Caution must be exercised when interpreting the representations of symbolic visions. “No man hath seen God at any time” (John 1:18). Daniel saw only a representation of the Deity. To what extent the representation reflected the reality cannot be known. In vision Deity is presented in various forms, the form assumed generally having reference to the teaching objective of the vision. In a vision of the second advent, John saw Jesus as sitting upon a white horse, clothed in a garment dipped in blood, and having a sword proceeding out of His mouth (Rev. 19:11-15). Obviously we do not expect to see our Saviour thus clothed, equipped, or mounted when He returns. But each of these features has instructive value (see on Rev. 19:11-15). In Daniel’s vision we may see in the white garment a symbol of purity and in the white hair a mark of antiquity, but to go beyond symbolization and to speculate on the appearance of Him who dwelleth “in the light which no man can approach unto” (1 Tim. 6:16) is to enter the realm of forbidden theorizing (see 8T 279). That God is a personal being cannot be doubted. “God is a spirit; yet He is a personal being, for man was made in His image” (8T 263). “Let none indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence” (8T 279).

 On the interpretation of symbolic visions see on Eze. 1:10.

 The Aramaic reads literally, “an Ancient of days,” or “One, ancient of days.” The expression is descriptive rather than being a title. The article is used in vs. 13, 22 as an article of previous reference, that is, its function is to refer to the Being earlier described. God the Father is represented.

 Aramaic remah. The word also means “to place,” or “to set up,” though it may also mean to throw (chs. 3:20; 6:16, 24). The LXX has tithēmi, which is defined, “to set up,” “to place,” “to erect.” The translation “cast down” seems to have been based on an interpretation that regarded the thrones as belonging to the beasts. A symbolic representation of the great final assize, fixing the destinies of men and of nations, is here brought to view.