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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 11:21-45

A contemptible person will invade the kingdom and seize it. The prince of the covenant will be destroyed. He will rise to power, invade other kingdoms, and distribute plunder amongst his followers.

With a large army, he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will not be able to stand. The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth.

At the appointed time, he will invade the South again. With flattery, he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.

At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

9) The ruler, known as a vile person, illegally seizes the kingdom by flattery (v. 21). He twice attacks the King of the South (Egypt) through deceit and force. Enraged by being checked by external forces (Rome), he returns to violate the holy covenant. His forces profane the Jerusalem sanctuary, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up the abomination that makes desolate (v. 31), leading to the persecution of the faithful.

10a) The prophet says the ruler will “seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant” (v. 32). This describes the Hellenized Jews who willingly adopted Greek culture, abandoned their religious laws, and collaborated with Antiochus IV to persecute the faithful among their own people.In contrast to the apostates, Daniel prophesied that a core group of believers would resist:

  • Be Strong and Act (v. 32): The people “who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” This refers to the military and spiritual resistance, historically fulfilled by the Maccabees and their followers, who actively fought against Antiochus’s tyranny.
  • Teach and Suffer (v. 33-35): The “wise among the people shall make many understand,” attempting to educate the nation and maintain true faith. However, they would face heavy losses: “they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity, and by plunder.”
  • The Purpose of Persecution (v. 35): Their suffering and stumbling were not meaningless, but intended “to refine, purify, and make them white, until the time of the end.” God allowed the oppression as a purifying process to separate the true believers from the unfaithful.

b) The faithful face ideological assault (forced public exclusion of conscience) and economic blockades (denial of jobs/services), mirroring ancient plunder. As in Daniel’s time, this creates a split: some believers violate the covenant for status, while others endure persecution and suffering to refine and purify their faith. The ultimate dynamic of political hostility and spiritual refinement remains the same.

c) The crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Eternal life and vindication.

11) It’s encouraging because the intricate details prove God’s sovereign control over historical chaos. It’s fearful due to the forecast of intense persecution, symbolized by the abomination and the blasphemous ruler. Ultimately, it’s hopeful, guaranteeing that the oppressors will face a decreed limit and the faithful will be refined for ultimate deliverance (v. 45).

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

This one was challenging to say the least. Hopefully, my notes help!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

After the reign of the king of the North, the next king will be evil. This was Seleucis III, named Antiochus IV. He used flattery to gain his position. This new king of the North would try to deceive the king of the South. But this would fail after a great battle.

This vile king would then attack God’s people. He would desecrate the temple. Some people joined with the king when he invaded; others did not. The king killed and robbed many Jews. But God would not let this go on forever.

Verse 36 turns to the Antichrist. The real abomination of desolation was still in the future (Matthew 24:15)

Antiochus Epiphanes is really a footnote in history. He is important here because he foreshadows the Antichrist. God’s plan will be accomplished no matter what.

A confederation of kings will come together in a great conflict in the Promised Land to do battle.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:21-45 is a single, dramatic prophecy divided by scholars into two key sections: a detailed historical narrative that culminates in the persecution of the Jewish people, and a transition to an eschatological (end-time) event.

Part 1: The Historical King (Antiochus IV Epiphanes)

Verses 21-35 focus with incredible precision on Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the Seleucid King of the North, 175–164 B.C.E.), whose actions were central to Jewish history:

  • Rise (v. 21-24): He takes the throne illegitimately, succeeding the tax collector (Seleucus IV) through deceit and flatteries, not by right.
  • Conflict (v. 25-30): He repeatedly campaigns against the King of the South (Ptolemaic Egypt), often succeeding due to betrayal, but is ultimately forced by Roman intervention (the “ships of Kittim”) to withdraw from Egypt.
  • Persecution (v. 30b-35): Enraged by the Roman humiliation, he turns his wrath on the “holy covenant” (the Jewish people). He abolishes the daily sacrifice and erects a pagan altar in the Jerusalem Temple, fulfilling the prophecy of the “abomination that makes desolate” (c. 167 B.C.E.). This event sparked the Maccabean Revolt. The prophecy notes that this persecution serves to “refine” the faithful.

