Daniel 9: Prayer and Prediction
ONE MORNING, SHORTLY after the Medes and the Persians had conquered Babylon, Daniel was reading the book of the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah had been a prophet in Jerusalem when Daniel was a boy. As he read the prophet's words, a couple of passages seemed to leap off the page (Jer 25:8-12; 29:10-11). God promised that Israel's captivity would last seventy years, and then God would bring them back to the land. Daniel began to add up the years since his deportation and realized that the captivity was almost over! As Daniel's mind was gripped by the written Word of God, the urge to pray was born. God's answer to Daniel's prayer was swift—and surprising! This passage not only teaches us about Daniel's response to God's Word; we also learn how we should respond to God's promises to us.
Warming Up to God
In times of deep personal crisis, men and women are often driven to pray. When have you experienced such a time in your life?
Read Daniel 9. »
Discovering the Word
- In verses 4-19, which aspects of God's character did Daniel appeal to as the basis of his requests?
- Daniel consistently uses the plural pronoun we throughout the prayer. Why do you think Daniel could confess for the whole nation?
- In verse 24 Gabriel mentions six things that will happen for the people of Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem within seventy "sevens" (usually interpreted as 490 years; see Lev 25:8-24). What do you think these things mean individually and collectively?
- Verse 26 states that "the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary." The Romans destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70. According to verse 27, how would you describe the course of events during the final "seven," or period of seven years?
Applying the Word
- What aspects of God's character have you been learning about, and how?
- What specific insights about your prayer life can you glean from Daniel's prayer?
Responding in Prayer
Consider your church and your nation. What corporate sins do you need to confess?
For Further Study
Reflection & Confession (Spiritual Disciplines Bible Study) by Jan Johnson