Sermon Tone Analysis

“The interpretation of the revelation given to Daniel concerning the seventy weeks constitutes one of the determining factors in the whole system of prophecy.

The attention given to it by all schools of interpretation, and the attacks upon the authenticity of the book itself combine to focus the white light of investigation upon it.

The interpretation of this passage inevitably colors all other prophetic views, and a proper understanding of it is the sine qua non of any student of prophecy.”

- Wolvoord

One might well argue that Daniel 9:24-27 is both the most complex and the most crucial text in either testament bearing on the subject of biblical prophecy.

Its complexity is questioned only by those who have not studied it, or perhaps by those whose conclusions concerning its meaning were predetermined by unspoken theological commitments.

That Daniel 9 is as crucial as I have suggested can hardly be denied.

- Sam Storms

“I shall not occupy your time by attempting to fix the beginning and the end of the period intended by the seventy weeks, and the seven weeks and three-score and two weeks.

That is a deep study, requiring much research and learning, and I conceive that the discussion of such a subject would be of no great practical use to us this Sabbath morning.

You will be better nourished upon the Lord himself than upon times and seasons.”

- Spurgeon

And THAT is why I’m willing to purchase and proudly wear T-shirts with a very large Spurgeon’s face on it!

Now, in all seriousness.

I agree quite a bit with Spurgeon here.

I confess that it was easy for me to get lost in the weeds of numbers and disagreements and chronologies when studying this.

But keep this in mind, as we’ve been doing through our entire study of Daniel.

What was Daniel’s original intention?

What was Gabriel’s intention when going to Daniel to deliver this prophesy as an answer to his prayer?

More importantly, why did the Spirit of God inspire the text?

Was it really God’s desire that we could only know the meaning of this text by knowing the correct math?

Not likely.

These words would have been a comfort to Daniel and his people, a people to whom Christ had not yet come.

And they didn’t have any of the numbers or dates that we have today, and yet, these words came swiftly from the throne of God as an answer to Daniel’s prayer for his people.

2 Timothy 3:15 how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Saints, this is true of the text we are in today.

So let’s first just draw some insight and application from v20 to 23, then we will tackle the purpose of the 70 weeks.

Daniel’s prayer was heard and answered while the words were still in his mouth.

Psalm 139:4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

Matthew 6:8 your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

In this case God delivered his answer through Gabriel, the same Angel who would deliver the news about John the Baptist to Zechariah, and the news about Jesus to Mary 600 years from then.

Gabriel had some incredible tasks to fill!

The point here is that Gabriel was dispatched, when a word went out at the beginning of his pleas for mercy, and now he is there to give Daniel insight and understanding as to what will happen with Israel, and how God will fulfill His promise to them.

Look at v23, the second half… “I have come to tell you, for you are greatly loved.”

God’s Word to Daniel came out of His love for Daniel.

This is why God chooses to communicate with any of us.

This is why God asks us to pray, and why he answers prayer.

This is why God is mindful of us, or would even consider us in our lowly state…and it’s because He loves us.

Daniel has been in exile, he’s missed his people and family, there is no temple, there have been no sacrifices, he has served under wicked kings, and endured the hardship of waiting on the Lord to fulfill his word while he grows older and older.

He’s been faithful to God.

Then he cries out to the Lord for mercy upon his people, and Gabriel swiftly flies to him to tell him what God is going to do, and what does he hear first?

“Daniel, you are greatly loved!” Therefore consider the word and understand the vision, Daniel.

How often we try to consider all the details of our lives, and ask God for answers, and seek to figure out problems, and we fail to simply remember that He loves us.

Do you think for one second that Daniel was trying to push this aside so that he could get to the “good stuff”?

“Come on, Gabriel, give me the math!

I want algorithms, I want equations and charts so I can figure this stuff out! “

No, no no.

An angel from Heaven just told him that he is greatly loved by God!

Let’s not diminish this from the context of what’s happening here.

This entire prophecy from Gabriel, delivered to Daniel, is a response to confessional and repentant prayer, and motivated by the love of the Father to rescue and redeem his people.

Church, you are greatly loved this morning.

God sent his son for you.

You who are weak and weary, God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness…and he loves you.

It is out of this that Gabriel’s words flow right into the next verse.

v24 “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.

So here in v24 we have the purpose of the 70 weeks.

That in that 70 sets of 7, that most have concluded means 70 sets of 70 years, that within that time these things would be accomplished.

Finish the transgression