SATURDAY, JUNE 2
Daniel 9:1-27
Psalm 2:1-12

“Ask of me, and I shall give thee
the heathen for thine inheritance …”

SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING

The last part of Daniel 9 is one of the most difficult and controversial passages in all of Holy Scripture. This is the famous “seventy weeks” prophecy revealed by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. Are the seventy weeks past, present or future? Are they literal weeks or are they something else? Who are the “the people of the prince that shall come” (Dan 9:26)? These are some of the perplexing questions.

How shall we approach this “spiritual jigsaw”? The first rule, as I see it, is we must read the entire chapter humbly and with an open mind. I do not have the answer, although I shall endeavour to present as clear and cohesive a view as I possibly can. The second rule is to pray for illumination. “… Do not interpretations belong to God? …” (Gen 40:8). In answer to Daniel’s prayer, Gabriel said to him, “… I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding” (Dan 9:22). We shall not try to decipher every little detail, but with God-given understanding, we can all grasp the broad principles and spiritual thrust of the prophecy. The third rule is we must be humble enough, even after diligent search, to admit that we “do not know.” In such a controversial issue, we must not be over confident or dogmatic. Otherwise we may well fall into the sin of spiritual pride.

PERSEVERANCE AND HARD WORK

If Daniel 9 is recognized by theologians and Bible scholars to be an outstandingly difficult chapter, it should challenge us to more serious study and prayerful meditation. Superficial and casual reading will not get us very far, “like a galloping horse observing flowers.” So, may I urge you, encourage you, to “dig deep” into God’s Word, to study all relevant cross references to other passages of Scripture. Read the present chapter slowly and its difficult parts many times over, with the help of a good commentary. In case of doubt you should always consult your own pastor. Remember Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15.

THOUGHT: How should I study God’s Word?
PRAYER: (Use 2 Timothy 2:15.)