Why is Daniel considered "highly esteemed" in Daniel 9:23? Canonical Reading of Daniel 9:23 “At the beginning of your petitions, a word went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision.” Divine Esteem Grounded in Righteous Character 1 Samuel 2:30 states, “Those who honor Me I will honor.” Daniel consistently honored God: • Daniel 1:8 – He “resolved in his heart” not to defile himself with royal food, risking career and life. • Daniel 6:10 – He maintained thrice-daily prayer though the lions’ den decree forbade it. • Ezekiel 14:14 – Centuries later God lists “Noah, Daniel, and Job” as paradigms of righteousness. These cumulative narratives show why heaven ranks him “highly esteemed.” Persistent Prayer and Fasting Daniel 9 itself opens with intensive Scripture study (Jeremiah 25) and a prayer that stretches across confession (vv. 3-19) and corporate identification with Israel’s sin (“we have sinned,” v. 5). Gabriel’s arrival “at the beginning of your petitions” links divine esteem to Daniel’s immediate, humble seeking of God. Humility and Repentance Unlike many prophets who denounce others, Daniel includes himself among the guilty (9:20). James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Angelic commendation echoes this principle. Intercessory Burden for God’s People Daniel’s petition targets God’s “holy mountain” (9:16, 20). His first concern is God’s reputation, not personal safety. Exodus 32:11-13 and Romans 9:3 show similar self-emptying intercession God highly prizes. Wisdom and Prophetic Reliability Daniel 2, 7, 8, 9, 11 contain predictive material later validated by Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman history: • The Cyrus Cylinder (British Museum, 539 BC) corroborates the Medo-Persian transition in Daniel 5:30-31; 6:28. • The Nabonidus Chronicle confirms Belshazzar’s co-regency, explaining Daniel’s “third ruler” reward (5:16). Such accuracy, acknowledged by Qumran’s 4QDana manuscripts (2nd c. BC), highlights Daniel’s fidelity as God’s mouthpiece—another basis for heavenly esteem. Courageous Witness in Pagan Courts • Nebuchadnezzar (chap. 2, 4), Belshazzar (chap. 5), and Darius (chap. 6) all encountered Yahweh through Daniel. Matthew 10:32 notes that confessing Christ before men results in Christ confessing us before the Father; Daniel foreshadows this promise. Integration with Broader Biblical Theology God calls Abraham “My friend” (Isaiah 41:8) and David “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). “Highly esteemed” fits this biblical pattern of divine commendation for covenant faithfulness. Angelic Recognition as Validation Gabriel, a high-ranking messenger (Luke 1:19), twice addresses Daniel with this title (9:23; 10:11). Angelic approbation underscores that Daniel’s standing is not merely earthly but cosmic (Ephesians 3:10). Historical Corroboration of Daniel’s Influence Josephus (Ant. 10.11.7) records that Cyrus read Isaiah 44-45 and Daniel’s prophecies, motivating the decree to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This external testimony affirms the respect Daniel enjoyed among world rulers. Ethical and Devotional Applications 1. Pursue holiness—God’s esteem aligns with obedience. 2. Persist in prayer—divine answers often coincide with heartfelt petitions. 3. Intercede for God’s reputation—He delights in prayers centered on His glory. Why Divine Esteem Matters Being “highly esteemed” is not mere favoritism; it reflects alignment with God’s redemptive plan. Ultimately, only One is perfectly beloved—the risen Messiah (Matthew 3:17). Daniel’s esteem prefigures the greater acceptance believers receive “in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). Summary Daniel is “highly esteemed” because his life exhibits unwavering covenant loyalty, humble intercession, prophetic integrity, and courageous witness validated by historical, textual, and archaeological evidence. Heaven’s valuation of Daniel invites every generation to emulate his God-centered faithfulness. |
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