Daniel 7:13
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage highlights that the figure appearing isn't just a man, but "one like a son of man." This subtle phrasing, along with the majestic imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven," points to a divine being, not merely human, who is about to receive authority. This sets the stage for a unique, divinely appointed ruler whose kingdom surpasses all earthly powers.
After Daniel sees four powerful, beast-like empires rise and fall, this vision shifts dramatically. He witnesses a glorious figure, "like a son of man," arriving with the clouds of heaven. This being is presented before God, the "Ancient of Days," marking a transition from earthly kingdoms to a divine, eternal reign.
Daniel sees a figure described as 'like a son of man.' What does this intriguing phrase reveal about his identity and nature?
The vision presents a figure who is both distinctly human and yet transcendent.
The "Like" Matters
The phrase "one like a son of man" (or "like a human being") is crucial. It's not simply "a son of man," but "like one." This signals that while he appears in human form, there's something more – a divine quality or identity that sets him apart.
Human Nature, Divine Authority
Commentators note that this title points to a being who partakes in humanity but also possesses divine authority. He is presented before the "Ancient of Days" (God Himself) to receive a kingdom. This dual nature—fully human yet divinely appointed and authorized—is a hallmark of the Messiah.
This 'son of man' doesn't just appear; he approaches the Ancient of Days. What is happening in this celestial courtroom?
The vision depicts a pivotal moment where authority is transferred and confirmed.
The Heavenly Audience
The "Ancient of Days" represents God the Father, the ultimate source of all authority. The "son of man" is brought into His presence, not as a defendant, but as a claimant.
Receiving His Mandate
This presentation signifies the granting of a kingdom and dominion. The "son of man" comes to receive what is rightfully his – an eternal kingdom established by divine decree. This isn't about conquering; it's about receiving the authority delegated to him by the Father, a process often linked to his ascension and exaltation after his earthly ministry.
Understand the original words
ḥeẓwāh · Aramaic Noun
Supernatural or revelatory experiences granted by God to prophets, through which divine truth is communicated in symbolic or visionary form.
bar ʾĕnāš · Aramaic Noun phrase
A messianic title signifying a figure who possesses human appearance but operates with divine authority; in the New Testament, this title is uniquely claimed by Jesus Christ.
ʿattîq yômîn · Aramaic Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His eternal nature, existence before time, and supreme status as the Judge and Ruler of all history.
This vision of the 'Son of Man' was written during the Babylonian exile, a time of immense suffering and foreign domination. It offered a profound hope for a divinely appointed King who would ultimately establish an eternal kingdom, a message that resonated deeply with Jews facing subsequent oppressions and shaped messianic expectations for centuries.
c. 550 BC
Daniel's Vision of Beasts
Daniel receives a vision of four beasts emerging from the sea, representing successive empires that will oppress God's people.
c. 550 BC— this verse
Vision of the Son of Man
Immediately following the beasts, Daniel sees a figure like a son of man presented before the Ancient of Days, receiving an everlasting kingdom.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt erupts against Seleucid oppression, a historical period that colored Jewish hopes for divine intervention and a coming kingdom.
Late 1st Century BC
Book of Enoch Written
The 'Similitudes' section of the Book of Enoch, which heavily interprets the 'Son of Man' figure as the Messiah, is likely composed during this era.
Jesus directly applies the language of Daniel's vision, specifically the 'Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven,' to himself when questioned by the high priest, confirming the Messianic interpretation of this passage.
Revelation 1:13This passage describes Jesus 'in the midst of the lampstands' as someone 'like a son of man,' echoing Daniel's vision and linking the title to Christ's glorified appearance.
Daniel 2:44This verse speaks of God setting up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, a concept that directly follows Daniel's vision of the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion.
John 1:51Jesus speaks of angels ascending and descending on the 'Son of Man,' connecting the heavenly ascent and descent described in Daniel's vision with his own divine role.
Ezekiel 2:1The recurring phrase 'Son of Man' used to address the prophet Ezekiel highlights the human aspect and divine calling inherent in the title, providing a prophetic context for Daniel's vision.
ellicottDaniel 7:13: "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."
(13) The Son of man.— Hence our Saviour adopts the title which designates Him as Judge ( Matthew 24:27 , &c.). The title implies one descended from man; but as this Person is spoken of as being “like” one of human descent, it follows that He was not merely a man. The early Jewish and Christian interpretations that…
bensonDaniel 7:13: "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."
Daniel 7:13 . I saw in the night visions, &c. — Here is described by what means these changes were to be brought about; behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven — One in the shape and likeness of a man, but clothed with such ensigns of majesty and honour, (signified here by the clouds of heave…
This passage highlights that the figure appearing isn't just a man, but "one like a son of man." This subtle phrasing, along with the majestic imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven," points to a divine being, not merely human, who is about to receive authority. This sets the stage for a unique, divinely appointed ruler whose kingdom surpasses all earthly powers.
After Daniel sees four powerful, beast-like empires rise and fall, this vision shifts dramatically. He witnesses a glorious figure, "like a son of man," arriving with the clouds of heaven. This being is presented before God, the "Ancient of Days," marking a transition from earthly kingdoms to a divine, eternal reign.
After Daniel sees four powerful, beast-like empires rise and fall, this vision shifts dramatically. He witnesses a glorious figure, "like a son of man," arriving with the clouds of heaven. This being is presented before God, the "Ancient of Days," marking a transition from earthly kingdoms to a divine, eternal reign.
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Why does Daniel emphasize that this figure comes 'with the clouds of heaven'? What does this imagery signify?
The clouds are not just scenery; they are a powerful symbol of divine presence and majesty.
Divine Presence and Glory
In biblical imagery, clouds often accompany God's manifest presence. Think of the cloud that guided Israel or the cloud on the Mount of Transfiguration. Coming "with the clouds" signifies that this figure arrives with divine glory, power, and authority.
Heavenly Authority, Earthly Impact
This mode of arrival highlights the celestial origin and sanction of his kingdom. It contrasts with the earthly, often brutal, kingdoms represented by the beasts earlier in the chapter. His coming is not of this world's making but is divinely ordained and announced with heavenly splendor.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, the historical figure most associated with the title 'Son of Man,' claims this identity and speaks of his future coming in glory.
c. AD 60-70
New Testament Gospels Written
The Gospels are written, solidifying the association of Jesus with the 'Son of Man' title from Daniel and his celestial coming.
"“I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him." — This passage highlights that the figure appearing isn't just *a* man, but "one *like* a son of man." This subtle phrasing, along with the majestic imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven," point…