Peter describes how the suffering of Christ was prophesied by His Spirit in olden times, though the prophets could not understand it all.
Daniel was a highly regarded prophet whom God had greatly touched, and given great wisdom and insight.
As Daniel studied Jeremiah's writings, he realized that Israel was judged by God in the exile in Babylon, and in Daniel 9, his prayer of repentance and plea for God's mercy to an undeserving people is set forth.
God's response was to send the angel Gabriel to reveal the "70 weeks" prophecy, that described the coming of Messiah the prince.
At the start of that revelation, the promise was that the events of the 70 week prophetic timeline were for the purpose of finishing the transgression, bringing an end of sins, making reconciliation for iniquity, and bringing in everlasting righteousness, with the anointing of Messiah.
Such was more than Daniel could have asked for! The promise of the redemption of God's people is breath taking!
As the 70 weeks are outlined, Jerusalem is rebuilt, and near the end, Messiah the Prince comes! What a glorious answer to Daniel's prayer!
But then, Messiah is cut off, without a kingdom or earthly glory. Just as the prophetic promise appeared to provide the rescue of Israel and the reconciliation between God and sinners, Messiah is to be cut off entirely.
On top of that, the implication is that Israel will have a hand in killing Messiah, and then Israel is cut off - Jerusalem destroyed, the temple overthrown.
How miserable Daniel might have felt, but did he understand, that it was the cutting off of Messiah that reconciled sinners to God, and brought in an everlasting righteousness? |
