Daniel 7:22

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.

Daniel 7:22 (KJV)

Context

Daniel 7 is a prophetic vision of four great beasts representing successive world empires, followed by the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. This verse is the climax of that vision, shifting from the earthly scene of oppression to a heavenly one where God intervenes.

Meaning

“Until the Ancient of days came” — “the Ancient of days” refers to God Himself, a title that emphasizes His eternal nature, wisdom, and authority. The phrase “came” implies the time when God’s intervention and judgment occur. This coming is not a local movement but a providential intervention to check the power of the persecuting “little horn” and to put an end to its oppression.

“Judgment was given to the saints of the most High” — the vision highlights that a time will come when God grants judgment to the “saints of the most High.” This refers to the righteous believers who belong to God, redeemed by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. They are entrusted with divine authority to judge. God, as the sovereign Judge, pronounces a verdict in favor of His holy people, vindicating them and granting them justice.

“The time came that the saints possessed the kingdom” — this phrase depicts the culmination of God’s plan for His people. It reveals a future event when the saints will receive and possess the kingdom. This kingdom represents the eternal dominion and reign of God, where the saints will share in His glory and rule with Him. This is not a kingdom achieved by human effort but one granted by divine decree, an eternal kingdom that cannot be destroyed.

Biblical connections

This prophecy finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant and inaugurated His kingdom on earth. He proclaimed that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15) and that the saints would inherit it (Matthew 25:34). In Christ, believers become partakers of this spiritual kingdom, and they will reign with Him in the age to come (Revelation 20:4). The verse also connects to the broader chapter’s theme of the Son of man receiving dominion (Daniel 7:13-14), showing that the saints’ victory is tied to Christ’s exaltation.

Application

Daniel’s vision encourages believers to remain steadfast and faithful, even in the face of worldly powers and challenges. It reminds us that God’s ultimate plan will prevail, and His people will inherit His kingdom. As believers, we should eagerly anticipate the return of Christ and focus on living righteous lives, knowing that our eternal future is secure in Him. The certainty of this future hope should encourage perseverance and faithfulness in the present.

Reflection

Daniel 7:22 provides a glimpse into God’s divine plan, where the Ancient of days comes to judge and grants authority to the saints of the most High, who will possess His eternal kingdom. This verse points to Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of this prophecy and encourages believers to live in anticipation of His return and the glorious future that awaits them in His kingdom.