What does Daniel 9:23 mean?
This verse pays Daniel a significant compliment. After seeing the fall of Babylon, Daniel saw information in the writings of Jeremiah which suggested Israel's exile was close to ending (Daniel 9:1–2; Jeremiah 29:10–14). He began to pray for his people's forgiveness and restoration (Daniel 9:3). In the middle of his prayers, the angel Gabriel appeared with a promise of greater understanding (Daniel 9:21–22). Gabriel indicates he was sent because Daniel is "greatly loved" by God.In one manner, this sets Daniel apart as a unique man. Through his long years in captivity (Daniel 1:1–7), he had remained faithful to the Lord (Daniel 1:8; 6:5). His example of faith and dedication is among the greatest recorded in the Bible. John, one of Jesus' disciples, described himself as "loved" by Jesus (John 13:23). All who have close fellowship with God are greatly loved by Him (Ephesians 2:4–5; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 3:1).
According to this verse, Gabriel was assigned to his tasks as soon as Daniel started praying. Daniel's prior visions and interpretations focused primarily on Gentile nations (Daniel 2:19–20; 7:1; 8:1). These were also filled with deep symbolism and required help to interpret (Daniel 7:16; 8:15–16). What Gabriel is about to explain, however, is relatively direct (Daniel 9:24). His message will still include metaphor but can be more simply understood. Gabriel's message regards Israel's future, framed in terms of seventy "weeks" of time.
Daniel 9:20–23 comes in response to Daniel's heartfelt prayers on behalf of his people (Daniel 9:3–19). The angel Gabriel arrives on a mission to provide Daniel with greater understanding. After this brief introduction, Gabriel will relate one of the most famous prophecies in the Bible. His message depicts the fate of Israel and gives insight into the end times.
Darius became king when Babylon fell to Medo-Persia. Daniel compared this to writings from Jeremiah, and realized the exile of Israel was almost over. As he prayed for God's intervention, the angel Gabriel arrived to provide further explanation. Gabriel's prophecy ties the arrival of an "anointed one," or "Messiah," or "Christ," to a moment in history followed by a set interval of time. This prediction includes dire moments for Israel and Jerusalem.