Fragments on Daniel
The boast and the opened books§1
Cyril is opening his commentary on Daniel, explaining the little horn's boast and the meaning of the books being opened.
1This was nothing other than boasting against the glory of God and exalting himself over the ruler set over those from Israel, as though that ruler could in no way benefit his own people. The books were opened (Daniel 7:10). For when the only Son came in the form that is ours, then the Father opened the books. He released those guilty of sins from judgment, and he permitted those who act courageously to be enrolled and numbered among the choirs above and to be held in remembrance. And what does it mean, “He reached as far as the Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:13)? Is it in a spatial sense? Then how is this not foolish? Because the divine is not in a place, for it fills all things.
Greek · §1
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The Son's coming to the Ancient of Days is into the Father's glory§2
Cyril is answering his own question about what it means that the Son reached the Ancient of Days, explaining that it refers to entering the Father's glory, not to spatial movement.
2What then does it mean, “He reached as far as the Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:13)? Clearly the Son reached into the glory of the Father. And from where is it possible to see this? He himself said again next: “To him was given the honor and the kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). For he heard the Father saying, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Psalm 109:1).
Greek · §2
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The Son reached the Father's glory, shown by honor and kingdom given§3
Cyril is answering the question of what it means that the Son reached the Ancient of Days, explaining it as reaching the Father's glory.
3He reached? Clearly the Son reached into the glory of the Father. And from where is it possible for us to see this? he said again next: “To him was given the honor and the kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). For the Son heard the Father saying, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Psalm 109:1).
Greek · §3
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The Son reached the Father's glory§4
Cyril is answering his own question about how the Son's coming to the Ancient of Days is not spatial, by showing from Daniel and the Psalm that the Son entered the Father's glory.
4Did he reach it? Clearly the Son reached into the glory of the Father. And how can we see this? He himself said next: “To him was given the honor and the kingdom” (Daniel 7:14). For he heard the Father saying, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (Psalm 110:1).
Greek · §4
The Greek is on each section page: §4