Daniel 7:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophet's intent is to convey that the time for judgment has arrived. His attire was white as snow. Why is this? Because it signifies not only the time of judgment but also of retribution; for all must face Him, since as the prophet states, My judgment is like the dawning light (Hos. 6:5). Then thrones were established. Are these not the very thrones Christ spoke of when He said, ‘You also shall sit upon twelve thrones’ (Matt. 19:28)? And His hair resembles a pure wave. The fire caused no harm; it was benign. Do you perceive here the symbolism of the state and the people? The throne was awe-inspiring, marked by abundant fire, and not just any fire, but akin to a flaming blaze. The prophet has clarified its nature, indicating it was not mere fire, but similar to a flame of fire. A river of fire flowed out and proceeded before Him; thousands upon thousands ministered to Him, and numerous multitudes stood before Him, prepared to judge, signaling His arrival to execute judgment. And the books were opened. What do you say? Does the God who knows all things before they come into being (Dan. 13:42), who forms each heart and discerns all their deeds (Ps. 32:15), truly need books? No, this is mentioned in relation to the customs of rulers, akin to our own records. Just as our records are not read solely for the ruler's knowledge but to demonstrate the justice of the judgment, so too, although the righteous Judge possesses knowledge, He opens the books. For what purpose, then? What are you trying to convey? And why does He not mention honors? He indicated that thrones were established as a sign that God had also determined honors; however, due to our disobedience, He decreed punishment and torment. Is not such a message also conveyed to us by Christ? From that moment, the evangelist declares, Jesus began to preach, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt. 4:17). Beloved, do not interpret this in physical terms, nor presume that the infinite God can be confined to a throne. If He holds all the ends of the earth (Ps. 94:4), if He has balanced the mountains on scales, if nations are like a drop in a bucket and mere dust on the scales, as He Himself affirms (Is. 40:12, 15), what space could possibly contain Him? No, He was not confined to a throne. But if He wore a garment, how was it that the fire could not consume it? What does it mean to refer to the Ancient of Days, Him who exists before all ages? How can He be from ancient times? But You, the Psalmist proclaims, are the same (Psalm 101:28). How can He be considered ancient? And Thy years, as the Psalmist states, shall not come to an end (Psalm 101:28). How could the limitless, incorporeal Being wear clothing? The Psalmist notes that there is no end to His majesty (Psalms 144:3), and he also asks, Whether I ascend into heaven, Thou art there; whether I descend into hell, Thou abidest there (Psalms 138:8). How could He be clothed in human garments without them being consumed by fire? The prophet witnessed many other visions. How was His hair not burned in the fire? Thus, the prophet elaborated, ‘His throne was like a flame of fire. And the books were opened, so that whoever is condemned is condemned through their own fault.

From the throne emanated thunder and lightning, along with seven burning lamps, which represent the seven spirits of God. Before the throne was a sea of glass, akin to crystal (Rev. 4:2-6). Therefore, I believe the numerous thrones observed by Daniel correspond to those that John describes as the twenty-four thrones. However, the Ancient of Days is the One who, according to John, alone occupies the throne. The Son of Man, who approaches the Ancient of Days, is also referred to by John as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David (Rev. 5:5), among others. I suspect these are the thrones that the Apostle Paul mentions, whether thrones or dominions (Col. 1:16). Furthermore, the Gospel records, "Ye shall sit upon twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28). God is identified as the One who sits and the Ancient of Days, indicating His role as the eternal judge. His garment, white as snow, and His hair, like the purest wool, reflect the purity of His nature. Similarly, the Saviour, transfigured on the mountain and adorned with divine glory, was seen in white attire, with His hair symbolizing the utmost clearness, illustrating that His judgement will be just, merciful, and sincere. He is presented as an elder to signify the depth of His judgement. His throne is described as a flame of fire, inspiring dread among sinners while providing salvation for the righteous as if they were refined through fire. His wheels, or His chariot, are akin to blazing fire, and in Ezekiel's vision, God is depicted as seated upon a chariot, with fire enveloping Him (Ezekiel ch. 1). In another scripture, it is stated, "God is a consuming fire" (Deuteronomy 4:24), highlighting that worldly things will be consumed on the day of judgement. Additionally, the Psalms declare, "A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies" (Psalm 96:3). A river of fire and swiftness emanates from Him, drawing sinners towards Gehenna.

The term "be likened" indicates resemblance rather than direct sight; for as He chooses, He creates visions. Indeed, the blessed Ezekiel, upon witnessing the One who appeared made of electrum and fire, described the vision by stating, "This is the likeness of the glory of the Lord" (Ezek. 2:1). He did not assert that he beheld the Lord Himself or the glory of the Lord directly, but rather, he spoke of "the likeness of the glory of the Lord." In this way, the blessed Daniel also, through the vision of the "Ancient of Days," conveys the concept of eternity. Therefore, some translators have rendered the phrase "the old days" as "He who makes the days of old." The Prophet observes the purity of His hair and the brilliance of His garments, drawing insights about righteousness, holiness, and the nature of God’s intellect, which encompasses justice, providence, care, and judgment. As the Prophet witnesses the horn uttering proud words and devising countless evils against the servants of God, he also illustrates how, to prevent misconceptions that God, being good, desires to assist the saints but is unable to do so, Daniel sees a throne made of fire, fiery wheels, and a river of fire flowing before the throne, accompanied by throngs of servants and the darkness awaiting those to come. Through these visions, he discerns God’s omnipotence, purity, and lack of reproach, recognizing in the figure of ancientness attributes of eternity, wisdom, and gentleness. To this, the Prophet adds, "The judgment sat down, and the books were opened," indicating that the judgment seat was established to render decisions anew and that the records of each person's deeds were opened; these records are referred to by the Prophet as books. If anyone interprets this as a reference to the promise of the Lord made 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 improbability in this notion, for the promise of Truth is unwavering.