Part 2: The Eschatological Shift (The Future Antichrist)

Verses 36-45 abruptly shift from the completed history of Antiochus IV (who died relatively peacefully) to an unparalleled final figure, demonstrating the prophetic technique of “telescoping” (merging a near event with a far future event). This final figure is widely viewed as the Antichrist:

  • Character (v. 36-39): This King acts purely by his own will, exalting himself above every god, ignoring traditional deities and the desire of women (possibly suggesting disinterest in dynastic marriages or religious mandates). He relies on military might (the “god of fortresses”).
  • Final War and End (v. 40-45): At the time of the end, he engages in a great war involving the King of the South and the King of the North, successfully invading the Glorious Land (Israel) and controlling the riches of Egypt. His campaigns are suddenly stopped by alarming reports from the East and North. He sets up his royal tent in Jerusalem, but the prophecy climaxes with the statement that “he shall come to his end, and no one will help him,” signaling divine intervention and the establishment of God’s final kingdom (Daniel 12:1-3).

In conclusion, the intricate prophecies of Daniel 11:21-45 are breathtaking in their accuracy, providing a profound assurance: God’s sovereignty extends over every twist of history, from the minor betrayals of the Seleucid kings to the great persecution by the “vile person,” Antiochus IV. This detailed foresight was given not for historical trivia, but to fortify the faithful. By demonstrating control over the ancient past, God strengthens their trust in His promise of final intervention, culminating in the destruction of the ultimate wicked ruler and the eternal vindication of His people.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 11:2-20

Daniel’s vision continues. He sees three more kings rise up and fall and then a 4th king who will rise up and fall, but his kingdom will be broken up four ways.

The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom. They will become allies. 

A king from the south will arise. He will attack the forces of the king of the North. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat.

Then the king of the South will march out and fight against the king of the North.

Many will rise against the king of the South. Then the king of the North will come and will make an alliance with the king of the South. Then the king of the North will be destroyed.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

6) It seems to be the same foes fighting against each other and ultimately getting nowhere. No one is completely winning and is only retaining power for a time.
The most compelling aspect of Daniel 11:2-20 is how its cryptic language maps almost perfectly onto the specific, often obscure, history of the 3rd and 2nd centuries B.C. This is also why this passage is challenging. It describes the Syrian Wars between the Ptolemaic (South) and Seleucid (North) dynasties, which lasted over 150 years, which, unless you’re a history buff of this time period, you have no clue about. The prophecy reads like a confusing list of wars, treaties, and betrayals until historical accounts are placed side-by-side with the text. Understanding Daniel 11 requires a deep dive into secular history between the Old and New Testaments.
7a) All earthly kingdoms rise and then fall, but God’s remains firm always and forever.
b) I put my trust in God’s kingdom that is forever. Anything of man is simply transitory.
8a) All of Biblical prophecy is God-breathed, so I have 100% faith in its validity.
This prophecy was given to reassure God’s people, who were caught and oppressed between these warring kingdoms. The message is that God is sovereign over the chaos of world history, controlling every assassination and marriage alliance, and that He cares deeply about the fate of his covenant people (Israel).
b) I try to understand it. I pray about it. But, ultimately, I don’t worry about it. I give it to God to handle!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

Not exactly an easy passage to understand but one that shows that all earthly kingdoms come and go.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 11:2-20

This is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible, and one of the most accurate to prove right.

The fourth king was the Persian king Xerxes. We talk about these empires (and they are in the Bible) because they were the enemies of Israel and frequently attacked them and tried to destroy them. But, we all know no one can stand against God.

