King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:2 Mean?

Daniel 9:2 in the King James Version says “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came t... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Daniel 9:2 · KJV


Context

1

In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; which: or, in which he

2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

3

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

4

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's study of Scripture leads to prayer: 'In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.' Daniel studied 'books' (plural, possibly Jeremiah and other prophets) understanding that Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy (Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10) was nearing completion. This demonstrates that biblical prophecy isn't fatalistic—understanding God's promises led Daniel to prayer, not passive waiting. Scripture study prompted intercession for prophecy's fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem fell in 586 BC; seventy years later (516 BC) the temple was rebuilt, though debate exists whether counting from 605 BC (first deportation) reaches 539 BC (Babylon's fall) or 538 BC (Cyrus's decree allowing return). Daniel, deported in 605 BC, had lived almost the entire seventy years in exile. Jeremiah's scrolls evidently circulated among exiles (Jeremiah 29 was a letter to exiles). Daniel's access to prophetic writings shows Scripture's importance in exile for maintaining faith and hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Daniel's example teach that understanding biblical prophecy should lead to prayer rather than passive speculation?
  2. What does his Scripture study during exile teach about the Bible's role sustaining faith and hope in difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
שָׁנָֽה׃1 of 21

of the years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַחַת֙2 of 21

In the first

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְמָלְכ֔וֹ3 of 21

of his reign

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲנִי֙4 of 21
H589

i

דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל5 of 21

I Daniel

H1840

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

בִּינֹ֖תִי6 of 21

understood

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בַּסְּפָרִ֑ים7 of 21

by books

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מִסְפַּ֣ר8 of 21

the number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שָׁנָֽה׃9 of 21

of the years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָיָ֤ה11 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר12 of 21

whereof the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָה֙13 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל14 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמִיָ֣ה15 of 21

came to Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֔יא16 of 21

the prophet

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לְמַלֹּ֛אות17 of 21

that he would accomplish

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

לְחָרְב֥וֹת18 of 21

in the desolations

H2723

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם19 of 21

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

שִׁבְעִ֥ים20 of 21

seventy

H7657

seventy

שָׁנָֽה׃21 of 21

of the years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 9:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 9:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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