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.