Daniel 9:2
New International Version
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

New Living Translation
During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the LORD, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years.

English Standard Version
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

Berean Standard Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

New American Standard Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

NASB 1995
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

NASB 1977
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

Legacy Standard Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, discerned in the books the number of the years concerning which the word of Yahweh came to Jeremiah the prophet for the fulfillment of the laying waste of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.

Amplified Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books the number of years which, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the desolations [which had been] pronounced on Jerusalem would end; and it was seventy years.

Christian Standard Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books according to the word of the LORD to the prophet Jeremiah that the number of years for the desolation of Jerusalem would be seventy.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the books according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet that the number of years for the desolation of Jerusalem would be 70.

American Standard Version
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years whereof the word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.

English Revised Version
in the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by the books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from the Scriptures the number of years that Jerusalem would remain in ruins. The LORD had told the prophet Jeremiah that Jerusalem would remain in ruins for 70 years.

Good News Translation
In the first year of his reign I was studying the sacred books and thinking about the seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the LORD had told the prophet Jeremiah.

International Standard Version
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, noted in the Scripture the total years that were assigned by the message from the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem: 70 years.

Majority Standard Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

NET Bible
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, came to understand from the sacred books that, according to the word of the LORD disclosed to the prophet Jeremiah, the years for the fulfilling of the desolation of Jerusalem were seventy in number.

New Heart English Bible
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood from the books the number of the years about which the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the completion of the desolation of Jerusalem, seventy years.

Webster's Bible Translation
In the first year of his reign, I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, concerning which the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

World English Bible
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years about which Yahweh’s word came to Jeremiah the prophet for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, have understood by scrolls the number of the years (in that a word of YHWH has been to Jeremiah the prophet), concerning the fulfilling of the desolations of Jerusalem—seventy years;

Young's Literal Translation
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, have understood by books the number of the years, (in that a word of Jehovah hath been unto Jeremiah the prophet,) concerning the fulfilling of the wastes of Jerusalem -- seventy years;

Smith's Literal Translation
In one year to the kingdom, I Daniel understood by books the number of years which the word of Jehovah was to Jeremiah the prophet, to fill up for the desolations of Jerusalem seventy years.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The first year of his reign, I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, concerning which the word of the Lord came to Jeremias the prophet, that seventy years should be accomplished of the desolation of Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
in year one of his reign, I, Daniel, understood in the books the number of the years, concerning the word of the Lord which came to Jeremiah, the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would be completed in seventy years.

New American Bible
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years the LORD had decreed to the prophet Jeremiah: Jerusalem was to lie in ruins for seventy years.

New Revised Standard Version
in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to the prophet Jeremiah, must be fulfilled for the devastation of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
In the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the scriptures the number of the years, seeing that the word of the LORD came to pass which the prophet Jeremiah said, that seventy years would elapse before the desolations of Jerusalem would come to an end.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In year one of his kingdom, I, Daniel, understood in the scripture, by the number of years, I saw the word of LORD JEHOVAH that Jeremiah the Prophet spoke, that when the desolation of Jerusalem is finished is seventy years
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
in the first year of his reign I Daniel meditated in the books, over the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish for the desolations of Jerusalem seventy years.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I Daniel understood by books the number of the years which was the word of the Lord to the prophet Jeremias, even seventy years for the accomplishment of the desolation of Jerusalem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Daniel's Prayer for His People
1In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes, a Mede by descent, who was made ruler over the kingdom of the Chaldeans— 2in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 25:11-12
And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years. / But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation.

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

2 Chronicles 36:21
So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.

Leviticus 26:33-35
But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. / Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. / As long as it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not receive during the Sabbaths when you lived in it.

2 Kings 25:8-12
On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. / He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. / And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. ...

Ezra 1:1-3
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. / Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:8-9
Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, / but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’

Zechariah 7:5
“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?

Isaiah 44:28
who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”

Isaiah 45:13
I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

Matthew 24:15
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

Luke 21:24
They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

Revelation 11:2
But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.

Revelation 12:6
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.

Revelation 13:5
The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

understood.

Daniel 8:15,16
And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man…

Psalm 119:24,99,100
Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellers…

Matthew 24:15
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

to Jeremiah.

2 Chronicles 36:21
To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.

Jeremiah 25:11,12
And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years…

Jeremiah 27:7
And all nations shall serve him, and his son, and his son's son, until the very time of his land come: and then many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of him.

the desolations.

Psalm 74:3-7
Lift up thy feet unto the perpetual desolations; even all that the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary…

Psalm 79:1,2
A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps…

Isaiah 6:11,12
Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, …

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Daniel 9
1. Daniel, considering the time of the captivity,
3. makes confession of sins,
16. and prays for the restoration of Jerusalem.
20. Gabriel informs him of the seventy weeks.














in the first year of his reign
This phrase refers to the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, who took over the Babylonian kingdom after the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian Empire. This historical context is significant as it marks a transition of power and the fulfillment of earlier prophecies regarding the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:17-19). The timing is crucial as it sets the stage for the events and revelations that follow in the book of Daniel.

