Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
10. a stream of fire from before him ] For ‘from before,’ cf. Dan 5:24; and on Dan 6:10. Comp. also Rev 1:14, ‘his eyes were as a flame of fire.’
thousand thousands ] Cf. Deu 33:2, R.V. (if the existing Heb. text of line 4 is correct); also 1Ki 22:19; Zec 14:5 end, R.V.; Enoch i. 9 (cited, with slight verbal differences [see Charles’ ed. p. 327], in Judges 14, 15 [for ‘saints’ in Dan 7:14, A.V., see the note on Dan 8:13 ]). The present passage is doubtless the source of Enoch xiv. 22 (cited on Dan 7:9), xl. 1 (cited below, p. 106); cf. lx. 1, lxxi. 8, 13; and of Rev 5:11.
ministered stood ] Better, were ministering were standing, the tenses being as in Dan 4:12.
stood before him ] viz. in attendance: cf. for the idiom 1Ki 10:8.
the judgement was set ] i.e. (in accordance with the old English sense of the expression) was seated: the Aram. is lit. sat, ‘judgement’ being used here in a concrete sense for the judges; cf. LXX., Theod., , Vulg. judicium sedit; and see Dan 7:26, ‘shall sit ’. The Almighty is represented as holding a court of judgement. For was set in this sense see in A.V., Mat 5:1 (‘when he was set,’ i.e. was seated), Mat 27:19; Heb 8:1 (R.V. sat down); Psa 9:4 (P.B.V), ‘thou art set (i.e. hast seated thyself) in the throne that judgest right.’ W. A. Wright quotes, from an old writer, ‘When they were sette ’ (viz. at table).
and the books were opened ] the books in which the deeds of men are recorded in particular the deeds of the four ‘beasts,’ representing the four empires. Cf. Rev 20:12, ‘And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne; and books were opened; and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works:’ also 2Es 6:20 ; Apoc. of Baruch xxiv. 1; Ascension of Isaiah (ed. Dillmann, 1877), ix. 22; Enoch xlvii. 3 (cited on p. 106), lxxxix. 70, 71, 76, 77, xc. 20, xcviii. 7, 8, civ. 7, all passages speaking of the deeds of men being recorded in books, which are afterwards opened in heaven. See further Charles’s note on Enoch xlvii. 3; and comp. Abhoth ii. 1, ‘Know what is above thee, a seeing eye, and a hearing ear, and all thy deeds written in a book.’ The germ of the representation is to be found most probably in the figurative expressions in Isa 65:6 (‘Behold, it is written before me ’: cf. Jer 17:1); Mal 3:16 (cf. Est 6:1); Psa 56:8.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him – Streams of fire seemed to burst forth from his throne. Representations of this kind abound in the Scriptures to illustrate the majesty and glory of God. Compare Rev 4:5, And out of the throne proceeded lightnings, and thunderings, and voices. Exo 19:16; Hab 3:4; Psa 18:8.
Thousand thousands ministered unto him – A thousand of thousands; that is, thousands multiplied a thousand times. The mind is struck with the fact that there are thousands present – and then the number seems as great as if those thousands were multiplied a thousand times. The idea is that there was an immense – a countless host. The reference here is to the angels, and God is often represented as attended with great numbers of these celestial beings when he comes down to our world. Deu 33:2, he came with ten thousands of saints; that is, of holy ones. Psa 68:17, the chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels. Compare Jud 1:14. The word ministered means that they attended on him.
And ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him – An innumerable host. These were not to be judged, but were attendants on him as he pronounced sentence. The judgment here referred to was not on the world at large, but on the beast, preparatory to giving the kingdom to the one who was like the Son of man Dan 7:13-14.
The judgment was set – That is, all the arrangements for a solemn act of judgment were made, and the process of the judgment commenced.
