Glossary of Symbolism, pg 251; “Ancient of days. Name-title for Adam, “the first and oldest of all, the great, grand progenitor” (D&C 27:11; Smith, Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph F. Smith, comp. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976., p. 167). The title is incorrectly thought by the sectarian world to refer to God.” – Joseph Fielding McConkie
Daniel 7:9; “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.”
The Jewish Virtual Library tells the story of an 11th century Jewish man by the name of Abraham Ibn Ezra. He’s a renowned Jewish author and philosopher with many achievements accredited to his life. After losing three children and one son who converted to Islam Mr. Ezra became a wanderer the rest of his life and it was during that time he produced the works he’s best known for.
One of the things he introduced into Jewish thought was the idea that Adam was the Ancient of Days. He also introduced the very controversial topics such as the intelligible matter came from God while God never held power to create everything ex nihilo because he brought it from pre-existing eternal matter. He also taught the universe was divided into three spheres of existence.
Replace the name of Ibn Ezra with Joseph Smith and the similarities are striking…
This phrase means “one advanced in (of) days” and may mean “one who forwards time or rules over it”.
The phrase Ancient of Days occurs three times and they’re all in Daniel chapter seven. Daniel 7:9, 13, 22. We clearly have other references in the Bible referring to God in this manner, but no other book with this exact phrase. The amazing thing about this phrase is how Daniel was referring to the Trinity. The Holman Bible Dictionary lists ten examples from other verses why this phrase fits none other than Yahweh. (Gen. 24:1; Job 36:26; Ps. 50:1-6; 55:19; 1 Kings 22:19-20; Isa. 26:1-27:1; 44:6; Ezek. 1; Joel 3:2)
I highly encourage people to read the commentary of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown you can access on Blue Letter Bible for a full description of the Hebrew translation of these words and why this points to God.
In no way, shape or form could this be Adam that Daniel was referring to because Adam couldn’t rule time, nor could he fulfill all the other name meanings in this phrase.
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