God has many names and titles, one of which is the Ancient of days, found only in Daniel chapter seven, a prophetic portion of Scripture that speaks of end-time events. Below is a portion of that chapter, followed by commentary which includes the identification of the Ancient of days.
Daniel 7:9,10 “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.”
The Ancient of days is described as coming to judgment, wearing a garment as white as snow. He is described in regard of his fitness to judge. White notes the purity of the divine nature; Ancient of days in regard of his eternity; white hair in regard of his prudence and wisdom, which is more eminent in age than youth, and more fit to discern causes and to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.
Daniel describes the Ancient of days as having hair like pure wool (i.e., white), perhaps to signify his ancientness or antiquity; for his wisdom, thoughts, and purposes are of old. The wool-like color of his hair might also denote mature counsel and judgment. Another reason for telling us about the whiteness of the hair of his head may be to encourage us to listen unto him and submit to his rule, seeing he is the Ancient of days. He is an unchangeable possessor of prudence; his wisdom is a mirror of brightness, without a defacing spot.
We ought to understand the descriptions of God in the Scriptures as transcripts, silhouettes, or contours of the true, of the original. Consider the following analogy. As the image of the sun in the water is not the true sun in the heavens but a reflection of the original, so is any description of God in the written Scripture to his true self. Though the reflection of the sun in the waters is bright, yet the image is less brilliant than the true sun; likewise the descriptions of God in the text to his true self.
The Ancient of days is God the Father. Daniel the prophet says, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, … I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, …”
The Scripture tells of the Son of man coming to the Ancient of days, and the Ancient of days gives the Son of man many things. The Ancient of days is the Father. The Son of man is Messiah. (See and compare: Daniel 7:9,13,14; Matthew 25:31,32; 26:63,64.)
Multiple Scriptures speak of Jesus coming to earth at the end of the tribulation. According to Daniel chapter seven, the Father will also come. (See and compare: Psalm 110:4,5; Daniel 7:13,14; Matthew. 26:64.)
The Father is called the Ancient of days as being before all days and time. The Ancient of days is to be served by all that are younger than himself. Our best obedience is due to him as a God of unlimited excellency. As he is infinite, he has right to a boundless service; as he is everlasting, he has right to a perpetual service.
Credit:
Charnocke, Stephen. Several Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God. 1682.
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