At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
DANIEL 9:23KJVWhat does Daniel 9:23 mean?
Daniel 9:23 says that as soon as Daniel began to pray, God sent a message, and the angel Gabriel came to explain it to him because Daniel was highly valued by God. Gabriel urges Daniel to pay close attention and understand the message and the vision he is about to receive.
In this verse, the angel Gabriel is speaking directly to Daniel after Daniel’s prayer of confession and request for understanding. Gabriel explains that Daniel’s prayers were heard right away, and that God considers Daniel greatly beloved. The verse sets the stage for Gabriel to reveal an important prophecy, emphasizing Daniel’s favored status and the importance of what is about to be shared.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:23
- "Supplications" (תְּחִנָּה, teḥinnah) refers to earnest, humble prayers or pleas. This word highlights the sincerity and depth of Daniel’s prayer, showing why God responded so quickly.
- "Beloved" (חָמוּד, ḥamud) means precious or highly valued. Gabriel’s use of this word shows Daniel’s special standing before God, which is why he receives this message.
- "Understand" and "consider" (בִּין, bin) both come from the same Hebrew root, meaning to discern or pay careful attention. Gabriel is not just giving information; he is urging Daniel to think deeply about what he is about to hear.
Why Daniel 9:23 matters
- Daniel 9:23 shows that God responds to sincere prayer, sometimes even before the prayer is finished, which highlights the closeness between Daniel and God.
- The verse emphasizes Daniel’s special status as "greatly beloved," which helps explain why Daniel receives such detailed revelations in this book.
- This verse marks a turning point in the chapter, as it introduces the explanation of the vision that follows, connecting Daniel’s prayer to God’s answer through Gabriel.