We know that Alexander the Great died young with no heirs, so his empire was divided four ways amongst his most powerful generals. Alexander the Great spared Jerusalem on his travels because of the prophecy of Daniel and a vision he had of the high priest. Only 2 of these kingdoms are talked about in the rest of the prophecy because they were the ones who constantly attacked Israel.

The Seleucids are identified with the Kings of the North, and the Ptolemies were the Kings of the South. Remember, the Ptolemies ruled Egypt from which Cleopatra was a descendant. The fighting between the two kingdoms lasted 130 years, and the stronger one always held Israel.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:2-20 is a remarkably precise and detailed prophecy that outlines the course of history from the Persian Empire through the rise of Alexander the Great and the subsequent, centuries-long conflict between his two most powerful successor dynasties.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • From Persia to Greece: The prophecy begins by foretelling the rise of a mighty Greek king (Alexander the Great) who will conquer the Persian Empire. It accurately predicts that at the height of his power, his kingdom will be broken and divided into four parts, not among his own descendants.
  • The King of the South vs. The King of the North: The vision then focuses intensely on the ongoing wars between two of these successor kingdoms: the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt (“the King of the South”) and the Seleucid dynasty in Syria (“the King of the North”).
  • A Detailed History in Advance: The passage details their specific battles, failed marriage alliances, betrayals, and shifting fortunes with such accuracy that it reads like a historical record. This demonstrates God’s complete foreknowledge and sovereignty over the intricate plans of human kings.
  • Israel Caught in the Middle: The focus remains on these two powers because the “Beautiful Land” (Israel) was located directly between them. God’s people suffered greatly as this superpower rivalry played out across their land for generations, setting the stage for the evil king who is introduced next.

In conclusion, this passage serves as a powerful testament to God’s omniscience and control over the flow of history. It reveals that the complex political and military struggles of human empires are not random but are foreknown by God and serve His ultimate purpose—in this case, setting the historical stage for the rise of the great antagonist who will directly attack His people.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 10:1-11:1

Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia. Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel fell into a deep sleep. He was touched by the man. Daniel was overwhelmed by the vision and felt weak. The man touched Daniel and gave him strength. The man will return to fight against the Prince of Persia and the prince of Greece will come.

After Daniel fasts for three weeks, he is overwhelmed by a vision of a glorious divine being. An angel strengthens him, explaining his 21-day delay was due to a spiritual battle against the demonic “prince of Persia.”

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

3a) Daniel received a vision from God during the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (around 536 BC), and it concerned a great war. The verse places the aged, faithful prophet at the end of his life, still earnestly seeking God, and at the precipice of receiving his final, longest, and most detailed prophecy about future conflict.

b) Daniel saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. Daniel had no strength left and he fell into a deep sleep.

c) A hand then touched him and told him he was highly esteemed. He told Daniel not to be afraid, and he would explain to him what he saw. He was encouraged and strengthened with words and with touch.

4a) Prayer is necessary when you are overwhelmed, weak, and just need God’s presence. God will come and offer you His strength and courage to carry on. These verses teach that prayer is necessary because it immediately dispatches a response from heaven. Its power is revealed as Daniel’s persistent prayer on earth is directly linked to the outcome of an unseen spiritual battle. It shows that a delay in receiving an answer doesn’t mean God hasn’t heard.

b) The purpose of the encounter was for God to tell Daniel that soon he will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when he goes, the prince of Greece will come; but first, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. The angel’s purpose was twofold: primarily, to reveal the detailed prophecy of future events written in the “Book of Truth.” Secondarily, he explained the unseen spiritual warfare behind history by describing his angelic battles against the demonic “princes” of Persia and Greece who influence these earthly kingdoms.

5) I learn that God hears prayers the moment they are offered. It reveals, however, that the delivery of His answer can be delayed by unseen spiritual warfare. It shows that our persistent prayers are significant in a cosmic conflict where God dispatches mighty angels to ensure His message prevails.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

I love when God appears to humans and reveals great things. Such wisdom here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 10:1-11:1

We will read about Daniel’s vision he received in 536 BC under King Cyrus, in the last three chapters of his book.

