Daniel 7:9

In some English versions, this verse and some that follow (Daniel 7:10; Daniel 7:13-14) are in poetic form. This indicates a difference in the original language (Aramaic), which sets these verses off as distinct and more elevated in literary style, in the opinion of the translators. From what Daniel recorded, it seems clear that now he saw something happening in the courts of heaven. He saw thrones set up. The AV translation "thrones were cast down" is inaccurate. The Apostle John later saw thrones in heaven too (Revelation 1:4; Revelation 4:4; Revelation 20:4; et al.). The "Ancient of Days" seems to refer to God the Father (cf. Daniel 7:13; Daniel 7:22; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 57:15), whereas in Daniel 7:13, God the Son is in view. Gaebelein took "the Ancient of Days" as a reference to Jesus Christ here (cf. John 5:22; Revelation 1:12-14), but this seems less likely (cf. Daniel 7:13). [Note: Gaebelein, p. 77.] Daniel then saw God take His seat on His heavenly throne.

The title "Ancient of Days" stresses God’s eternality. His pure white clothing pictures His purity and holiness, and His pure woolly hair suggests His mature judgment. Daniel saw His throne blazing with fire (lit. a burning flame), symbolic of knowledge, purity, and judgment in Scripture (cf. Exodus 3:2; Deuteronomy 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:16; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 1:14-15). The wheels probably imply that the throne and God can go in any direction, that He can do anything He pleases (cf. Ezekiel 1:13-21). [Note: For similar descriptions of the Canaanite pantheon in Canaanite myth, see John Day, Yahweh and the Gods and Goddesses of Canaan, p. 106.]