Daniel 7:9
Daniel 7:9 in Multiple Translations
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 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 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.
I went on looking till the seats of kings were placed, and one like a very old man took his seat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool; his seat was flames of fire and its wheels burning fire.
While I was watching, thrones were set up and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothes were white as snow and his hair looked like the purest wool. His throne blazed like flames; its wheels like burning fire.
I behelde, till the thrones were set vp, and the Ancient of dayes did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the heare of his head like the pure wooll: his throne was like the fierie flame, and his wheeles as burning fire.
'I was seeing till that thrones have been thrown down, and the Ancient of Days is seated, His garment as snow [is] white, and the hair of his head [is] as pure wool, His throne flames of fire, its wheels burning fire.
“I watched until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool. His throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
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 till thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days sat: his garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like clean wool: his throne like flames of fire: the wheels of it like a burning fire.
Then while I watched, thrones were put in the places where they belonged, and God, the one who had been living forever, sat on one of the thrones. His clothes were as white as snow, and his hair was as white as pure/clean wool. His throne had wheels that were blazing with fire, and his throne was also blazing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 7:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Daniel 7:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָזֵ֣ה
הֲוֵ֗ית
עַ֣ד
דִּ֤י
כָרְסָוָן֙
רְמִ֔יו
וְ/עַתִּ֥יק
יוֹמִ֖ין
יְתִ֑ב
לְבוּשֵׁ֣/הּ
כִּ/תְלַ֣ג
חִוָּ֗ר
וּ/שְׂעַ֤ר
רֵאשֵׁ/הּ֙
כַּ/עֲמַ֣ר
נְקֵ֔א
כָּרְסְיֵ/הּ֙
שְׁבִיבִ֣ין
דִּי
נ֔וּר
גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹ/הִי
נ֥וּר
דָּלִֽק
חָזֵ֣ה
chăzâʼ
H2370
to see
Adj
הֲוֵ֗ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
to be
Adj
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5705
till
Adj
דִּ֤י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
כָרְסָוָן֙
korçêʼ
H3764
throne
Adj
רְמִ֔יו
rᵉmâh
H7412
to cast
Adj
וְ/עַתִּ֥יק
ʻattîyq
H6268
ancient
Adj | Adj
יוֹמִ֖ין
yôwm
H3118
day
Adj
יְתִ֑ב
yᵉthib
H3488
to dwell
Adj
לְבוּשֵׁ֣/הּ
lᵉbûwsh
H3831
garment
Adj | Suff
כִּ/תְלַ֣ג
tᵉlag
H8517
snow
Adj | N-ms
חִוָּ֗ר
chivvâr
H2358
white
Adj
וּ/שְׂעַ֤ר
sᵉʻar
H8177
hair
Adj | N-ms
רֵאשֵׁ/הּ֙
rêʼsh
H7217
head
Adj | Suff
כַּ/עֲמַ֣ר
ʻămar
H6015
wool
Adj | N-ms
נְקֵ֔א
nᵉqêʼ
H5343
pure
Adj
כָּרְסְיֵ/הּ֙
korçêʼ
H3764
throne
Adj | Suff
שְׁבִיבִ֣ין
sᵉbîyb
H7631
flame
Adj
דִּי
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
נ֔וּר
nûwr
H5135
fire
Adj
גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹ/הִי
galgal
H1535
wheel
Adj | Suff
נ֥וּר
nûwr
H5135
fire
Adj
דָּלִֽק
dᵉlaq
H1815
to burn
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 7:9
חָזֵ֣ה
chăzâʼ
H2370
"to see"
Adj
Chaza means to see or gaze, and can also mean to dream or seem. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in a vision.
Definition: 1) to see, behold 1a)(P'al) 1a1) to see 1a2) to see, behold, witness 1a3) to behold (in a dream or vision) 1a4) customary, seemly (passive)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: behold, have (a dream), see, be wont. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:21.
הֲוֵ֗ית
hâvâʼ
H1934
"to be"
Adj
Similar to H1933, this word means 'to be' or 'to exist', but with a broader range of applications, as seen in Daniel and Ezra. It can describe something coming to pass or becoming known.
Definition: 1) to come to pass, become, be 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to come to pass 1a2) to come into being, arise, become, come to be 1a2a) to let become known (with participle of knowing) 1a3) to be
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: be, become, [phrase] behold, [phrase] came (to pass), [phrase] cease, [phrase] cleave, [phrase] consider, [phrase] do, [phrase] give, [phrase] have, [phrase] judge, [phrase] keep, [phrase] labour, [phrase] mingle (self), [phrase] put, [phrase] see, [phrase] seek, [phrase] set, [phrase] slay, [phrase] take heed, tremble, [phrase] walk, [phrase] would. See also: Ezra 4:12; Daniel 4:1; Daniel 7:23.
עַ֣ד
ʻad
H5705
"till"
Adj
This Hebrew word is similar to H5704, meaning until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Numbers when describing the Israelites' travels.
Definition: prep 1) even to, until, up to, during conj 2) until, up to the time that, ere that
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] and, at, for, (hither-) to, on till, (un-) to, until, within. See also: Ezra 4:21; Daniel 5:21; Daniel 7:28.
דִּ֤י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
כָרְסָוָן֙
korçêʼ
H3764
"throne"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means a throne, like a royal chair, where a king or ruler sits. It appears in Esther 5:1 and Isaiah 6:1, referring to the thrones of King Ahasuerus and God. The concept of a throne symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: throne, royal chair Aramaic of kis.se (כִּסֵּא ": throne" H3678)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: throne. See also: Daniel 5:20; Daniel 7:9.
רְמִ֔יו
rᵉmâh
H7412
"to cast"
Adj
To throw or cast something, like an object or a tribute, and to set or assess something. The word is used in the Bible to describe physical actions. It is translated as cast or impose in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to cast, throw 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to cast 1a2) to throw 1a2a) of tribute (fig) 1b) (Peil) 1b1) to be cast 1b2) to be placed, be set 1c) (Ithp'el) to be cast
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: cast (down), impose. See also: Ezra 7:24; Daniel 3:24; Daniel 7:9.
וְ/עַתִּ֥יק
ʻattîyq
H6268
"ancient"
Adj | Adj
This word is used to describe something or someone that is very old or ancient. It is similar to H6267 and is used in the Bible to describe aged things.
Definition: ancient, advanced, aged, old, taken away Aramaic of at.tiq (עַתִּיק "ancient/taken" H6267)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: ancient. See also: Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:13; Daniel 7:22.
יוֹמִ֖ין
yôwm
H3118
"day"
Adj
The word 'yom' is used in the Bible to refer to a 24-hour period, and when modified by a number, it always refers to a specific day. For example, 'three days' or 'forty days' would be translated using the word 'yom'. This word is an important part of the Bible's system of timekeeping.
Definition: 1) day 2) day always refers to a twenty-four hour period when the word is modified by a definite or cardinal number
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: day (by day), time. See also: Ezra 4:15; Daniel 5:11; Daniel 7:22.
יְתִ֑ב
yᵉthib
H3488
"to dwell"
Adj
To dwell means to sit or live in a place, like the Israelites dwelling in the Promised Land. It can also mean to cause someone to live somewhere.
Definition: 1) to sit, dwell 1a) (P'al) to sit, be seated 1b) (Aphel) to cause to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: dwell, (be) set, sit. See also: Ezra 4:10; Daniel 7:9; Daniel 7:26.
לְבוּשֵׁ֣/הּ
lᵉbûwsh
H3831
"garment"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a garment or clothing, and sometimes it's used to refer to a wife. It appears in various books, including the Old Testament. The word is related to clothing and covering.
Definition: garment, clothing Aramaic of le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "clothing" H3830)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: garment. See also: Daniel 3:21; Daniel 7:9.
כִּ/תְלַ֣ג
tᵉlag
H8517
"snow"
Adj | N-ms
This word means snow in Hebrew, used to describe winter scenes and cold climates. It is also related to an Aramaic word for snow. Snow is mentioned in several books, including Job and Psalms.
Definition: snow Aramaic of she.leg (שֶׁ֫לֶג "snow" H7950)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: snow. See also: Daniel 7:9.
חִוָּ֗ר
chivvâr
H2358
"white"
Adj
Simply meaning white, this word is used in the Bible to describe something that is pale or colorless.
Definition: white
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: white. See also: Daniel 7:9.
