Daniel 7 9

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.

Daniel 7:9 nkjv

"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 niv

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

Daniel 7:9 esv

"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.

Daniel 7:9 nlt

I watched as thrones were put in place
and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
with wheels of blazing fire,

Daniel 7 verses

Daniel 7 9 Meaning

Daniel 7:9 describes Daniel's vision of the divine throne room in heaven, initiating a scene of ultimate judgment. It depicts the eternal God, referred to as "the Ancient of Days," taking His seat on a majestic, fiery throne. The imagery emphasizes His absolute authority, pre-existence, wisdom, and the consuming holiness of His presence, all set to preside over the judgment of earthly kingdoms and usher in His eternal reign.

Daniel 7 9 Context

Daniel chapter 7 presents Daniel's vision of four beasts rising from the sea, representing successive world empires that oppress God's people. This verse, Daniel 7:9, marks a dramatic shift in the vision from earthly, beastly kingdoms to a divine heavenly scene. It transitions from the progression of Gentile empires to God's intervention, establishing His courtroom to pass judgment on these kingdoms and ultimately give dominion to the "Son of Man." The historical context for Daniel's vision is the Babylonian and Persian exile, during which God's people were subject to oppressive pagan powers. This vision offers assurance of God's ultimate sovereignty and just retribution.

Daniel 7 9 Word analysis

• I beheld till: Indicates an intense, prolonged observation, signifying a critical turning point in the vision. The vision moves from earthly events to divine action.
• the thrones were cast down: The Aramaic word is remiyu (רְמִיוּ). While "cast down" (KJV) suggests removal, its primary meaning in this context and reinforced by scholarly consensus and other translations (ESV, NASB) is "to be set," "to be placed," or "to be erected." It signifies preparation for the divine judgment scene, where additional thrones might be for the angelic court or saints (as implied in Dan 7:10). This contrasts with the temporary thrones of the beastly empires, which will ultimately be overthrown.
• the Ancient of days: In Aramaic, `Attîq Yômîn (עַתִּיק יוֹמִין). This unique biblical title emphasizes God's eternity, pre-existence, uncreated nature, wisdom, and supreme authority. He is the primeval source of all being and justice, a direct challenge to the transient nature of human empires. It signifies His absolute timelessness and sovereignty over all history.
• did sit: Implies a judicial posture. This signals the commencement of the divine court proceedings for judgment.
• whose garment was white as snow: Symbolizes purity, holiness, righteousness, and divine splendor. It speaks to God's unstained moral perfection, crucial for the One who judges righteously.
• and the hair of his head like the pure wool: Signifies immense age, profound wisdom, and venerable majesty. White wool is also pure and unstained, reinforcing His blameless character suitable for a judge.
• his throne was like the fiery flame: The throne itself embodies intense holiness, irresistible power, and the consuming nature of divine judgment. Fire is often associated with God's purifying presence and His active work of judgment.
• and his wheels as burning fire: Recalls the Merkabah (chariot throne) visions in Ezekiel, signifying the dynamic and swift omnipresence of God. The wheels of fire denote His swift movement to enact judgment and His all-pervading dominion.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit": This pivotal phrase marks the transition from human kingdoms to divine reign and judgment. The setting of thrones indicates the initiation of a formal celestial court, emphasizing God's ultimate judicial authority over all earthly powers.
• "whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool": This visual depiction paints a picture of unparalleled purity, wisdom, and eternal authority. The brilliant white conveys unblemished righteousness and overwhelming holiness, essential attributes of the supreme Judge.
• "his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire": The imagery of fire permeates the description of the throne, signifying overwhelming power, consuming holiness, divine scrutiny, and active judgment. It conveys that God's justice is irresistible, purifying, and swiftly executed, representing His consuming presence against all unrighteousness.

Daniel 7 9 Bonus section

The "Ancient of Days" is never described as "the Father" explicitly in the Bible, but the consistent contrast with the "one like a Son of Man" (Dan 7:13-14) strongly suggests this distinction within the Godhead. The title itself is a Hebrew idiom expressing the oldest of anyone or anything, denoting infinite existence beyond time. The vision presents a powerful polemic against the temporal, brutal, and idol-worshiping empires, affirming the supremacy and eternality of Yahweh, Israel's God. The detailed descriptions serve to make the unseen God discernible in His glory and power to Daniel and subsequent readers, reinforcing faith in His ultimate intervention.

Daniel 7 9 Commentary

Daniel 7:9 provides a powerful glimpse into the heavenly courtroom where God, the Ancient of Days, takes His seat to initiate the ultimate judgment. This scene is pivotal, shifting focus from the chaotic and beastly nature of human empires to the orderly, pure, and awe-inspiring majesty of the divine sovereign. The white garments and hair emphasize His spotless purity, venerable age, and profound wisdom, presenting Him as the unimpeachable Judge. The fiery nature of the throne and its wheels denotes not only His immense power and terrifying holiness but also the active, dynamic, and consuming quality of His judgment. This verse assures the reader that despite the oppression by earthly powers, God is ultimately in control, preparing to execute perfect justice and establish His eternal dominion, making sense of suffering and promising the victory of righteousness.