Daniel's Prayer

Daniel's prayer, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, chapter 9, is a profound example of intercessory prayer and repentance. This prayer occurs during the first year of Darius the Mede's reign, as Daniel seeks understanding regarding the desolation of Jerusalem, which he had discerned from the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. Daniel 9:2 states, "In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years."

Daniel's prayer is characterized by deep humility and confession. He approaches God with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, acknowledging the sins of Israel. In Daniel 9:4-5 , he begins, "I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly and rebelled; we have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.'"

Throughout the prayer, Daniel identifies with the sins of his people, despite his own personal righteousness. He appeals to God's mercy and righteousness, asking for forgiveness and restoration. Daniel 9:18-19 captures the essence of his plea: "Give ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name."

Daniel's Revelation

In response to Daniel's prayer, the angel Gabriel is sent to provide insight and understanding. Gabriel's message, often referred to as the "Seventy Weeks" prophecy, is a revelation concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Daniel 9:24 outlines the purpose of this period: "Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place."

The prophecy is divided into three segments: seven weeks, sixty-two weeks, and one final week. The first two segments, totaling sixty-nine weeks, lead up to the coming of the "Anointed One," who is understood by many conservative scholars to be Jesus Christ. Daniel 9:25 states, "Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress."

The final week, often interpreted as a future period of tribulation, includes the rise of a ruler who will make a covenant with many and then break it, leading to desolation. Daniel 9:27 describes this: "And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations will come the one who makes desolate, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him."

Daniel's prayer and the subsequent revelation highlight the themes of repentance, divine mercy, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. The prophecy of the Seventy Weeks remains a significant focus of eschatological study and interpretation within Christian theology.