Daniel 9:2
Verse
Context
Daniel’s Prayer for His People
1In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans — 2in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.3So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I Daniel understood by books - The prophecy referred to here is found Jer 25:12; Jer 29:10. The people must have been satisfied of the Divine inspiration of Jeremiah, or his prophecies would not have been so speedily collected nor so carefully preserved. It appears that there was a copy of them then in Daniel's hands.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
understood by books--rather, "letters," that is, Jeremiah's letter (Jer 29:10) to the captives in Babylon; also Jer 25:11-12; compare Ch2 36:21; Jer 30:18; Jer 31:38. God's promises are the ground on which we should, like Daniel, rest sure hope; not so as to make our prayers needless, but rather to encourage them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In the first year of his reign,.... Which was also the first of Cyrus, who was partner with him in the kingdom; in which year ended the seventy years' captivity of the Jews, and proclamation was made to have their liberty to go up to Jerusalem, and build the temple, Ezr 1:1, reckoning from the third, or the beginning of the fourth, of Jehoiakim king of Judah, when the desolation of the land began, and Daniel himself was carried captive; and which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, during whose reign, and that of his son, and son's son, the Jews were to be detained captives, Dan 1:1. I Daniel understood by books; the sacred Scriptures, which, though a prophet, he was not above reading; and, though a prime minister of state, yet found time to look into these divine oracles; which he read, studied, thoroughly considered, and well weighed in his mind; whereby he came to have knowledge of the number of the years whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem; Daniel might possibly have heard this prophecy of Jeremiah from his own mouth, before he went to Babylon; since the first intimation of it was in the first year of Jehoiakim, Jer 27:1, and after this the prophecy might be sent to Babylon for the use of the captive Jews there; and indeed a copy of all his prophecies was no doubt brought thither at the last captivity of the people; so that it is easy to account for it how Daniel came by it; and it is plain it was now before him; for he uses the very word, "desolations", which Jeremiah does, Jer 25:9, the prophecy of the seventy years' captivity, and of deliverance from it at the expiration of that term, stands in Jer 25:12, which Daniel carefully read over, thoroughly considered, and as he full well knew what was the epoch of them, or when they begun, he found that they were just ready to expire; and this set him to the work of prayer, as in the following verses. From hence it is manifest that the law was not burnt, nor the Scriptures lost, in the Babylonish captivity; so that none knew what were or would be done by the Lord, as is falsely asserted in the Apocrypha: "For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin. &c.'' (2 Esdras 14:21)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:2 reading . . . Jeremiah: Daniel apparently had a copy of Jeremiah’s prophecies. • Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years: Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC (see 2 Kgs 25:8), and the first return occurred in 538 BC—about 48 years later. The rebuilding of the city began almost at once (see Ezra 3:1-13; Isa 44:28), and the rebuilt Temple was completed in 515 BC—about seventy-one years after it was destroyed (Ezra 6:15). Daniel might have thought of Jerusalem’s “destruction” as having begun with his own exile in 605 BC (see Jer 25:11-12), with sixty-seven years between 605 and 538 BC.
Daniel 9:2
Daniel’s Prayer for His People
1In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans — 2in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.3So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Americas Last Days - Part 1
By David Wilkerson13K44:37AmericaDAN 9:2NAM 1:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses four specific judgments that God inflicts on nations. He believes that these judgments have already started and will continue to accelerate until America is brought down like past empires. The preacher gives examples of the current state of America, such as military casualties, poverty, and moral decay, to support his belief in these judgments. He emphasizes the need for a holy remnant of people who will pursue righteousness and warns of the impending judgment on America.
Why Should I Pray for What Seems to Be Impossible?
By Carter Conlon1.5K55:42ImpossibilitiesDAN 9:21JN 5:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes how God often allows situations to become hopeless before intervening and bringing glory to His name. He gives examples from the Bible, such as the story of Lazarus, Gideon, and Daniel, to illustrate this point. The speaker also highlights the importance of faith and prayer, even in the face of trials and suffering. He encourages the listeners not to focus on the difficulties and impossibilities but to trust in God's power and promises.
