The Jewish people had been under the domination of various empires and they felt that they were losing control. Daniel's vision emphasizes the sovereignty of God in history. The Almighty was on his throne, surrounded by an infinite number who served him. Then Daniel saw a human being (often translated "son of man") come from heaven and given dominion over all. His kingship would never be destroyed. This vision was to encourage the Jewish people, but it has also been interpreted as a pattern of Jesus, who often referred to himself as "son of man". We need to remember that God loves us and will look after us at all times.

Philip invited Nathanael to come and meet Jesus. Jesus immediately honoured Nathanael by telling him that he already knew who Nathanael was - a person without deceit, an honest man. This puzzled Nathanael, but Jesus assured him that he had seen him under the fig tree even before Philip had called him. Recognizing it as a supernatural vision, Nathanael declared that Jesus was "the Son of God...King of Israel". What a statement of faith! Nathanael professed belief in response to what Jesus had said. Furthermore, Jesus assured Nathanael that there were greater things to come - that he would see angels of God "ascending and descending on the Son of Man." Jesus is the one who links heaven and earth.