The Dominion of the ‘Ancient of Days’

The Ancient of Days in Daniel Chapter 7 refers to God the Eternal One (the Father), who is also called the Highest One in the text. The image of old age does not express feebleness; it shows that God is eternal and pre-existing, and that He also has the wisdom to judge.

Furthermore, as illustrated in Daniel's vision, the Ancient of Days will confer the messianic kingdom on the Son to rule at His second coming (Daniel 7:13-14). In Daniel 7, the Son is referred to as the Son of Man, as He is the Messiah. Consequently, it is more than significant that Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man (Mt. 16:27; 19:28; 26:64). Our Savior will have authority, and all people will serve Him. This is a wonderful realization for all who love the Lord.

But Daniel is initially distressed by his vision (Daniel 7:15), as he understands that history will come to an end and be known for its sins. Judgment will be delivered against the Antichrist, Satan, who empowers him (Rev. 13:4; 20:1-3), and the unsaved who are not allowed into the kingdom and await the final Great White Throne resurrection and judgment (Rev 20:11-15). Human-led history will conclude, and it will not be remembered as glorious by any measure as the curtain closes on its darkness. This reality should be meditated on; the only lasting things we do in this temporal environment are engaged for the glory of the Lord. No other works endure.

Like the central theme in Daniel’s book, the title "Ancient of Days" expresses God’s dominion over human events and all of eternity. His plan of redemption will be carried out, and those who are saved will experience eternal life. Despite the world's current circumstances, believers should not fret, for the Lord is in total control.

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Daniel 7:9-18

“I kept looking

Until thrones were set up,

And the Ancient of Days was seated;

His clothing was like white snow,

And the hair of His head like pure wool.

His throne was ablaze with fire,

Its wheels were a burning fire.

A river of fire was flowing

And coming out from before Him;

Thousands upon thousands were attending Him

And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;

The court sat,

And the books were opened.

Then I kept looking because of the sound of the great boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was killed, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire.

As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was given to them for an appointed season of time.

 “I kept looking in the night visions,

And behold, with the clouds of heaven

One like a Son of Man was coming,

And He came up to the Ancient of Days

And came near before Him.

And to Him was given dominion,

Glory, and a kingdom,

That all the peoples, nations, and men of every tongue

Might serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

Which will not be taken away;

And His kingdom is one

Which will not be destroyed.

“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions of my head kept alarming me. I came near to one of those who were standing by and began seeking out from him the exact meaning of all this. So he said it to me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: ‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come."