Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 7:22

"until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." — Daniel 7:22 (ASV)

Until the Ancient of days came - (Daniel 7:9). That is, this was to occur after the horn grew to its full size, and after the war was made with the saints, and they had been overcome. It does not affirm that this would occur immediately, but that at some subsequent period the Ancient of days would come, and would set up a kingdom on the earth, or would transfer the kingdom to the saints. There would be as real a transfer and as actual a setting up of a special kingdom, as if God Himself should appear on the earth, and should publicly transfer the dominion to them.

And judgment was given to the saints of the Most High - That is, there was a solemn act of judgment in the case by which the kingdom was given into their hands. It was as real a transfer as if there had been a judgment pronounced on the beast, and he had been condemned and overthrown, and as if the dominion which he once had should be transferred to the servants of the Most High.

And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom - That they ruled on the earth; that good people made and administered the laws; that the principles of religion prevailed, influencing the hearts of all people, and causing righteousness and justice to be done. The universal prevalence of true religion, in controlling the hearts and lives of people, and disposing them to do what in all circumstances ought to be done, would be a complete fulfillment of all that is said here. Thus far the description of what Daniel saw, of which he was so desirous of obtaining an explanation. The explanation follows, and embraces the remainder of the chapter.