Daniel 9:21

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, whiles I was speaking {H1696} in prayer {H8605}, even the man {H376} Gabriel {H1403}, whom I had seen {H7200} in the vision {H2377} at the beginning {H8462}, being caused to fly {H3286} swiftly {H3288}, touched {H5060} me about the time {H6256} of the evening {H6153} oblation {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gavri'el, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, swooped down on me in full flight at about the time of the evening sacrifice,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

yea, while I was speaking in prayer, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:21 describes the swift and immediate divine response to Daniel's fervent prayer for his people, Israel, during their Babylonian exile. As Daniel was still interceding, the angel Gabriel, whom Daniel had previously encountered, was dispatched with urgency, appearing to Daniel precisely at the traditional time of the evening sacrifice to deliver a profound prophetic revelation. This moment underscores God's attentiveness to the prayers of His faithful servants and His sovereign control over history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:21 is situated within Daniel's deeply moving prayer of confession and intercession for Jerusalem and his people, which spans [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession and Intercession"). Daniel had been meditating on Jeremiah's prophecy of the [seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Desolation"), understanding that the end of this period was drawing near. His prayer is a model of humility, acknowledging Israel's corporate sin, appealing to God's righteousness and mercy, and pleading for the restoration of Jerusalem. Verse 21 marks the dramatic divine interruption and immediate answer to this prayer, transitioning from Daniel's supplication to the commencement of one of the most significant prophetic revelations in the Old Testament: the prophecy of the [seventy weeks](/daniel/9-24-27 "Daniel's Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks"). The abrupt arrival of Gabriel highlights the urgency and importance of the message God was about to impart.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prayer occurs approximately 68 years into the Babylonian exile, around 538 BC, shortly after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. Though Babylon had fallen, the promised return to Jerusalem had not yet fully materialized, and the city and Temple remained in ruins. Jews in exile, like Daniel, maintained their spiritual disciplines, including prayer at specific times, often aligning with the Temple's sacrificial schedule. The "evening oblation" refers to the daily evening sacrifice, typically offered around 3 PM (the ninth hour of the day) in the Jerusalem Temple. Even without a functioning Temple, devout Jews would observe these times for prayer, symbolizing their continued connection to the covenant and the Levitical system of worship. This practice demonstrated their longing for restoration and their adherence to the divine commands, even in a foreign land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Responsiveness to Prayer**, demonstrating God's immediate and personal engagement with His faithful servants' earnest supplications, particularly those offered in humility and intercession for His people and purposes. Secondly, it highlights **Angelic Intervention** as Gabriel, a prominent angelic messenger, is dispatched to deliver divine revelation, illustrating the active role of celestial beings in God's plan for humanity, as also seen in [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel's First Appearance to Daniel"). Thirdly, the arrival of Gabriel signals the commencement of **Prophetic Revelation**, specifically the detailed "seventy weeks" prophecy in [Daniel 9:24-27](/daniel/9-24-27 "The Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks"), which foretells the coming of the Messiah and key events in redemptive history. Finally, Daniel's spiritual discipline and receptivity underscore the theme of **Spiritual Sensitivity and Obedience**, showing how a life devoted to God in prayer and study prepares one for profound divine encounters and understanding.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **speaking (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This word (H1696) is a primitive root meaning "to arrange," but figuratively, "to speak." It encompasses various forms of verbal communication, from simple talk to formal pronouncements, commands, and declarations. In Daniel's context, it signifies his earnest, structured, and heartfelt communication with God in prayer, emphasizing the active nature of his supplication. It implies not just uttering words, but engaging in a profound dialogue with the divine.
* **Gabriel (Hebrew, _Gabrîyʼêl'_):** This proper noun (H1403) is derived from two Hebrew words: _geber_ (man, strong one) and _el_ (God), meaning "man of God" or "God is my strength." Gabriel is identified as an archangel, a high-ranking angelic messenger. His name itself points to the divine power and authority inherent in his messages. Daniel had previously encountered him in a vision (cf. [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel's Appearance in Daniel 8")), establishing a pattern of Gabriel's role as a revealer of God's profound purposes.
