This profound messianic prophecy, articulated through the inspired vision of Daniel, vividly portrays a scene of cosmic significance. God, referred to here as the "Ancient of Days," is revealed as the eternal and sovereign Judge, presiding over the rebellious kingdoms of the earth. These kingdoms are symbolically represented as various beasts, highlighting their transient and chaotic nature in contrast to the eternal and righteous rule of God's kingdom. The establishment of the everlasting throne of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is presented as the climax of divine providence, underscoring His supremacy over all creation and His unique worthiness of worship. This awe-inspiring vision communicates the shared authority of God the Father and God the Son in their rule over heaven and earth.
The designation "son of man" in this passage holds immense theological weight, as it is the singular instance in the Old Testament where the term exclusively identifies the promised Messiah. In contrast to the earthly perspective of the gospel writers, Daniel's prophetic lens is oriented from the realm of heaven, presenting Christ in His divine glory. Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, enveloped by clouds, signifying divine approval and fulfillment of prophecy. Now seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 10:12), Jesus reigns in majesty and authority, His dominion encompassing all creation and enduring eternally. His throne is not merely symbolic but signifies the fullness of His kingly authority.
This imagery echoes forward into the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, particularly chapters 4 and 5, where the Lamb of God is uniquely found worthy to open the scroll that decrees the inheritance of the nations. This act signals the culmination of history, as the rebellious powers of the world are decisively vanquished and the kingdom of Christ is fully realized. The authority, glory, and sovereign power ascribed to Him in Daniel 7:13-14 are fully manifested in this ultimate revelation. His reign is adorned with unparalleled majesty and shared glory with the Father, offering a compelling affirmation of His divinity. Christ is not merely a figure of historical significance; He is God incarnate, reigning eternally with the Father, and worthy of unending adoration and devotion.
Moreover, the interplay between Daniel's vision and the New Testament writings affirms the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. The Son of Man’s dominion, as described in Daniel, reflects the ultimate hope for believers: the restoration of God's perfect order and the unshakable promise of an eternal kingdom. His rule serves as both a source of comfort and a challenge—comfort for those who trust in Him, knowing that His kingdom will never fail, and a challenge to live in alignment with His sovereign will, as faithful subjects of the King of kings.
Jerome wrote the following in his commentary on Daniel 7:13:
“And behold, there came One with the clouds of heaven like unto the Son of man.” He who was described in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as a rock cut without hands, which also grew to be a large mountain, and which smashed the earthenware, the iron, the bronze, the silver, and the gold is now introduced as the very person of the Son of man, so as to indicate in the case of the Son of God how He took upon Himself human flesh; according to the statement which we read in the Acts of the Apostles: ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up towards heaven? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him going into heaven' (Acts 1:11)”.
Wayne A. Grudem provides further insight on the text of Daniel 7:13-14 being a messianic prophecy:
"Someone who had heavenly origin and who was given eternal rule over the whole world. The high priests did not miss the point of this passage when Jesus said, ‘Hereafter you will see the Son of man seated on the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven‘ (Matt. 26:46). The reference to Daniel 7:13-14 was unmistakable, and the high priest and his council knew that Jesus was claiming to be the eternal world ruler of heavenly origin spoken of in Daniel’s vision. Immediately they said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy…. He deserves death’ (Matt. 26:65-66).” (Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith, p. 238)
The designation "son of man" in this passage holds immense theological weight, as it is the singular instance in the Old Testament where the term exclusively identifies the promised Messiah. In contrast to the earthly perspective of the gospel writers, Daniel's prophetic lens is oriented from the realm of heaven, presenting Christ in His divine glory. Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, enveloped by clouds, signifying divine approval and fulfillment of prophecy. Now seated at the right hand of the Father (Hebrews 10:12), Jesus reigns in majesty and authority, His dominion encompassing all creation and enduring eternally. His throne is not merely symbolic but signifies the fullness of His kingly authority.
This imagery echoes forward into the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, particularly chapters 4 and 5, where the Lamb of God is uniquely found worthy to open the scroll that decrees the inheritance of the nations. This act signals the culmination of history, as the rebellious powers of the world are decisively vanquished and the kingdom of Christ is fully realized. The authority, glory, and sovereign power ascribed to Him in Daniel 7:13-14 are fully manifested in this ultimate revelation. His reign is adorned with unparalleled majesty and shared glory with the Father, offering a compelling affirmation of His divinity. Christ is not merely a figure of historical significance; He is God incarnate, reigning eternally with the Father, and worthy of unending adoration and devotion.
Moreover, the interplay between Daniel's vision and the New Testament writings affirms the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. The Son of Man’s dominion, as described in Daniel, reflects the ultimate hope for believers: the restoration of God's perfect order and the unshakable promise of an eternal kingdom. His rule serves as both a source of comfort and a challenge—comfort for those who trust in Him, knowing that His kingdom will never fail, and a challenge to live in alignment with His sovereign will, as faithful subjects of the King of kings.
Jerome wrote the following in his commentary on Daniel 7:13:
“And behold, there came One with the clouds of heaven like unto the Son of man.” He who was described in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as a rock cut without hands, which also grew to be a large mountain, and which smashed the earthenware, the iron, the bronze, the silver, and the gold is now introduced as the very person of the Son of man, so as to indicate in the case of the Son of God how He took upon Himself human flesh; according to the statement which we read in the Acts of the Apostles: ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up towards heaven? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him going into heaven' (Acts 1:11)”.
Wayne A. Grudem provides further insight on the text of Daniel 7:13-14 being a messianic prophecy:
"Someone who had heavenly origin and who was given eternal rule over the whole world. The high priests did not miss the point of this passage when Jesus said, ‘Hereafter you will see the Son of man seated on the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven‘ (Matt. 26:46). The reference to Daniel 7:13-14 was unmistakable, and the high priest and his council knew that Jesus was claiming to be the eternal world ruler of heavenly origin spoken of in Daniel’s vision. Immediately they said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy…. He deserves death’ (Matt. 26:65-66).” (Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith, p. 238)
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