◄ Daniel 7:10 ►
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
Study Bible
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence
This vivid imagery of a "river of fire" symbolizes the purity and holiness of God, as fire often represents purification and judgment in the Bible. The Hebrew word for "river" (נָהָר, nahar) suggests a continuous, powerful flow, indicating the unstoppable and overwhelming nature of God's righteous judgment. The fire "coming out from His presence" emphasizes that this judgment is directly from God, underscoring His sovereignty and the divine origin of justice. Historically, fire has been a symbol of divine presence and power, as seen in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21).

Thousands upon thousands attended Him
The phrase "thousands upon thousands" conveys an innumerable multitude, reflecting the grandeur and majesty of God's heavenly court. The Hebrew word for "thousands" (אֶלֶף, eleph) can also imply a large, organized group, suggesting the order and structure of the heavenly hosts. This multitude attending God signifies the honor and reverence due to Him, as well as the readiness of His servants to execute His will. Scripturally, this echoes the vision of the heavenly assembly in Revelation 5:11, where countless angels surround the throne.

ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him
This expression further amplifies the vastness of the heavenly assembly, with "ten thousand times ten thousand" being a hyperbolic way to describe an infinite number. The Hebrew term for "ten thousand" (רִבּוֹ, ribbo) is often used to denote an exceedingly large quantity, emphasizing the limitless nature of God's dominion and the extensive reach of His authority. The act of standing before Him indicates readiness to serve and the acknowledgment of His supreme authority. This scene parallels the worship and service depicted in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude stands before the throne.

The court was convened
The convening of the court signifies the formal commencement of divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "court" (דִּין, din) refers to a legal assembly or tribunal, highlighting the legal and orderly nature of God's judgment. This imagery of a divine courtroom underscores the justice and righteousness of God's decisions, as He is the ultimate judge. Historically, courts were places of authority and decision-making, and this celestial court reflects the ultimate authority of God over all creation.

and the books were opened
The opening of the books represents the revelation and examination of deeds, as books in ancient times were records of actions and events. The Hebrew word for "books" (סֵפֶר, sefer) implies written documentation, suggesting that nothing is hidden from God's sight. This act of opening the books indicates transparency and accountability, as every action is recorded and will be judged. Scripturally, this is reminiscent of Revelation 20:12, where the dead are judged according to what is written in the books. The opening of the books serves as a powerful reminder of God's omniscience and the certainty of His righteous judgment.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Ancient of Days
This is a title for God, emphasizing His eternal nature and sovereign authority. In Daniel 7, He is depicted as the ultimate judge.

2. The River of Fire
Symbolizes God's holiness and judgment. Fire often represents purification and divine presence in the Bible.

3. Thousands upon Thousands / Myriads upon Myriads
These phrases indicate an innumerable host of angelic beings attending to God, highlighting His majesty and the grandeur of the heavenly court.

4. The Court
Represents the divine tribunal where God presides as judge. This setting underscores the theme of divine justice.

5. The Books
Symbolize the records of human deeds, which are opened for judgment. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of accountability before God.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Justice
God is depicted as the ultimate judge, reminding us of His sovereign authority over all creation. We are accountable to Him for our actions.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
The opening of the books signifies that our deeds are recorded and will be judged. This should encourage us to live righteously and in accordance with God's will.

The Majesty of God's Presence
The imagery of countless angels attending God highlights His majesty and the reverence due to Him. Worship should be a central part of our lives.

The Importance of Holiness
The river of fire symbolizes purification. As believers, we are called to pursue holiness, reflecting God's character in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the river of fire in Daniel 7:10 challenge your understanding of God's holiness and justice?

2. In what ways can the concept of the "books being opened" influence your daily decisions and actions?

3. How does the depiction of the heavenly court in Daniel 7:10 inspire your worship and reverence for God?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment scene in Daniel 7:10 and other biblical passages that discuss divine judgment?

5. How can the understanding of God's sovereignty and justice in Daniel 7:10 provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or injustice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 20:12
This passage also describes books being opened in a scene of final judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine justice and accountability.

Psalm 50:3-6
These verses depict God as a righteous judge, surrounded by fire, similar to the imagery in Daniel 7:10.

Hebrews 12:29
Describes God as a consuming fire, connecting to the river of fire in Daniel 7:10 and emphasizing His holiness.
Sermons
Brute RuleH.T. Robjohns Daniel 7:1-12
Daniel's First VisionE. B. Pusey, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
The First Two Visions of the Book of DanielT. R. Birks, M.A.Daniel 7:4-28
The Four BeastsOutlines by London MinisterDaniel 7:4-28
The Symbolical BeastsW. White.Daniel 7:4-28
The Vision of the Four BeastsWilliam M. Taylor, D.D.Daniel 7:4-28
Vision, of Four Wild BeastsT.Kirk.Daniel 7:4-28
Benefits of Meditation on the Holy AngelsSerrmons by Authors, Tracts for the TimesDaniel 7:9-10
Manifestation or God by FireDaniel 7:9-10
The Ancient of Days Coming to JudgmentJoseph Odell.Daniel 7:9-10
The Heavenly ServiceN. Gregory.Daniel 7:9-10
The World's AssizeEdward Pizey, B. A.Daniel 7:9-10
The Real King-MakerJ.D. Davies Daniel 7:9-14
People
Belshazzar, Daniel
Places
Babylon
Topics
Attended, Attending, Books, Court, Fiery, Fire, Flood, Flowing, Forth, Issued, Judge, Judgment, Ministered, Myriad, Myriads, Open, Opened, Places, Proceeding, Rise, River, Sat, Seated, Servants, Serve, Served, Standing, Stood, Stream, Ten, Thousand, Thousands
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 7:10

