Attiyq Yomim / Ancient of Days

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Attiyq Yomim / Ancient of Days
(pronounced: "at-TEEK yah-MEEM")

"And the Ancient of Days was seated;
His garment was white as snow,
And the hair of His head was like pure wool.
His throne was a fiery flame,
Its wheels a burning fire ...
And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven!
He came to the Ancient of Days,
And they brought Him near before Him.
Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him."
Daniel 7:9,13-14 (NKJV)

Although the word "Trinity" appears nowhere in Scripture, examples of God's plurality abound.

Here is a striking Old Testament example. There is no question that the Ancient of Days is God. His antiquity goes to the beginning of days—the beginning of time itself. There is some indication that in heaven time may not exist, but that days are numbered only in the realm of earth, where varying peoples, nations, and languages dwell.

Daniel's description of God's throne in the realm of heaven closely resembles John's description in Revelation 4-5. And as in Revelation, God is both on the throne and is the One approaching the throne to receive it, for only He Who is God may possess the throne of dominion and glory which receives worship.

This One coming before the throne is described "One like the Son of Man." Although Son of Man was a favorite title Jesus often used for Himself, this is the only time that name appears in the Old Testament. A human is clearly a son of man and is not titled as such. Only the Son of God needs to be distinguished as the Son of Man. The Son's divine attributes are so far above His human attributes, it is as if Jesus must emphasize His humanity.

And so we have a view of Father and Son, of divinity and humanity, of heaven and earth, of antiquity from the beginning of days, and perhaps perpetuity where time does not exist.

The beautiful contrasts in the plurality of God make Him Who He is.

ANCIENT OF DAYS by Gary Sadler and Jamie Harvill
(© Integrity's Hosanna Music, Integrity's Praise Music)

Blessing and honor
Glory and power
Be unto the Ancient of Days
From every nation
All of creation
Bow before the Ancient of Days
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare Your glory
Every knee will bow at Your throne
In worship
You will be exalted, oh God
And Your kingdom will not pass away
Oh, Ancient of Days.
Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth
Sing unto the Ancient of Days
For none can compare to Your matchless worth
Sing to the Ancient of Days.

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