Fasting can bring clarity.

The exiles are beginning to return to Jerusalem during Cyrus’ reign.

No one is sure the exact reason for Daniel’s mourning. It could have been the opposition to building the temple or that so few had returned to Jerusalem so far.

The man could either be Jesus since the description mirrors what John described Revelation 1:12-16. It could be the angel, Michael Daniel 10:13.

Daniel could not stand before the man.

Daniel again is called “highly esteemed” (Daniel 9:23)

The man appeared because of Daniel’s prayer. This is a profound testament to the power of prayer. God also responded the moment of the prayer.

The prince of Persia was a type of angel and it was evil since it opposed God. This was a high-ranking angel  (Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:15). This angel delayed the answer to Daniel’s prayer by 3 weeks.

The delay probably helped Daniel to keep being persistent in prayer.

An angel touched Daniel to strengthen him.

The angel must fight the prince of Persia and Greece before Daniel’s prayer could be answered.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Michael appears in the Bible.

Fun Fact: The Bible does not mention this book of Truth except for here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 10:1-11:1 serves as a profound prelude to Daniel’s final vision, pulling back the curtain to reveal the reality of cosmic spiritual warfare behind earthly events.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Spiritual Warfare Revealed: The most striking revelation is the angel’s 21-day delay. He explains he was engaged in a battle with a demonic “prince of the Persian kingdom” and that the “prince of Greece” is yet to come. This shows that earthly empires have corresponding spiritual powers that actively oppose God’s purposes.
  • The Power of Persistent Prayer: The angel states that God heard Daniel “since the first day” he began his three-week fast. This directly links Daniel’s prayer on earth to the spiritual battle in the heavens, demonstrating that the humble, persistent prayer of the faithful is a powerful and crucial element in this conflict.
  • The Overwhelming Nature of the Divine: The vision of the glorious divine being is so overwhelming that it physically incapacitates Daniel, leaving him weak and speechless. He must be supernaturally strengthened multiple times just to receive the message, emphasizing the immense gap between the human and the divine.
  • The Role of Michael the Archangel: The angel mentions Michael as “your prince” and a “chief prince” who came to his aid. This identifies Michael as the specific angelic guardian of Israel, reinforcing the idea of a structured spiritual realm where God deploys His mighty angels to protect His people.

In conclusion, this passage is a crucial introduction that frames the detailed prophecy to follow. It teaches that human history is intertwined with a fierce spiritual battle, and it powerfully affirms that the persistent, humble prayer of the faithful on earth directly impacts that struggle in the heavens, preparing the way for God’s truth to be revealed.

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Your Support is Appreciated

Featured by atozmom, posted in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Hey all!

Hope you are loving Exile & Return Study!

The holidays are quickly approaching. While this is an exciting time for many (especially if you plan to travel to see friends and family that you couldn’t see last year), many are struggling and don’t have enough.

There are many great organizations to give to, from national organizations, such as United Way, to more local organizations, such as your local food bank or other favorite non-profit.

As you think about your end-of-year donations, I would like to ask that you consider donating to support my blog and writings. One day, I hope to be a published author. I am in search of a literary agent at the moment. This blog is a passion of mine, and I love helping you all grow deeper with God. Please leave comments as you feel led. I love reading them!

DONATE HERE

If you gain value here and would like to support my blog, I’d appreciate it. While there is no pressure to give, as I know you all have other causes to support, I’d just like to throw it out there as an option.

Click HERE, or I have a donation button on my sidebar that uses PayPal. It’s secure, and you don’t need a PayPal account.

Whether you donate to me or another cause that is close to your heart, please do so. Every little bit helps. Thanks in advance, and I’m looking forward to Jesus’s miracles!

God bless you and hugs to all!!

