DANIEL 9

DANIEL PRAYS FOR MERCY UPON THE ISRAELITES 

Daniel spends time meditating on the words of the prophet Jeremiah and realizes that the foretold seventy years of exile are almost complete (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10). During the years of exile, the Israelites rebelled against God and continued to sin in every way imaginable. Mourning the faithlessness of God’s people, Daniel grieves, wearing sackcloth and covering himself in ashes.

Daniel prays for God’s grace and favor, not because of Israel’s righteousness, but because of God’s great mercy. Daniel serves as an intercessor between God and the Israelites, both relaying God’s messages to the Israelites and showing repentance on their behalf.

In response to Daniel’s prayer, the angel Gabriel appears to provide Daniel insight and understanding. Gabriel informs Daniel that, due to Israel's sinfulness, the exile will extend beyond the original seventy years, totaling seventy “weeks of years,” seven times seventy, or 490 years. During this time, Jerusalem will be rebuilt, only to face destruction again. Despite this troubling news, God reassures Daniel that he is greatly loved.

Daniel 9:14 - Therefore the Lord has kept ready the calamity and has brought it upon us, for the Lord our God is righteous in all the works that he has done, and we have not obeyed his voice.