In each blog, I often reference many different topics that I've already covered (or will soon cover), and maybe you've missed. Please review my blogs to read more...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
_______________
Midpoint of 70th Week
Daniel 9 is connected with Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). Jesus words in the Olivet Discourse are an expansion of the 70th week of Daniel. This is why Jesus tells us:
Mat 24:15 "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet...
The prophecy of 70 weeks establishes the following realities:
[1] A divinely appointed, future, literal, and definable seven year period preceding the return of Jesus.
[2] A literal Temple in Jerusalem.
[3] A defining event whereby the Antichrist desecrates the Temple at the mid-point of the seven years.
[4] Which in turn will cause offerings to cease within the Temple.
The future desecration of the Temple is the single greatest defining time marker within all of prophecy concerning the final period of the last days.
At this time:
[1] The Antichrist is revealed (2 Th 2:4).
[2] The 3.5 year "time of Jacob’s trouble" (Jer 30:7) or "the great tribulation" (Mat 24:21) begins.
A proper understanding of this passage within the context of the Old Testament prophets, the Book of Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, 1 & 2 Thessalonians and Revelation establishes a pre-millennial view and refutes the pre-terist, a-millennial and post-millennial views entirely as systems of interpretation concerning end-time events.
All of the following must be accomplished by the end of the 70th week, specifically on behalf of Israel:
[1] To finish the transgression
[2] To make an end of sin
[3] To make atonement for iniquity
[4] To bring in everlasting righteousness
[5] To seal up vision
[6] To seal up prophecy
[7] To anoint the most holy place
_______________
Dan 9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus (Ezr 4:6), of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans
Some have made a big deal over this first verse when to me it seems quite clear and simple. The Medes and Persians were working in concert with one another at the time of the capture of Babylon.
Dan 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom [Babylon] is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Darius the Mede was appointed as a type of governor (or co-ruler, viceroy) over Babylon for two years (~538-536 BC) at which point Cyrus assumed the throne and the kingship (Ezr 1:1; 2Ch 36:22).
Cyrus the Great was the "supreme king" over Darius who "was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans". While Cyrus was building his empire, he appointed several different people to rule over districts in his name (Ezr 6:6), just as Darius himself thought about appointing Daniel "over the entire kingdom" (Dan 6:3).
The Medes definitely had their share in conquering Babylon (Jer 51:11-28), but it was under subordination to Cyrus.
Dan 5:30-31 That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain. So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.
Some claim that Darius is a title for Cyrus - if that were the case, then Daniel has gotten his facts wrong above concerning his lineage. Cyrus can't be both a Mede and a Persian. This is an unacceptable answer as Daniel didn't get anything wrong... we, as readers may have trouble understanding, but God's Word is Truth (in it's original language).
Cyrus is "the Persian" (Dan 6:28).
Darius was "of Median descent" (Dan 9:1).
Daniel served under both:
Dan 6:28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
I don't really feel the need to elaborate on all the different theories, but suffice it to say, I also serve under more than one person in my employment. It really is that simple.
Darius was a king acting under his own authority but was also subject to the laws of the Medes and Persians (Dan 6:8; Dan 6:12; Dan 6:15). The Medes themselves have never ruled as an independent entity apart from the Persians.
Two lines of kings representing the two powers of the Medes and the Persians is the simplest explanation for many of the difficulties surrounding some of these controversies.
Cryus didn't actually take over as king of Babylon until after two years of rule under Darius the Mede. This is said to have occurred in ~536 BC.
_______________
Dan 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
The KJV above leaves out the article ("the") for "books" which is unfortunate.
By doing so, they obscure an important point. It should read "the books" not only because the article is found in the Hebrew text, but also because at the time when this passage was written there was a collection of sacred writings in existence.
The LXX also reads:
The first year after the conquest of Babylon would have been a time when the promises of Jeremiah, and Isaiah (Isa 44:28; Isa 45:13) would have been at the forefront of Daniel's mind. No doubt, thoughts of restoration were also on the minds of all the Jewish exiles.
The Book of Jeremiah has much to say about this exile (Jer 25:1-14) and is worth reviewing.
Jeremiah had also sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon and Daniel had no doubt read this letter (Jer 29:1-10).
In fact, directions for their diet (Jer 29:5) are even given in this letter which would account for the episode of:
Dan 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank;
The land was to lay in desolation for seventy years because Israel disregarded God's command to let the land rest every seven years. Every seven years they were to give the land a sabbatical rest in which they would not work the land for farming.
They ignored this command for a period of 490 years (490 / 7 = 70). This means the land missed 70 sabbatical rests.
No one can say they weren't warned:
Lev 26:14 'But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments...
Lev 26:34-35 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it.
Their punishment was exile to Babylon for 70 years (2Ch 36:17-21).
In other words, God made sure that the land would get it's rest as He commanded:
2Ch 36:20-21 Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete.
This is how Daniel ended up under Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon and here in Dan 9:2 we see Daniel researching the timing of the end of the seventy year period.
This letter from Jeremiah also gives clear directions for prayer... almost as a type of conditional prerequisite for their release:
Jer 29:12-14 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'
This is where we find Daniel next... in prayer. It is also a particular type of prayer as found in Leviticus 26.
_______________
Dan 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel begins praying and through verse 19 a lot of the words of that prayer could apply to us as an example of our own personal prayer habits. However, this was a specific prayer on behalf of Daniel and national Israel. It's a prayer with intent and reflection.
The "intent" is the focus here... Daniel has a specific reason for this prayer. Daniel knew the Mosaic law (Dan 9:13) and he knew the consequences (Lev 26:14-38) of breaking that covenant.
The prayer below is specific in nature and focuses on [1] a confession of national transgression, and [2] the justice of God's punishment, and [3] a supplication for mercy and restoration (Dan 9:15-19).
This same type of prayer is used by others as well: Solomon (1 Kings 8), Jeremiah (Jer 23, 34, and 44), and parallels are seen with Nehemiah (Neh 1, 9, and Ezr 9). Parts of this prayer seem to resemble the prayer found in an apocryphal writing as seen in Bar 1:15 thru Bar 3:18.
_______________
Dan 9:4-15
Daniel first gives praise to God (Dan 9:4), which is the example Jesus gave to us in Mat 6:9, and then confesses their national sin... compare these verses in Daniel 9 to those of the specific prayer set forth as the remedy:
Lev 26:40-43 'If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me - I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies - or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land. For the land will be abandoned by them, and will make up for its sabbaths while it is made desolate without them. They, meanwhile, will be making amends for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and their soul abhorred My statutes.
_______________
Dan 9:16-19
After praising and confession, then Daniel makes his requests (supplications) known concerning the restoration of the Temple which is currently desolate (Dan 9:17), the city, and it's people. Notice how the supplication becomes more urgent, especially in Dan 9:18-19.
_______________
Dan 9:20-21
While Daniel was praying, Gabriel came and interrupted him.
_______________
Dan 9:22-23
Gabriel was sent to give Daniel more than he even asked for... Gabriel is about to give Daniel skill and understanding of the whole matter as in Dan 8:16.
Gabriel says:
Dan 9:23 "At the beginning of your supplications [see Dan 9:16] the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.
"the command [H1697 - dabar] was issued [H3318 - yatsa]"
[H1697 - dabar] speech, word
[H3318 - yatsa] to go or come out
The LXX reads:
The reference is not to the order given to Gabriel to go to Daniel, but to the Divine declaration (Dan 9:24-27).
Daniel learns that the city and Temple would be restored. However, it would also be demolished again.
He also learns that after that next destruction it would be restored once again, and then... you guessed it - destroyed once again.
All before a final more permanent Temple would be consecrated.
___________________
It is at this point, that it's time for some serious Bible study.
My intent is to break these next verses down into great detail.
See Daniel 9 - Part 2
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
_______________
Midpoint of 70th Week
Daniel 9 is connected with Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). Jesus words in the Olivet Discourse are an expansion of the 70th week of Daniel. This is why Jesus tells us:
Mat 24:15 "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet...
The prophecy of 70 weeks establishes the following realities:
[1] A divinely appointed, future, literal, and definable seven year period preceding the return of Jesus.
