Daniel 9:1-27
Q.1. How did Daniel know that Israel’s exile was about to end? Why had Israel gone into captivity? Does God keep all His promises? – (Dan.9:1-14)
Jeremiah had sent a scroll from Jerusalem to the exiles … the rest of the elders, priests, and prophets in Babylon. In it he had urged them to settle down, and to accept God’s punishment until seventy years had been completed. Being a man of the Word, Daniel had recognized that the captivity was nearing its end (Dan.9:2 c.f. Jer.29:1-10; 2 Chr.36:21). As well, Daniel was also a man of God. He could have fatalistically resigned himself to what God would do. Instead, he wanted to partner with God in using him in whatever plans God had for Israel’s future. As a result, we have some of the most amazing prophecies of the Last Days. These were quoted by Jesus and incorporated by the writers of the New Testament. In his prayer, Daniel defended the righteousness of God, and affirmed the guilt of his people. God had warned Israel that He would spew them out of the land … He had kept His promise.
Q.2. How did Daniel approach God? What was his petition? What was the message from the arch-angel Gabriel? – (Dan.9:15-23)
After acknowledging his own failures and the guilt of Israel, Daniel appealed to God’s gracious character, based on His faithfulness His forgiving His people time and time again – 16 O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us. 17 So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your desolate sanctuary. 18 O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion (Dan.9:16-18). Clearly, Daniel was concerned for the honour of God’s name, on account of the desolation of His sanctuary. He prayed that God would come through with His promise to restore both His people, and – … on behalf of the holy mountain of my God (Dan.9:20). God then answered through the angel Gabriel and gave an interpretation of his vision – … O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding (Dan.9:22).Â
Q.3. What do we learn about God’s over-arching plan? What will happen to the Messiah? How do we know that these events will involve Israel and the sanctuary? – (Dan.9:24-27)
(i) THE SECRET OF THE SEVENTY SEVENS: Daniel had been exhausted by his visions that pertained to future days. He was told to keep these secret. They are contained in Daniel Chpts.7-12. The verses in Daniel 9:24-27 flesh out the details of the Last Days. Gabriel outlined seventy ‘sevens’ (i.e. four hundred and ninety years). These years have been determined by God to complete His mission for Israel. This involves Daniel’s people (i.e. Israel) and the Holy City (i.e. Jerusalem). We know part of the prophecy (i.e. the final 7 years of tribulation) has not yet been fulfilled, because Jesus referred to it (c.f. Mt.24:15-22) … Paul also alluded to it (c.f. 2 Thes.2:1-12), and John shared more detail about it in Revelation (Rev.Chpt.13). The translation of sevens as weeks in some Bible translations complicates the prophecy. It is clear that the time relating to Israel’s future given is seventy times seven years i.e. 70 x 7 = 490 years. Gabriel explained– Seventy sevens have been decreed for your people (Daniel’s people were Israelites) and your holy city (Jerusalem) to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring everlasting righteousness … (Dan.9:24).
(ii) FROM THE REBUILT TEMPLE TO MESSIAH: Daniel was told that – from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (i.e. after the seventy year exile) until Messiah the Prince there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens i.e. 7 + 62= 69 x 7 = 483 years (Dan.9:25). Following that the Temple – will be rebuilt … even in times of great distress i.e. during the Tribulation in the last seven years (Dan.9:25 c.f. Dan.12:1).
(iii) AFTER SIXTY-NINE SEVENS MESSIAH WILL DIE: After the completion of the seven plus sixty-two sevens – the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing (Dan.9:26). Daniel was then given a graphic picture of devastations perpetrated by – the prince who is to come after that i.e. the Antichrist (Dan.9:26).
(iv) THE LAST SEVEN OF THE SEVENTY SEVENS IS YET TO COME (Dan.9:24): Daniel was told that there would be a time a great distress – … such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book will be rescued (Dan.12:1 c.f. Jer.30:7; Dan.9:25-27). Jesus endorsed that this was yet future in the Olivet discourse (Mt.24:21 c.f. 2 Thes.2:1-8). The final seven begins at the Rapture and ends when the times of the Gentiles have been completed at the Second Coming of Christ (Lk.21:24; Rom.11:25; Rev.11:2). What follows in Revelation Chapter 6-18 is the seven years of tribulation of Israel and the nations. This is yet to occur.
(v) THIS PRINCE (ANTICHRIST) WILL MAKE AND BREAK HIS COVENANT WITH ISRAEL: Though the Antichrist makes a covenant of peace with Israel for the seven years, He will break it midway through that time. After brokering a deal to let Israel rebuild the Temple and re-establish the sacrificial system, he will put a stop to the offerings and desecrate the Temple (Dan.9:27 c.f. Mt.24:15-22; 2 Thes.2:4). Daniel was given the days of the Tribulation. This is expanded on in John’s revelation (Dan.12:1, 11-12 c.f. Rev.11:3; 12:6; 13:5). Daniel declared – How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days. Regardless of the world’s turmoil, God never loses control. He has foreseen it all and plans to win.