Daniel: Far From HomeSample

In verses 11 and 12 Daniel’s focus will again be on the smaller horn and the beasts. However, sandwiched between what he sees of them (vv. 2–8 and vv. 11,12) comes a glimpse of glory itself. In verse 9, Daniel looked. The change from prose to poetry catches our attention. It makes this part of the vision stand out.

The reader can’t miss the contrasts between what is seen here and what is shown of the beasts. The beasts are hallmarked by aggression and pride. Glory is hallmarked by sovereignty and holiness. The Lord here is called the Ancient of Days. His reign is not limited like the reigns of the beasts. He is eternally God.

The first thing to observe is that Daniel sees God on His throne. You might like to compare what Daniel sees with what the apostle John sees at the start of his vision in Revelation 4. The God of the Bible is always on the throne. It means He is always in complete control of everything that takes place in the universe. How encouraging is this to the exiles (and us) as they live under the tyrannical rule of Belshazzar.

Secondly, we see the holiness of God. His clothing and his hair are white. This is the Bible word for total purity. It means that His rule, again in contrast to the beasts, is good. The language is similar to that used in Revelation 1 to describe the risen and ascended Lord Jesus. Fire symbolizes God’s judgement, which is always true and right.

Daniel then sees those who attended the Lord. Presumably angelic beings, here is a picture of both the greatness and majesty of God. It is right that all in heaven acknowledge Him. Again it takes us forward to the angels around the throne that John sees in Revelation 4 and 5.

At the end of verse 10, Daniel sees that this vision is more than just a glimpse of the God of glory. This is a court room, and a trial is about to be heard. Books are opened, as they will be on the Last Day (see Rev. 20:15). When God brings judgement, it will be just. A record has been kept of what everyone has done. And in verses 11 and 12, Daniel sees the judgement come on the beasts. The first is overthrown. For the others, their authority goes, though they continue to exist. Here Daniel is to see that God is totally able to bring His judgement, but is being alerted to a delay before the final judgement.

Here is real encouragement for Daniel. God can, and will, destroy all evil rule. But the fall of Babylon will not mean the end of the world. We, and Daniel, still have to wait for the final overthrow of all evil. But we can be sure that it will happen, and so continue to live as His witnesses in the world.

Reflection

How do you think of God? Do you see Him as Lord, King over all, in complete control, only good, and as the judge of all evil? Is our understanding of God too small?