Daniel 9 (6)

Introduction
This part of Daniel’s vision fits within the vision of the coming of God’s Kingdom which he received in chapter 7. Commentators over the years have differed in some of the details of this passage, but the main message seems abundantly clear: Messiah is coming, and with His coming, the kingdom (as the people of Israel have known it since the time of King David) will come to an inglorious end. But a new covenant will be confirmed, bringing with it a new Kingdom that nothing can hinder as it increases on earth.

Meditate on Isaiah 9.6, 7.

Read Daniel 9.25-27.

Think it Through
1.  I will not attempt to unpack the “weeks” mentioned in this text. Christian commentators have differed on their understanding of these from the earliest days of the Church. However, all agree that a significant time span is indicated from Daniel’s day, and the promise of a restoration of Israel’s kingdom, to Messiah’s day, and the announcement of that kingdom’s final demise. The “bookends” of this passage are what happens to Jerusalem (vv. 25, 26). What does Gabriel explain about that? The “prince who is to come” (v. 26) probably refers to the Roman general Titus, who destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD and became emperor shortly after that. Why was it important for the people who were returning to rebuild Jerusalem to know that their labors were notmeant to be permanent? Do you think Christians can become so committed to their local church that they lose sight of the larger vision of the Kingdom of God? Explain.

2.  That “he” of verse 27 is enigmatic. Who is “he”? He confirms “a covenant with many” for a brief period, in the middle of which time “an end to sacrifice and offering” is achieved. The “week” here does not, it seems to me, refer to the covenant, but the time during which the covenant is confirmed. Meditate on Luke 22.20 and Hebrews 9.11-15 (and Heb. 13.20). Do these help us identify this “he”? Explain. The events suggested by the first part of verse 27 are followed shortly thereafter by the abominations and desolations mentioned in the second part of the verse. To what does this refer (cf. v. 26)? During this “week” the events of Daniel 7.13-18 take place. The second part of verse 27 could also be extended to refer to the events described in Daniel 7.18-27. Explain. Given this, why would it be important that the end of the kingdom of Israel should be accomplished, as well as the end of the Roman kingdom? How does this counsel us, who are commanded to seek the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6.33)?

Meditate
“Now, it gave Christ a second name as leader.… He is our leader in his humanity as ‘the firstborn of all creation,’ that is, a new creation: ‘If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation’—and as firstborn from the dead, so as to have, as Paul says, ‘first place in everything.’ Hence holy Gabriel called him ‘Christ the leader.’” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.”He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10.8-10

Jesus Christ, Leader and Lord, lead me more deeply and fully into Your Kingdom, so that I might know Your presence, promise, and power more fully as I…

Pray Psalm 126.
What kind of vision should we be nurturing and seeking? Of a big and bustling local church? Or of a Kingdom not of this world? What will be your dream come true, that will fill your mouth with laughter and joy? How will you “sow” to that vision today?

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

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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.