Daniel 9:23

KJV

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the beginning {H8462} of thy supplications {H8469} the commandment {H1697} came forth {H3318}, and I am come {H935} to shew {H5046} thee; for thou art greatly beloved {H2532}: therefore understand {H995} the matter {H1697}, and consider {H995} the vision {H4758}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At the beginning of your prayers, an answer was given; and I have come to say what it is; because you are greatly loved. Therefore look into this answer, and understand the vision.

Berean Standard Bible

At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision:

American Standard Version

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment went forth, and I am come to tell thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:23 stands as a profound declaration of God's immediate and affectionate response to the earnest supplications of His faithful servant, Daniel. This pivotal verse marks the arrival of the angel Gabriel, dispatched by divine decree at the very outset of Daniel's prayer, to impart crucial understanding regarding an impending prophetic vision. It underscores Daniel's unique standing as "greatly beloved" by God, thereby establishing the divine imperative for him to diligently comprehend the weighty matters about to be revealed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:23 immediately follows Daniel's deeply penitent and intercessory prayer, recorded in [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession and Intercession"). Daniel, having discerned from [Jeremiah's prophecy](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Desolation") that the 70 years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end, sought God's mercy and understanding. His prayer is a model of humility, confession of national sin, and fervent appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. The arrival of Gabriel in verse 21, and the subsequent divine message in verse 23, signify God's swift and direct answer to Daniel's earnest seeking, setting the stage for the highly significant [Seventy Weeks prophecy](/daniel/9-24-27 "Daniel's Prophecy of Seventy Weeks"). This sequence highlights the intimate connection between sincere prayer and divine revelation within the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prayer and the subsequent vision occur during the Babylonian exile, specifically in the first year of Darius the Mede's reign, following the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. The Jewish people were living in a foreign land, longing for the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, which had been destroyed. The 70-year prophecy of Jeremiah was a point of focus and hope, but also a source of confusion regarding its exact fulfillment and implications. In this cultural milieu, prophetic visions and angelic visitations were understood as primary means of divine communication, providing guidance and hope in times of national distress. Daniel, as a high-ranking official in the foreign court, yet unswervingly devoted to Yahweh, represented the faithful remnant clinging to God's promises amidst exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Responsiveness to Prayer**, demonstrating that God is not distant but actively engaged with the supplications of His people, even intervening "at the beginning of thy supplications." Secondly, the affirmation "thou art greatly beloved" highlights God's **Personal Favor and Affection** for those who walk in faithfulness and humility, a theme reiterated for Daniel in [Daniel 10:11](/daniel/10-11 "Daniel Called 'Greatly Beloved' Again") and [Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel's Third Affirmation as 'Greatly Beloved'"). Thirdly, the command to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and the Imperative of Discernment**. God desires to reveal His plans, particularly concerning the future of His people and the culmination of history, but such revelations require diligent attention and spiritual insight, preparing Daniel for the profound [prophecy of the seventy weeks](/daniel/9-24 "The Seventy Weeks Prophecy in Daniel 9:24").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **commandment (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This word, rich in meaning, can refer to a "word," "matter," "thing," "decree," or "message." In this context, it signifies a divine utterance or decree that "came forth" from God. It's not merely an instruction but a powerful, authoritative word from the heavenly realm, indicating the absolute certainty and divine origin of the message Gabriel is about to deliver. The use of "dâbâr" here emphasizes the weight and truthfulness of the revelation.