(Through the Bible) Jeremiah 28-30
By Chuck Smith1.4K48:59PSA 1:1JER 29:11JER 30:16LAM 1:18DAN 9:2MAT 25:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's path rather than pursuing worldly desires. He warns that the end result of following worldly desires is destruction. However, God's thoughts towards us are for our peace and to bring us to an expected end. The preacher references the story of Daniel and how he prayed and sought God's guidance when he understood the prophecy of Jeremiah. The sermon also mentions Jesus' words about the future judgment and the separation of the righteous and the wicked. The preacher encourages the congregation to live a life of compassion and service, as Jesus will reward those who have shown kindness to others. The sermon concludes by discussing the future events of the final seven years, referred to as the time of Jacob's trouble, and the regathering of Israel in the present day. The preacher highlights the importance of understanding these prophecies in the last days.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 28
By Don Courville29727:05Radio ShowGEN 37:23EXO 2:11EXO 3:7DAN 9:2JON 1:17MAT 16:25GAL 2:1In this sermon by Jack VanIppy, the focus is on the concept of time and how it should be managed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of redeeming time and not allowing it to be wasted. He encourages listeners to prioritize serving the Lord and not be manipulated by circumstances or others. The ultimate goal, as exemplified by Jesus, is to please the Father in all actions. The sermon also highlights the need for believers to use their time to share the good news and win souls for Christ.
Service and Sovereignty
By T. Austin-Sparks0Sovereignty Of GodServiceEZR 1:1ISA 64:8JER 1:5DAN 9:2ZEC 2:4ROM 8:281CO 1:29EPH 2:10PHP 1:62TI 1:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the intertwined themes of service and sovereignty in the life of Jeremiah, illustrating how God calls individuals to serve despite their feelings of inadequacy. He highlights that true service requires a deep passion for God's people, coupled with a profound awareness of one's own limitations, as seen in Jeremiah's hesitance to accept his prophetic calling. Sparks further explains that God's sovereignty governs the lives of His servants, ensuring that their purpose aligns with His divine plan, even when they feel unqualified. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their unique calling and the importance of relying on God's strength rather than their own abilities. Ultimately, it reassures that God's sovereign hand is at work in every believer's life, shaping them for His purposes.
"A Man in Christ"
By T. Austin-Sparks0Individuality in ChristHuman DignityPSA 139:14DAN 9:2MAT 7:291CO 12:172CO 10:12CO 12:2HEB 4:15HEB 5:8REV 1:9REV 22:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being 'a man in Christ,' highlighting the dignity and individuality of humanity as conceived by God. He addresses the balance between recognizing man's total depravity and the inherent worth of being created in God's image. Sparks clarifies that the cross does not annihilate our individuality but rather transforms it, allowing us to function uniquely within the body of Christ. He stresses that God's work is performed through individuals, not merely through their roles, and that true spiritual authority comes from personal experience with God. Ultimately, God's primary concern is the development of our character as men and women in Christ, rather than our titles or functions.
The Supreme Vocation (Daniel 10:1-21)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Vocational LoveHeaven-Affecting PrayerEZK 14:14DAN 9:2DAN 10:1ROM 14:171CO 4:20EPH 6:10COL 4:31TH 2:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's declaration to Daniel, 'O man greatly beloved,' illustrating that this vocational love transcends mere redeeming love, highlighting Daniel's unique relationship with God's purpose. He discusses the importance of spiritual intelligence and understanding God's intentions, which empower effective prayer that influences both Heaven and Earth. Sparks argues that true prayer must be rooted in a deep comprehension of God's purpose and the current spiritual state, urging believers to separate from worldly principles and personal interests to align with God's will. He concludes that Daniel's persistent and abandoned prayer life serves as a model for believers today, calling them to engage deeply with God's eternal purpose.
The Lord Stirred Up the Spirit of Cyrus.
By F.B. Meyer0Obedience to GodDivine Calling2CH 36:22PRO 21:1ISA 45:1ISA 55:11JER 29:10DAN 9:2PHP 2:131TH 5:24JAS 5:16F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to fulfill the prophecy of the return of the Jewish captives from Babylon, as foretold by Jeremiah and Isaiah. He highlights the importance of prayer, as exemplified by Daniel, in influencing leaders and initiating divine movements. Meyer notes that while God can stir hearts, obedience is essential, and sadly, only a few of the Jewish captives responded to the call to return. He encourages believers to rise up and act whenever they feel a divine stirring in their lives. Ultimately, the sermon calls for faith and responsiveness to God's leading.
