Daniel 9 2

Daniel 9:2 kjv

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.

Daniel 9:2 nkjv

in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Daniel 9:2 niv

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

Daniel 9:2 esv

in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

Daniel 9:2 nlt

During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the LORD, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years.

Daniel 9 verses

Daniel 9 2 Meaning

Daniel 9:2 states, "I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years that the word of the Lord had come to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the desolation of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years." This verse marks a pivotal moment of spiritual insight for Daniel. He actively sought understanding of God's word, specifically regarding the prophesied seventy-year period of Jerusalem's desolation. His study of the prophetic scrolls, particularly those of Jeremiah, led him to comprehend the timeline of this significant judgment and its implications for his people.

Daniel 9 2 Context

Daniel 9 occurs during the first year of Darius the Mede's reign, after the fall of Babylon and the completion of the seventy years of Babylonian captivity for Judah. Daniel, now an old man, is reflecting on the prophecies concerning the Babylonian exile, specifically the seventy-year duration mentioned by Jeremiah. His diligent study of these prophecies is motivated by a deep concern for his people and the desolation of Jerusalem, a situation he is observing firsthand as the Jews are still in exile. This chapter signifies Daniel's transition from interpreting prophetic visions to understanding the specific timelines God had set for Israel's covenant history. The Babylonian Captivity was a divinely ordained chastisement for Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, as detailed in books like Jeremiah and 2 Chronicles.

Daniel 9 2 Word Analysis

• I (Hebrew: ani) - Refers to Daniel, the prophet himself.
• Daniel (Hebrew: Dāniyyēl) - Means "God is my judge."
• understood (Hebrew: bîn) - To perceive, discern, consider, or comprehend. This highlights an active intellectual and spiritual process.
• by the books (Hebrew: bĕsĕp̱ārîm) - Refers to written scrolls or documents. In this context, it specifically points to the prophetic writings, particularly those of Jeremiah.
• the number (Hebrew: mĕsp̱ar) - A specific count or quantity.
• of the years (Hebrew: šānîm) - Years, indicating a duration of time.
• that the word (Hebrew: dĕḇar) - The divine communication, the utterance or message.
• of the Lord (Hebrew: Yĕhôwāh) - The personal covenant name of God, Yahweh.
• had come (Hebrew: hāyâ lĕ...) - Literally "was to..." indicating future completion or being declared.
• to the prophet (Hebrew: lĕnĕḇî') - Addressed to the prophet.
• Jeremiah (Hebrew: Yirmĕyāhû) - Means "Yahweh casts" or "Yahweh exalts."
• concerning (Hebrew: ‘al) - Upon, over, relating to.
• the desolation (Hebrew: šĕmāmâ) - Devastation, ruin, emptiness, astonishment.
• of Jerusalem (Hebrew: Yerûšālěm) - The city of Jerusalem, signifying God's dwelling place.
• namely (Hebrew: kî) - That, for, indeed, emphasizing the following information.
• seventy years (Hebrew: šîbʿîm šānîm) - The specific duration of the Babylonian captivity.

Groups of Words Analysis:

• "understood by the books": This phrase underscores the importance of engaging with Scripture for understanding God's timing and plans. Daniel wasn't passively receiving revelation; he was actively studying.
• "the word of the Lord had come to the prophet Jeremiah": This emphasizes the divine origin and prophetic transmission of the seventy-year decree. It links the present understanding to a prior, divinely-given message.
• "concerning the desolation of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years": This clause clearly defines the subject of Daniel's study and the core of Jeremiah's prophecy – the period of ruin for the Holy City and its direct relation to a set timeframe.

Daniel 9 2 Bonus Section

The understanding gained from Jeremiah's writings was the catalyst for Daniel's fervent prayer and subsequent prophecy in chapter 9. This illustrates a foundational principle in biblical theology: diligent study of what God has revealed precedes meaningful communion and discernment of His further will. Daniel’s focus on the “seventy years” underscores God's faithfulness to His own timelines, even in judgment. This historical period of seventy years for desolation is foundational for later prophetic interpretations, most notably the "seventy weeks" of Daniel 9:24, which relate to future redemptive events for Israel and the Messiah. The study of Scripture by believers, past and present, serves as a vital conduit for divine insight and guidance.

Daniel 9 2 Commentary

Daniel's deep introspection upon Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the seventy years of Jerusalem's desolation marks a profound moment of divine appointment. It reveals a model of committed discipleship: diligent study of God’s Word, active seeking of understanding, and heartfelt prayer arising from that understanding. Daniel recognized that this period of desolation was not arbitrary but a specific, divinely appointed time linked to Israel’s covenant responsibilities. His study prepared him to intercede on behalf of his people, leading to the seventy-week prophecy, a critical eschatological revelation. This passage highlights that understanding God's historical pronouncements is crucial for discerning His future plans and for effective prayer.