The Beginning:
Daniel studies Jeremiah’s prophecy about Jerusalem’s desolation and recognizes the seriousness of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness. He turns to God with fasting and prayer, confessing sin on behalf of his people and appealing to God’s mercy. Daniel asks that God restore Jerusalem and his sanctuary for the sake of God’s name.
The Middle:
While Daniel is still praying, the angel Gabriel comes to give him insight. Gabriel explains that a determined period described as “seventy weeks” concerns Daniel’s people and the holy city, aiming toward the end of transgression, atonement for iniquity, and the bringing in of everlasting righteousness. The message speaks of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, followed by successive periods leading to the coming of an “anointed one,” and later the cutting off of an anointed one. The vision also describes conflict and devastation connected with a coming ruler and the disruption of sacrifice and offering.
The End:
The revelation concludes with the assurance that desolations are limited by God’s decree and will reach an appointed end. Daniel is left with God’s sober timetable: Jerusalem’s restoration and future troubles are under divine sovereignty, and God’s purposes for sin, righteousness, and the holy city will be brought to completion.
This vision ties Israel’s restoration hopes to God’s covenant faithfulness and God’s control over history. Daniel’s prayer emphasizes that exile and restoration are not merely political events but responses to covenant unfaithfulness and divine mercy. The “seventy weeks” framework presents God’s redemptive purposes—addressing sin and establishing righteousness—as unfolding according to God’s appointed plan, even amid suffering, opposition, and the fragility of earthly institutions.
Daniel’s prayer reflects the pattern of covenant confession found in Israel’s Scriptures (especially prayers that acknowledge communal guilt and appeal to God’s name). Historically, the Persian period is known for imperial decrees affecting local temples and cities, providing a realistic backdrop for the vision’s focus on a “word” or decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (cf. the later rebuilding narratives in Ezra–Nehemiah).
“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city.” — Daniel 9:24
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What does Daniel do after studying Jeremiah’s prophecy about Jerusalem’s desolation?
2. According to Gabriel, what is the determined period called that concerns Daniel’s people and the holy city?