And the books were opened – As containing the record of the deeds of those who were to be judged. Compare Rev 20:12. The great Judge is represented as having before him the record of all the deeds on which judgment was to be pronounced, and to be about to pronounce sentence according to those deeds. The judgment here referred to seems to have been some solemn act on the part of God transferring the power over the world, from what had long swayed it, to the saints. As already remarked, the necessary interpretation of the passage does not require us to understand this of a literal and visible judgment – of a personal appearing of the Ancient of days – of a formal application to him by one like the Son of man Dan 7:13 – or of a public and visible making over to him of a kingdom upon the earth. It is to be remembered that all this passed in vision before the mind of the prophet; that it is a symbolic representation; and that we are to find the fulfillment of this in some event changing the course of empire – putting a period to the power represented by the beast and the horn, and causing that power to pass into other hands – producing a change as great on the earth as if such a solemn act of judgment were passed. The nature of the representation requires that we should look for the fulfillment of this in some great and momentous change in human affairs – some events that would take away the power of the beast, and that would cause the dominion to pass into other hands. On the fulfillment, see the notes at Dan 7:26.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. A fiery stream issued] This is not spoken of the final judgment; but of that which he was to execute upon this fourth beast, the Roman empire; and the little boasting horn, which is a part of the fourth beast, and must fall when the other falls.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
A fiery stream issued; see Psa 1 3; noting his justice and wrath, in giving sentence and executing it.
Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: this is the great assize.
The judgment was set, and the books were opened: see Rev 20:11,12. This, say some, is spoken agreeable to the Synedrium or Sanhedrim, and after the manner of men, and notes the book of life, of Gods eternal decree, the book of Gods omniscience, &c.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. thousand . . . ministered untohimso at the giving of the law (Deu 33:2;Psa 68:17; Heb 12:22;Jdg 1:14).
ten . . . thousand beforehimimage from the Sanhedrim, in which the father of theconsistory sat with his assessors on each side, in the form of asemicircle, and the people standing before him.
judgment was setThejudges sat (Re 20:4).
books . . . opened (Re20:12). Forensic image; all the documents of the cause at issue,connected with the condemnation of Antichrist and his kingdom, andthe setting up of Messiah’s kingdom. Judgment must pass on theworld as being under the curse, before the glory comes; butAntichrist offers glory without the cross, a renewed world withoutthe world being judged.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him,…. Or, “a river of fire” s; which denotes the copious judgments of God, the abundance of them; the full flow of his wrath, and the fierceness of it; and also its rapidity, which cannot be resisted and stopped:
thousand thousands ministered unto him; attended upon him, waiting his orders, and ready to execute them; an innumerable company of angels, Ps 103:20:
and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; to be judged by him; the numerous inhabitants of the several monarchies, with their kings; particularly all the antichristian states, and the worshippers of the beast, whom the whole world went after, Re 13:3:
the judgment was set; that is, the court was set; the Judge was upon the bench, and all his assessors and apparitors about him, and that ministered to him:
and the books were opened; both to take the trial in writing, and to produce evidence against the criminals; the book of God’s purposes and decrees concerning these beasts; the book of prophecies relating to them; the book of God’s remembrance, and of their own consciences, with respect to the evils committed by them; and the book of records, statutes, and laws made in such cases; even the book of the Scriptures, which contains the revelation of the will of God. In some things there is a likeness between this and the last and future judgment, and in other things a disagreement; the Judge in both is a divine Person, the eternal God, omniscient, omnipotent, holy, just, and true, which is absolutely necessary for carrying on such a process; none but God over all is equal to such a work: in the last judgment, as in this, there will be thrones; the throne of God and of the Lamb, particularly a great white throne, a symbol of purity, justice, and equity, on which the Judge himself will sit, and execute judgment, from whose presence the earth and heaven will flee away; and besides, there will be other thrones for the martyrs of Jesus, and true professors of his name, to sit upon as spectators, witnesses, and approvers of the solemn procedure, and shall reign with Christ a thousand years: likewise the number of the persons judged, as here, will be very great, even innumerable; all, both small and great, as to age or dignity, will stand before the Judge, to be judged by him, and receive their sentence from him; and there will be books for that purpose, as here, even the same, and particularly the book of life, in which, if a man’s name is not written, he will be cast into the lake of fire; see Re 20:4, but in other things they differ; here the Judge is God the Father, the first Person in the Trinity, called the Ancient of days, distinguished from Christ, said to be like the Son of man; whereas the last and future judgment will be committed to the Son of God, the second Person, who is ordained Judge of quick and dead; and who will come a second time to judge the world in righteousness; and, though the description of the Ancient of days will agree well enough with him, he having the same glorious perfections his Father has, which qualify him for a Judge; see Re 1:14, yet it is certain not he, but his divine Father, is intended: nor in the account of the future judgment is there any mention of “a fiery stream” issuing forth before him, as here, for the burning of the body of the beast; unless the lake of fire may be thought to answer to it, into which will be cast all such who have no part in the Lamb, nor a name in his book of life: however, the accounts of both are very awful and striking; and this may be considered as a type, example, presage, and pledge, of the future judgment; this will be at the beginning of the spiritual reign of Christ, when antichrist will be destroyed with the breath of his mouth, and the brightness of his coming; the judgment of the saints will be at the beginning of his personal reign, even of the quick and dead, those that will be found alive, and those that will be raised from the dead, at his appearing and kingdom; and the judgment of the wicked will be at the close of it, or at the end of the Millennium; see Re 20:5.
