Daniel 7:13-14 – The Kingdom of the Son of Man

In his night visions, Daniel saw four beasts emerging from the chaotic sea. The four beasts represented four world empires. Unlike the previous three, the last of them was a terrifying beast. It was ferocious, scary, solid, and destructive. Besides, it had ten horns. 

 

Daniel also saw a little horn with human eyes and an arrogant mouth emerging from the ten horns. As it appeared, it also uprooted three of the horns. The ten horns represent ten kings, and the little horn is the Antichrist. This is a future event in which this little horn or Antichrist will come to set up his kingdom. 

 

Then, the scene in Daniel 7:9 changed from the tumultuous sea into a courtroom scene. Thrones were being set up here, and God, “the Ancient of Day,” took His seat in judgment. Daniel 7:13-14 then introduces the Son of Man. Unlike the beasts that hail from the chaotic sea, meaning earth, Daniel sees the Son of Man coming in the cloud of heaven to the Ancient of Day. 

 

Verse 14 reveals that the Son of Man is bestowed with “dominion, glory, and a kingdom that all the peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve Him.” The heart of Daniel’s vision is the Son of Man. His Kingdom is not just enduring but everlasting and indestructible. Daniel’s visions align with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, where the little stone that emerged from obscurity and grew into a colossal mountain also symbolizes this Kingdom of the Son of Man. 

 

This Son of Man is none other than Jesus the Messiah. In His conversation with the disciples in Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16:13-20, He identifies Himself as the Son of Man. Concerning Himself, He asks, “Who do people say that the Son of man is?” Various responses are offered. Until Simon Peter’s profound answer. He declares, “You are the Christ, The Son of the Living God.” Jesus immediately affirms it. The Son of Man is Jesus, the Son of God. He then proclaims in Matthew 16:27 that He will return, ushering in His Kingdom. 

 

Jesus is the Son of Man from the perspective that His earthly parent came from the line of King David. Both the genealogical accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace His earthly parents to the royal line of David. That’s why He is also called the Son of David. Jesus, the Son of God, the Son of David, is also the Son of Man. 

 

In the Book of Revelation, chapter 1, verse 13, the Apostle John refers to Him as the Son of Man. He has already established His indestructible Kingdom here on earth. This Kingdom is within us, where He reigns. He will return to bring a conclusion to all earthly kingdoms. Revelation 17:15 asserted that when “the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” 

 

We, beloved, are all citizens of His indestructible Kingdom. We are His representatives and His occupational force here on earth. Our calling is not just to touch the Kingdom but to enlarge it. With His help, let us all do our part.