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF EXILE & RETURN: A TIME TO BUILD LESSON 7

  • Only God is worthy of our devotion and obedience
  • Pray for God to accomplish what He has promised
  • We take too much for granted in life
  • God blesses people even when they disobey
  • Jesus fills the gap between God’s holiness and man’s sin
  • Only God offers redemption
  • We do not deserve God’s favor
  • Prayer is a conversation with God
  • God answers prayer
  • God gives us more than we deserve
  • Pray continually

TAKE AWAY: We pray for God to hear and act.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 9:24-27

“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed” for Daniel’s people and Jerusalem to “finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.”

The timeline begins “from the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes,” which will be “seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’”

After that period, the “Anointed One will be put to death.” Then, the “people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.”

This ruler “will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’” but in the middle of it, he will “put an end to sacrifice and offering” and set up an “abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

SUMMARY IN LAY TERMS:

The prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” in Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel. It summarizes God’s redemptive plan for Israel.

The prophecy decrees a 490-year period to accomplish six goals, including atoning for sin and bringing in everlasting righteousness.

This timeline is broken down as follows:

  • It begins with a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
  • After a period of 69 “sevens” (483 years), the “Anointed One,” the Messiah, will appear.
  • Following this, the Messiah will be “cut off” (killed), and Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The final 70th “seven” (a future seven-year period) will feature a ruler who makes a covenant but breaks it halfway through, stopping sacrifices and setting up an “abomination that causes desolation” before facing his own judgment.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

11a) To restore and rebuild Jerusalem refers to God’s people returning from exile back to the Promised Land. The people will prosper, be fruitful, and be blessed.

b) The Anointed One will be put to death refers to Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross.

c) An abomination that causes desolation refers to the End Times. A future world leader, often identified as the Antichrist, will enter a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, stop all worship of God, and set himself up to be worshipped. This act of ultimate blasphemy would be the final “abomination that causes desolation.”

12) That there will be a restoration of God’s people, Jesus will die for his people and overcome sin, there will be a period of desolation, and then Jesus will return one day to set his kingdom up on earth forever.

13) That one day Jesus will rule here on earth and end all suffering. God’s sovereignty is absolute. Suffering is limited. Believers can live with integrity, courage, and purpose now, knowing that their faithfulness in this life is a meaningful witness that has eternal significance.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

There is a lot here, and there are numerous interpretations of what the times mean. I’m put the interpretation that most Bible scholars agree on.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

Most Bible scholars agree that this refers to seventy sets of seven years, or weeks of years. In Hebrew, the weeks refers to units of sevens. This prophecy is for the Jews and Jerusalem.

7 is the number of completion in the Bible.

According to the prophecy in Daniel 9:24, six specific things will be accomplished by the end of the decreed seventy “sevens”:

  1. To finish transgression – end man’s rebellion against God
  2. To put an end to sin – end sin altogether
  3. To atone for wickedness – Jesus’s death on the cross
  4. To bring in everlasting righteousness – usher in a new order brought by the Messiah
  5. To seal up vision and prophecy – to usher in the reign of Jesus
  6. To anoint the most holy place – the holy temple will be anointed and blessed

The starting point for the 70 weeks was to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

There are 4 possible scenarios in the Bible when this could have begun:

  1. Cyrus made a decree giving Ezra and the Babylonian captives the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 B.C. (Ezra 1:1-4 and 5:13-17).
  2. Darius made a decree giving Ezra the right to rebuild the temple in 517 B.C. (Ezra 6:6-12).
  3. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Ezra permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:11-26).
  4. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Nehemiah permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the walls in 445 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Note the 1st three were to rebuild the temple. Only the last was to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

THEN, 483 years (which would be 69 units of seven years) would pass from the time of the command recorded in Nehemiah 2:1-8 until the appearance of the Messiah.

Hence, the 70 weeks break down as:

  • Seven weeks – 49 years, until the city and its walls are rebuilt.
  • 69 weeks (7 plus 62), 483 years from the decree, until the Messiah appears.
  • The last 70th week to complete the prophecy.

