Hebrew Names for God

The Ancient of Days - עַתִּ֥יק יוֹמִ֖ין

Before we look at today’s word, Graham Belford, one of our Daily Devotional Fellowship emailed me concerning yesterday’s word; “Out of interest my computer dictionary gives one of the meanings of Shalom as, ‘I’ll be waiting for your call’. Another new insight?” Thank you Graham.

So on today’s title “Ancient of Days -"I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court sat, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9-10)

Such apocalyptic writing seems strange to our modern ears, but within it’s text we have yet another name the Old Testament ascribes to God; The Ancient of Days. Essentially, the book of Daniel is an account of the activities and visions of Daniel, a noble Jew exiled at Babylon, it combines a prophecy of history with an a portrayal of end times, what theologians call eschatology,  both cosmic in scope and political in focus, and its message is that just as the God of Israel saves Daniel from his enemies, so he would save all Israel in their present oppression.

You will have probably come across this title almost without realising it in the hymn "Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise", as the last two lines of the first verse read: “Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.”

The title, “Ancient of Days,” reminds us that God is beyond time. One who is the Perfect Judge, always pure and holy, always objective. And and always brings an eternal perspective to everything He does.

When we consider the Holy Ancient of Days, we can become awe struck at our seeming insignificance. Then I read Psalm 8, “Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?” You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honour. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power— the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our Lord and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!”

For our prayer today, I use the words of a hymn by Gary Sadler & Jamie Harvill © Copyright 1992 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (CCLI 814800) that says;-

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