There are so many evil dictator leaders in the world. They seem to get their way all the time without reprisal. Those who live or worked under them and those who live in their countries might well be saying … “When will this end?” The same question could be shaped differently … “When will evil, wickedness and oppression end?” The right answer, however sad it is, is the moment Jesus returns to Judge the World! Daniel saw in his vision / dream / words from God those four beasts, the last one with ten horns and from amongst these horns a small horn arises. The horns are kingdoms, each represented by a king. Now the dream / vision / words from God changes from the wicked earthly domains to the heavenly and eternal domain. What a contrast we see in verses 9-14. The former part exposed the evil human governments and kingdoms whilst the latter (v9-14) reveals the Eternal, Holy Government of the King of kings and Lord of lords. The picture is one of Judgment.
Da 7:9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. Da 7:10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
1) In the Apocalypse of John (Book of Revelation) we see something similar …
(1) A picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as Almighty God.
Rev 1:12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
(2) A picture of the thrones and environment of heaven.
Rev 4:2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal
One of our greatest encouragements ought to be the consistency of the Bible. What we find in the Old we find in the New.
2) The Heavenly Session is in progress. No doubt, Judgment is the reason.
Da 7:9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. Da 7:10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. Daniel sees thrones that were set in place.
Who are these for? Numerous suggestions have been made but perhaps the best would be “angels” who are subordinate to the Occupant on the Great Throne. This Occupant, the Ancient of Days is Almighty God, the Judge of all the world.
(1) His clothing was as white as snow. This indicates majesty, dignity and purity.
(2) His hair was white like wool. Again depicting majesty, dignity and purity.
(3) His throne flaming with fire. Fire represents power to destroy as well as splendor and majesty.
(4) The throne’s wheel were ablaze. The throne of God appears as a chariot with wheels also representing power to destroy as well as splendor and majesty. Notice that the hair and clothing represent that same thing and the throne and wheels represent the same thing. This is God on the Judgment Seat, glorious and majestic, yet frightful and scary.
(5) The fiery river flowing “out from before God”. This picture resembles with
Rev 4:5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing
Although various commentators suggest a multitude of answers as to what this is, the picture is a consuming fire that removes all that is opposed to God, purifying His people and Kingdom.
Ps 50:3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages
and
Ps 97:3 Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.
(6) The “Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him” simply means an uncountable number of those serving God.
(7) The seated court. This means the Judge is seated on His Throne and all in court are seated as well. In this court there are no delays, postponements or wasting time. The session is ready.
(8) The Books were opened. Note … not to be opened at a future time. Right now they are open and the content ready to be revealed. Now the great question is … “What Judgment is this?” Is it the final Judgment or is it some other Judgment?”
(a) Before anyone forgets or ignores the facts, all actions of all people are recorded. This does not only apply to people as in members of humanity, it also applies to all government authorities set over mankind throughout all ages. (See Revelation 20:12).
(b) All will be judged according to the content of what is written in the records of heaven. The books in heaven do not include any information any man or any earthly judge might have recorded. These records are strictly God’s records according to what His Omniscience and Omnipresence were made aware of.
(c) Generally, these records are held over for the Final Judgment.
(d) This present court session in Daniel is not the Final Judgment. It is the Judgment of the “Four Beasts and the Small Horn”. My friend … none shall escape. Each will give testimony according to the Divine Record Book. This applies to all leaders, whether they be in the home, business and especially in government. The Four Beasts and the Small Horn stood before the Throne.
Thank You, Lord, that You judge perfectly without discrimination. Amen.