After this period, the Messiah will be cut off, which can mean execution in the Bible (Genesis 9:11 and Exodus 31:14). Then Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed again  (A.D. 70). Jesus will make a covenant with his people to rule forever.

We will study Ezra where we see the return of God’s people to Jerusalem. In Nehemiah, we’ll see the troubles God’s people faced when trying to rebuild the temple and their city.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline, known as the Prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” (or Weeks), which outlines God’s redemptive plan for Israel, centered on the coming of the Messiah.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Overall Plan: The prophecy decrees a 490-year period (“seventy ‘sevens'”) to accomplish six ultimate goals, including atoning for wickedness and bringing in everlasting righteousness.
  • The First 69 “Sevens” (483 years): This period begins with a command to rebuild Jerusalem and culminates in the arrival of the “Anointed One” (the Messiah). The prophecy then states that after this, the Anointed One will be “put to death,” and the city and Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The Final 70th “Seven” (a future 7-year period): This final week is described as a time when a future ruler will make a covenant, only to break it midway through. He will stop Temple sacrifices and set up an “abomination that causes desolation,” an act of supreme sacrilege, before facing his own decreed judgment.

In conclusion, this dense prophecy is incredibly significant because it provides a framework for God’s redemptive history. It not only predicts the timing of the Messiah’s arrival but also foretells His sacrificial death. It looks ahead to a future time of great tribulation while offering the ultimate certainty that God’s plan will culminate in the final defeat of evil and the establishment of everlasting righteousness.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 9:20-23

Gabriel appeared to Daniel while he was praying for Israel. He said that as soon as Daniel began to pray a word went out.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

8a) Gabriel. He’s an angel used as a messenger by God. Gabriel is God’s chosen herald, a celestial diplomat sent from the very presence of God to deliver crucial, world-altering messages that reveal the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan for salvation. He announces the birth of John the Baptist and appears to Mary to tell her she will give birth to the Messiah.

b) He came because Daniel was praying, and he came to give Daniel understanding and insight.

9a) Daniel was given this message because he was praying and because he was highly esteemed.

b) Faith, trust in God. Daniel’s life displayed profound humility, always giving God glory. His unwavering integrity and courage were rooted in a disciplined, daily prayer life. He was a model of trustworthiness and excellence in his work, blessed with a divine wisdom that consistently proved superior to that of the world’s wisest men.

10) It’s so encouraging because God does answer prayers. Prayers can change the trajectory of your life and the lives of others. Prayer is powerful. This passage shows how God hears and responds the very moment a humble prayer begins. It reveals His personal affection for the faithful, calling Daniel “highly esteemed.” It also demonstrates that God’s answers often exceed our requests, providing deeper insight and a grander vision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

I love this. We should all be praying all the time because God offers us answers to our prayers and understanding. God is so, so good.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 4: Daniel 9:20-23

God can answer prayers immediately like he does here.

The “holy hill” is Mount Zion.

Fun Fact: This is one of the few places in the Bible where we are told that angels do indeed fly.

It’s important to note that understanding comes more in prayer than anything else.

When we seek God constantly, we often receive more than we ask for.

Daniel and John were greatly loved.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:20-23 describes the immediate and dramatic divine response to Daniel’s heartfelt prayer, setting the stage for one of the most important prophecies in the Bible.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • An Immediate Answer to Prayer: The angel Gabriel arrives while Daniel is still speaking. Gabriel reveals that the command for him to come was given the very moment Daniel began his humble prayer. This demonstrates a God who is intimately attentive and eager to respond to the sincere cries of His people.
  • A Personal Affirmation: Daniel is told by the angel, “You are highly esteemed” (or “greatly loved”). This is a profound personal assurance from heaven. It reveals that while Daniel was identifying with the corporate sin of his nation, God saw and valued his individual righteousness and devotion.
  • The Nature of the Divine Answer: The answer to Daniel’s prayer about the 70-year exile is not a simple “yes.” Instead, Gabriel comes to give “insight and understanding” into a much grander, more complex vision. This shows that God’s plans often far exceed the scope of human requests.