[2] A literal Temple in Jerusalem.
[3] A defining event whereby the Antichrist desecrates the Temple at the mid-point of the seven years.
[4] Which in turn will cause offerings to cease within the Temple.
The future desecration of the Temple is the single greatest defining time marker within all of prophecy concerning the final period of the last days.
At this time:
[1] The Antichrist is revealed (2 Th 2:4).
[2] The 3.5 year "time of Jacob’s trouble" (Jer 30:7) or "the great tribulation" (Mat 24:21) begins.
A proper understanding of this passage within the context of the Old Testament prophets, the Book of Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, 1 & 2 Thessalonians and Revelation establishes a pre-millennial view and refutes the pre-terist, a-millennial and post-millennial views entirely as systems of interpretation concerning end-time events.
All of the following must be accomplished by the end of the 70th week, specifically on behalf of Israel:
[1] To finish the transgression
[2] To make an end of sin
[3] To make atonement for iniquity
[4] To bring in everlasting righteousness
[5] To seal up vision
[6] To seal up prophecy
[7] To anoint the most holy place
_______________
Dan 9:1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus (Ezr 4:6), of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans
Some have made a big deal over this first verse when to me it seems quite clear and simple. The Medes and Persians were working in concert with one another at the time of the capture of Babylon.
Dan 5:28 PERES; Thy kingdom [Babylon] is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
Darius the Mede was appointed as a type of governor (or co-ruler, viceroy) over Babylon for two years (~538-536 BC) at which point Cyrus assumed the throne and the kingship (Ezr 1:1; 2Ch 36:22).
Cyrus the Great was the "supreme king" over Darius who "was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans". While Cyrus was building his empire, he appointed several different people to rule over districts in his name (Ezr 6:6), just as Darius himself thought about appointing Daniel "over the entire kingdom" (Dan 6:3).
The Medes definitely had their share in conquering Babylon (Jer 51:11-28), but it was under subordination to Cyrus.
Dan 5:30-31 That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain. So Darius the Mede received the kingdom at about the age of sixty-two.
Some claim that Darius is a title for Cyrus - if that were the case, then Daniel has gotten his facts wrong above concerning his lineage. Cyrus can't be both a Mede and a Persian. This is an unacceptable answer as Daniel didn't get anything wrong... we, as readers may have trouble understanding, but God's Word is Truth (in it's original language).
Cyrus is "the Persian" (Dan 6:28).
Darius was "of Median descent" (Dan 9:1).
Daniel served under both:
Dan 6:28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.
I don't really feel the need to elaborate on all the different theories, but suffice it to say, I also serve under more than one person in my employment. It really is that simple.
Darius was a king acting under his own authority but was also subject to the laws of the Medes and Persians (Dan 6:8; Dan 6:12; Dan 6:15). The Medes themselves have never ruled as an independent entity apart from the Persians.
Two lines of kings representing the two powers of the Medes and the Persians is the simplest explanation for many of the difficulties surrounding some of these controversies.
Cryus didn't actually take over as king of Babylon until after two years of rule under Darius the Mede. This is said to have occurred in ~536 BC.
_______________
Dan 9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
The KJV above leaves out the article ("the") for "books" which is unfortunate.
By doing so, they obscure an important point. It should read "the books" not only because the article is found in the Hebrew text, but also because at the time when this passage was written there was a collection of sacred writings in existence.
The LXX also reads:
ἐν
|
ταῖς
|
βύβλοις
|
in
|
the
|
books
|
The first year after the conquest of Babylon would have been a time when the promises of Jeremiah, and Isaiah (Isa 44:28; Isa 45:13) would have been at the forefront of Daniel's mind. No doubt, thoughts of restoration were also on the minds of all the Jewish exiles.
The Book of Jeremiah has much to say about this exile (Jer 25:1-14) and is worth reviewing.
Jeremiah had also sent a letter to the exiles in Babylon and Daniel had no doubt read this letter (Jer 29:1-10).
In fact, directions for their diet (Jer 29:5) are even given in this letter which would account for the episode of:
Dan 1:8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank;
The land was to lay in desolation for seventy years because Israel disregarded God's command to let the land rest every seven years. Every seven years they were to give the land a sabbatical rest in which they would not work the land for farming.
