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.
Original Language Analysis
דִּֽי
H1768
דִּֽי
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
2 of 14
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
וְדִינָ֣א
and judgment
H1780
וְדִינָ֣א
and judgment
Strong's:
H1780
Word #:
6 of 14
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
יְהִ֔ב
was given
H3052
יְהִ֔ב
was given
Strong's:
H3052
Word #:
7 of 14
to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come
קַדִּישִֽׁין׃
that the saints
H6922
קַדִּישִֽׁין׃
that the saints
Strong's:
H6922
Word #:
8 of 14
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Daniel 7:18But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.Revelation 20:4And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.Revelation 5:10And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.2 Thessalonians 2:8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Historical Context
Church history demonstrates repeated patterns: persecution followed by vindication, apparent defeat followed by triumph. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians yet eventually acknowledged Christ. Reformation martyrs seemed defeated yet sparked movements that reformed the church. Each historical vindication prefigures the ultimate eschatological fulfillment when Christ returns and saints possess the kingdom eternally.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the word "until" provide hope that persecution has divinely appointed limits and definite conclusion?
- What does "judgment given to the saints" teach about believers' future role reigning with Christ?
- How should certainty of ultimate vindication and kingdom possession fuel patient endurance through present persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The crucial reversal: "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." The word "until" indicates persecution's definite temporal limit—suffering doesn't continue endlessly but reaches divinely appointed conclusion. The "Ancient of days" (God the Father, cf. vv. 9-10) comes in judgment, vindicating His people and condemning their oppressors. This describes Christ's second coming when God intervenes decisively in history.
"Judgment was given to the saints" uses language suggesting both vindication (judgment in their favor, declaring them righteous) and authority (sharing Christ's reign, cf. Revelation 20:4). The phrase "possessed the kingdom" fulfills Christ's promise that the meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5) and believers reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 20:6). What began with apparent defeat concludes with complete victory and eternal dominion.
This verse provides foundational encouragement for persecuted believers: present suffering is temporary, divine intervention is certain, and ultimate victory is guaranteed. The pattern of tribulation followed by glory recurs throughout Scripture, finding ultimate expression in Christ's suffering and exaltation (Philippians 2:8-11). Believers share both His sufferings and His glory (Romans 8:17). This fuels patient endurance through persecution, knowing the outcome is secure.