Daniel: Far From HomeSample

Now a new character enters the vision that Daniel sees. This is one of the most significant moments in the unfolding of Old Testament revelation. Notice what we are told in verse 13. Firstly, this new character is one ‘like a son of man’. Earlier in the vision, Daniel saw a beast ‘like a lion’ (v. 4). They represent ‘kingdoms’ that rule (v. 17). At the creation, it was humankind that was to rule the earth. Here Daniel sees a son of man who will one day rule. Here is a glimpse of Eden restored!

Secondly, Daniel sees the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven. Again the contrast is with the beasts. They come out of the sea (v. 3). In Psalm 68:4 it is God who rides on the clouds. The one ‘like a son of man’ is more than a mere human.

Thirdly, we are told that the son of man was led into the presence of the Ancient of Days. We are meant to be amazed. It suggests that this character has the right to enter into God’s presence. Everything we read in the Old Testament to this point has told us that no one can do this. Humanity cannot enter into God’s presence. (Look at Isa. 6:1–5, or Ps. 15:1, or Ps. 24:3,4.) But the one like the son of man is led into it!

In verse 14 we are told of the kingdom given to the son of man. Firstly, He is given ‘authority, glory and sovereign power’. He is given the right to rule. Like all rule in the book of Daniel, it is given by God (see 2:37). And the rule the Ancient of Days gives here is rule over all humanity – so, ‘all peoples, nations and men of every language’ all worship Him. Secondly, we are told that the kingdom established by the son of man is eternal. It will neither pass away, nor ever be destroyed. We are meant to see the contrast with the beasts, whose rule only lasts for a time.

Once again (see Dan. 2:44) Daniel is being reassured that the unconditional promises God made to David centuries before will be fulfilled. The universality of the rule of the son of man reminds us that the promises God made to Abraham of blessing to all the world will also be fulfilled. Despite how things seem, all of the great promises of God are on track.

These two verses are of such huge importance that we will come back to them in the next study.

Reflection

Can you think of time when it looked as if God was not doing what He has promised? Allow the truth of these verses to encourage you. God’s promises are still on track, even at the lowest of times.