DANIEL SERIES: DANIEL’S CONFESSION AND PRAYER – CHAPTER 9

From chapter one of Daniel, it is evident that Daniel had a personal relationship with God. Daniel knew how to petition, intercede, and supplicate, and he did it throughout his life in Babylon. Now, in his senior years, with the help of Jeremiah’s writings, Daniel understood the seventy years of desolations in Jerusalem were nearing an end. So, during the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, Daniel set his face to seek God by fasting, praying, and supplicating while in sackcloth and ash
Daniel first acknowledged the greatness of God and His covenant and mercy to those who loved Him and kept His commandments. In verses five and six, he confessed six ways he and Israel sinned, “We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets.” From these acts of sinful rebelliousness, Daniel determined that the people were confused.
Pouring out his heart, Daniel continued to rehearse Israel’s failures and declared despite man’s actions, God’s mercies and forgiveness were extended to them. The people disobeyed God’s laws as spoken by the prophets, and consequently, God confirmed His promise to them. True to His Word, God compensated the people and Jerusalem with all the curses that Moses described to them. Unfortunately, regardless of the adverse outcomes, the people did not pray for forgiveness and continued to disregard God.
Daniel acknowledged that, through miraculous acts, God had delivered Israel out of Egypt, yet they had sinned. Daniel beseeched God to look favorably on and spare Jerusalem from His wrath, knowing that Israel’s sins had made them a reproach to those around them, and the heathens made fun of God because the great city and temple lay in ruins. Daniel passionately requested God to let once again His face shine with peace and joy upon Jerusalem. Daniel asked God to incline His ear to him and, in His mercy, hear his plea despite Israel’s grievous sins.
Evening time had come, and while He prayed, supplicated, and confessed personal and national sins, the angel Gabriel once again appeared before Daniel. He touched him and said, “O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.“ Then Gabriel proceeded to inform Daniel he was greatly loved and answered Daniel’s concerns about Israel being forgiven, Jerusalem being rebuilt, and the temple being restored.
Gabriel informed Daniel God would accomplish six things relating to Israel during 490 years. Three of these things had to do with sin, which was to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity. The other three, which had to do with righteousness, were bringing everlasting righteousness, sealing up the vision and prophecy, and anointing the most Holy.
In verse twenty-five, Gabriel shares information on the first period of forty-nine years, during which, in troubling times, the Jews would rebuild the temple and Jerusalem. By the end of the next period of four hundred and eighty-three years, as disclosed in verse twenty-six, Jesus the Messiah would be born, minister on earth, and be rejected. Plus, the temple and Jerusalem would again be destroyed.
Gabriel ends his talk by sharing information on the last period of seven years found in verse twenty-seven. This verse shares insight into the tribulation and reign of the Antichrist when he makes and breaks a covenant with the Jews, and how it ends with God’s judgment being poured out on him.
Before I share the nuggets from this chapter, let me state that scholars record verses 24 to 27 of this chapter as probably being the most controversial verses in the Bible due to the interpretation of the seventy-sevens or seventy weeks. Some feel they represent the years extending through the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes. In contrast, others feel they represent the time which ends in the first century A.D. Still others believe they represent the period from Cyrus’s decree to the return of Jesus to the earth. Lastly, others think they are literal years ending with the second coming of Jesus.
Now, here are the nuggets that I gathered from this chapter:
Information gathered from reading the Word can enlighten you on future events.
When you need answers, seek God.
Recognition of God is an essential part of prayer.
While in prayer, confess all sins.
The prophets spoke to all, no matter their social status.
Listening and responding positively has always been an issue for humankind.
Confusion is a result of transgressions.
Righteousness belongs to God.
It is God’s nature to extend mercy and forgiveness to mankind.
God’s Word has a purpose, and His actions validate His Word.
Curses are a promise to the transgressor.
When necessary, God will punish His people.
God is often blamed and ridiculed for man’s failures.