What does Daniel 7:13 mean?
In an earlier part of the dream, Daniel saw God the Father seated on a fiery throne of judgment (Daniel 7:9–10). There, God was labeled as "the Ancient of Days" (Psalm 90:2), and that title is repeated here. This "son of man" figure is brought before God and given immense power and authority (Daniel 7:14).This "son of man" is a messianic figure. The concept of a "messiah" comes from the Hebrew word Mashiyach, which means "the anointed one." In Greek, this idea is expressed with the word Christos, which then becomes the English title "Christ." This is the long-awaited Savior promised as early as the fall of man (Genesis 3:15). Other Scriptures affirmed this person would be a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3), from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10), and from the line of David and Solomon (2 Samuel 7:12–16). These are among many indicators pointing to Jesus of Nazareth as this prophesied figure.
One of Jesus' most common titles for Himself was the "Son of Man" (Matthew 26:2; John 1:51). He applied it around thirty times in the gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily to Jews to show that He was Israel's Messiah and King. Others recognized this as a reference to the prophecy contained in this verse. Eventually, such statements were used to accuse Jesus of blasphemy (Mark 14:61–64).
Jesus finished the work of redemption on the cross and was resurrected (Luke 24:1–7). He then met with His disciples for forty days and was seen ascending in a cloud (Acts 1:3, 6–9). Two angels told the disciples that Jesus "will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). Jesus Himself said that He will come "on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:30).
