“Until the Ancient of days came , and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.”
My Notes
What Does Daniel 7:22 Mean?
Daniel describes a pivotal moment in his vision of world history: the Ancient of Days arrives, judgment is given in favor of the saints, and the time comes for the saints to possess the kingdom. Three events in sequence: God comes, God rules, God gives the kingdom to His people.
The "Ancient of days" is one of the most majestic titles for God in Scripture—emphasizing His eternality, His age beyond counting, His existence before time itself began. When the Ancient of Days comes, He brings the weight of eternity into the arena of human history. Time meets the Timeless. History meets its Author.
The saints "possessing the kingdom" is the fulfillment of every promise of restoration in the Old Testament. After centuries of exile, oppression, and waiting, the saints receive what was always promised: a kingdom. Not temporarily. Not conditionally. The possession is permanent. The Ancient of Days gives it, and what He gives cannot be taken back.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Are you currently being 'possessed' by your circumstances rather than possessing the kingdom God promises? What would reversal look like?
- 2.What does the title 'Ancient of Days' communicate about the God you're waiting on?
- 3.If judgment is ultimately 'given to the saints,' how does that change how you handle present injustice?
- 4.The time 'came.' What does it mean to trust God's timing when the wait feels indefinite?
Devotional
The Ancient of Days came. Judgment was given to the saints. The time came. Three phrases that change the entire trajectory of human history. God showed up. God ruled in favor of His people. And His people received the kingdom.
The title "Ancient of Days" is worth stopping for. Ancient—older than old. Of days—literally, from before days existed. This isn't a God who arrived recently or who emerged from the historical process. This is the one who existed before the first day was counted, before time itself began its measurement. When this God enters the scene, eternity crashes into history.
The saints possessing the kingdom is the hope that undergirds every dark chapter in the Bible. Every exile, every oppression, every injustice, every seemingly endless waiting period—it was all moving toward this moment. The saints, who for centuries had been possessed by kingdoms (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome), finally possess the kingdom themselves. The power equation reverses permanently.
If you're in a season where you feel possessed by your circumstances rather than possessing them—where the kingdom seems to have you rather than you having it—Daniel's vision promises a reversal. The time came. Not a vague "someday." A specific time, marked by the arrival of the Ancient of Days. The reversal is certain. The timing is His. And when it comes, the possession is permanent.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Until the Ancient of days came,.... Not locally, by change of place, he being the omnipresent God; but in a providential…
Until the Ancient of days came - Notes, Dan 7:9. That is, this was to occur after the horn grew to its full size, and…
Saints of the Most High - To the supereminent saints; see the note on Dan 7:18 (note).
Here we have, I. The deep impressions which these visions made upon the prophet. God in them put honour upon him, and…
the Ancient of days Dan 7:7; Dan 7:7.
judgementwas given for, &c. (R.V. marg.)] i.e. was pronounced in their favour.…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture