I saw
in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14
Daniel 7 [10.] A fiery stream issued and came out from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I saw at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I saw even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time. I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
Daniel 7 [15.] As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great animals, which are four, are four kings, who shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.
Meaning:
- Night Visions and Divine Encounter:
I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man: The scene unfolds in a vision during the night, with the son of man arriving with the clouds—a celestial and divine manifestation.
- Approaching the Ancient of Days:
And he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him: The son of man approaches the Ancient of Days, symbolizing a divine encounter where heavenly authority is acknowledged.
- Endowment of Dominion and Glory:
There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom: In this celestial assembly, the son of man is bestowed with dominion, glory, and a kingdom—a divine investiture of authority and sovereignty.
- Universal Worship and Everlasting Dominion:
That all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which will not pass away: The scope of his reign is universal, extending to all peoples and nations. Moreover, the emphasis on everlasting dominion underscores the eternal nature of his rule.
- Indestructible Kingdom:
And his kingdom one that will not be destroyed: The enduring quality of the son of man's kingdom is emphasized—indestructible and impervious to any force that may seek to bring it down.
- Significance:
Messiah and Divine Kingship: The son of man, often identified with the Messiah, is depicted here as receiving divine authority directly from the Ancient of Days. This portrayal aligns with the concept of the Messiah as a figure of unparalleled authority and kingship.
Universal Reign and Eternal Dominion: The universal scope of the son of man's reign signifies that all peoples and nations will acknowledge and serve him. The notion of an everlasting dominion reinforces the eternal nature of the Messiah's rule, contrasting with temporal and earthly kingdoms.
Relevance for Today:
Hope in Divine Sovereignty: Daniel 7:13-14 provides hope and assurance in the sovereignty of the divine. In times of uncertainty, acknowledging the eternal and unshakable reign of the Messiah offers a foundation of stability and trust.
Universal Recognition of Christ: The universal worship portrayed in this vision speaks to the ultimate recognition of Christ's authority by people from every corner of the earth.
Cross-References:
Matthew 26:64: "Jesus said to him, 'You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.'" Jesus refers to the Son of Man coming on the clouds, aligning with the imagery in Daniel's vision.
Revelation 1:7: "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen." Revelation echoes the motif of the coming of the Son of Man with the clouds.
In Our Daily Lives: As we navigate the complexities of our lives, Daniel 7:13-14 beckons us to recognize the eternal and unassailable authority of the Messiah. It prompts us to align our lives with the enduring and universal kingdom that transcends temporal challenges.
I AM
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible