Neville Goddard on Daniel 7:13

Executive Summary

According to Neville, the scripture from Daniel 7:13 describes a profound, personal spiritual experience rather than a purely historical event. It details the moment when an individual, as the 'Son of Man,' is presented before the 'Ancient of Days.' In this divine encounter, one is granted 'dominion'—complete control over all forces—and 'glory,' which is the awareness of being God Himself. Neville states that this is an experience he personally had and is one that is in store for everyone.

Key Concepts

• The 'Son of Man' is a scriptural term for the Christ or Messiah.
• The event described in Daniel 7:13 is a personal, spiritual experience that happens to the individual.
• 'Dominion' is defined as complete control and supremacy over all human and non-human forces, assuring one is obeyed.
• 'Glory' is equated with God Himself, the divine 'I' or I AM.
• This presentation before the 'Ancient of Days' is an experience that all will eventually have.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard interprets the seventh chapter of Daniel as a description of a mystical experience available to the individual. The figure described as “one like a son of man” is a title for the Christ or Messiah. This Son of Man is brought before the “Ancient of Days,” which is a direct encounter with God.

The passage states that the Son of Man is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. Neville defines 'dominion' specifically as absolute supremacy in directing the actions of others and an ascendancy over all forces, both human and non-human, which guarantees obedience. 'Glory' is not merely honor but is God Himself. Neville equates glory with the divine 'I,' the fundamental consciousness of being.

Crucially, Neville presents this scriptural event as something he personally experienced. He recounts being taken in spirit into the 'Divine Assembly' in 1929, where he was presented before the Ancient of Days. He teaches that this is not an experience exclusive to him, but rather a taste of the power that is in store for every person. It is an essential part of the spiritual journey that everyone will ultimately complete.

Important Quotes

And one like a son of man came to the Ancient of Days, and was presented before him, and he was given dominion and glory and kingdom.

— Experiencing Scripture

Dominion is supremacy in determining and deciding and directing the actions of others. It is really ascendancy over human and un-human forces, such as assures being obeyed.

— Who Is The Son Of Man

Related Concepts

This interpretation is directly connected to the concept of I AM. Neville defines the 'glory' received by the Son of Man as God Himself, which he explicitly equates with the divine 'I.' The experience described is a realization of one's own divine nature.

Common Misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding would be to interpret Daniel 7:13 as a purely external, historical event concerning a single person. Neville's teaching corrects this by framing it as a personal, mystical experience that happens within the consciousness of the individual. It is not about a man in history, but about the Christ, the Son of Man, awakening within you.

Practical Applications

The source material does not present this as a technique to be applied, but as a spiritual event to be experienced. The practical value for a student is in understanding the destiny that is in store for them. Recognizing that this supreme state of dominion and glory is one's own inheritance can provide a 'taste' of the power that will one day be fully realized. The application is one of awareness and anticipation of this spiritual unfolding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'Son of Man' in Daniel 7:13 according to Neville?

The 'Son of Man' is a term for the Christ or Messiah. Neville teaches this is not an external person but a state that awakens within the individual.

What does Neville mean by 'dominion' in this context?

Dominion is defined as complete control and supremacy over all forces, both human and non-human. It is an ascendancy that assures one's will is obeyed.

Did Neville believe this was a literal, physical event?

He describes his own experience of this event as being 'taken, in spirit,' into the Divine Assembly, indicating it is a mystical, not a physical, occurrence.