וּ/שְׂעַ֤ר
sᵉʻar
H8177
"hair"
Adj | N-ms
This word simply means hair, specifically the hair on a person's head, and is used in the Bible to describe a person's appearance. It is also related to an Aramaic word with the same meaning.
Definition: hair (of head) Aramaic of se.ar (שֵׂעָר "hair" H8181)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hair. See also: Daniel 3:27; Daniel 4:30; Daniel 7:9.
רֵאשֵׁ/הּ֙
rêʼsh
H7217
"head"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for head can refer to the physical head or the chief of something. It is used in various contexts, including the book of Genesis and the Psalms.
Definition: 1) chief, head 1a) head (of man) 1b) head (as seat of visions) 1c) chief 1d) sum (essential content)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: chief, head, sum. See also: Ezra 5:10; Daniel 4:7; Daniel 7:20.
כַּ/עֲמַ֣ר
ʻămar
H6015
"wool"
Adj | N-ms
Simply means wool, like the wool from sheep, as mentioned in the story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 31:19. It is a basic material used for clothing and other essential items.
Definition: wool Aramaic of tse.mer (צֶ֫מֶר "wool" H6785)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wool. See also: Daniel 7:9.
נְקֵ֔א
nᵉqêʼ
H5343
"pure"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something is pure or clean, often referring to moral purity. It is used to describe something as free from impurities. This concept appears in various books, including Leviticus.
Definition: clean, pure
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: pure. See also: Daniel 7:9.
כָּרְסְיֵ/הּ֙
korçêʼ
H3764
"throne"
Adj | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a throne, like a royal chair, where a king or ruler sits. It appears in Esther 5:1 and Isaiah 6:1, referring to the thrones of King Ahasuerus and God. The concept of a throne symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: throne, royal chair Aramaic of kis.se (כִּסֵּא ": throne" H3678)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: throne. See also: Daniel 5:20; Daniel 7:9.
שְׁבִיבִ֣ין
sᵉbîyb
H7631
"flame"
Adj
The word means a flame that splits into tongues, like a fire. It is used to describe the appearance of fire or flame in the Bible.
Definition: flame Aramaic of sha.viv (שָׁבִיב "flame" H7632)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: flame. See also: Daniel 3:22; Daniel 7:9.
דִּי
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
נ֔וּר
nûwr
H5135
"fire"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means fire, describing flames or something fiery. It's used in various KJV translations to convey the idea of heat, light, or passion, and is a fundamental element in the biblical world.
Definition: fire
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: fiery, fire. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:23; Daniel 7:10.
גַּלְגִּלּ֖וֹ/הִי
galgal
H1535
"wheel"
Adj | Suff
In the Aramaic language, this word means a wheel, similar to the Hebrew word with the same spelling. It is used to describe a circular object that turns, and is an important part of various machines and devices.
Definition: wheel Aramaic of gal.gal (גַּלְגַּל "wheel" H1534)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wheel. See also: Daniel 7:9.
נ֥וּר
nûwr
H5135
"fire"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means fire, describing flames or something fiery. It's used in various KJV translations to convey the idea of heat, light, or passion, and is a fundamental element in the biblical world.
Definition: fire
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: fiery, fire. See also: Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:23; Daniel 7:10.
דָּלִֽק
dᵉlaq
H1815
"to burn"
Adj
To burn means to flame, either literally or figuratively, like a fire. This word is used in the Bible to describe intense heat or passion. It appears in various forms, including in Psalm 39:3.
Definition: (P'al) to burn Aramaic of da.laq (דָּלַק "to burn/pursue" H1814)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: burn. See also: Daniel 7:9.
Study Notes — Daniel 7:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Daniel 7:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Daniel 7:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 7:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
- Cambridge Bible on Daniel 7:9
- Barnes' Notes on Daniel 7:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
- Sermons on Daniel 7:9
Context — Daniel’s Vision of the Ancient of Days
7After this, as I watched in my vision in the night, suddenly a fourth beast appeared, and it was terrifying—dreadful and extremely strong—with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed; then it trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.
8While I was contemplating the horns, suddenly another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like those of a man and a mouth that spoke words of arrogance.
9As 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.
