Journey Through The Scriptures

Beginning with chapter 7 of Daniel, we see a pronounced shift in viewpoint. Up to this point, Daniel has been referred to in the third person, and the text relates mostly historical incidents in his life. But from here on Daniel speaks in the first person, and the subject is not history but visions of the future. Each of these chapters contains a dream or vision given to Daniel that is highly detailed and descriptive—and now Daniel needs divine help to interpret his own visions. They speak of the four great world kingdoms revealed in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2: namely, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Many commentators see in 8:5–9 a description of Alexander the Great, whose kingdom was, indeed, divided among four of his generals after his death.

But perhaps the most important portion in this section of Daniel concerns the “Ancient of Days” and the “son of man” (7:9, 13). The former is clearly a title for God, given His description in verses 9–10 as Judge of all the earth. Jewish commentators agree that the title “son of man” is Israel, although there is a difference of opinion as to the precise identification of this personage. Some see it as simply a personification of the people, while others view this as referring to the Messiah and His coming kingdom. The overwhelming nature of these visions was such that Daniel was ill for several days as he recuperated from this awe-inspiring experience.