Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:2. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and its future. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Daniel that He has a very specific plan for Israel – a long, difficult period of hardship and destruction. He’s giving Daniel a clear understanding of how many years this will take place. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “In the first year of his reign I Daniel…” This means Daniel was in power during a specific time – likely during the reign of King Jehoiakim, who was known for being quite demanding and testing the king. “…I understood by books the number of the years…” This is key! Daniel wasn’t just guessing. He had access to written texts (books) that contained God's word. He realized he could predict how long this period would last. “The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet…” This refers to a prophetic message from God, delivered through Jeremiah. Jeremiah was a trusted messenger sent by God. “…that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” This is the most important part! God said that after these seventy years, Jerusalem (the capital city) would be completely destroyed – it would be abandoned and left desolate. This “desolation” refers to a complete destruction of the city and its surrounding area. In short, Daniel was given a prophecy about a long period of hardship for Israel, culminating in the total destruction of Jerusalem. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the rise of idolatry (worship of false gods) within Israel. It highlights God's judgment on those who stray from His path and prioritize their own desires over His will. It’s a message of ultimate consequence for sin and disobedience. Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Talk about the context of this chapter in the Bible? Discuss what this passage might mean today ?