Spiritual Warfare (Luke 22:34)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Armor of GodSpiritual Warfare2KI 6:17DAN 9:2MAT 26:52LUK 22:36ACT 16:112CO 10:4EPH 2:2EPH 6:11COL 1:20COL 3:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Christian's warfare is spiritual rather than physical, as illustrated by Jesus' command to arm oneself with a sword, which symbolizes readiness for spiritual conflict. He explains that while we may face personal conflicts, the true battle lies against spiritual forces that seek to disrupt the Church's mission and fellowship. The sermon highlights the importance of corporate prayer and the need for believers to be equipped with the full armor of God to stand firm against the enemy's tactics. Sparks encourages Christians to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and to actively engage in it through prayer, truth, righteousness, and the Word of God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to God's purposes and the fulfillment of His will in the face of opposition.
(The Full Gospel) 10. Standing in the Gap Before the Lord
By Zac Poonen0Sacrificial LivingIntercessionEZK 22:30DAN 9:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the urgent need for believers to stand in the gap through prayer and fasting, drawing parallels between the sins of ancient Israel and the current state of the church. He highlights how God sought a man to intercede for the land but found none, contrasting this with Daniel, who fervently prayed for his people and acknowledged his own sins. Poonen calls for selfless individuals who prioritize God's work over personal needs, urging the church to engage in genuine prayer and fasting to combat spiritual apathy and evil forces. He stresses that true sanctification leads to a sacrificial life, reflecting Christ's selflessness, and encourages believers to actively pray for their leaders and the church's mission. The sermon concludes with a call to action for Christians to unite in prayer against the spiritual challenges facing their communities.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I Daniel understood by books - The prophecy referred to here is found Jer 25:12; Jer 29:10. The people must have been satisfied of the Divine inspiration of Jeremiah, or his prophecies would not have been so speedily collected nor so carefully preserved. It appears that there was a copy of them then in Daniel's hands.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
understood by books--rather, "letters," that is, Jeremiah's letter (Jer 29:10) to the captives in Babylon; also Jer 25:11-12; compare Ch2 36:21; Jer 30:18; Jer 31:38. God's promises are the ground on which we should, like Daniel, rest sure hope; not so as to make our prayers needless, but rather to encourage them.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In the first year of his reign,.... Which was also the first of Cyrus, who was partner with him in the kingdom; in which year ended the seventy years' captivity of the Jews, and proclamation was made to have their liberty to go up to Jerusalem, and build the temple, Ezr 1:1, reckoning from the third, or the beginning of the fourth, of Jehoiakim king of Judah, when the desolation of the land began, and Daniel himself was carried captive; and which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, during whose reign, and that of his son, and son's son, the Jews were to be detained captives, Dan 1:1. I Daniel understood by books; the sacred Scriptures, which, though a prophet, he was not above reading; and, though a prime minister of state, yet found time to look into these divine oracles; which he read, studied, thoroughly considered, and well weighed in his mind; whereby he came to have knowledge of the number of the years whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem; Daniel might possibly have heard this prophecy of Jeremiah from his own mouth, before he went to Babylon; since the first intimation of it was in the first year of Jehoiakim, Jer 27:1, and after this the prophecy might be sent to Babylon for the use of the captive Jews there; and indeed a copy of all his prophecies was no doubt brought thither at the last captivity of the people; so that it is easy to account for it how Daniel came by it; and it is plain it was now before him; for he uses the very word, "desolations", which Jeremiah does, Jer 25:9, the prophecy of the seventy years' captivity, and of deliverance from it at the expiration of that term, stands in Jer 25:12, which Daniel carefully read over, thoroughly considered, and as he full well knew what was the epoch of them, or when they begun, he found that they were just ready to expire; and this set him to the work of prayer, as in the following verses. From hence it is manifest that the law was not burnt, nor the Scriptures lost, in the Babylonish captivity; so that none knew what were or would be done by the Lord, as is falsely asserted in the Apocrypha: "For thy law is burnt, therefore no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or the work that shall begin. &c.'' (2 Esdras 14:21)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:2 reading . . . Jeremiah: Daniel apparently had a copy of Jeremiah’s prophecies. • Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years: Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC (see 2 Kgs 25:8), and the first return occurred in 538 BC—about 48 years later. The rebuilding of the city began almost at once (see Ezra 3:1-13; Isa 44:28), and the rebuilt Temple was completed in 515 BC—about seventy-one years after it was destroyed (Ezra 6:15). Daniel might have thought of Jerusalem’s “destruction” as having begun with his own exile in 605 BC (see Jer 25:11-12), with sixty-seven years between 605 and 538 BC.