Atik Yomin-The Ancient Of Days: Biblical Meaning And Praying The Names Of God.
Updated: Mar 10
Atik Yomin is the Hebrew name for God meaning the Ancient Of Days. God is referenced as the "Ancient of Days" three times in the book of Daniel, chapter seven. The name Atik Yomin-The Ancient Of Days does not point to an elderly ruler made feeble by age, but to a divine ruler who is eternally all-powerful. He is the everlasting God who rules in sovereignty. This name of God points to Him as the divine judge.
Atik Yomin-The Ancient Of Days
I watched as thrones were put in place
and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
with wheels of blazing fire Daniel 7:9.
Pronouncing The Name: ah-TEEK YOH-meen
This is Day 20 of a 30 Day study on The Names Of God. If you haven't read the introduction yet, please start HERE
Ancient Of Days meaning:
The name of God, the Ancient of days is unique to the book of Daniel. It appears three times.
Let me set the scene of a courtroom drama:
It is 553BC. Daniel has a dream and a vision given by God about the Gentile nations of the world and God’s dealing with them. It is a dream of prophecy. The prophet had a vision of four world empires that rose to great power but they crumble and fall. Then a fifth-world power emerged in the vision. Many theologians believe that this power represents the Antichrist of the end times. But then the Ancient of Days took His seat on the throne and He destroyed the Antichrist and opened heaven's gate for Christ's return.
Ancient of Days Bible Verses:
Daniel 7:9-10
I watched as thrones were put in place
and the Ancient One sat down to judge.
His clothing was as white as snow,
his hair like purest wool.
He sat on a fiery throne
with wheels of blazing fire,
10 and a river of fire was pouring out,
flowing from his presence.
Millions of angels ministered to him;
many millions stood to attend him.
Then the court began its session,
and the books were opened.
Daniel7:13
"As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed."
Daniel 7:22
"until the Ancient One—the Most High—came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom."
There is some debate among scholars regarding whether the title Ancient of Days refers to God the Father or God the Son in these passages.
Daniel 7:13 is clearly referring to God the Father since the "son of man" comes before Him. Because some see Daniel 7:22 as referring to Jesus returning in judgment, the Ancient of Days is here often viewed as a reference to Jesus. In either case, Ancient of Days refers to Deity, emphasizing the idea that the Lord is eternal.
Daniel's prophecies predict a future day when the Lord will return to provide a perfect final judgment.
It is important to remember that God is a triune God, meaning three Persons in One, and at different times “Ancient of Days” refers to Jesus Christ and at other times, to God the Father. But in the prophetic sense, it clearly refers to Jesus, the Ancient of Days returning to pronounce judgment on the world (Daniel 7:22).
When you have time read the whole chapter about Daniel's vision in the book of Daniel chapter 7. It is a mystery and I myself don't completely understand it. It gives us a true picture of our Eternal God. He is and always has been and always will be. God, the Ancient of Days had no predecessor and He never will have a successor. He had no beginning and He will have no end.
Here is a comforting fact:
While everything around us changes, the Ancient of Days-Atik Yomin remains the same.
Related: Don't miss out on the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God! Our digital/printable devotional Bible study workbook allows you to explore 30 Names of God and learn about His character and its impact on your life. Download now and experience the transformational power of His wisdom, grace, and love.
