Daniel 9:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.

NIV: while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.

NASB: while I was still speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering.

CSB: while I was praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, reached me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering.

NLT: As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice.

KJV: Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

NKJV: yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.

When Daniel experienced an unsettling vision (Daniel 8:1), the angel Gabriel was assigned to give an explanation (Daniel 8:15–16). Gabriel is one of two angels named in Scripture; he is often tasked as a messenger (Luke 1:19, 26). Now, as Daniel prays for Israel's restoration (Daniel 9:20), Gabriel once again appears. He is described as "flying," but otherwise no details are given.

This moment coincides with the "evening sacrifice." Since Daniel had lived for decades as a captive of Babylon (Daniel 1:1–7), this isn't likely to imply ongoing Jewish religious rituals in Babylon. Yet the Law of Moses commanded two daily sacrifices (Exodus 29:38–39; Numbers 28:3–4). Other references in Daniel's writing show awareness of this (Daniel 8:14). Two of his three daily prayers might have been timed to match those commanded sacrifices (Daniel 6:10).

The evening sacrifice, which Daniel most likely recalled from his youth, began around 3 p.m. It consisted of a perfect lamb offered as a whole burnt offering, a grain offering, and a drink offering. This sacrifice, like all the sacrifices, pictured the perfect sacrifice of Christ for sin (Hebrews 9:13–14). Whereas Israel's sacrifices were to be offered throughout generations (Exodus 29:42), Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross was once for all (Hebrews 10:11–14). Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30).

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.

This chapter forms part of the prophetic section of Daniel's writing. After confessing the sins of both Israel and his own life, Daniel received a visit from the angel Gabriel. Gabriel revealed a message about Israel's then-future. This includes reference to the arrival of Christ and information about the still-future end times. Chapter 10 begins the last of Daniel's prophetic messages.

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.