Daniel 9 (5)

Introduction
Daniel received a surprising and glorious confirmation of his prayer. God sent His angel, Gabriel, to let Daniel know that his prayer had been heard and granted, and that the work of restoring Israel and the temple had already begun. At the same time, the angel may have been hinting at much more to come.

Read Psalm 25.12-22.

Read Daniel 9.20-24.

Think it through.
1.  Daniel realized the promise of Psalm 25.12-22 as he sought the Lord in tears. God sent Gabriel to teach Daniel the way He had chosen for Israel, to renew His covenant with His people, and to have mercy on Daniel and bring him out of his distresses. David “waited” on the Lord in prayer “all the day” (Ps. 25.5, 21), and Daniel probably did, too. What does it mean to “wait” on the Lord in prayer? As we are waiting, do we always need to be talking? What else can we do as we wait on the Lord, and how is that a form of prayer? Is it your practice to wait like this on the Lord?

2.  Daniel shows us an important lesson about prayer: It’s not a one-way conversation. Even as he was still speaking, God began to respond. He sent Gabriel to give Daniel additional understanding of what he already knew from reading Jeremiah and Isaiah. Angels are sent to minister to God’s people (cf. Heb. 1.13, 14). Is part of their mandate to aid us in understanding Scripture? If so, should we seek their help from the Lord in our times of reading and study? Even more than the angels, we have the Spirit of Christ (1 Cor. 2.12, 13). What role should He play in our study of Scripture and our prayers (Jn. 16.8-11; Rom. 8.26)? Should your prayers involve as much time listening as talking? Explain. Gabriel informed Daniel that, the moment he began to pray, God started the process of bringing an end to Israel’s transgression and judgment (v. 23). Imagine! Verse 24 refers specifically to Daniel 9.1, 2. The word weeks is literally sevens and is, I think, deliberately vague and mysterious. It probably refers to Israel’s 70 years of captivity, which were about to end, but it may also have implications for the future. The “Most Holy” here refers to the temple, which would be rebuilt, but it may also point forward – nearly 500 years in the future (70 times 7 years) to the coming of the Messiah, when all “vision and prophecy” would be sealed and fulfilled. We can’t always know everything God reveals in His Word, even when angels are tutoring us. But we can give thanks and praise for God Who does know all things, and Who sovereignly orchestrates them to His perfect conclusions. What can you thank and praise the Lord for today?

Meditate.
“I realize that this question has been argued over in various ways by people of greatest learning, and each of them has expressed his views according to the capacity of his own genius. And so … I shall … leave it to the reader’s judgment as to whose explanation ought to be followed.” Jerome (347-420 AD)

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2.12, 13

Teach me to pray, Lord Jesus, as You taught Your disciples of old, and help me to wait on You in prayer by…

Pray Psalm 126.
Is God giving you a clearer vision of what He can do when He restores His people? He told Daniel that the “Most Holy” was coming, when all the “vision and prophecy” would be fulfilled. Pray for a vision of what revival, renewal, and awakening will look like as God brings these in our day.

Psalm 126.1-6 (Truro: Shout for the Blessed Jesus Reigns!)
When God restored our fortunes all,
We were like those who sweetly dream.
Our mouths with joy and laughter filled,
Made Him our constant song and theme.

Then the astonished nations said,
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Indeed, great things our God has done,
Whose Name we praise, Amen, Amen!

Restore our fortunes, Lord our King!
Let grace like flowing streams prevail.
All they with tears of joy shall sing
Who sow while yet they weep and wail.

They who in tears of sorrow sow
And cast their seed on every hand,
With joy shall reach their heav’nly home,
And bring the harvest of their land.

T. M Moore

Grow in your own vision of the Kingdom, and in the boldness and clarity of faith that vision can provide. Order a copy of our book, The Kingdom Turn, by clicking here, and let the adventure of Kingdom-seeking take off in your life.

Men, God is calling you to pray, lest He come in judgment against His Church. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord about joining our Men at Prayer movement.

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.