Insight (1–2). Even though he received visions from God and could interpret dreams, Daniel still read the Scriptures and sought to understand them. While pondering Jeremiah 25, he understood that the seventy years of Jewish captivity would soon end. Not all world events have prophetic significance, but God’s people should keep their eyes open.
Intercession (3–19). The Word of God and prayer go together (Acts 6:4), as do prayer and fasting (Acts 13:3). Compare this prayer with the prayers in Nehemiah 9 and Ezra 9. Daniel emphasized the sinfulness of himself and his people and the righteousness of God, and he asked for God’s forgiveness. Note that he especially prayed for Jerusalem. Had he read Jeremiah 29:10–14 and 30:10–24?
Instruction (20–27). God gave Daniel a preview of Jewish history. Jerusalem would be rebuilt and the temple restored. Messiah would come and die. An evil prince would break his covenant with the Jews and trigger desolation. But God would triumph, and Jerusalem would become truly a holy city. Men are free to make decisions and even rebel against God if they want to, but He will accomplish His purposes in the world. With confidence, you can pray, “Thy kingdom come!”
The Seventy Weeks
The seventy weeks are in three periods: seven weeks (49 years), sixty-two weeks (434 years), and one week (7 years). The first period starts in 444 b.c. with the decree allowing the Jews to return to their land and rebuild the city. The next sixty-two weeks (434 years) take us up to the time of Christ (vv. 24, 26). The “missing” seventieth week is fulfilled in the end times and parallels Revelation 6–19. The “prince who is to come” (v. 26) is the Antichrist, who will make a covenant with the Jews to protect them for seven years. After three and one-half years, he will break the covenant and usher in a terrible time of trouble for the world. That final seven-year period climaxes with the return of Christ, the defeat of His enemies, and the establishment of His kingdom on earth (Matt. 24:29–31; Rev. 19). The New Testament declares, “Known to God from eternity are all His works” (Acts 15:18).
