JULY 23, 2025 – ANSWERED PRAYER

READ: Dan. 9:20–24: …at the beginning of your supplications …

While Daniel is still praying, the man he saw earlier in a vision (8:15–16) arrives flying—this is the angel Gabriel, who comes to stand beside Daniel. Notably, Daniel isn’t even finished praying before an answer comes!

This shows how God listens to prayers that are grounded in His Word and are pleasing in His sight. Our “Amen” may affirm this (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 129: “God has much more certainly heard my prayer than I feel in my heart that I desire this of Him”).

A similar message is written in Dan. 10:12. The mention of the evening sacrifice here highlights how Daniel’s heart is turned toward the destroyed temple, longing for reconciliation for the people through the offering of a perfect lamb—pointing to Christ’s sacrifice on Golgotha.

The angel explains the reason for his coming. He wants to clarify God’s response to Daniel’s prayer. First, he assures Daniel that he is highly esteemed: “You are greatly loved.”

Starting from verse 24, the text becomes difficult to interpret. Gabriel announces that God has decreed a period of seventy “weeks” (literally “seventy sevens”— together a complete time period) during which everything will be reconciled: transgressions will end, sin will be atoned for, and everlasting righteousness will be brought in.

Only Christ can accomplish this (Heb. 9:26)! He comes to establish an eternal righteousness. Vision and prophecy will be sealed—that is, their truth will be confirmed. And the “Most Holy” will be anointed, which most likely refers to Christ, possibly His anointing with the Holy Spirit.

This ties into what follows in verse 25, which continues to focus on the Christ. Daniel receives a very special answer to his prayer!

What do we see of God’s answers to our prayers?

Sing: Ps. 80:6,7