Daniel 9:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

of the years

a year (as a revolution of time)

אַחַת֙

H259

In the first

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְמָלְכ֔וֹ

H4427

of his reign

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אֲנִי֙

H589

דָּֽנִיֵּ֔אל

H1840

I Daniel

daniel or danijel, the name of two israelites

בִּינֹ֖תִי

H995

understood

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בַּסְּפָרִ֑ים

H5612

by books

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

מִסְפַּ֣ר

H4557

the number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

of the years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#10

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#11

הָיָ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

דְבַר

H1697

whereof the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

יִרְמִיָ֣ה

H3414

came to Jeremiah

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

#16

הַנָּבִ֔יא

H5030

the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#17

לְמַלֹּ֛אות

H4390

that he would accomplish

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#18

לְחָרְב֥וֹת

H2723

in the desolations

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

#19

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#20

שִׁבְעִ֥ים

H7657

seventy

#21

שָׁנָֽה׃

H8141

of the years

a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Daniel, this passage highlights kingdom of God through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Daniel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Daniel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Daniel chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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