* **greatly beloved (Hebrew, _chemdâh'_):** (H2532) Derived from a root meaning "delight" or "desire," this feminine noun is used here to describe Daniel as a person of "desirableness" or "preciousness" in God's eyes. The phrase "ish chamudot" (man of delights/precious one) is uniquely applied to Daniel in the Bible (cf. [Daniel 10:11](/daniel/10-11 "Daniel, Man Greatly Beloved")). It conveys not just affection, but a profound divine favor and esteem, indicating that Daniel's earnestness and righteousness have made him particularly cherished by God, making him a worthy recipient of such significant revelation.
* **understand (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** (H995) This verb means "to separate mentally," "discern," "perceive," or "comprehend." It implies a deep, intellectual, and spiritual grasp of a subject, not just a superficial awareness. The repetition of this imperative ("understand the matter, and consider the vision") emphasizes the complexity and profound significance of the prophecy to follow. Daniel is called to apply his mind and spirit to discern the intricate details and implications of God's future plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At the beginning of thy supplications":** This phrase highlights the immediacy of God's response. Before Daniel had even finished his earnest prayer of confession and intercession, the divine decree was issued. It underscores God's attentiveness and swiftness in hearing and acting upon the sincere prayers of His faithful servants, particularly when those prayers align with His divine will and purposes.
* **"the commandment came forth":** This refers to a divine word or decree that originated from God's throne. It signifies that the message Gabriel is bringing is not merely an angelic communication but a direct, authoritative revelation from the Almighty, demonstrating the sovereign control of God over history and prophecy. The use of "came forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) implies an active, purposeful sending.
* **"and I am come to shew [thee]":** This identifies the speaker as the angel Gabriel (as per [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Gabriel's Swift Flight")), clarifying his mission. His purpose is to reveal, explain, and make clear the divine "matter" and "vision" to Daniel. The verb "to shew" (H5046, _nâgad_) means to declare, announce, or make plain, indicating a comprehensive disclosure of truth.
* **"for thou [art] greatly beloved":** This is the divine rationale for Daniel receiving such a profound revelation. His status as "greatly beloved" (H2532, _chemdâh_) by God, due to his faithfulness, humility, and earnest seeking, makes him a chosen vessel for receiving and understanding these weighty prophecies. It underscores God's personal relationship with Daniel and His favor upon him.
* **"therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision":** This serves as a dual imperative to Daniel. Because he is beloved and chosen to receive this revelation, he is charged with the responsibility to diligently "understand" (H995, _bîyn_) the divine "matter" (H1697, _dâbâr_) and carefully "consider" (H995, _bîyn_, used in a different conjugation) the "vision" (H4758, _marʼeh_). This call to deep discernment emphasizes the importance and complexity of the prophecy that follows, requiring focused spiritual and intellectual engagement.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:23 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological and narrative significance. The immediate **Divine Intervention** is highlighted by the phrase "At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth," emphasizing God's swift and direct action in response to prayer, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between Daniel's prayer and Gabriel's arrival. The **Affirmation** "for thou art greatly beloved" serves as a powerful statement of divine favor and personal commendation, not only validating Daniel's character but also providing the theological basis for his reception of such profound truths. The repeated **Imperative** to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" functions as a direct command, underscoring the critical importance and intellectual/spiritual demands of the upcoming prophecy. This also serves as **Foreshadowing**, preparing both Daniel and the reader for the intricate and weighty revelations of the Seventy Weeks prophecy that immediately follow, signaling that what is about to be disclosed requires deep spiritual discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:23 is a powerful testament to the active and personal nature of God's relationship with His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the lives of His faithful, listening intently to their prayers and responding with divine revelation. The immediate dispatch of Gabriel underscores God's sovereign control over time and history, demonstrating that His plans are precise and His timing perfect. Furthermore, the affirmation of Daniel as "greatly beloved" highlights the profound truth that God cherishes those who diligently seek Him and walk in obedience, granting them unique access to His wisdom and purposes. This divine favor is not arbitrary but a recognition of Daniel's character and his earnest desire to understand God's will for His people.

