Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex passage from Daniel 7:9. It's a really rich and symbolic description, and it’s often interpreted in several ways – some of which are quite mind-bending! Here’s my attempt to explain it in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a powerful, ancient figure sitting on a throne that’s being drastically weakened. It’s essentially a prophecy about the end times and a massive, terrifying event. Let's break it down word by word: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down” : This is the beginning of the description. It means the ancient ruler was watching something significant happening – likely a period of great upheaval or destruction. “The thrones” are like powerful, significant structures; being ‘cast down’ means they're losing their power and influence. “and the Ancient of days did sit” : This is the key word. "Ancient of Days" is a very old name for God in Jewish tradition, representing something incredibly powerful and unchanging. The “sitting” suggests he was present , observing intently. “whose garment [was] white as snow” : This describes the ruler’s clothing – it's incredibly bright and pristine. "White as snow" signifies purity, righteousness, and divine grace. It’s a visual representation of something pure and holy. “and the hair of his head like the pure wool” : The hair is described as being incredibly soft and luxurious - almost like woven wool. This emphasizes a sense of majesty and control. “his throne [was] like the fiery flame” : The throne isn't just any throne; it’s like a burning fire! It represents immense power, heat, and destruction. It's not a comfortable throne – it's actively destructive. “and his wheels [as] burning fire” : This is the most striking part. "Wheels" are symbolic of movement and action – these are moving rapidly! They’re described as "burning fire," meaning they're incredibly fast, intense, and unstoppable. Overall Interpretation - What it Means: The verse describes a powerful ruler who is completely dominating the world. He is seated on a throne of immense power, his garments are immaculate, and his actions – his movement and the intensity of his flames – suggest that he’s about to unleash a tremendous amount of destruction. It's a vision of an end-times event where authority is challenged and chaos reigns. Important Note: This is a complex passage with several possible interpretations. Different people have tried to understand its meaning over the centuries, and there isn't one single definitive answer. --- Disclaimer: I’m providing this explanation based on common biblical interpretation and scholarly analysis. If you delve deeper into this text, it can be quite challenging! Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? (e.g., the symbolism of the flames?) Discuss different possible interpretations of the prophecy?