Homiletics Study: Exile & Return
Lesson 07 Passage: Daniel 9
Content (List of Topics or Events)
Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation (Daniel 9:1-3) 1. Daniel in first year of Darius reign understood from Jeremiah (scriptures) Jerusalem’s desolation would be 70 years (1-2) 2. Daniel pleaded in prayer to Lord God (3a) 3. Daniel fasted and humble himself through fasting, in sackcloth and ashes (3b) | Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition (Daniel 9:4-19) 1. Prays and confesses to God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love him and keep His commands (5) 2. Describes Israel’s sins; wicked, rebelled, turned away from commands and laws, not listened to prophets who spoke your name. (5-6) 3. Contrasts righteous Lord with shameful scattered unfaithful sinners “Israel” (7-8) 4. Describes merciful forgiving God as opposed to rebellious disobedient transgressors of your law refusing to obey you (9-11a) 5. Curses and judgments pour out because of our sin fulfilling words and bringing disaster (11b-15) a. Nothing like it done to Jerusalem b. We have not sought favor c. No hesitation in disaster; You are righteousness; we have not obeyed d. You brought us from Egypt with enduring name, we have sinned and done wrong 6. Petition for God to turn away anger and scorn from and have mercy (16-19) | Daniel’s Prayer – The Answer (Daniel 9:20-27) 1. While in prayer, Gabriel comes to Daniel to give insight and understanding (20-22) 2. Word went out to tell you as soon as you began to pray; Daniel (23) 3. Seventy “Sevens” decreed to finish transgressions, atoning for wickedness and bringing everlasting righteousness; sealing up vision, prophecy and anointing Most Holy Place (24) 4. When word goes out to rebuild Jerusalem until Anointed One comes there will be 7 “sevens” and 62 “sevens”; it will be rebuilt in times of trouble (25) 5. After 62 “sevens” the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing and city and sanctuary destroyed (26a) 6. End will come like flood war will continue to end; desolations decreed (26b) 7. He will confirm covenant with many for one “seven” (27) a. In the middle of the “seven” he will put end to sacrifice and offering. b. At temple, he will set up abomination causing desolation c. Continue to the end that is decreed is poured out on him |
Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)
Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation | Daniel 9:1-3 |
Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition | Daniel 9:4-19 |
Daniel’s Prayer – The Answer | Daniel 9:20-27 |
Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)
Daniel prays recognizing God, identifying Israel’s sins receiving “Sevens” description |
Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)
CTATL that God hears our prayers; He is holy, loving and merciful and listened to our heartfelt requests. |
Application Questions
How do you prepare yourself to enter the throne-room of God? |
How does your honest confession recognize God’s grace and your need? |
What ways do you listen to and apply God’s direction in your life? How do you patiently listen to His answer? |
Principles to Remember
Humble yourself before the Lord |
Recognize God and our need |
Our prayers are heard |
Characteristic of God
Holy One |
Theme
Daniel’s heartfelt prayer recognizes God’s holiness, Israel’s sin and petitions for mercy. God’s answer confirms future. |