“And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation” (Daniel 9:20-21).

Daniel has been praying to God for “your people” (9:15-16, 19), and suddenly in his little commentary he notes that he was praying for “my people Israel.” He said the supplication was “for the holy mountain of God.” This refers to Mount Zion (Joel 3:17), the southeastern hill in Jerusalem where God dwells.

Was that focus on the city, the temple or the physical restoration of Mount Zion? So many commentators view this literally and see the decrees for restoration solely as a brick-and-mortar theme. Daniel’s prayer has been mainly for a covenant restoration of Israel – God’s people. The previous chapter began to project when a holy people would be made eternally right with God. Why would there be a sudden shift away from a salvation theme to buildings and streets? It’s a path we should be careful not to overemphasize.

The “holy mountain” or “Mount Zion” can mean Jerusalem (Isaiah 66:20, Daniel 9:16) and God’s presence within His chosen people (Joel 2:1, Zechariah 9:13). In the New Testament it can refer to the church of God (Hebrews 12:22).

It was spiritually the place where God dwells. It will someday be the place where the 144,000 stand with the Lamb in the heavenly mansions (Revelation 14:1) where He dwells. That’s what Daniel has been praying for (for his people, Israel, and himself) – his passion, once again, to have God tabernacling with them. This is so vital to grasp. We will see in the rest of this chapter many concepts that will tempt us to view them literally and geographically. If we do, our study will have been in vain.

While the prayer was in progress, Gabriel came. Daniel references him as the “man” whom he saw in the chazown vision “at the beginning” (8:15-16).

He comes swiftly by heaven’s request while Daniel was praying between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. – the time of the evening sacrifice. We know immediately that Gabriel traveled to earth in response to Daniel’s prayer. This greatly helps us to anticipate a reinstatement message.

“At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved” (Daniel 9:23a).

Daniel’s prayer was a type of preparation all Israel was to make preceding the Day of Atonement, when all relationships were ratified, based upon the covenant promises. Symbolically, Daniel blew the shofar. What follows outlines the great preparation steps to assure the legal rightness of God’s people.

“And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding” (Daniel 9:22).

“Therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision” (Daniel 9:23b).

Isn’t that remarkable? Right at the very beginning of his three- to four-minute prayer, Gabriel was coming with the answer! God knew what response was needed for Daniel’s heart cry.

Gabriel’s answer is not totally a matter of assuring Daniel of ending the seventy years’ captivity when Israel will go back to Jerusalem. His answer is far broader and deeply spiritual. He came with another vision. It needs skill to understand, and Daniel is going to receive that gift. But note, he is commanded to “understand” (biyn) the matter and consider (biyn) the vision. It is now ready to be continued.

“I’m going to give you special wisdom. You are to discern the deep meaning of what will be said – and to grasp the supreme depths of the vision. Concentrate carefully. This requires divine revelation.” What vision? Amazingly – the mareh vision.

Why does Gabriel talk this way? What Daniel will see and hear was of solemn importance. Also, the last time they were together, Daniel didn’t understand the first part of the mareh vision (8:14) and fainted. In essence he says, “Daniel, this time I want you to look at this information through spiritual lenses – not literal!”

What was the mareh vision all about? The restoration of God’s people! The time of spiritual deliverance. That’s what he has been praying for! We know Daniel listened – very carefully. We’ll tell you why a few chapters from now. But it would be good to let you know that in this setting Daniel symbolizes all of us. We are to pay attention to what was said as carefully as Daniel did.

Franklin S. Fowler Jr., M.D.; Prophecy Research Initiative © 2009