* [Psalm 66:19-20](/psalms/66-19-20 "God Hears and Answers Prayer")
* [Isaiah 65:24](/isaiah/65-24 "God Answers Before We Call")
* [1 John 5:14](/1_john/5-14 "Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:23 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. Firstly, it reassures us of God's attentiveness to our prayers. Just as Gabriel was dispatched "at the beginning of thy supplications," so too does God hear and respond to our earnest cries, often acting swiftly and precisely in accordance with His divine will. This should motivate us to pray with greater faith and persistence, knowing that our petitions do not fall on deaf ears. Secondly, the declaration "thou art greatly beloved" reminds us of our immense value in God's eyes. If Daniel, a man of profound faithfulness, was so cherished, how much more are we, who are in Christ, beloved children of God? This truth should cultivate a deep sense of security, identity, and confidence in our relationship with Him, freeing us from the need to earn His affection. Finally, Daniel's imperative to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" calls us to a diligent and discerning engagement with God's Word. In an age of abundant information, we are challenged to seek genuine understanding of biblical truth, particularly prophecy, applying our minds and hearts to discern God's unfolding plans for history and our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immediacy of God's response to Daniel's prayer encourage or challenge your own prayer life?**
* **What does it mean to you personally to be "greatly beloved" by God, and how might this truth impact your daily walk?**
* **In what areas of your life or understanding of Scripture do you need to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" more deeply?**

### FAQ

**Who is speaking in Daniel 9:23?**

Answer: The speaker in Daniel 9:23 is the angel Gabriel. He identifies himself in [Daniel 9:21](/daniel/9-21 "Gabriel's Swift Flight to Daniel") as "the man Gabriel," who was sent to Daniel to give him skill and understanding concerning the vision and prophecy.

**What does it mean that Daniel was "greatly beloved"?**

Answer: The phrase "greatly beloved" (Hebrew: *ish chamudot*) signifies that Daniel was highly esteemed, cherished, and precious in the eyes of God. It denotes a deep divine favor and affection, not simply a general love, but a special regard for Daniel's character, faithfulness, and earnest pursuit of God's truth. This unique designation is used exclusively for Daniel in the Bible, appearing again in [Daniel 10:11](/daniel/10-11 "Daniel Again Called 'Greatly Beloved'") and [Daniel 10:19](/daniel/10-19 "Daniel's Third Affirmation as 'Greatly Beloved'").

**Why was it important for Daniel to "understand the matter, and consider the vision"?**

Answer: It was crucial for Daniel to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" because the revelation Gabriel was about to deliver was one of the most significant and detailed prophecies in the Old Testament: the [Seventy Weeks prophecy](/daniel/9-24 "The Seventy Weeks Prophecy"). This prophecy outlines God's precise timetable for the future of Israel, the coming of the Messiah, and the culmination of redemptive history. Such a profound and intricate message required careful attention, spiritual discernment, and intellectual comprehension to grasp its full implications, not just for Daniel but also for future generations who would study it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:23, while directly addressing Daniel, points powerfully to Christ in its themes of divine revelation, the beloved Son, and the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy. Daniel is called "greatly beloved" and chosen to receive a vision that culminates in the coming of the Messiah, the "Anointed One" ([Daniel 9:25](/daniel/9-25 "The Coming of the Anointed One")). This foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly affirmed as God's "beloved Son" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "God's Declaration at Jesus' Baptism"); [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "God's Voice at the Transfiguration")), in whom God is well pleased. Just as Gabriel was sent to "shew" Daniel the divine "matter" and "vision," so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate and complete revelation of God to humanity. He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken His final and most comprehensive message ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Daniel's earnest supplication for his people and Jerusalem finds its ultimate answer in Christ, who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the one through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, Daniel's call to "understand the matter, and consider the vision" ultimately directs us to comprehend the person and work of Jesus, in whom all prophecy is fulfilled and all divine mysteries are revealed.

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 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

Daniel 10:11

And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

Daniel 10:12

Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

Matthew 24:15

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Luke 1:28

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed [art] thou among women.

Song Of Solomon 7:10

¶ I [am] my beloved's, and his desire [is] toward me.

Ezekiel 24:16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.