Daniel 9:20-27

“At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.” (Daniel 9:23, NKJV)

In my life, I have had many great times of prayer, but I have never had the angel Gabriel show up with an answer from God! Daniel was highly favored by God. His prayer of confession and supplication for his people and for Jerusalem evidently hit the mark. The LORD had said through Ezekiel that He sought a man who would “stand in the gap” before Him on behalf of the land (Ezekiel 22:30). Daniel was willing to be that man, and God was pleased.

The LORD dispatched the angel Gabriel to bring to Daniel what many Bible students consider to be the most remarkable prophecy ever given in Scripture. It predicted the very day that Messiah the Prince would come. It also predicted the coming of the Antichrist, the end of human government, and the kingdom age when God will make an end of sins and seal up all vision and prophecy.

Clearly, the LORD wanted Daniel to consider the prophecy and understand the vision. God has not given us Bible prophecy to befuddle or confuse us. He hasn’t given it for us to make wild speculations. He gives us His prophetic word so that we will seek Him for understanding and so that when it happens, we will believe (John 14:29). As we see God fulfilling His word, it should encourage our hearts and give us hope that God rules! Soon He will end all sins and bring in everlasting righteousness!

“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19, ESV)

We should often meditate in the Scriptures. And when we encounter Bible prophecy, we should ask the Holy Spirit for understanding. He will guide us into all truth and show us the things to come; and He will comfort and encourage us with God’s wonderful promises!