Ancient of Days

Biblical roots for a modern faith — Daniel 7:9


Who Is the Ancient of Days?

 

Hi and welcome to the biblical section of my web site.

I chose to call the opening page to this section the Ancient of Days because the term provides somewhat of a complete description of who God is.

  1. It emphasizes God’s eternal existence
  1. It portrays God as the supreme Judge
  1. It contrasts God with temporary empires
  1. It stresses God’s wisdom
  1. It prepares for the coming of the Messiah
  1. It assures believers that history is under God’s control

Daniel lived during exile in Babylon. His people had lost their homeland, their king, and the temple.

From a human perspective, it appeared that evil had won.

The vision of the Ancient of Days tells Daniel that appearances are deceiving:

  • God still reigns.
  • God still judges.
  • God still directs history.
  • God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.

This would have been a powerful encouragement to God’s people living under foreign rule.

Daniel called God the Ancient of Days because no other title so clearly conveyed that God is:

  • Eternal rather than temporary.
  • Sovereign over every earthly ruler.
  • Perfect in wisdom.
  • The righteous Judge of all nations.
  • The One who ultimately establishes the everlasting kingdom.

The title reminds readers that while every human empire has a beginning and an end, God stands outside of time. He is the eternal King before whom all earthly powers must eventually give account. That is why the vision of the Ancient of Days remains one of the Bible’s most majestic portrayals of God’s sovereignty over history.

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Shalom

“Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You [a]had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

Psalm 90:2

If you would like to study more on the subject of Daniel’s vision please go to the sections below. 

Also, remember to visit my Books page.

Study

The Ancient of Days - In Depth

Explore the description of who God is from the summary above – An in depth perspective.

Word Study

Atik Yomin

Unpacking the original Aramaic behind “Ancient of Days” and how it shaped later portrayals of God the Father.

Context

Daniel in Babylon

The political backdrop of chapter 7 — and why an apocalyptic vision landed right when it did.

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