TAP ON THE SHOULDER

We couldn’t interrupt Daniel praying but guess what....God’s angel Gabriel does. In fact – notice this – the command from headquarters to give old Daniel more insight into the future was given AS SOON AS HE BEGAN TO PRAY! v23                                                                                                 

This dear old man of prayer is regarded in heaven as ‘greatly beloved’ from Heb: chamad – delightful! What encouragement and illustrious commendation after more than 70 years of faithfulness to God.

Before we open up the 70 Weeks prophecy, notice also how much it is the BIG PICTURE that occupies Daniel...He is interrupted praying on behalf of ‘MY PEOPLE ISRAEL’ (not just the nation of Judah)                        

What is his main concern?                                               

‘THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF MY GOD’                               

Notice this detail too... Gabriel gets Daniel’s attention at ‘THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION’.   v20      What is this all about?                    

Every morning and every evening a lamb was sacrificed in a burnt offering at the temple – the fire was NEVER to go out – a perpetual witness to the whole world that only by way of sacrifice can we meet our holy God’s righteousness. (Ex 29:38-42 ; Lev 6:13 ; Nu 28:3-8)                

There has been NO SACRIFICE on God’s holy mountain for over 50 years and Daniel has not forgotten after 70 years of captivity!

Keep this in mind when we start on the 70 Weeks – the BIG PICTURE: God’s witness to the world from His holy mountain in Jerusalem.