They ignored this command for a period of 490 years (490 / 7 = 70). This means the land missed 70 sabbatical rests.
No one can say they weren't warned:
Lev 26:14 'But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments...
Lev 26:34-35 'Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths all the days of the desolation, while you are in your enemies' land; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it will observe the rest which it did not observe on your sabbaths, while you were living on it.
Their punishment was exile to Babylon for 70 years (2Ch 36:17-21).
In other words, God made sure that the land would get it's rest as He commanded:
2Ch 36:20-21 Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete.
This is how Daniel ended up under Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon and here in Dan 9:2 we see Daniel researching the timing of the end of the seventy year period.
This letter from Jeremiah also gives clear directions for prayer... almost as a type of conditional prerequisite for their release:
Jer 29:12-14 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'
This is where we find Daniel next... in prayer. It is also a particular type of prayer as found in Leviticus 26.
_______________
Dan 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:
Daniel begins praying and through verse 19 a lot of the words of that prayer could apply to us as an example of our own personal prayer habits. However, this was a specific prayer on behalf of Daniel and national Israel. It's a prayer with intent and reflection.
The "intent" is the focus here... Daniel has a specific reason for this prayer. Daniel knew the Mosaic law (Dan 9:13) and he knew the consequences (Lev 26:14-38) of breaking that covenant.
The prayer below is specific in nature and focuses on [1] a confession of national transgression, and [2] the justice of God's punishment, and [3] a supplication for mercy and restoration (Dan 9:15-19).
This same type of prayer is used by others as well: Solomon (1 Kings 8), Jeremiah (Jer 23, 34, and 44), and parallels are seen with Nehemiah (Neh 1, 9, and Ezr 9). Parts of this prayer seem to resemble the prayer found in an apocryphal writing as seen in Bar 1:15 thru Bar 3:18.
_______________
Dan 9:4-15
Daniel first gives praise to God (Dan 9:4), which is the example Jesus gave to us in Mat 6:9, and then confesses their national sin... compare these verses in Daniel 9 to those of the specific prayer set forth as the remedy:
Lev 26:40-43 'If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their forefathers, in their unfaithfulness which they committed against Me, and also in their acting with hostility against Me - I also was acting with hostility against them, to bring them into the land of their enemies - or if their uncircumcised heart becomes humbled so that they then make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and I will remember also My covenant with Isaac, and My covenant with Abraham as well, and I will remember the land. For the land will be abandoned by them, and will make up for its sabbaths while it is made desolate without them. They, meanwhile, will be making amends for their iniquity, because they rejected My ordinances and their soul abhorred My statutes.
_______________
Dan 9:16-19
After praising and confession, then Daniel makes his requests (supplications) known concerning the restoration of the Temple which is currently desolate (Dan 9:17), the city, and it's people. Notice how the supplication becomes more urgent, especially in Dan 9:18-19.
_______________
Dan 9:20-21
While Daniel was praying, Gabriel came and interrupted him.
_______________
Dan 9:22-23
Gabriel was sent to give Daniel more than he even asked for... Gabriel is about to give Daniel skill and understanding of the whole matter as in Dan 8:16.
Gabriel says:
Dan 9:23 "At the beginning of your supplications [see Dan 9:16] the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.
"the command [H1697 - dabar] was issued [H3318 - yatsa]"
[H1697 - dabar] speech, word
[H3318 - yatsa] to go or come out
The LXX reads:
ἐξῆλθεν
|
ο
|
λόγος
|
went
forth
|
the
|
word
|
The reference is not to the order given to Gabriel to go to Daniel, but to the Divine declaration (Dan 9:24-27).
Daniel learns that the city and Temple would be restored. However, it would also be demolished again.
He also learns that after that next destruction it would be restored once again, and then... you guessed it - destroyed once again.
All before a final more permanent Temple would be consecrated.
___________________
It is at this point, that it's time for some serious Bible study.
My intent is to break these next verses down into great detail.
See Daniel 9 - Part 2
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
No comments:
Post a Comment