing His eternal nature, wisdom, and supreme authority as the ultimate Judge.
  • "Garment white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool": These visual elements powerfully convey God's absolute purity, moral perfection, holiness, and venerable wisdom. White often symbolizes righteousness and divine glory in biblical imagery (e.g., Revelation 4:4).
  • "Throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire": Fire is a recurring biblical symbol for God's presence, holiness, judgment, and consuming power. It suggests an active, dynamic, and irresistible force of divine justice. The "wheels" may allude to mobility and omnipresence, similar to the divine chariot throne seen in Ezekiel's visions, signifying God's active involvement in judgment and governance.

Reflection and Application

Daniel 7:9 offers a profound glimpse into the ultimate reality of God's sovereignty. For believers, this vision provides immense comfort, assuring us that despite the chaos and injustice of human history, God remains firmly on His throne. He is the eternal, pure, and righteous Judge who will ultimately bring all things to account. This truth should inspire reverence, encourage patience in the face of injustice, and motivate us to live righteously in anticipation of His coming judgment.

The powerful imagery reminds us that all earthly powers are temporary and finite, whereas God's reign is eternal and absolute. It points forward to a time when all human dominion will cease and the Great White Throne Judgment will commence, where every deed will be judged by the perfectly just and holy "Ancient of days." This verse underscores the call to live in light of eternity, understanding that our lives are lived before the all-seeing, all-powerful God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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