Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Ancient of Days" is a significant title for God found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Daniel. This title emphasizes God's eternal nature, sovereignty, and authority over all creation. It is a profound expression of God's timeless existence and His role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
Biblical References:1.
Daniel 7:9-10 : "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. A 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."
2.
Daniel 7:13-14 : "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. And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
3.
Daniel 7:21-22 : "As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and prevailing against them, 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."
Theological Significance:The imagery associated with the Ancient of Days in Daniel is rich with symbolism. The white clothing and hair like pure wool signify purity, holiness, and wisdom. The fiery throne and river of fire represent God's judgment and power. The presence of countless attendants underscores His majesty and the reverence due to Him.
The Ancient of Days is depicted as the ultimate judge who presides over the heavenly court. The opening of the books signifies the divine judgment where deeds are evaluated, and justice is administered. This portrayal aligns with the biblical theme of God as the righteous judge who holds all accountable.
Christological Interpretation:In Christian theology, the interaction between the Ancient of Days and the "One like the Son of Man" in
Daniel 7:13-14 is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy. The "Son of Man" is understood to be a reference to Jesus Christ, who is given authority, glory, and sovereign power by the Ancient of Days. This passage is seen as a foretelling of Christ's exaltation and His eternal kingdom, which is affirmed in the New Testament (e.g.,
Matthew 24:30,
Revelation 1:13).
Eternal Nature and Sovereignty:The title "Ancient of Days" underscores God's eternal existence, transcending time and history. It affirms His unchanging nature and His supreme authority over all temporal powers. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, where God is described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (
Revelation 1:8).
In summary, the Ancient of Days is a profound biblical title that encapsulates God's eternal majesty, His role as the righteous judge, and His sovereign rule over all creation. It serves as a reminder of His ultimate authority and the hope of His eternal kingdom.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Ancient of DaysANCIENT OF DAYS
(`attiq yomin, = Aramaic): On `attiq, see ANCIENT (4). The expression is used in reference to God inDaniel 7:9, 13, 22 and is not intended to suggest the existence of God from eternity. It was the venerable appearance of old age that was uppermost in the writer's mind. "What Daniel sees is not the eternal God Himself, but an aged man, in whose dignified and impressive form God reveals Himself (compareEzekiel 1:26)" (Keil).
Greek
2428. hiketeria -- supplication... Heb 5:7: "In the
days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and (2428
... 2428 ()
in
ancient times was frequently used of a suppliant carrying an as a token for
...Strong's Hebrew
5769. olam -- long duration, antiquity, futurity... long duration, antiquity, futurity NASB Word Usage ages (1), all successive (1),
always (1),
ancient (13),
ancient times (3), continual (1),
days of old (1
...Library
Concerning "Omnipotent," "Ancient ofDays"; and Also Concerning "...
... THE DIVINE NAMES CHAPTER X Concerning "Omnipotent," "Ancient ofDays"; and
also concerning "Eternity" and "Time.". 1. Now tis time...
Concerning Sovereign Lord, "Ancient ofDays" in which Also...
... DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE, ON DIVINE NAMES. CAPUT X. Concerning Sovereign Lord,
"Ancient ofdays" in which also, concerning Age and Time . SECTION I....
Ancient ofDays, who Sittest, Throned in Glory
... VI. PROCESSIONALS Processionals 519.Ancient ofDays, who sittest, throned in glory.
11.10.11.10 [2053]Ancient ofDays (Parker): Horatio Parker, 1903....
High on the Throne of theAncient ofDays,
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH High on the throne of theAncient ofDays,.
10,10,10,10. High on the throne of theAncient ofDays,. Lauded...
If Christ's Power be Now So Great, How Much Greater at the Second...
... These are the words: I beheld till the thrones were set; and theAncient ofdays
did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the...
Now Let us Shew Briefly, if You Will, that These Things were...
... saith he, "in the vision of the night, and, behold, One like the Son of Man coming
with the clouds of heaven, and He came nigh to theAncient ofdays, and was...
Communion Again Broken --Restoration
... It is interesting to compare the bride's description of the Bridegroom with the
descriptions of "theAncient ofDays" in Daniel 7:9, 10, and of our risen LORD...
Too Late Loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty ofAncient Days...
... Book X Chapter XXVII Too late loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty ofancient days? Too
late loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty ofancient days, yet ever new!...
"That which was from the Beginning,"
... He, of whom he speaks, Christ Jesus, the Father's Word, was with the Father from
the beginning, with theAncient ofdays who infinitely and unmeasurably...
Introduction toAncient Syriac Documents.
... Introduction toAncient Syriac Documents.... In thedays of the Ach??menidian rulers
this was the official language of Egypt, and even of Asia Minor, and was...
Resources
What does "communion of the saints" mean in the ancient creeds? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgChristian archaeology why is it important? | GotQuestions.orgAncient: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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