Ancient of Days
Summary
A majestic title for God used in Daniel's prophetic vision, emphasizing His eternal nature in contrast to the transient kingdoms of the world.
☩Biblical Usage
The title "Ancient of Days" appears three times in Daniel's vision of the divine throne room. Daniel sees the Ancient of Days taking His seat in judgment, with clothing white as snow and hair like pure wool, sitting on a throne of flames. The title emphasizes God's eternal existence and supreme authority over all earthly powers. Before Him, the Son of Man is brought to receive dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom.
☩Theological Significance
The expression highlights God's eternal nature in contrast to the successive world empires represented by beasts in Daniel's vision. These kingdoms, though seemingly powerful, are ephemeral; but God, the Ancient of Days, rules over all time and pronounces final judgment. The title suggests age, antiquity, dignity, endurance, judgment, and wisdom. Christian art has often drawn from these descriptions of the Almighty in representing the first person of the Trinity.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ancient of Days," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ancient of Days," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.Chad Brand, Charles Draper, and Archie England (ed.), "Ancient of Days," in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Holman Bible Publishers, 2003).