7:9 In many versions, this verse and some that follow (vv. 10, 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 form. From what Daniel recorded, it seems clear that now he saw something happening in the courts of heaven. He saw thrones set up.269The Apostle John later saw thrones in heaven too (Rev. 1:4; 20:4; et al.). The Ancient of Days seems to refer to God the Father (cf. vv. 13, 22; Isa. 43:13; 57:15) whereas in 7:13 God the Son is in view.270Daniel then saw God the Father 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. Its wheels probably imply that it and He can go in any direction, that He can do anything He pleases (cf. Ezek. 1:13-21).271
7:10 A river of fire was flowing out from before the throne of God the Father perhaps similar to a river of burning lava, symbolizing judgment proceeding from Him. Those attending Him were evidently angels (cf. Deut. 33:2). The court (cf. v. 26) seems to be a heavenly venue in which God renders judgment on rulers and their nations based on His records of their deeds (Isa. 65:6; Mal. 3:16; Rev. 20:12; cf. Matt. 25:31-46).
7:11 The return to prose language signals the shift in Daniel's observation from heaven to earth, and the content of the revelation confirms this change. The boastful words of the horn (v. 8) kept attracting Daniel's attention. God passed judgment on the fourth beast and destroyed it along with all its horns (cf. Luke 21: 24-27; Rev. 19:20). Similarly the stone cut out without hands crushed the toes of the image in chapter 2 suddenly and violently.
7:12 The end of the prior three empires contrasts with the end of this fourth one. God took away the dominion of each of the earlier three kingdoms one by one, but they continued to exist as elements of the kingdom that overcame them for some time. However, God will cut off the fourth empire, and it will continue no longer (v. 11). Thus the end of the fourth kingdom will result in a totally new condition on the earth (cf. Rev. 19:19-20).
