Babylon 586 BC, Media-Persia 539 BC, Greece 331 BC, Independence 146 BC, Rome 63 BC
Daniel's understanding of prophecy required action. With fasting, sackcloth and ashes, he humbled himself and did some serious praying. He acknowledged his sovereign God of justice and mercy. Daniel saw himself and his people as disobedient and forsaking God to worship idols. Then God poured out the curses of the Law (
Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Daniel pleaded for mercy and appealed to God's honor by reminding Him of His city, Jerusalem.
At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I [Gabriel] am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision (
Daniel 9:23).
When Daniel prayed, the answer was given immediately. Gabriel, the Good News angel, appeared to him. Daniel was praying about the end of Babylon captivity and the restoration of Jerusalem but God told Daniel about His complete plan for Jerusalem, Israel and humanity through Jesus the Messiah's redemptions and reign.
God's Plan of Redemption
Seventy weeks [of years, 70 X 7] are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy [Place] (
Daniel 9:24).
Within 490 years, God will restore Israel with His six-point plan. What begins with the redemption of humanity with the
First Coming will be completed by the restoration of Israel and the establishment of the Kingdom at the
Second Coming.