Daniel 7:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When you hear of a throne, do not think of it merely as a seat; consider how can an ordinary individual be referred to when He who sits is sometimes described as armed (Prem. 5:18) or bloodied (Is. 63:3)? Here the prophet signifies that the hour of judgement has arrived. The attire He donned was as white as snow. Why? Because the moment has come, not solely for judgement, but for recompense; for all must appear before Him; for My judgement, as the prophet articulates, is like a luminous dawn (Hos. 6:5). Then the thrones were established. Are these not the thrones of which Christ speaks, ‘Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones’ (Matt. 19:28)? And the hair on His head is like a pure wave. The fire did not consume anything; it was harmless. Do you perceive here the image of the state and its people? The throne was awe-inspiring because of the abundant fire, not merely fire but like flames of fire. To ensure you understand it is not a mere comparison, the prophet also indicated its effect, stating it was not mere fire but as flames of fire. A river of fire flowed out and passed before Him; thousands upon thousands served Him, and multitudes stood before Him, and judges took their seats, indicating He came to execute judgement. And the books were opened. What do you think? Does God, who knows all things before they exist (Dan. 13:42), who crafts each heart and scrutinizes all deeds (Ps. 32:15), truly need books? No, this is mentioned in connection with the practices of rulers, much like our records serve a purpose. Just as our documents are not merely read for the ruler’s knowledge but to display the righteousness of the judgement, so too here: though the just Judge is aware, He opens the books. For what reason? What are you implying? Why does He not mention rewards? He states, Thrones were established, signaling that God has ordained rewards; yet due to our disobedience, He enacted punishment and suffering. Is not a similar message conveyed to us by Christ? From that time, the evangelist shares, Jesus began to preach, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near (Matt. 4:17). Do not, dear beloved ones, take this to mean anything physical, nor think that the infinite God is contained by a throne. If all the corners of the earth are in His grasp (Ps. 94:4), if He has measured the mountains with scales, if the nations are like a drop in a bucket and regarded as a speck of dust on the scales, as He Himself asserts (Is. 40:12, 15), what space could possibly encompass Him? No, He was not confined by a throne. But if He wore garments, how did the fire not consume them? What are the Ancient Days concerning Him who exists before all time? How can He be from days of old? Yet You, the Psalmist proclaims, are the same (Psalm 101:28). How can He be termed old? And Your years, asserts the Psalmist, will not end (Psalm 101:28). How could the infinite and immaterial One don clothing? And concerning His majesty, the Psalmist states, there is no limit (Psalms 144:3); and again, whether I ascend to heaven, You are there; whether I make my bed in hell, You are present (Psalms 138:8). How was He clothed in human attire while the fire did not consume them? The prophet witnessed many wonders. How was His hair not scorched in the flames? Thus, the prophet adds, ‘His throne was like a flame of fire. And the books were opened—therefore whoever is condemned is so by their own doing.

The good book, which we frequently reference, is the register of the living. In contrast, the malevolent book is held by the accuser, who is both an adversary and avenger, as noted in the Book of Revelation: “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10). This earthly account is what the prophet speaks of when he says, “Let names be written in the dust” (Jeremiah 17:13).

Note that it says 'likened,' not 'seen,' for according to His pleasure, God presents visions. Indeed, the revered Ezekiel, upon encountering the one who appeared as composed of amber and fire, described his vision by saying, “This is the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ezek. 2:1); he did not claim to have seen the Lord Himself or His actual glory, but rather He represented 'the likeness of the glory of the Lord.' Likewise, the blessed Daniel conveys the notion of eternity through the vision of the Ancient of Days, where some translators have rendered 'the ancient days' as 'He who makes the days of old.' The Prophet observes the purity of His hair and the brightness of His garments, learning from these aspects not only of God’s nature and holiness but also of His character, which embodies righteousness, providence, care, and judgment. Since the Prophet witnessed the horn uttering proud words and scheming many evils against God’s servants, he clarifies that God, despite being good, desires to assist the saints and is fully capable of doing so. Daniel observes the throne made of fire, wheels burning with fire, a river of flame that surrounds the throne, thousands upon thousands of servants, and the darkness of what is to come. Through these visions, he recognizes God’s omnipotence, as well as His purity and integrity, while the imagery of age symbolizes eternity, wisdom, and gentleness. The Prophet further states, "The judgment sat, and the books were opened," indicating that the judgment seat established the time for reckoning, bringing forth the records of each person’s deeds, which he refers to as books. Should anyone believe that this refers to the promise made by the Lord to the Apostles, stating, “Twelve thrones shall be set up, and ye shall sit to judge the tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:26), there is no reason to doubt its truth, for the promise of the Lord is unwavering.

Their numbers exceed our limited and inadequate estimations, being definitively established by the singular, divine intellect and wisdom granted to them, which overflows from the omniscient Wisdom of God, the ultimate Source of all creation, the active cause, the sustaining force, and the ultimate purpose of all existence.

This idea finds further support in Daniel's declaration: "A thousand thousand shall serve Him, and the ten thousand times ten thousand shall stand before Him." The distinction is that some serve by coming to us with divine messages, while others stand in inward contemplation, so immersed in their heavenly experience that they are no longer tasked with outward duties. This teaching was delivered during a discourse to the congregation at the church of Blessed John and Paul on the third Sunday after Pentecost.