Daniel 7:13-14
“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. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is that "one like a son of man" doesn't simply mean "a human." The imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven" points to divine majesty and origin, not just human form. This figure is presented as distinct from and superior to the earthly kingdoms represented by the beasts.
This vision unfolds after Daniel has seen four brutal empires represented by beasts, showing the devastating impact of human power. Now, a dramatic shift occurs: instead of another beast, someone in human form arrives with divine authority, presented to God Himself to receive an everlasting kingdom. This signifies the ultimate triumph of God's reign over all earthly powers, a stark contrast to the preceding visions.
The figure in Daniel's vision is described as 'like a son of man.' What does this subtle phrasing reveal about his identity?
Daniel's vision introduces a figure described as 'one like a son of man.' This isn't simply a generic human; the comparison highlights both a profound humanity and something beyond it.
More Than Human
The commentators agree that this title is not a mere description of a typical human. While the figure appears in human form, the 'like' suggests a unique, possibly divine, quality.
The Messiah's Name
Jesus himself, in the New Testament, frequently uses the title 'Son of Man.' He applies it to himself, strongly implying that Daniel's vision points directly to him. This title connects his earthly mission and his future glory with this ancient prophecy.
A Title of Humility and Majesty
Scholars note that the term 'son of man' in ancient languages often carried connotations of weakness and frailty. Yet, when applied to this heavenly figure, it emphasizes his true humanity, his connection to us, while simultaneously setting him apart as the one chosen for a divine purpose.
Why does this figure arrive 'with the clouds of heaven'? What does this imagery signify?
The phrase 'with the clouds of heaven' is rich with meaning, signaling the divine nature and immense authority of the figure arriving.
A Heavenly Procession
Unlike the beasts from the sea, which represent earthly, chaotic powers, this figure comes from the heavens. The clouds are often associated with God's presence and majesty, indicating that this arrival is not an earthly coup but a divine appointment.
Majestic and Swift
'Clouds of heaven' suggests a glorious, visible, and perhaps swift arrival. It evokes awe and power, setting this figure apart from earthly rulers. Many commentators see this as a symbol of divine glory, visibility, and speed.
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.
yĕqār · Aramaic Noun
The splendor, majesty, and weight of God’s character or the royal authority He bestows; it reflects the dignity and honor due to the King of Kings.
Daniel's vision in chapter 7, particularly the coming of 'one like a son of man,' unfolds against the backdrop of vast empires rising and falling, from Babylon to Persia and eventually Rome. This imagery, seen by Daniel during the Babylonian exile, points to a future divine kingdom, distinct from human empires, established by a divinely appointed figure, a concept that profoundly shaped Jewish messianic expectations and was later embraced by Jesus himself.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquers Jerusalem, deporting some of the Judean elite, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Judean exile.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar II destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, intensifying the exile and scattering of the Judean people.
c. 550 BC
Persian Empire Rises
Cyrus the Great founds the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which would eventually conquer the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
539 BC
Cyrus Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, ushering in the Persian period. This event sets the stage for the eventual return of the exiles.
Jesus directly applies the language of Daniel 7:13 to himself when questioned by the high priest, confirming the prophetic vision points to the Messiah.
Revelation 1:7This passage echoes Daniel's vision, describing the Messiah's return with the clouds of heaven, highlighting his visible and glorious appearance.
Daniel 2:44This earlier vision in Daniel foretells a kingdom established by God that will never be destroyed, paralleling the outcome of the Son of Man's appearance in chapter 7.
Ezekiel 2:1The repeated address to Ezekiel as 'son of man' emphasizes humanity's frailty and the prophetic calling, setting a context for the unique 'Son of Man' figure in Daniel.
Psalm 8:4This psalm muses on the significance of humanity in God's creation, offering a backdrop for understanding the profound value and destiny of the 'Son of Man' figure.
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…
What's easy to miss here is that "one like a son of man" doesn't simply mean "a human." The imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven" points to divine majesty and origin, not just human form. This figure is presented as distinct from and superior to the earthly kingdoms represented by the beasts.
This vision unfolds after Daniel has seen four brutal empires represented by beasts, showing the devastating impact of human power. Now, a dramatic shift occurs: instead of another beast, someone in human form arrives with divine authority, presented to God Himself to receive an everlasting kingdom. This signifies the ultimate triumph of God's reign over all earthly powers, a stark contrast to the preceding visions.
This vision unfolds after Daniel has seen four brutal empires represented by beasts, showing the devastating impact of human power. Now, a dramatic shift occurs: instead of another beast, someone in human form arrives with divine authority, presented to God Himself to receive an everlasting kingdom. This signifies the ultimate triumph of God's reign over all earthly powers, a stark contrast to the preceding visions.
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The Source of Power
Coming to the 'Ancient of Days' (God the Father) signifies that this figure is not acting independently but receives his authority and kingdom directly from the ultimate source of power.
Why is this figure 'presented before' the Ancient of Days? What does this interaction signify about his authority?
The vision culminates in the figure being 'presented before' the Ancient of Days. This moment is crucial for understanding the conferral of authority and kingdom.
Receiving Authority
This isn't an equal meeting, but a presentation. It signifies that the figure, though divine in nature, receives his investiture for rulership from God the Father, the ultimate authority. It's a formal handover of dominion.
The Source of All Kingdoms
'The Ancient of Days' represents God in His eternal sovereignty. The fact that the kingdom is granted by Him underscores that all authority, even that wielded by the Son of Man, originates from God.
A Divine Mandate
Being brought near signifies a close, authorized relationship. It's not just a distant decree, but an intimate reception of a kingdom that will be established and wielded under God's ultimate sovereignty. This event confirms the divine mandate for his rule.
malḵû · Aramaic Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the sovereign reign of God or His anointed King, which is absolute, eternal, and universal in scope.
ʿālam · Aramaic Adjective
A time without end; denotes that which is enduring, permanent, and fixed in the eternal purpose of God.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, a significant event in their return and restoration.
c. 167-164 BC
Maccabean Revolt
The Maccabean Revolt begins against Seleucid rule, a period of intense religious and political struggle for Jewish independence.
mid-1st century BC
Roman Influence Grows
Roman influence in Judea increases, leading to political instability and eventual Roman control over the region.
"“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. And to him was given dominion
and glory…" — What's easy to miss here is that "one like a son of man" doesn't simply mean "a human." The imagery of coming "with the clouds of heaven" points to divine majesty and origin, not just human form. Thi…