GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

Scripture Reading  : Daniel 9

Theme                  : The Righteousness of God

Daniel’s Prayer (1-19). As the exile of the Jews draws near, Daniel prays to God for His righteousness to shine by showing mercy to Israel for His name sake, not for their sake. God’s righteousness is His unswerving commitment to the honour of His name. He demonstrated His righteousness by punishing Israel for their gross idolatry. Daniel agrees with God that His punishment is just. Now, God will demonstrate His righteousness by saving Israel and returning the Jews back to Israel for His name sake because He is merciful and faithful to keep His promises to Israel. This is what Daniel is praying for.

God’s Answer (20-27). God answers Daniel’s prayer but goes even further by revealing His plan to accomplish all His promises to Israel once and for all, by ending all transgressions in the world in 70 sets of 7 (New Living Translation). Most English translations badly translate 70 sets of 7 into 70 weeks in v. 24 (this occurs also in Gen. 29:27-28, ESV). The Hebrew is literally 70 sets of 7. Based on history, this prophecy is fulfilled in 70 sets of 7 years, not days, or months. The first 69 sets of 7 years (total 483 year) has been completed. From the time of decreed to build Jerusalem, not the temple, (occurred under Artaxerxes circa 458 B.C. in Ezra 7:11) to the baptism of Jesus (aka anointed one, circa 26 A.D.) is 483 years. After 483 years, the Messiah will be cut off (death and resurrection). There is a long pause between the 69^th 7 to the final 70^th 7 because God will establish the church, an intermission and a mystery (Eph. 2:11-3:6). When the church is raptured (1 Thes. 4:16-17), then God will again begin to deal with Israel. The clock of the 70 sets of 7 will then start to tick again. The vision is strictly regarding Israel, not the church (v. 24). This is why we believe the tribulation as described in Revelation is seven years and the church will be raptured before the tribulation.

Praying the Scripture

1. The most basic definition of righteousness of God is His unswerving commitment to the honour of His name/character. He is holy, loving, patient and gracious (Ex. 34:6-7). Any pleading of mercy must be based on His gracious character, not based on who we are or what we have done, for we all fall short of the glory of God. God owes us nothing. We must come humbly before God like Daniel, not in pride or a demanding manner. We should also come boldly. Do not let fear or guilt prevent you from going to God for He is a gracious God whose disposition is to give mercy. Be like the prodigal son and Daniel by going to God in a humble and bold manner for the washing away of your guilt through Jesus.

2. The NT tells us over and over again that we are in the last days, in the end times (Heb. 1:2, 9:26; James 5:3; 2 Pet. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:20). The end of all things in this present age is near and the dawn of a new world order is coming. With the miraculous resurrection of the nation of Israel, the end is even closer now. It is now time for us to live holy and godly lives. Avoid the error of lawless people who claim to be Christians, such as the prosperity gospel preachers. Pray that God will help you to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus (2 Pet. 3:11-18). Prepare for His coming!