* **oblation (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** This term (H4503) refers to a donation, tribute, or specifically a sacrificial offering, typically bloodless and voluntary. In the context of the Temple, it was a "grain offering" or "meal offering" that accompanied burnt offerings. The "evening oblation" was a daily sacrifice offered in the Temple. Its mention here signifies a specific, sacred time of worship and communion with God, even in exile. Daniel's prayer is implicitly aligned with this established liturgical rhythm, highlighting his continued adherence to the covenant practices despite the Temple's destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, whiles I [was] speaking in prayer":** This clause emphasizes the immediacy of God's response. Daniel's prayer was not yet concluded, or had just finished, when the divine messenger arrived. It highlights the direct and swift connection between earnest supplication and divine intervention, underscoring God's attentiveness and readiness to act on behalf of His praying people.
* **"even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning":** This identifies the angelic visitor as Gabriel, a familiar figure to Daniel from a previous vision (cf. [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel's First Appearance to Daniel")). The description "the man Gabriel" suggests he appeared in a human-like form, making him recognizable and relatable to Daniel, facilitating the reception of the message. His previous appearance adds credibility and continuity to the divine revelations Daniel receives.
* **"being caused to fly swiftly":** This vivid phrase conveys the urgency and efficiency of Gabriel's mission. The Hebrew (H3286 _yâʻaph_ "to tire" or "cause to fly," and H3288 _yᵉʻâph_ "fatigue, swiftly") suggests an almost wearisome, yet extremely rapid, movement, emphasizing the instantaneous nature of God's response to Daniel's prayer. It paints a picture of an angel dispatched with divine speed and purpose.
* **"touched me":** The act of touching (H5060 _nâgaʻ_) signifies a direct, physical interaction between the angelic being and Daniel. This touch often accompanies divine encounters in Daniel's visions, serving to strengthen, enable, or prepare him for the reception of profound revelation, as he was often overwhelmed by these experiences. It establishes a personal and impactful connection.
* **"about the time of the evening oblation":** This precise temporal marker grounds the supernatural event in a specific, culturally significant moment. The "evening oblation" was the daily evening sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple, typically around 3 PM. Even in exile, Daniel observed this time for prayer, connecting his personal supplication to the communal, covenantal worship of Israel. The timing underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant and His responsiveness to prayer offered in alignment with His established patterns of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Imagery** is prominent, particularly in the phrase "being caused to fly swiftly," which evokes a vivid mental picture of rapid, purposeful angelic movement, emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of the divine response. The mention of "the time of the evening oblation" serves as a powerful **Allusion** to the established sacrificial system and the covenant relationship between God and Israel, even though the Temple lay in ruins. This timing also carries **Symbolism**, representing Daniel's continued faithfulness to God's commands and the enduring nature of prayer as a spiritual sacrifice, even in exile. The description of Gabriel as "the man Gabriel" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, where a non-human entity takes on human characteristics to facilitate interaction and understanding. The entire scene, with its immediate divine intervention, also serves as a form of **Divine Intervention Narrative**, highlighting God's direct and active involvement in human affairs in response to faithful prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:21 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's immediate and personal responsiveness to the prayers of His people. It underscores that sincere, humble, and intercessory prayer, particularly that which aligns with God's revealed will and purposes, is not only heard but actively answered. The dispatch of Gabriel highlights the active ministry of angels as divine messengers and agents, bridging the gap between the heavenly and earthly realms to execute God's sovereign plan and reveal His truth. This passage also implicitly affirms the enduring significance of spiritual disciplines, such as prayer at set times, as a means of connecting with God and positioning oneself to receive divine revelation, even when traditional forms of worship (like Temple sacrifices) are unavailable.

