Study 42
by Charles Tan
Text: Daniel 7:9-10
Dear Young People,
“THE ANCIENT OF DAYS …” Daniel 7:9
As you read the Book of Daniel, and especially as you study these prophecies, what grips your mind? Daniel’s words help us obtain the right focus. Let us consider what he said,
“I watched till thrones were put in place,
and The Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool,
His throne was a fiery flame;
Its wheels a burning fire…”
Daniel 7:9
One of the most important things to bear in mind, as you study difficult and intriguing portions of Scripture, is to make sure that you never lose sight of God. Daniel saw symbolic creatures like the lion with wings, a bear, a leopard with four heads and four wings, and finally a fourth beast with ten horns plus one. You could get really caught up with this scene.
Daniel kept watching. The picture conjured is that of Daniel wanting to see what came next. Surely these four creatures were not all there was to see? Surely there must be more to see? He was right in his expectations.
God allowed him to see God’s throne room. You have to imagine a great throne room in this verse. Daniel saw a grand throne room in this vision. There were many other “thrones”. These represented kings and kingdoms. Who and what they were, we do not know. Their identity however is not so important.
Of great significance however is that the Main Throne was occupied by God. There could be rows of thrones on the left and right of the throne, and though those who sat on the thrones were impressive and important, all pale into total insignificance when compared to “The Ancient of Days”.
A BRIEF SYMBOLIC DESCRIPTION OF GOD
Daniel did not imagine this scene. The portrayal of God wasn’t of his own making. He was given the privilege to see this vision where God was wonderfully and symbolically represented. We may note the following symbols.
“The Ancient of Days ” – This is a reference to God’s eternal nature. He was always there. He straddled time beyond time.
“Seated…” – This is a reference to the majesty of God. He seats as the Presiding King of Kings. His throne was the grandest and most majestic of all.
“Garment white as snow ” – This is a reference to the Purity and Holiness of God.
“Hair as white as snow ” – This is a reference to the Wisdom of God.