Daniel 7:9
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
Daniel 7:9 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Daniel describes a vision in which the prophet sees thrones being cast down and the Ancient of Days, a title referring to God, taking His seat. The imagery used in the verse is symbolic and conveys the majesty and power of God. The description of God's garment being white as snow represents His purity and righteousness. The comparison of the hair of His head to pure wool signifies His wisdom and agelessness. The image of God's throne being like fiery flame and His wheels as burning fire reinforces the idea of His power and authority. Overall, this verse highlights the greatness and awe-inspiring nature of God, emphasizing His eternal nature and supreme dominion over all creation.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Daniel highlights the sovereignty and majesty of God. The imagery of thrones being cast down and the Ancient of Days taking his seat conveys a sense of authority and power. The white garment symbolizes purity and righteousness, while the white hair signifies wisdom and eternity. The fiery flame of his throne suggests judgment and holiness, and the burning fire of his wheels alludes to the swift and unstoppable nature of God's work. Overall, this verse presents a vivid picture of God's divine attributes and his role as the ultimate ruler over all creation.
Daniel 7:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancient of days did sit: his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, [and] the wheels thereof burning fire.
World English Bible
I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.
Douay-Rheims
I beheld till thrones were placed, and the ancient of days sat: his garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like clean wool: his throne like flames of fire: the wheels of it like a burning fire.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I behelde, till the thrones were set vp, and the Ancient of dayes did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the heare of his head like the pure wooll: his throne was like the fierie flame, and his wheeles as burning fire.