* [Psalm 65:2](/psalms/65-2 "Psalm 65:2 - God Hears Prayer")
* [Luke 1:19](/luke/1-19 "Luke 1:19 - Gabriel's Message to Zechariah")
* [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:21 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It powerfully affirms that God is not distant or indifferent, but intimately involved in the lives of His people and profoundly responsive to their prayers. Daniel's example teaches us the power of persistent, humble, and intercessory prayer, especially when we are burdened by the brokenness of the world or the needs of God's people. The immediate arrival of Gabriel reminds us that our prayers are heard in heaven and that God often acts with incredible speed and precision. It challenges us to cultivate a consistent and disciplined prayer life, recognizing that such communion prepares our hearts to receive divine insight and participate in God's unfolding purposes. Even in times of uncertainty or spiritual desolation, like Daniel's exile, maintaining a rhythm of prayer connects us to God's enduring covenant and positions us to witness His mighty hand at work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's prayer in [Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks Prophecy") inspire your own approach to intercession and confession?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's swift and direct response to your prayers, similar to Daniel's experience?**
* **What spiritual disciplines, like praying at specific times, can help you cultivate a deeper and more consistent connection with God?**
* **How does the knowledge of angelic ministry, as seen in Gabriel's arrival, impact your understanding of God's active involvement in the world?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Gabriel being called "the man Gabriel" and his swift arrival?**

Answer: The phrase "the man Gabriel" (Hebrew: _'ish Gabrîyʼêl'_) emphasizes that Gabriel appeared in a human-like form, making him recognizable and relatable to Daniel. This anthropomorphic appearance facilitates Daniel's reception of the divine message, as he had previously encountered Gabriel in a similar manner (cf. [Daniel 8:16](/daniel/8-16 "Gabriel's Appearance in Daniel 8")). His swift arrival, described as "being caused to fly swiftly," underscores the urgency and efficiency of God's response to Daniel's prayer. It signifies that God's answer was immediate and purposeful, dispatched without delay, highlighting divine attentiveness and the critical nature of the revelation he was bringing.

**What was the "evening oblation" and why is its timing significant here?**

Answer: The "evening oblation" (Hebrew: _minchâh_) refers to the daily evening grain offering, a bloodless sacrifice offered in the Jerusalem Temple around 3 PM (the ninth hour of the day). This timing was a fixed point in the Jewish sacrificial calendar, symbolizing continuous worship and atonement. Its mention in [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Daniel 9:21 - Gabriel's Swift Arrival") is highly significant because it grounds the supernatural event in a specific, sacred, and culturally understood moment. Even though the Temple lay in ruins and Daniel was in exile, he maintained the spiritual discipline of praying at this traditional time. God's dispatch of Gabriel precisely at this moment affirms His faithfulness to His covenant, His connection to the established patterns of worship, and His responsiveness to Daniel's prayer offered in alignment with these sacred rhythms, even from a foreign land. It also subtly links Daniel's prayer to the idea of prayer as a spiritual sacrifice (cf. [Psalm 141:2](/psalms/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Prayer as Incense")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:21, though set in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The immediate divine response to Daniel's prayer for his people foreshadows the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ, our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who ever lives to make intercession for us (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The "evening oblation," a symbol of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, points directly to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which perfectly atoned for sin, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Gabriel's arrival initiates the pivotal "seventy weeks" prophecy in [Daniel 9:24-27](/daniel/9-24-27 "Daniel's Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks"), which explicitly foretells the coming of the Messiah, His atoning death, and the establishment of His everlasting righteousness. Thus, the swift angelic messenger bringing divine revelation to Daniel anticipates the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") and the [fullness of God's truth](/colossians/2-9 "Fullness of Deity in Christ"). In Christ, God's answer to humanity's deepest prayers for redemption and restoration is fully realized, surpassing any prophetic vision or earthly sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Daniel 8:16

And I heard a man's voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision.

Luke 1:19

And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Daniel 10:16

And, behold, [one] like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.

1 Kings 18:36

And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

Daniel 10:18

Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

Acts 10:3

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Exodus 29:39

The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even: