John Calvin Commentary Daniel 7:10

"A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." — Daniel 7:10 (ASV)

Daniel proceeds with what he began in the previous verse. He says a splendor or stream of fire; for נהר, neher, may be used in both senses, since נהר, neher, signifies both “to flow” and “to shine.” Yet, since he previously spoke of splendor, the word “stream” will suit the passage very well; for a fiery stream issued from the presence of God, which both inundated and burned up the land.

Without doubt, God wished to inspire his prophet with fear, the better to arouse him, as we never sufficiently comprehend his majesty unless we are humbled; and we cannot experience this humility without fear. This is why God always shows something fearsome when he appears to his servants, not merely to create astonishment, but to excite their fear and reverence.

Hence, God seems to have considered this point in this vision, when the stream arose from his appearance—indeed, a river of flame. Afterwards, he adds, numberless attendants stood before him. Without the slightest doubt, the prophet here speaks of angels.

He says there were thousands of thousands, or ten times a hundred thousand; and again, ten thousand times ten thousand, that is, ten thousand myriads. Here the numbers are not precisely counted, but God signifies that he has at hand the greatest forces obedient to his will, far surpassing any armies which the greatest and most powerful princes collect. This passage teaches us that angels were created to receive and execute God's commands, and to be God's ministers, as it were his hands in heaven and on earth. Regarding numbers, it is no wonder that many myriads are enumerated by the prophet. Christ said,

“Can I not ask the Father and he will send a legion?”
(Matthew 26:53).

So, in this passage, Daniel says there were numberless angels under God's hand, and there was no need of collecting armies as princes do, since they are always present and intent on obedience. Thus, they immediately fulfill all his commands, as angels run swiftly throughout heaven and earth.

We also perceive the supreme power of the Almighty indicated here, as if the prophet had said—God is not like a king or a judge merely by title, but he possesses the greatest and most unlimited power; he has myriads of attendants always at hand to fulfill and execute his supreme will.

And in this sense he says, they stood before him. He uses the word for ministry or service, and afterwards adds, to stand. For ministers cannot always render their service as quickly as their rulers desire. But the angelic method is different. Not only were they prepared to obey, but they instantly understand what God wishes and commands, without needing time to comply.

We see that even the greatest princes cannot immediately carry out their decrees, because their ministers are not always at hand. But there is no need to dwell longer on angels.

Daniel adds, The judgment was fixed, and the books were opened. Although God alone is eminent and conspicuous above the angels, and the height of their glory and dignity does not obscure the supreme rule of the Almighty, yet, as we have said before, he considers them worthy of the honor of being placed as counselors on each side of him, to illustrate his own majesty.

For we have stated that nobles do not sit at the side of monarchs to diminish the monarch's majesty or to attract it to themselves, but rather to more fully reflect the monarch's magnitude and power. This is why the prophet joins angels with God, not as allies, but simply as his counselors.

I refer the phrase, "the books were opened," to the preaching of the gospel. Although God was recognized in Judea, as it is said in the 76th Psalm (Psalms 76:2), yet this acknowledgment was only slight and veiled in many figures. God was revealed through enigmas until Christ's coming; but then he truly manifested himself, like opening books that were previously shut.

Therefore, a contrast is to be observed here between that obscure season which preceded the coming of Christ and the clearness which now shines under the gospel. Because God was plainly made known after the Sun of righteousness arose, according to the prophet Malachi (Malachi 4:2), this is the reason why the books are now said to have been opened at that time.

Meanwhile, we acknowledge that God was not entirely hidden, nor did he speak in a way that merely caused bewilderment, but this is said in a comparative sense by the prophet, as the books were opened when God openly appeared as the Judge, Father, and Preserver of the world, in the person of his only-begotten Son. It then follows: