The second similarity between the
son of man figure and the Ancient of Days is the similar response that they
receive in the service rendered to them. Dan 7.14 states that all peoples,
tribes, and languages will serve (יִפְלְח֑וּן) the ‘one like a son of man’. On
its own the use of the word פלח is not significant, but in Daniel all uses of פלח
prior to 7.14 refer to serving God or the gods (Dan 3.12, 14, 17, 18, 28; 6.17,
21 [also Ezra 7.24]; cf. Dan 7.27). Since the son of man figure receives cultic
service typically rendered to deity in Daniel, his similarity with God, which
was already indicated by his approach with the clouds of heaven, becomes more
conspicuous. (Benjamin E. Reynolds, The Apocalyptic Son of Man in the Gospel
of John [Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 2. Reihe 249;
Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2007], 30-31)