10A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. 11Then I kept watching because of the arrogant words the horn was speaking. As I continued to watch, the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 1:14 | The hair of His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a blazing fire. |
| 2 | Mark 9:3 | His clothes became radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them. |
| 3 | Daniel 7:13 | In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. |
| 4 | Matthew 17:2 | There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. |
| 5 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 6 | Daniel 7:22 | until the Ancient of Days arrived and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for them to possess the kingdom. |
| 7 | Revelation 19:18–4 | — |
| 8 | Ezekiel 10:2–7 | And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in. Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD. The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks. When the LORD commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, “Take fire from within the wheelwork, from among the cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel. Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand and took some of the fire that was among them. And he put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who received it and went out. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 1:13–21 | In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning. When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel. As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. So as the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. |
| 10 | 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8 | and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. |
Daniel 7:9 Summary
[Daniel 7:9 describes a powerful scene where God, called the Ancient of Days, takes His seat on a throne, symbolizing His wisdom, purity, and power. His white clothing and pure wool hair represent His holiness, as seen in Isaiah 1:18. The flaming throne with wheels ablaze shows God's glory and judgment, similar to Deuteronomy 4:24. This verse reminds us of God's eternal nature and wisdom, and encourages us to reverence and honor Him, as in Psalm 9:7-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7:9?
The Ancient of Days is a title for God, emphasizing His eternal nature and wisdom, as seen in Daniel 7:9 where He takes His seat in judgment, similar to the scene in Revelation 4:2-3 where God is seated on a throne in heaven.
What is the significance of the white clothing and pure wool hair in Daniel 7:9?
The white clothing and pure wool hair of the Ancient of Days symbolize His purity and righteousness, as white is often associated with holiness in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 1:18 and Revelation 3:18.
What does the flaming throne with wheels ablaze represent in Daniel 7:9?
The flaming throne with wheels ablaze represents God's power, judgment, and glory, as fire is often used in the Bible to symbolize God's presence and purification, such as in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Hebrews 12:29.
Is the scene in Daniel 7:9 a vision of the end times or a heavenly reality?
The scene in Daniel 7:9 is a vision of a heavenly reality, where God is seated on His throne, ready to judge, which is similar to the scene in Revelation 20:11-15 where God judges the nations, and is also reflected in Psalm 9:7-8 where God is seated as the judge of the world.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of the Ancient of Days taking His seat evoke in my heart, and how can I apply this to my daily life?
- How can I reverence and honor the purity and righteousness of God, as represented by the white clothing and pure wool hair of the Ancient of Days?
- What does the flaming throne with wheels ablaze teach me about God's power and judgment, and how can I surrender to His will?
- In what ways can I participate in the heavenly reality of God's throne room, and how can I align my life with His eternal purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Daniel 7:9
I beheld till the thrones were cast down,.... On which the governors of the above monarchies sat; and those of the ten kings, signified by the ten horns; and also that of the little horn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
By thrones cast down must be meant the kingdoms of this world, destroyed by Christ the King and Judge of all, called the Ancient of days, because of his eternal Deity; without beginning and end of days. Whose garment was white as snow; thus kings’ viceroys were clothed, as Joseph in fine silk, , and Mordecai, . The hair of his head like the pure wool; see ; noting his innocence, and righteousness in judgment, . His throne was like the fiery flame: this notes his majesty in judgment: see ,4 Malachi 4:1 ,12. His wheels as burning fire; arguing the greatest and most formidable state of the last Judge and judgment; alluding to the kings who had movable thrones, which had wheels: it notes also God’ s swiftness in judgment, .
Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
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.Ver. 9. I beheld till the thrones were cast down.] All these tyrannous dominions overturned. Some read it, "till the thrones were set up"; for till the last judgment Antichrist is to continue. And the Ancient of days did sit,] i.e., God Almighty, whom Thales, also a heathen philosopher, called πρεσβυτατοντωνοντων, the most ancient of all that are. The poets say also that Saturn, the father of their gods, had his name from his fulness of years, God’ s eternity and wisdom is set forth; by this title here, like as also is, by his "white garments," his majesty and authority; by his "hair as pure wool," his innocence and integrity in judgment; by his "throne like the fiery flame," his just anger and severity, against the man of sin especially; by his "wheels" - or the wheels thereof, viz., of his throne; for princes’ thrones used in those days to be set upon wheels - "as burning fire" is set forth his facility and dexterity in executing his judgments, his efficacy also, since all things are fiery. Laert. in Vit. Thalet. Saturnus est appellatus quod saturetur annis. - Cic, de Nat. Deor., lib. ii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
(9) I beheld.—Literally, I kept on looking, and suddenly seats were placed, on which the assessors of the Great Judge were to sit. These have been interpreted from Psalms 89:7 to be the angels, but a truer explanation is to be found in Matthew 19:28. It should be noticed that those who sat on the thrones are distinguished from the countless multitude mentioned in Daniel 7:10. Ancient of days.—Literally, a very aged man. (Comp. Ezekiel 1:26-28.) The attribute of age expresses the majesty of the judge. (Comp. Psalms 55:19; Deuteronomy 33:27.) It may be remarked that notwithstanding the title “Ancient” is applied to the Deity, “Anou,” yet His titles, “generator and father of the gods,” are so completely at variance with Old Testament doctrines that it is inconceivable that Daniel should have incorporated in his vision any portions of Babylonian mythology. Similar remarks apply to Silik-moulou-khi, between whom and the Son of man (Daniel 7:13) a parallel has been pointed out. The conception of the former is completely different from what is revealed about the latter.
White as snow.—Indicating, like the “pure wool,” the purity and justice of the Judge. Fiery flame.—Fire appears in Scripture sometimes as a metaphor for affliction or punishment (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:13, &c.), sometimes as a symbol of the chastening and punitive righteousness of God (Ezekiel 1:13-14; Ezekiel 1:27-28). Elsewhere it sets forth the fiery indignation which devours the enemies of God (Hebrews 10:27; Revelation 19:11-12). The figure of speech is here used in each of these senses. The “wheels” represent the omnipresence of Almighty God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
Verse 9. The thrones were cast down] דמיו might be translated erected, so the Vulgate, positi sunt, and so all the versions; but that ours is a proper translation, is sufficiently evident from Daniel 3:6; Daniel 3:16; Daniel 3:20; Daniel 6:17, c. where the original word can be used in no other sense than that of throwing or casting down. There is a reference here to preparations made for a general assize, or to the convocation of the sanhedrin, where the father of the consistory sat with his assessors on each side in the form of a semicircle, and the people stood before them. The Ancient of days] God Almighty; and this is the only place in the sacred writings where God the Father is represented in a human form.
Cambridge Bible on Daniel 7:9
9–14. The judgement on the Gentile powers. The scene is majestically conceived. Thrones are set for the heavenly powers, the assessors of the Judge: the Almighty Himself appears in the likeness of an aged man, seated on a throne of flame: angels in countless myriads stand in attendance around Him: and the books recording the deeds of the Gentile rulers are opened. The four beasts are given over to destruction: while a figure in human form is brought before the Almighty in the clouds of heaven, and receives from Him an everlasting dominion.
Barnes' Notes on Daniel 7:9
I beheld - “I continued looking on these strange sights, and contemplating these transformations.” This implies that some time elapsed before all these things had occurred.
Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 7:9
9. Thrones were cast down — Literally, thrones were placed. This “Ancient of the Day” (Meinhold) is a new name for Jehovah, expressing the well-recognized idea of his eternity (Psalms 90:2; Psalms
Sermons on Daniel 7:9
| Sermon | Description | |
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To See the Living God by David Cooper | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the description of four living creatures in the book of Ezekiel. These creatures have wings joined together and always move straight forward |
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God on the Throne: A Picture of Holiness by James MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the mystery and awe-inspiring nature of God. He references a vision from the book of Daniel, where thrones were placed and the ancient of days |
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(Daniel) a Survey of Five World Empires by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the interpretation of Daniel's vision in chapter 7 of the Bible. The vision describes four beasts that arise from the sea, each representing |
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Becoming More Saint and Less Sinner by Keith Hartsell | In this sermon, the speaker describes a hypothetical scenario of a multicultural crowd coming together to celebrate the name of Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of prai |
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Rev. 20:6. the First Resurrection by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the hope of resurrection as central to the Christian faith, contrasting it with the finality of death. He explains that the first resurrection, as describ |
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Two Exhortations to Theodore After His Fall - Part 1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of repentance and the eternal consequences of our choices. He emphasizes the severity of exclusion from the glory of the other world a |
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Epistle 128 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking purity and wisdom from God, using His creation for His glory instead of being consumed by covetousness and worry about the futur |