s – “fluvius ignis”, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius, Michaelis.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Daniel proceeds with what he commenced in the former verse. He says a splendor or stream of fire; for נהר, neher, may be used in both senses, since נהר, neher, signifies both “to flow” and “to shine.” Yet, since he previously spoke of splendor, the word “stream” will suit the passage very well; for a fiery stream issued from the presence of God, which both inundated and burnt up the land. Without doubt God wished to inspire his Prophet with fear for the purpose of arousing him the better, as we never sufficiently comprehend his majesty unless when humbled; and we cannot experience this humility without fear. This is the reason why God always shows something terrible when he appears to his servants, not merely to create astonishment, but to excite their fear and reverence. Hence God seems to have considered this point in this vision, when the stream took its rise from his appearance, even a river of flame. Afterwards he adds, numberless attendants stood before him. Without the slightest doubt, the Prophet here speaks of angels. he says there were thousands of thousands, or ten times a hundred thousand; and again, ten thousand times ten thousand, that is, ten thousand myriads. Here the numbers are not reckoned, but God signifies his having at hand the greatest forces obedient to his will, and far surpassing any armies which the greatest; and most powerful princes collect. This passage teaches us that angels were created for the purpose of receiving and executing the commands of God, and of being the ministers of God, as it were his hands in heaven and in earth. As regards numbers, no wonder many myriads are enumerated by the Prophet. Christ said,
“
Can I not ask the Father and he will send a legion?” (Mat 26:53.)
So, in this passage, Daniel says there were numberless angels under God’s hand, and there was no need of collecting armies after the manner of princes, since they are always present and intent on obedience. Thus they immediately fulfill all his commands, as angels run swiftly throughout heaven and earth. We also perceive the supreme power of the Almighty denoted here, as if the Prophet had said — God is not like a king or a judge merely by title, but he possesses the greatest and most unlimited power; he has myriads of satellites ever at hand for the purpose of fulfilling and executing his supreme will. And in this sense he says, they stood before him. He uses the word for ministry or service, and afterwards, adds, to stand. For ministers cannot always render their service as quickly as their rulers desire. But the angelic method is different. Not only were they prepared to obey, but in a moment they understand what God wishes and commands without needing time for compliance. We see even the greatest princes cannot immediately carry out their decrees, because their ministers are not always at hand. But there is no necessity for dwelling longer upon angels. Daniel adds, The judgment was fixed, and the books were opened. Although God alone is eminent and conspicuous above the angels, and the height of their glory and dignity does not obscure the supreme empire of the Almighty, yet, as we have formerly said, he deems them worthy of the honor of being placed as councilors on each side of him, and that for the sake of illustrating his own majesty. For we have stated that nobles do not sit at the side of monarchs to diminish his majesty or to attract it to themselves, but rather to reflect the magnitude and power of the monarch more fully. This is the reason why the Prophet joins angels with God, not as allies, but simply as his councilors.
