JULY 18, 2025 – THRONES

READ: Dan. 7:9-14: … the rest … had their dominion taken away … His dominion … shall not pass away …

Before Daniel hears the explanation and continuation of what he has seen, he first witnesses something entirely different from the beasts in the sea of nations. He sees what John would later also see in Revelation—especially chapter 4: God’s throne in heaven!

Daniel sees heavenly images of God’s reign over all creation. This stands in total contrast to the devilish nature of the worldly kingdoms. God, in the form of an aged man, sits in complete peace and majesty on His unshakable throne, surrounded by countless angels.

Everything radiates perfect holiness and glory, but also righteous wrath as there is a fiery throne and wheels: God is a consuming fire—(Heb. 12). Then follows a court session (v. 10).

The books containing the charges against the nations and their rulers are opened. The verdict is pronounced and carried out! The dreadful king (the eleventh horn) who uttered great boasts is cast into the fire. The other beasts also meet their end. God has appointed their time.

Who are seated on the other thrones (v. 9)? Are they the saints from verse 22—the believers? Or are angels involved in judgment? Or is it a majestic plural referring to God’s throne alone?

Then something remarkable happens (v. 13–14): Someone like a Son of Man comes with the clouds to God the Father and receives dominion and kingship. This is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, having fulfilled God’s justice, receives the name above every name and all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:9ff; Rev. 5). He will govern the rest of world history at the right hand of His Father.

What comfort this brings to Daniel—and to us! The book of Daniel, like Revelation, is a book of comfort for the church. We also see that God’s revelation in the various books is consistent in all its parts. There is one divine Author and one divine plan!

Why is the final judgment a comfort?

Sing: Ps. 2:2,3