The chapter begins with Daniel acknowledging the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet that the deflation of Jerusalem would last 70 years. Daniel than began to pray to the Lord and fasted, showing all humility and pleaded that God would look with favor on His desolate sanctuary.
Daniel begins his prayer first by admitting all the sin they are all guilty of and owning the lack of faithfulness they all have had. He then acknowledges that because of the sin brought on by all of Israel, they have received the curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses. Despite all of this, they had not sought the favor of God by turning away from their sins and instead seek Gods truth. Even though Jerusalem was in the wrong, Daniel still asked God to forgive them and show His mercy, because He is a God of mercy and righteousness.
We will never be deserving of Gods grace, we will never be righteous on our own merits for His favor. But He loves us and shows us His grace and love anyway. He loves us so much that he covers us in His righteousness even though we don’t deserve it. If a child asked their parent for a blanket, would they tell them no they can freeze instead? God is our father, the creator of love, He loves us more than we could ever love someone, so if we as human beings would give a cold child a blanket when they ask for it, how much more would He do? Daniel knew God was loving and forgiving that’s why we felt comfortable enough to ask God for forgiveness even though all of Israel didn’t deserve it. He didn’t let shame or guilt separate himself from God. We can learn from this, no matter what we are guilty of, we can always go to God, He will welcome us with love and forgiveness.
God sent Gabriel to give Daniel a message after hearing his plea. Gabriel told Daniel that seventy 7s were decreed for his people and their holy city to finish transgression to put an end to sin and to atone for wickedness to bring in ever lasting righteousness. This will seal up vision and prophecy and anoint the Most Holy Place.
Gabriel then tells Daniel of the prophecy of 70 weeks. In Hebrew, weeks is used as a measure of 7, typically in days but can also be a measure of 7 years. Daniels learns that from the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the appointed one there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixty-two ‘sevens’. The seventy weeks are divided into three parts. Seven weeks (49 years) until the city and its walls are rebuilt. Sixty-nine weeks (7 plus 62 ) (per enduring word bible study) 483 years from the decree, until the Messiah appears. A final 70th week to complete the prophecy, the appointed one will be put to death. The people of the ruler will then destroy the city and the sanctuary, the end will come like a flood and a war will continue. He will confirm a covenant for many and put an end to sacrifice and offering.
This prophecy has led many to Christ.