Ancient of Days
attiyq (Aramaic) at-teek'
yowm (Aramaic) yome

Thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat... I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him. - Daniel 7:9, 13, 22

A Historical Perspective
He was the oldest man I've every known. He was 95 years old when he went home to be with the Lord. He was a spry, seasoned, and quick-witted retired pastor who sat under my ministry for four years. I savored his wisdom. He had the rich experience of many years of fruitful ministry. He had seen it all. He knew people. He had seen about every possible church conflict and with a twinkle in his eye would share his pearls from his vast storehouse of experience. He helped me put my present circumstances into proper perspective.

Another man was 967 years old when he went home to be with the Lord. His name was Methuselah. That is way beyond my ability to comprehend. His life spanned nearly a 1,000 years of human history. Talk about seeing it all. He would have seen life in the dark ages, a myriad of kings and kingdoms come and go. He would have witnessed the barbaric armies with bow and arrows and spears change to supersonic stealth fighters with laser guided precision bombs and global positioning satellites. He would have seen the invention of gun powder, electricity, gasoline engines, man's first flight, and the microwave oven and microcomputers. He would have survived the bubonic plague, Black Death, and the influenza epidemic. He would have seen Columbus discover America and man's landing on the Moon. What a balanced perspective on life he would have!

The Ancient of Days goes back even farther. He knows the beginning and ending of all things. Even creation itself is a newbie to Him. Daniel, the wisest man in Babylon, reveled at his years. God sits in the heavens un-assailed upon His throne while kingdoms wane and wander. He is unflustered, unruffled, unperturbed by earth's fleeting crises and catastrophes. He has seen it all, and been through it all. There is nothing new under the sun with Him. He is unflappable and wholly apart from history. "His goings forth are from old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2

So what's your problem, pain, conflict or crisis, or spilled milk that is so hard to get over? He has seen it all and then some. Nothing perplexes Him. So he calls us to remembrance that he is "The Ancient of Days." His years fail not, and as vesture he will fold up this old world and move on. God's name, Ancient of Days, reminds us of the fleeting and passing nature of earth. God will last - hard times will not. Cling to the Ancient of Days when it looks like all of life will be blown away. He is an anchor. Cling to him.

• Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
• Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
• Psalms 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
• Psalms 106:48 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
• 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 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
• Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Questions for Discussion:

1. How old do you think the man is? The earth? The universe?
2. How old is God? Is there anything He has not seen or known?
3. Who's the oldest person you have ever known?
4. Do this exercise: Count the days of your life up to today. Then read and think about Psalm 90:9-11. Our days are numbered. His are not!

Blessing and honor,
glory and power,
be unto the Ancient of Days.
From every nation,
all of creation,
bow before the Ancient of Days.

CHORUS-
Every tongue in heaven and earth,
shall declare Your glory,
every knee shall bow at Your throne, 
in worship.
You will be exalted O God,
and Your Kingdom shall not pass away.
Oh Ancient of Days.

BRIDGE-
Your Kingdom shall reign over all the earth,
sing unto the Ancient of Days.
For none can compare to Your matchless worth,
sing unto the Ancient of Days.

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