Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
9v1 gives us the date 539BC and may imply Darius is another name for Cyrus (see Ezr 1v1). We learn that the book of Jeremiah was already considered scripture, and that Daniel regarded it as God’s word, gleaning that Jerusalem’s would remain in a state of destruction for 70 years. Counting from his exile in 605BC Daniel recognises the time is almost over and so fasts and prays that God would do as he promised – a model for us praying home God’s will. And God did. That year, the persian emporer decreed the exiles could return. The prayer appeals to God’s covenant love for those who love him. It also expresses solidarity with the people more generally, confessing their historic rebellion in refusing to listen to God’s prophets, and acknowledging God's faithfulness and mercy. In the book, the prayer clarifies why the original desolation occurred, whilst explaining why it would occur again if those who return continue in rebellion (as 8v23-25) - a warning to sections of the church too. It is while praying that Gabriel comes to Daniel again. The note that he came with swift flight stresses how immediately God answered Daniel. The seventy times seven years stresses completion of a key time period, and is divided into 69x7 until an "anointed one" is put to death, and a further 7 covering the period between then and the completion of God's purposes for his people. Interestingly, there are ways of viewing the 69x7 that lead us to the time of Christ. Indeed, we're told that "after” the anointed ruler is cut off, another ruler will come whose people will destroy the city and sanctuary. This is a more extreme outcome than that prophesied regarding Antiochus Epiphanes (7v25, 8v11) supporting the suggestion that this is a different event. And in AD70 Titus (who later became Roman emporer) did destroy both - an event Jesus predicted with much allusion to Daniel (Matt 24v3-29). With all the uncertainity these verses may leave as to their detail, however, the point is that armies will come against Jerusalem not just at the time mentioned in chapter 8 but as here in chapter 9, and that the people are to understand this is by God's hand, and so remain faithful, awaiting the fufilment of his timing and the "everlasting righteousness" to come. As the church also faces hostility, we are encouraged by the book of Revelation to the same. As you read note how the people would be moved to patient endurance.
Daniel 9
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.