In conclusion, these verses serve as a powerful introduction to the Seventy Weeks prophecy that follows. They reveal that God’s profound revelations are often given in response to humble, Scripture-fed prayer. The passage assures the reader that God not only hears and responds swiftly but also holds a deep, personal love for those who earnestly seek Him, preparing them to receive a message far greater than they could have anticipated.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 9:4-19

Daniel prays and confesses to God that He is great, that they, the people of the Lord, are sinners and have not listened to Him and His commands, and that they are covered in shame. But God is merciful and forgiving. He asks God to hear his requests and to not delay out of His great mercy.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

5a) God is great, awesome, He keeps His covenant of love. He is righteous, merciful, and forgiving. He is just and executes judgment.
b) The people have been wicked and have rebelled; they have turned away from your commands and laws. They have not listened to your servants, the prophets. The people were unfaithful to God. They have sinned and rebelled against God. They have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave. The result of the people’s sins against God was judgment and exile to Babylon.
6a) Daniel asks God to turn away His anger and wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. He asks God to hear his prayers and look with favor upon His people. He asks God to forgive and act quickly.
Daniel recalls that God brought his people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and made for yourself a name that endures to this day. The people’s sins and the iniquities of their ancestors have made Jerusalem and the people an object of scorn to all. But God is merciful.
b) God is holy and in control of everything. We are sinners and rely on His infinite mercy and compassion to forgive us and help us to be more like Jesus. We all need God’s mercy every day, and coming to God humbly is the only way to approach Him.
7a)  Humanity’s sin justly requires judgment and separation. Because humans cannot bridge this gap, the only hope for restoration comes not from human merit, but from an appeal to God’s own mercy. Humans cannot bridge this gap on our own. God has addressed the issue of man’s sin by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins forever. It is through Jesus that we all come to God.
b) It definitely makes me more humble, reverent, and full of awe. I know that God is the One and Only. We can approach God in confidence, trust, and hope.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

Such a great example of prayer and faith, what that looks like, and how we can improve our prayer life, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 3: Daniel 9:4-19

Daniel started his prayer by recognizing God’s goodness and greatness. He understood God.

Everyone falls short of God. Israel had failed God, not the other way around. Sinners never deserve God’s mercy.

Daniel did not complain, he confessed.

Daniel proclaimed God’s goodness, confessed our sins, and then asked God for His mercy, forgiveness, and restoration. This would accomplish God’s work and give Him glory.

We pray in Jesus’ righteousness, not our own, when we pray in the name of Jesus.

Daniel trusted and depended on God. Daniel prayed fervently for God to act; so should we.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:4-19 is the prophet’s profound prayer of intercession on behalf of his exiled people, serving as a timeless model of corporate confession and humility.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Corporate Confession: Daniel, a righteous man, completely identifies with the sins of his nation. He consistently uses “we” (“we have sinned,” “we have rebelled”), taking on the full weight of Israel’s guilt rather than separating himself from it. This demonstrates the heart of a true intercessor.
  • Affirmation of God’s Justice: The prayer does not question God’s actions. Instead, Daniel affirms that the exile and desolation were the just and righteous fulfillment of the curses promised in the Law of Moses for disobedience. He agrees with God that the punishment was deserved.
  • Appeal Based on God’s Character, Not Human Merit: This is the central argument of the prayer. Daniel’s plea for mercy is based entirely on who God is, not on any worthiness of the people. He appeals to God’s reputation (“your Name”), His history as a deliverer (the Exodus), and His “great mercy,” explicitly stating, “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous.”

In conclusion, Daniel’s prayer is a masterful demonstration of how to approach a holy God. It moves from a complete and honest confession of sin to a bold appeal for restoration. This appeal is not based on any deserving quality in the people, but solely on the mercy and covenant faithfulness of God, for the ultimate purpose of glorifying His own name.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 9:1-3

When Darius, son of Xerxes, was ruling, Daniel knew that the desolation of Jerusalem and exile of the Israelites would last 70 years. He appealed to the Lord during this time.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

3a) Daniel was a chosen prophet of the Lord. The Lord gave him visions. The Lord could interpret others’ dreams. He was a high-ranking official in the king’s household. He was well educated. He had a heart for the people and the Lord. God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

b) He had seen what God could do. He knew God answered prayers. He knew the power of faithfulness and prayer. He knew God in heaven reveals mysteries. He knew God could do anything, was omnipotent, and in charge of the world. In sum, he knew God.
4a) He keeps bringing me back to daily Bible study despite my busy life. It grounds me, gives me faith, courage, and hope that everything in this world will work out for the good of all, and I don’t have to worry because God has got it. It makes daily living a bit easier.
b) God listens, God answers. God will work all things for good for those who trust in Him.
c) It definitely inspires me by giving me an example of what a life centered in Christ looks like and the results of such a life.  I’m inspired to pray more, lean on God more, and live out God’s purposes for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

Love how Daniel is never afraid to go to the Lord with his requests, needs, and with his heart. And, he’s praying for others, too. Daniel is most definitely a faithful servant of the Lord.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

This was about when Daniel was 80 years old, so it would have been around 538 BC.

Daniel studied the scriptures and built his life on the word of God. He prayed God’s promises.

Effective prayer is from knowing and praying God’s Word and our present circumstances.

Daniel knew the 70-year timeframe from Scripture: Jeremiah 25:11-13 and Jeremiah 29:10

Daniel asked for what God had promised. This is powerful prayer.

God answers prayers, and we can hasten the Second Coming by praying for it: 2 Peter 3:12, (Revelation 22:20)

Fasting allows us to prioritize God’s plans.

Sackcloth was made from animal hair.

Ashes are a symbol of ruin in the Bible.

Daniel is praying for the 70 years to begin sooner rather than later. So to start in 605 B.C. when Jerusalem was attacked and Daniel and others were taken captive to Babylon.

Remember, the exile took place in waves:

  • 597 B.C. – Jerusalem was attacked, and treasure was taken from the temple.
  • 587 B.C. – Jerusalem falls, and the nation was exiled.

Daniel approached God with determination. He knew God answered prayers and his prayer was in alignment with God’s will. He asked God to fulfill His promises.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:1-3 sets the stage for a profound prophecy by highlighting the interplay between Scripture, understanding, and prayer.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Catalyst is Scripture: In his old age, Daniel is diligently studying the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. This reveals that the foundation for this event is not a new vision, but a deep engagement with God’s pre-existing written Word.
  • Understanding God’s Timetable: From his study, Daniel understands that the prophesied 70-year exile for Jerusalem is nearing its end. He discerns that God’s plan for judgment and restoration operates on a specific timeline.
  • Prayer as the Response to Promise: Daniel’s realization does not lead to passive waiting. Instead, the promise of restoration drives him to his knees. This reveals a crucial principle: God’s promises are meant to be the basis and motivation for fervent prayer, not a substitute for it.
  • A Posture of Humility: Daniel approaches God not with demands, but in fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This demonstrates that he understands the exile was due to sin, and any restoration would be an act of God’s mercy, which must be sought with a humble and repentant heart.

In essence, these verses reveal a powerful model for faith. They teach that understanding God’s promises in Scripture is not a call to passive waiting, but a catalyst for active, humble, and fervent prayer, through which believers participate in the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF EXILE & RETURN: A TIME TO BUILD LESSON 6

  • God always prevails
  • God will never abandon His people
  • God is sovereign
  • God is the judge of humanity
  • God limits evil

TAKE AWAY: God is our eternal hope.

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