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Daniel was a man of high birth, of extraordinary talents, of singular tact in the-affairs of government, of strong magnanimity, of great generosity, and of singular sympathy. Three things respecting him are worthy of notice. He was a close theological student. He was remarkable for his disinterestedness and public spirit. And he was distinguished by a spirit of prayer.

I. THE PROPHET'S OCCUPATION AT THIS TIME. He was secluded from the bustle of business and the turmoil of Society, and engaged in meditation on the things of God, and in communion with his own heart While retirement is necessary on occasions for all men, it is especially necessary for those who are busily employed in the concerns of public life. There are two extremes into which it is possible for us to fall on this subject. There are two devotional employments in which Daniel was occupied.

1. Penitential confession of sin. This was both personal and relative.

2. Intercessory supplication.

II. THE SEASON AT WHICH DANIEL WAS THUS ENGAGED.

1. It was the evening hour.

2. It was a time when he was desiring and expecting a revival of the Church, and the return of the people of God.

III. THE SUCCESS WHICH FOLLOWED DANIEL'S DEVOTIONAL EMPLOYMENT.

1. The promptitude of the bestowment.

2. The messenger who conveyed the intelligence.

3. The nature of the communication which Daniel received through the instrumentality of this Heavenly messenger.Partly it respected his own personal character. And partly he obtained clearer and much more copious views of the designs of God in reference to a fallen and ruined world. Learn, then, that humble and devotional prayer to God is one of the best means of ensuring clear views as to the prophecies of God, and clear views as to the prosperity of the Church in the latter days.

(John Clayton, A.M.)

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KJV: And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

WEB: While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Yahweh my God for the holy mountain of my God;