     1655   hundreds and thousands
     4114   angels, and praise
     5232   book

Daniel 7:1-18

     1469   visions

Daniel 7:7-25

     4654   horn

Daniel 7:8-14

     8319   perception, spiritual

Daniel 7:9-10

     1310   God, as judge
     5270   court
     8326   purity, moral and spiritual

Library
Christ's Own Testimony Concerning Himself.
THERE is but one rational explanation, of this sublime mystery; and this is found in Christ's own testimony concerning his superhuman and divine origin and character.[49]49 This testimony challenges at once our highest regard and belief from the absolute veracity which no one ever denied him, or could deny, without destroying at once the very foundation of his universally conceded moral purity and greatness. Christ strongly asserts his humanity, and calls himself; about eighty times in the Gospels, …
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
THE life and character of Jesus Christ is truly the Holy of Holies in the history of the world. Eighteen hundred years have passed away since he, in the fullness of time, appeared on this earth to redeem a fallen race from sin and death, and to open a never-ceasing fountain of righteousness and life. The ages before him anxiously awaited his coming as "the Desire of all nations;" the ages after him proclaim his glory, and ever extend his dominion. The noblest and best of men under every clime hold …
Philip Schaff—The Romance of M. Renan, and the Christ of the Gospels

The Apocalypse.
1. The word Apocalypse (Greek Apokalupsis) signifies Revelation, the title given to the book in our English version as well from its opening word as from its contents. Of all the writings of the New Testament that are classed by Eusebius among the disputed books (Antilegomena, chap. 5. 6), the apostolic authorship of this is sustained by the greatest amount of external evidence; so much so that Eusebius acknowledges it as doubtful whether it should be classed among the acknowledged or …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Captivity of Judah.
Eze., Dan., Lam. The Ten Tribes Lost. After the fall of Samaria we hear but little of the ten tribes. They were carried off into the regions of Ninevah by the Assyrians. All effort to locate them has failed and no doubt will fail. Sargon, in an inscription found at Ninevah, said that he carried away into captivity 27,290. These were perhaps leaders of Israel whom he thought might lead a revolt. He sent others back to take their place and the Israelites seemed to have mingled with the races about …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Communion Again Broken --Restoration
Cant. v. 2-vi.10. The fourth section commences with an address of the bride to the daughters of Jerusalem, in which she narrates her recent sad experience, and entreats their help in her trouble. The presence and comfort of her Bridegroom are again lost to her; not this time by relapse into worldliness, but by slothful self-indulgence. We are not told of the steps that led to her failure; of how self again found place in her heart. Perhaps spiritual pride in the achievements which grace enabled her …
J. Hudson Taylor—Union and Communion

The Ecclesiastical Trial
Over the Kedron, up the slope to the city, through the gates, along the silent streets, the procession passed, with Jesus in the midst; midnight stragglers, perhaps, hurrying forward from point to point to ask what was ado, and peering towards the Prisoner's face, before they diverged again towards their own homes.[1] He was conducted to the residence of the high priest, where His trial ensued. Jesus had to undergo two trials--the one ecclesiastical, the other civil; the one before Caiaphas the …
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

Jesus at Capernaum.
Beset by an idea, gradually becoming more and more imperious and exclusive, Jesus proceeds henceforth with a kind of fatal impassibility in the path marked out by his astonishing genius and the extraordinary circumstances in which he lived. Hitherto he had only communicated his thoughts to a few persons secretly attracted to him; henceforward his teaching was sought after by the public. He was about thirty years of age.[1] The little group of hearers who had accompanied him to John the Baptist had, …
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Danger of Deviating from Divine Institutions.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." St. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles. The care of the churches gathered among them devolved particularly on him. At the writing of this epistle he had no personal acquaintance with the church to which it is addressed.* Epaphras, a bishop of the Colossians, then his fellow prisoner at Rome, had made him acquainted with their state, and the danger …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Situation after the Council of Nicæa.
The council (a) had testified, by its horrified and spontaneous rejection of it, that Arianism was a novelty subversive of the Christian faith as they had received it from their fathers. They had (b) banished it from the Church by an inexorable test, which even the leading supporters of Arius had been induced to subscribe. In the years immediately following, we find (c) a large majority of the Eastern bishops, especially of Syria and Asia Minor, the very regions whence the numerical strength of the …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
(Hill Country of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke I. 57-80. ^c 57 Now Elisabeth's time was fulfilled that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her kinsfolk heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her [mercy in granting a child; great mercy in granting so illustrious a child] ; and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass on the eighth day [See Gen. xvii. 12; Lev. xii. 3; Phil. iii. 5. Male children were named at their circumcision, probably …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
It almost seems, as if the departure of Jesus from Capernaum marked a crisis in the history of that town. From henceforth it ceases to be the center of His activity, and is only occasionally, and in passing, visited. Indeed, the concentration and growing power of Pharisaic opposition, and the proximity of Herod's residence at Tiberias [3013] would have rendered a permanent stay there impossible at this stage in our Lord's history. Henceforth, His Life is, indeed, not purely missionary, but He has …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

History of the Interpretation.
1. AMONG THE JEWS. This History, as to its essential features, might, a priori, be sketched with tolerable certainty. From the nature of the case, we could scarcely expect that the Jews should have adopted views altogether erroneous as to the subject of the prophecy in question; for the Messiah appears in it, not in His humiliation, but in His glory--rich in gifts and blessings, and Pelagian self-delusion will, a priori, return an affirmative answer to the question as to whether one is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

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