Daniel 9:23

My Notes

What Does Daniel 9:23 Mean?

"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." Gabriel tells Daniel: the answer was dispatched the MOMENT you began praying. The 'commandment came forth' at the BEGINNING of the supplication — not at the end, not after extended waiting, but at the START. The answer was sent before the prayer was finished. And the reason: 'thou art greatly beloved.' The love determined the speed.

The phrase "at the beginning of thy supplications" (bithchillat tachanunekha yatza davar — at the start of your pleas a word went out) means the FIRST WORD of Daniel's prayer triggered the response: the answer didn't wait for the prayer to be completed. The first syllable of supplication produced the dispatch of the answer. The beginning was sufficient. The starting was enough.

The "thou art greatly beloved" (chamudot attah — you are desired/precious/beloved) is the reason for the immediate response: Daniel is GREATLY BELOVED — not just loved, but loved with the emphatic 'greatly.' The preciousness of the pray-er determines the immediacy of the answer. The beloved person's prayer receives immediate dispatch.

Reflection Questions

• 1.Do you believe your prayers trigger an answer at the BEGINNING — not just the end?
• 2.What does 'greatly beloved' being the REASON for immediate response teach about prayer and identity?
• 3.How does the answer being dispatched before the prayer is finished change your approach to supplication?
• 4.What obligation to UNDERSTAND comes with the privilege of being greatly beloved?

Devotional

The MOMENT you started praying, the answer was sent. The first word of your supplication triggered the dispatch. Gabriel was sent AT THE BEGINNING — not after prolonged pleading, not after days of fasting, but at the START. Your first breath of prayer moved heaven.

The 'at the beginning of thy supplications' redefines prayer timing: you thought the answer comes at the END of the prayer. It was dispatched at the BEGINNING. You thought the lengthy petition was necessary. The first syllable was sufficient. You thought God needed to hear the full argument. God responded to the opening word. The dispatch happened before the prayer was half-spoken.

The 'thou art greatly beloved' explains the speed: the immediacy of heaven's response is proportional to the BELOVEDNESS of the pray-er. Daniel is 'greatly beloved' — chamudot, precious, desired, treasured. The prayer of the beloved receives the fastest possible answer. The answer was sent at the speed of love.

The 'therefore understand the matter and consider the vision' is the instruction that follows the encouragement: the love produces the answer. The answer produces the responsibility. The beloved person who receives immediate dispatch also receives the obligation to UNDERSTAND. The speed of the answer demands the depth of the consideration. The gift of revelation requires the effort of comprehension.

Do you believe your prayers move heaven at the first syllable — and that you are greatly beloved?

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture