“So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” Daniel 6:28
During the deportation of Judah to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel was among the captives. Having taken his stand, along with other friends at the time, to not compromise with regard to the true worship of God, these men, along with others, would be blessed of God in Babylon, God being their Keeper and Protector. It would be when Darius the Mede took power from the son of Nebuchadnezzar, and was established as king, that Daniel discovered in the writings of Jeremiah that God had declared that the length of the deportation would be no less than seventy years. That which is so very significant about this knowledge to Daniel at the time, was the issue of its conclusion. Daniel sees for the people of God, even for captive Judah, a ray of hope, that out of desolation and destruction, a time was fixed by God for the people to remain captive in Babylon, building houses, living in them, and raising their families. Nothing would alter this period of time because in spite of the fact that God had sent messengers to the people, Judah mocked them, despised the Lord’s words, treating the prophets very badly. Scripture tells us that Judah’s attitude and actions towards God were so blatantly antagonistic that God’s compassion would be replaced by His wrath. That wrath would rise up against the people, until there was no remedy. (2 Chr. 36:16) The seventy years would reflect the number of sabbaths that Judah had rejected and dishonored. Here in Babylon, somewhat like Samson’s consecration that had to be restored after he had repented, they would again begin to honor the sabbath, thus honoring God.
Daniel finds himself God’s prisoner in Babylon, through the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, his son Beltshazzar, Darius the king of the Medes and the Persians, and ultimlately Cyrus, who will bear the title of Cyrus the Great. Somewhere in that period of time the seventy years of the captivity would be accomplished. Daniel, in light of this blessed conclusion, saw an opportunity for the restoration of the Nation, the rebuilding of the temple, and above all, the restoration of the true worship of God, and God’s manifest blessing being upon the place of His choosing. What is Daniel’s reaction to such an opportunity, in a foreign land, but in fellowship with God, as he would be praying three times daily, his windows opening towards Jerusalem? He would intecede for the intervention of God, but in a specific way. How did he pray?
Daniel begins with humbling himself before God, seeking Him in fasting and prayer. It must be said that Daniel was a very successful man in the role of minister and counsellor to several kings. And yet, he knew God, and he knew that he was only a man, a sinner before God. The only way that he could be accepted before God was by embracing reallty, being honest and forthright with God. Daniel had true faith, but faith that was demonstrated by humility.
The second thing we see is that Daniel addressed God as the “…Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments.” (Dan. 9:4) It is only on the basis of Daniel’s concept of God as He is, that his approach and appeal to HIm will be effective. On the one hand Daniel identifies himself with the people who have not listented to the prophets sent to them, but continued in their sins, rebelling against God. He would also pray earnestly, acknowledging and confessing the contrast between the people and God, appealling strongly to the mercy and forgiveness of God. He stakes his prayer on the faithfulness of God who is merciful, and who will respond according to His word. The conclusion of his prayer, heard in heaven, is remarkable. God answers immediately. The temple will be built, and the Jerusalem restored in great part by the prayers of those still in captivity.
Dear Father, Make us faithful intercessors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.