Daniel 9:2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

In the first {H259} year {H8141} of his reign {H4427} I Daniel {H1840} understood {H995} by books {H5612} the number {H4557} of the years {H8141}, whereof the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030}, that he would accomplish {H4390} seventy {H7657} years {H8141} in the desolations {H2723} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

in the first year of his reign, I, Dani'el, was reading the Scriptures and thinking about the number of years which ADONAI had told Yirmeyah the prophet would be the period of Yerushalayim's desolation, seventy years.

in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years whereof the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 9:2 finds the prophet Daniel in Babylon during the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, following the fall of the Babylonian Empire to the Medo-Persian forces. At this advanced stage in his life, Daniel was not merely receiving new visions but was diligently studying existing prophetic scriptures. This verse sets the stage for Daniel's profound prayer and the subsequent revelation of the seventy weeks prophecy, as he gains clarity on God's divine timetable for Jerusalem and His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Human Understanding: Daniel's understanding ("understood by books") highlights that God's plan is revealed through His Word, and humans are called to diligently study and comprehend it. This wasn't a new vision but an insight gained from existing scripture.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment and God's Sovereignty: The verse centers on the nearing fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem. It underscores God's absolute control over history, orchestrating periods of judgment and restoration according to His predetermined plan.
  • The Importance of Scripture: Daniel's reliance on "books"—specifically the writings of Jeremiah—emphasizes the foundational role of written revelation in understanding God's will and timing. His study spurred his fervent prayer and intercession.
  • Exile and Restoration: The "seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem" refers to the period of Judah's captivity in Babylon, a direct consequence of their disobedience. Daniel's understanding signaled that this period was drawing to a close, prompting anticipation for the promised return and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "understood by books" (Hebrew: bi'sfarim, בַּסְּפָרִים) is significant. It literally means "by the scrolls" or "by the writings." This clarifies that Daniel's insight came not from a new angelic visitation at this moment, but from a careful, scholarly examination of the prophetic scrolls available to him. This most certainly included the writings of Jeremiah, particularly passages like Jeremiah 25:11 and Jeremiah 29:10, which explicitly mention the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity and subsequent restoration.

Practical Application

Daniel 9:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of engaging with God's Word. Like Daniel, believers today are called to diligently study the scriptures to understand God's character, His purposes, and His timing. This understanding often leads to prayer, confession, and a deeper reliance on His sovereign plan. Daniel's example teaches us that God reveals His truth to those who earnestly seek it in His written Word, enabling us to respond appropriately in faith and intercession, just as Daniel did in the verses immediately following this realization (see Daniel 9:3).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 29:10 (18 votes)

    For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

  • Jeremiah 25:11 (13 votes)

    And this whole land shall be a desolation, [and] an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

  • Jeremiah 25:12 (13 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, [that] I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 (11 votes)

    To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

  • Revelation 1:3 (9 votes)

    ¶ Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.

  • Zechariah 7:5 (9 votes)

    Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?

  • 2 Peter 1:19 (8 votes)

    ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: