Question 1

Who is Gabriel in this passage and why does he appear to Daniel?

Accepted Answer

Gabriel is an angel who appears in human form and is sent by God as a messenger. In this passage he comes to Daniel while Daniel is still praying. Gabriel’s job here is not to comfort in a vague way, but to explain God’s plan and give Daniel clear understanding. He says he has just come from God’s presence with a command to tell Daniel what is going to happen. This shows that God not only hears prayer but also chooses to make His ways known through His messengers at the right time.

Question 2

Why is Daniel confessing both his sin and the sin of Israel?

Accepted Answer

Daniel knows that he himself is a sinner and that his people have sinned badly against God. Even though he is a faithful man, he does not pretend to be sinless. He includes himself with the people instead of standing apart from them. By confessing both his own sin and Israel’s sin, he comes to God in humility and truth. This kind of honest confession is how he seeks God’s mercy, not only for himself but for the whole people and for God’s holy place that has been ruined.

Question 3

What does it mean that God answered Daniel while he was still praying?

Accepted Answer

The passage repeats that Gabriel came “while” Daniel was speaking in prayer. This shows how ready God is to hear and respond. As soon as Daniel began his heartfelt supplication, a word went out from God and Gabriel was sent. It does not mean Daniel’s prayer forced God to act, but it shows that God had already chosen to answer and used Daniel’s prayer as the time to reveal it. This encourages believers that sincere, humble prayer is not ignored, even when the answer may be different or larger than what they asked.

Question 4

What is the meaning of Daniel being called "greatly beloved"?

Accepted Answer

When Gabriel says Daniel is “greatly beloved,” he is telling Daniel that he is deeply valued and cherished by God. This is not because Daniel is perfect, but because he humbly seeks God, confesses sin, and cares for God’s honor and God’s people. God shows His love by making His plans known to Daniel and sending an angel to explain them. The phrase is meant to comfort Daniel, lift his heart in the middle of exile, and help him receive the hard and deep message that is about to be given with trust instead of fear.

Question 5

Why does Gabriel come at the time of the evening offering?

Accepted Answer

The time of the evening offering was when the daily sacrifice used to be made in the temple. Even though the temple was destroyed and Daniel was far from Jerusalem, this time was still a set time of prayer. Gabriel’s arrival then links Daniel’s prayer with the regular worship of God that had been broken by exile. It also points toward the sacrifice that would one day fulfill all offerings. God meets Daniel at a familiar hour of prayer, showing that even in a foreign land, God still remembers His people, His temple, and the promises tied to sacrifice.

Question 6

What does it mean that Gabriel was sent to give Daniel skill and understanding?

Accepted Answer

Gabriel says he has come to give Daniel “skill and understanding.” This means Daniel is about to receive insight he could never gain on his own. God is about to show him the timing and shape of His plan to restore His people and bring the promised Anointed One. The angel stirs Daniel to pay close attention and think carefully about the message. It reminds us that real understanding of God’s ways is a gift. It comes when God chooses to open our minds, often in answer to prayer and through His word.

Question 7

What was Daniel praying for when Gabriel arrived?

Accepted Answer

Daniel was praying with deep concern for God’s “holy mountain,” that is, His holy place and the worship connected to it. He was confessing sin and asking God to turn His anger away and have mercy on His ruined city and people. His focus was not first on comfort for himself, but on God’s name being honored again among His people. While he is still speaking these requests, God’s answer comes in a way Daniel did not fully expect, opening up a much bigger picture of restoration than just the rebuilding of buildings.

Question 8

How can Daniel’s prayer and God’s response guide my own prayers today?

Accepted Answer

Daniel’s example shows a few simple patterns that still matter. He comes to God honestly, admitting his own sin and the sin around him. He thinks about the wider people of God, not just his private needs. He cares deeply about God’s honor and the place where God is worshiped. God’s quick response, sending Gabriel with understanding, shows that humble, earnest prayer is heard, even when we feel weak. You can follow this by confessing honestly, praying for the church, seeking God’s honor, and asking Him to give you understanding through His word.

Daniel 9:20

¶ 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;

Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Gabriel Brings an Answer

Cross References

Daniel 9:20

¶ 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;

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Gabriel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Gabriel Brings an Answer

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