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.
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}.
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.
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:
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.
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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.
Daniel 9:23 KJV is a pivotal verse, marking the divine response to Daniel's profound prayer and setting the stage for one of the Bible's most significant prophecies. It highlights God's swift attention to sincere supplication and His deep affection for His faithful servants.
Context
This verse immediately follows Daniel's heartfelt prayer of confession and intercession for his people, Israel, and for Jerusalem, recorded in Daniel 9:3-19. Daniel was seeking understanding regarding the 70 years of desolation prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). As Daniel finished his prayer, the angel Gabriel, who had previously appeared to him in Daniel 8:16, was dispatched to deliver a crucial message.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The Hebrew phrase translated "greatly beloved" is ish chamudot (אִישׁ חֲמֻדוֹת). The word chamudot literally means "desirable things" or "precious things." When applied to a person, it conveys deep affection, favor, and preciousness in the eyes of the one speaking. This term is used exclusively for Daniel in the Bible (Daniel 10:11, Daniel 10:19), emphasizing his unique standing with God.
Significance and Application
Daniel 9:23 offers great encouragement to believers today. It reminds us that:
This verse serves as a powerful testament to the intimate relationship God desires with His people, characterized by attentive listening, profound love, and divine revelation.