I refer the phrase, the books were opened, to the preaching of the gospel. Although God was recognized in Judea, as it is said in the 76 Psalm, (Psa 76:2,) yet this acknowledgment was but slight and involved in many figures. God was revealed through enigmas until Christ’s coming; but then he manifested himself truly, just like opening books previously shut. There is therefore a contrast to be observed here between that obscure season which preceded the coming of Christ, and the clearness which now shines under the gospel. Because, therefore, God was plainly made known after the Sun of righteousness arose, according to the Prophet Malachi, (Mal 4:2,) this is the reason why the books are now said to have been opened at that season. Meanwhile, we confess that God was not altogether hidden, nor did he speak from astonishment, but this is said comparatively by the Prophet, as the books were opened whenever God openly appeared as the Judge, Father, and Preserver of the world, in the person of his only begotten Son. It afterwards follows: —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(10) The booksi.e., the unerring record of mans thoughts, words, and deeds, which is written in the unfailing memory of God. (Comp. Exo. 32:32; Psa. 56:8; Psa. 69:28; Isa. 4:3; Mal. 3:16.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. This vision of Jehovah’s judgment seat is worthy of Ezekiel. (See Ezekiel 1, 10). The dreamer cannot count the angelic hosts which stand by the thousand thousands in humble obedience before Him as “the judgment is set” (or, “the assize is begun”). It was no new idea that all the deeds of men were recorded by a heavenly scribe. This appears in the Egyptian records centuries before the era of Moses or Joseph, and was an early belief among the Hebrews (Exo 12:1; Exo 32:32; Isa 4:3; Mal 3:16; compare Rev 20:12). The Old Testament generally emphasizes the fact that there is a “book of life” in which the names and sufferings of the pious are recorded; but in this passage it is the sins of evil empires, and especially the blasphemies of the “little horn” which the open book reveals. Thomson says: “We are not to regard this as the final judgment. Daniel is, rather, admitted into the presence of God in the heavens and sees his judgment being continually prepared against the wicked.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Dan 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Ver. 10. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him. ] The last and great judgment must needs be very dreadful, where, beside that wicked men shall give account with all the world flaming about their ears, the law they shall be judged by is a fiery law, Deu 33:2 the tribunal of fire, Eze 1:27 the judge a consuming fire; Heb 12:29 his attendants flaming seraphims; his pleading with sinners shall be in flames of fire; 2Th 1:8 the trial of their works shall be by fire; 1Co 3:13 the place of punishment a lake of fire, fed with tormenting temper, and kindled by the breath of the Lord. Isa 30:33 Well may the “sinners in Zion be afraid, and fearfulness surprise hypocrites”; well may they run away, if they can at least tell whither, with these words in their mouths, “Who among us shall dwell with this devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Isa 33:14
Thousand thousands ministered unto him.
The judgment was set, a and the books were opened.] Terms taken from judgments among men, wherein indictments are read, proofs are produced, laws also are considered. The books that shall here be opened are God’s records and conscience’s register. Quae scripta sunt non atramento sed flagitiorum inquinamento, saith Ambrose, which are written, not with ink, but with sin’s filth.
I beheld then because of the voice of the great words.
a Sedendo et quiescendo anima fit prudens. – Aristot. Physic., lib. vi.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
ministered = were ministering.
stood = were standing. Indicating readiness for service.
the judgment = the Judge; “judgment” being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Subject), App-6, for the Judge Who actually sat.
was set = took His seat.
