Main Idea: God is a God who hears and answers prayer.
A Look at the Text:
Today’s text once again fast-forwards to the time of Persian rule after their conquest of Babylon. At that time, Daniel realized that the seventy-year period of captivity, per God’s Word through Jeremiah, was supposed to be over (Dan. 9:2; see Jer. 29:10).
This in mind, Daniel cried out to God with prayer, fasting, and repentance (Dan. 9:3). He pleaded with God on the basis of His greatness, covenant-faithfulness, and love (Dan. 9:3). Daniel acknowledged that God was righteous in what He did (Dan. 9:14), and that it was the fault of His people that they went into captivity (Dan. 9:5-14).
He then pleaded that God’s wrath and anger be turned away from them and away from Jerusalem (Dan. 9:16). Once more, He prayed to God on the basis of His mercy, not Daniel’s own righteousness (Dan. 9:18). In response, God answered Daniel’s prayer while He was still praying, sending His angel, Gabriel, once more (Dan. 9:20-23).
The answer was that seventy “sevens” were decreed for Israel (Dan. 9:24). While frequently translated as “weeks,” it could likewise be years.
In the end, their transgressions would be finished, God would put an end to their sins, He would atone for their iniquities, bringing everlasting righteousness (Dan. 9:24). He would seal both vision and prophet, and a most holy place would be anointed (Dan. 9:24). Even more, an anointed one would be coming (Dan. 9:25) and also one who makes desolate (Dan. 9:26-27).
Bringing it Home:
The exact nature of Daniel’s seventy weeks or seventy sevens is difficult to understand. Some hold the timetable absolutely literally and calculate sixty-nine of the sevens and pinpoint the date of Christ’s crucifixion. The final seven then refers to the coming tribulation. Others think the numbers are representative of a long time and aren’t supposed to be taken literally.
Perhaps what is more important to see is the reason the seventy sevens were even given: God was answering Daniel’s prayer, and He was doing so promptly.
God was assuring Daniel that He was not finished with His people. The captive Judeans would go home just as He promised to Jeremiah. Even more, a period of time was coming when things would be restored.
In the meantime, they could trust Him. Just as Daniel pleaded, God once again showed that He is always faithful to His promise and acts consistent with His nature. God is a merciful God who abounds in steadfast love. He is a God who keeps His promise.
Therefore, in light of these things, let us likewise bring our requests to Him. Daniel knew that God would hear him and answer his pleas. He knew He was a God worth praying to.
God then answered before Daniel was done praying! The answer might be a bit enigmatic for us, but let us know, regardless, that He is a God who does answer and who cares. He is a God worth praying to.
Challenge:
Do I believe that God not only answers my prayers but has answers before I even ask?