This cannot represent the second coming of Christ to this earth, for Christ comes to “the Ancient of days.” The coming of Christ to the most holy place for the cleansing of the sanctuary is here represented (GC 426, 480).

Aramaic kebar ’enash, literally, “like a son of man.”

According to Aramaic usage, the phrase could be rendered “like a man” (Hans Bauer and Pontus Leander, Grammatik des Biblisch-Aramäischen [Halle, 1927], p. 315d). The LXX has, hōs huios anthrōpou, also literally, “like a son of man.”

 Many of the revised translations (see RV, RSV, etc.) follow this literal rendering. Some have felt that such a rendering detracts from the majesty of our Redeemer. The English phrase “a son of man” is admittedly indefinite in tone. However, the corresponding phrase in the Aramaic is full of meaning. Along with other ancient languages, the Aramaic omits the article when the primary stress is upon quality, and uses it when the stress is on identity. The normal order in prophetic narrative is for the prophet first to describe what he has seen, and later to give attention to identity. Prophetic items are usually introduced without the article. When subsequently referred to, the article is employed (see on v. 9). Thus there were “four great beasts” (v. 3), not “the four great beasts,” but later “all the beasts” (v. 7). The Ancient of days was introduced as “One, ancient in days” (see on v. 9) but later referred to as “the Ancient of days” (vs. 13, 22; see on v. 9). Compare further, “a ram” and “the ram,” “two horns” and “the two horns,” “an he goat” and “the he goat” (ch. 8:3-8), etc. In harmony with this rule the Son of God is introduced literally as “One, of human form.” He is not again referred to by this expression in this prophecy. If He were, the definite article would probably appear. In the NT the expression “Son of man” which most commentators agree is based on ch. 7:13, occurs almost invariably with the article.

Instead of the translation “a son of man” the translation “One, human in form” would more adequately represent the Aramaic phrase. God chose to present His Son in prophetic vision with special emphasis on His humanity (see MB 14).

 At the incarnation the Son of God took upon Himself the form of humanity (John 1:1-4, 12, 14; Phil. 2:7; Heb. 2:14; etc.) and became the Son of man (see on Mark 2:10), so uniting divinity with humanity by a tie never to be broken (DA 25). Thus, repentant sinners have as their representative before the Father “one like” themselves, One who was in all points tempted like as they are and who is touched with the feeling of their infirmities (Heb. 4:15). Comforting thought!