Ancient of Days (iTunes)
Words and Music by Jamie Harvill and Gary Sadler
From the album Rocks Won't Cry (Catapult)
Songwriters Jamie Harvill and Gary Sadler got together in the spring and summer of 1991 to collaborate on new worship songs. The men and their families (totaling four adults and four children) shared a 2-bedroom rental house in Mobile, AL. In the midst of the crowded living situation, Harvill and Sadler wrote together, finishing "Ancient of Days" in August of that year.
The title of the song comes from Daniel 7, in which the prophet has a vision of God, the "Ancient of Days," sitting on his throne, judging with wisdom, purity, and power. He is described several places in Daniel as having a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" and a dominion that "shall be to the end" (6:26). Harvill and Sadler also take language from the book of Revelation, particularly chapter 5, where the living creatures and elders and angels come together in worship, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (v. 12). Overall, "Ancient of Days" paints a picture of all of creation bowing in worship before a just, mighty, and living God and invites the congregation to join in the song.
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