Daniel 9:1 - 27
Were the prophets known in their own time, or did their writings came to light only years after their deaths? Daniel tells us that Jeremiah was well known and well respected, at least after his unwelcome messages proved to be true. Daniel studied the prophet's words years after his death (vs.2).
Daniel noted that 66 of the 70 years of exile prophesied by Jeremiah had passed. In relation to his observation, he prayed the prayer that we read today. In it is Daniel's open confession of his sin and the sin of his nation. In verse 18 Daniel implores God's mercy not because of any merit of his or the nation, but "…on account of Your great compassion."
We may ask why Daniel would include himself with the sinful nation? We have seen him only as an upright and holy man. Like us, Daniel was a sinner. It is a condition into which we are born. We cannot avoid it. Daniel realized that in God's eyes, his sin was as condemning as the nation's, and that God's love and compassion could not die. God's mercy was and is everlasting through His gift of life through Christ.
Gabriel's entrance to the scene is an assurance about God. He does indeed know what lies in our hearts even without our confession. Gabriel tells Daniel, "At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you…." God does not need our prayer in order to know our needs, but He commands that we pray so that we may understand the importance of talking with Him about every concern.
What did the vision portend? There are many views on this, but the title "Anointed One" can very properly be translated "Messiah". Knowing this, we may assume that Jesus' reign, whether His ministry on earth or His eternal reign, is involved.
However, how should the numbers be interpreted? Jesus' earthly ministry was longer than 62 weeks. In addition, who is the destroying "ruler" and who are "his people"? As you can see, there can be many ways to interpret the words in their historical perspective. Even the translators of the words are not in complete agreement. NIV, for instance translates a phrase near the end of today's reading as, "on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." NASB translates the same phrase as, "on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate." This does not mean that we cannot trust God's word to be true or comprehensible! It does demonstrate that, when it comes to apocalyptic visions, we will know only at the end of history exactly what historical circumstances were described.
Comments