In Daniel chapter 7, there is a contrast between the depiction of the "Ancient of Days" and the "one like a son of man," which many interpret as a reference to the pre-incarnate Jesus.
In Daniel 7:9-10, the "Ancient of Days" is described in highly symbolic terms that emphasize His eternal nature and great age:
Ancient of Days: The name itself suggests immense age, symbolizing God's eternal existence. The description includes imagery like "clothing was white as snow" and "hair of His head was like pure wool," which also points to purity, wisdom, and timelessness.
In contrast, in Daniel 7:13-14, we see the "one like a son of man" described as:
One like a Son of Man: This phrase emphasizes the human appearance of the figure. The "Son of Man" is portrayed as coming with the clouds of heaven and being presented before the Ancient of Days. He is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that is everlasting.
The contrast lies in the emphasis on the Ancient of Days as an eternal, transcendent figure—beyond the bounds of human time and age—while the Son of Man is presented in a more relatable, human-like form. This distinction highlights the difference between the divine nature of the Father and the incarnational nature of the Son, who, though divine, takes on a form that is recognizable as human.
This passage is often seen in Christian theology as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who frequently referred to Himself as the "Son of Man," underscoring His identification with humanity while also possessing divine authority.
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