I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books
Daniel's reference to the "sacred books" indicates his study of the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the writings of the prophets. This highlights the importance of Scripture in understanding God's plans and purposes. Daniel's diligent study serves as a model for believers to seek wisdom and understanding through the Word of God. It also underscores the continuity and reliability of biblical prophecy.

according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet
This phrase points to the specific prophecy given by God through Jeremiah regarding the duration of Jerusalem's desolation. Jeremiah 25:11-12 and 29:10 explicitly mention the seventy-year period of Babylonian captivity. Daniel's recognition of Jeremiah's prophecy as the word of the LORD affirms the authority and inspiration of the prophetic writings. It also demonstrates the interconnectedness of biblical prophecy and its fulfillment.

that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years
The seventy-year desolation of Jerusalem is a significant prophetic period that reflects God's judgment and mercy. This period began with the first deportation of Jews to Babylon in 605 BC and concluded with the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return in 538 BC. Theologically, the seventy years symbolize a complete period of divine discipline, after which God would restore His people. This prophecy also foreshadows the ultimate restoration and redemption found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises of God to restore and renew His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Babylonian and Persian empires, known for his wisdom and faithfulness to God.

2. Jeremiah
A prophet whose writings Daniel studied, specifically regarding the prophecy of Jerusalem's desolation lasting seventy years.

3. Jerusalem
The city that was desolated and whose restoration was prophesied by Jeremiah.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled in Babylon, which Daniel references in his understanding of the seventy years.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who communicated His plans through the prophets.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Scripture Study
Daniel's understanding came from diligent study of the Scriptures. This emphasizes the importance of engaging deeply with God's Word to discern His will.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The seventy years of desolation were prophesied and fulfilled, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word. Believers can trust in God's promises today.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophecy serves as a guide and assurance for believers. Understanding biblical prophecy can provide insight into God's plans and purposes.

Prayer and Intercession
Daniel's response to understanding the prophecy was prayer and intercession (as seen in the following verses). This teaches the importance of responding to God's Word with prayer.

Historical Context and Application
Understanding the historical context of biblical events can enhance our application of Scripture to contemporary life.(2) Understood.--He gave special attention to Jeremiah's prophecy of the seventy years of the Captivity. Two passages occur in that prophet's writings where the duration of the Captivity is mentioned (Jeremiah 25:11; Jeremiah 29:10), to the former of which Daniel refers (see especially Daniel 9:9; Daniel 9:11-12). It will be observed that there existed at this time a collection of sacred books, consisting of what had been already admitted into the Canon.

Seventy years.--It appears from Haggai 1:2, Zechariah 1:12, that considerable uncertainty prevailed as to the time whence the seventy years were to be reckoned. It has been pointed out (Professor Leathes' Old Testament Prophecy, p. 179) that three periods of seventy years occur in connection with the Captivity:--(1) from B.C. 606, the date of Jeremiah's prophecy, to B.C. 536, the edict of Cyrus; (2) from B.C. 598, Jehoiachin's captivity, to B.C. 528, the period of Ezra 4:6; (3) from B.C. 588, the destruction of the Temple, to B.C. 518, the edict of Darius (Ezra 6:1). In the first year of Cyrus, seventy years had elapsed since the captivity of Daniel, but to him it was a question of melancholy importance whether his computation had begun at the right date. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
in the first
אַחַת֙ (’a·ḥaṯ)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

year
בִּשְׁנַ֤ת (biš·naṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of his reign,
לְמָלְכ֔וֹ (lə·mā·lə·ḵōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

I,
אֲנִי֙ (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

Daniel,
דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל (dā·nî·yêl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1840: Daniel -- 'God is my judge', the name of several Israelites

understood
בִּינֹ֖תִי (bî·nō·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 995: To separate mentally, understand

from the sacred books,
בַּסְּפָרִ֑ים (bas·sə·p̄ā·rîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

according to the word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Jeremiah
יִרְמִיָ֣ה (yir·mi·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites

the prophet,
הַנָּבִ֔יא (han·nā·ḇî)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

that the desolation
לְחָרְב֥וֹת (lə·ḥā·rə·ḇō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2723: Waste, desolation, ruin

of Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

would last
לְמַלֹּ֛אות (lə·mal·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

seventy
שִׁבְעִ֥ים (šiḇ·‘îm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7657: Seventy (a cardinal number)

years.
שָׁנָֽה׃ (šā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8141: A year


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OT Prophets: Daniel 9:2 In the first year of his reign (Dan. Da Dn)
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