the books, &c. Literally “books were opened”.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Dan 7:10
Dan 7:10 A fieryH1768 H5135 streamH5103 issuedH5047 and came forthH5312 fromH4481 beforeH6925 him: thousandH506 thousandsH506 ministeredH8120 unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousandH7240 H7240 stoodH6966 beforeH6925 him: the judgmentH1780 was set,H3488 and the booksH5609 were opened.H6606
Dan 7:10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
The judgment scene of God. His judgment coming directly from Him and straight to the wicked recipients of His retribution. Millions serve Him on His throne and Billions stand before Him. The books calling to mind the acts of man, whether good or bad, being recorded permanently and recalled for examination at judgment. Their deeds will not be forgotten or overlooked. The imagery of the open books at judgment is also seen in Rev 20:12
The imagery of this verse has a parallel in Revelation regarding the judgment of the fourth beast, Rev 5:11-12 “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands”.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
fiery: Psa 50:3, Psa 97:2, Psa 97:3, Isa 30:27, Isa 30:33, Isa 66:15, Isa 66:16, Nah 1:5, Nah 1:6
thousand thousands: Deu 33:2, 1Ki 22:19, Psa 68:17, Zec 14:5, Mat 25:31, Heb 12:22, Jud 1:14, Rev 5:11
the judgment: Psa 96:11-13, Mal 3:16-18, Rev 20:11-15
Reciprocal: Gen 24:60 – thousands Job 25:3 – there Psa 18:8 – fire Psa 89:5 – in the congregation Psa 103:21 – ministers Isa 6:2 – stood Isa 24:23 – before his ancients gloriously Eze 1:26 – the likeness of a Eze 8:2 – I beheld Dan 7:16 – one Dan 7:26 – General Zec 6:5 – go Mat 13:39 – reapers Mat 16:27 – with Mat 26:53 – and he Mar 8:38 – when Mar 13:24 – General Luk 2:13 – a multitude Luk 9:26 – when Joh 1:51 – and the 2Th 1:8 – flaming 2Th 2:8 – whom Heb 1:7 – Who Heb 1:14 – ministering Rev 9:16 – the number Rev 11:18 – and the time Rev 19:10 – I am Rev 20:12 – the books
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
JUDGMENT
The judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Dan 7:10
Judgments on particular nations are but types of the last judgment of all. The terrible visitation on Jerusalem, and the final coming of the Judge, are interwoven in the prophetic words of our Lord, as given by the Evangelists. The text may, therefore, be justly applied to the judgment of the last day. As the long Trinity season comes to an end, our thoughts begin to turn to the Advent of the Lord. We have
I. The Judge.Many versions read, I beheld till thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days did sit. There is thus an agreement with Rev 20:4, I saw thrones, and they sat upon them. (1) A Judge accompanied with assessors, sitting upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Are these the thousand thousands who ministered to Him? The saints and angels who shall judge the world? (2) A Judge with the prerogative of Godhead. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. This is the numberless host of God (Gen 32:3; Deu 33:2; 1Ki 22:19; 2Ki 6:17). (3) A Judge Who shall deal out just judgment. The symbols of the white snow-like garment, of the hair white like wool, indicate and symbolise perfect purity. (4) A Judge who shall destroy His enemies. A fiery stream issued and came forth from Him. Fire both purifies and destroys.
II. The Judged.The context speaks of the judgment of the nations. This shall be a judgment of all men of all nations, of which our Lord informs us more perfectly in the Gospels.
III. The Judgment.The books were opened. The books contained the transgressions and wickednesses which men had done. (1) The book of Gods remembrance. (2) The book of mans remembrance. Memory is a strange storehouse. (On the books see Exo 32:32; Psa 56:9; Psa 68:29; Isa 4:3; Mal 3:16; Rev 3:5; Rev 20:15.)
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Dan 7:10. Fiery stream is a symbol ot the forceful discharge of truth that proceeds from God. The many thousands refers to the extent of God’s dominion over the lives of mankind. Judgment set; hooks opened indicates that God is about to put into execution His determination to overthrow the reign of the world empires. The words italicized are used for this great revolution because such is the usual procedure when anyone or any group is to be brought to a test. In its fulfillment it refers to the predictions made by both Ezekiel and Daniel previously that the dominating world powers were to be overthrown by the influence of Gods teaching on individual responsibility.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand {u} times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the {x} books were opened.
(u) That is, an infinite number of angels, who were ready to execute his commandment.
(x) This is meant of the first coming of Christ, when the will of God was plainly revealed by his Gospel.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
A river of fire was flowing out from before the throne of God the Father, probably symbolizing judgment proceeding from Him. Those attending Him were evidently angels (cf. Deu 33:2). The court (cf. Dan 7:26) seems to be a heavenly venue in which God renders judgment on rulers and their nations based on their deeds (Job 1-2; Isa 65:6; Mal 3:16; Rev 20:12; cf. Mat 25:31-46).