Ancient of Days: What Does it Mean?
Ancient of Days: What does it Mean?
God’s name “Ancient of Days” is used only in the book of Daniel. And only in chapter 7 of Daniel.
Daniel (the one who was later thrown into the den of lions) was a Hebrew teenager who was taken into Babylonian captivity in about 605 BC (along with many others). Even though he was taken to a foreign country as a captive, Daniel determined in his heart that he would follow God and His laws. Daniel came to King Nebuchadnezzar’s attention when God revealed the meaning of the King’s dream. He promoted Daniel to be one of the wise men. Daniel lived and served in Babylon through the reigns of several different kings.
All through the years, God used Daniel and gave Him the ability to interpret dreams and signs. God also gave Daniel prophetic visions. Some of those visions are still future to us.
It is within a vision God revealed to Daniel that the name Ancient of Days appears. The name of God here, means exactly what it says: ancient of days. Ancient means very old, and in the case of God-it is eternal existence.
In chapter 7, Daniel writes what he saw in a vision from God. He writes about four beasts he sees. Then God appears. Daniel describes God the best way a human can describe God the Father. He calls Him the Ancient of Days three different times. Here they are:
“I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire.” Daniel 7:9.
“I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.” Daniel 7:13.
“I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom.” Daniel 7:21-22.
I believe the Ancient of Days Daniel saw in this vision is God the Father. I believe the Son of Man in verse 13 is Jesus. See Matthew 26:64 and Revelation 14:14.
What powerful verses! God allowed Daniel to see far into the future. And to see God Almighty—the Ancient of Days.
Carla Killough McClafferty