Daniel 9 is a linchpin of prophetic teaching. 

As I have studied this topic over the years, a particular teaching has garnered favor among believers.  I followed that teaching faithfully for most of my pilgrimage.

I would like to offer an alternative viewpoint for a fellow believer to consider.

When I first encountered this viewpoint, I struggled with it.  I refused it, then ignored it, then argued with it.  But I also believe as Christians, we need to wrestle with the Word.

Sure, we may come away limping, like old Isaac, but as always, encountering the Word produces fruit.

So with that thought let’s begin Considering the Bible.

Lets begin with a rabbit trail.  As you follow this blog, you will begin to realize I love to chase rabbits.  Some you may find interesting, some you may find irritating.  All of them I find worthwhile.  But I will warn you when I start chasing, and this is one of those times!

A RABBIT TRAIL

When looking at the six actions to be accomplished in  this prophecy, it seemed to follow a common pattern of Hebrew poetry.  You see, in Hebrew poetry, it is common for the prophet to declare a truth using two descriptions.  This is evident throughout the OT, and is especially noticed in the book of Proverbs. (Dang – the whole book seems to be full of thought couplets!)

This form of poetry has a structure of synonymous (or opposing) thoughts every two lines.  Consider

Ps 15:1-3

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?

He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous.

who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue.

who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellow man.

or consider Daniel’s prophetic brother Amos.

Amos 5:24

Justice must flow like torrents of water,
righteous actions like a stream that never dries up.

Given this form of communication, it seems obvious that Daniel 9:24 has a similar poetic structure, defining 3 big ideas.

Couplet 1

to finish the transgression,
and to make an end of sins,

Couplet 2

and to make reconciliation for iniquity,
and to bring in everlasting righteousness,

Couplet 3

and to seal up the vision and prophecy,
and to anoint the most Holy.

When I first started looking at these couplets, I had hoped to breeze through all six in one blog post.

So funny Carl.

Lets try to tackle one thought of Daniels at a time.  Our next blog will cover the first  couplet.

To Finish the Transgression

I hope you will join me again in  “Considering the Bible”.

---

Follow Considering the Bible on WordPress.com

Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.