Daniel chapter 7 is one that needs to be read in order to understand some New Testament passages as well as gain an understanding of where the biblical story is going.
Literary Structure
vv. l-2a Prologue
vv. 2b-14 Vision
vv. l5-l6a Request for clarification
vv. 16b-18 Angel’s brief interpretation
vv. 19-20 Request for further clarification
vv. 21-22 Vision
vv. 23-27 Angel’s lengthier interpretation
v. 28 Epilogue
Daniel chapter 7 comes at a pivotal moment in Daniel’s book, the Old Testament, and in the story of the Bible. For the book of Daniel, the chapter lies in the middle of the book and makes a hinge for the previous and latter chapters (ch.1-6, 8-12). The chapter contains two visions and interpretations. It contains visions of kingdoms that are to come but the vision I want to focus on is the vision of the son of man.
In this vision, Daniel sees one like a son of man. What does this mean? He sees what looks like a human. To be clear, he sees Jesus. We know this because the name “Son of Man” is one of Jesus’ most used titles for himself. What Daniel sees is Jesus going up to God’s throne in heaven. It seems odd in our English Bibles to say “coming with the clouds”, which we interpret as Jesus is coming here to earth from heaven. But that is not what Daniel sees. Daniel sees Jesus coming into God’s glory, Jesus is going into heaven. He comes to the Ancient of Days, a title for God, and enters his presence. Jesus then is given all authority and power over all nations. Everyone worships him and he rules over his kingdom which will never be destroyed.
This everlasting kingdom is to be compared with the earthly kingdoms that Daniel sees in his vision before this scene. Even though these kingdoms and rulers are ruthless, godless, and violent, they will still fail to last forever. Their judgment will come and this should come as a warning to rebels and a comfort for God’s people. It was a comfort in Daniel’s day being exiled and ruled by Babylon and it should be a comfort for us today and for all generations who are under oppressive rulers. Jesus is on the throne and his exaltation will lead to our victory and comfort in his kingdom.
Application
This is the message of the Bible, faulty kingdoms will rule on earth but God still reigns in heaven. Jesus sacrificed himself, was exalted, and will rule for eternity. We now look forward to his second coming so we can share in the resurrection and be a part of his reign in new creation.
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