“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, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9-10
These verses are intended for the comfort and support of the people of God in reference to the persecutions of Israel and all Christians. It was written so that we who love God and are living for Him will be encouraged. Every age has the persecution of God’s people. If we know how the story ends we can endure. There are three things in these scriptures that gives us encouragement.
That there is a judgment to come and God is the Judge. Now men have their day, and every wicked person thinks he should have his day, and struggles for it. But he that sits in heaven laughs at them, for he sees that his day is coming, “The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.” (Psalm 37:12-13)
That the proud and cruel enemies of the church of God will certainly be reckoned with and brought down in due time. “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (Matthew 16:18)
That the kingdom of the Messiah shall be set up in the world in spite of all the opposition of the powers of darkness. Let the heathen rage and fret as long as they please, God will set his King upon his holy hill of Zion. Daniel sees this in his vision, and comforts himself and his friends with the prospect of it. This is the same with Nebuchadnezzar’s foresight of the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, which broke in pieces the image; but in this vision there is much more of pure gospel than in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
This vision that Daniel saw corresponds to what John saw and recorded in Revelation 4-5. The Ancient of days seems to correspond to God the Father, as distinct from God the Son who is introduced in Daniel 7:13 as Son of man.