Daniel 9:21
Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
Original Language Analysis
וְע֛וֹד
H5750
וְע֛וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
מְדַבֵּ֖ר
Yea whiles I was speaking
H1696
מְדַבֵּ֖ר
Yea whiles I was speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 17
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בַּתְּפִלָּ֑ה
in prayer
H8605
בַּתְּפִלָּ֑ה
in prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
4 of 17
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
וְהָאִ֣ישׁ
even the man
H376
וְהָאִ֣ישׁ
even the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁר֩
H834
אֲשֶׁר֩
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָאִ֨יתִי
whom I had seen
H7200
רָאִ֨יתִי
whom I had seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בֶחָז֤וֹן
in the vision
H2377
בֶחָז֤וֹן
in the vision
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
9 of 17
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
בַּתְּחִלָּה֙
at the beginning
H8462
בַּתְּחִלָּה֙
at the beginning
Strong's:
H8462
Word #:
10 of 17
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
נֹגֵ֣עַ
touched
H5060
נֹגֵ֣עַ
touched
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
כְּעֵ֖ת
me about the time
H6256
כְּעֵ֖ת
me about the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
15 of 17
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
Cross References
Luke 1:19And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.Daniel 8:16And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.1 Kings 18:36And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.Daniel 10:16And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Isaiah 6:2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.Acts 10:3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.Psalms 103:20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.Exodus 29:39The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even:Daniel 8:18Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
Historical Context
The evening oblation occurred at 3 PM daily in the temple (Exodus 29:38-42). Though Jerusalem's temple was destroyed and sacrifices impossible during exile, Daniel maintained prayer discipline according to temple schedule, demonstrating commitment to worship despite circumstances. This godly discipline positioned him to receive divine revelation. The timing also connects to Christ's death at approximately 3 PM (the ninth hour, Matthew 27:45-46), linking temple sacrifice to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gabriel's arrival before Daniel finished praying illustrate God's eagerness to answer prayer grounded in His Word and promises?
- What does Daniel's maintenance of prayer discipline tied to temple sacrifice teach about worship commitment despite unfavorable circumstances?
- How does the evening oblation timing point forward to Christ's sacrifice and should shape our understanding of prayer efficacy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
While Daniel prays, divine response comes: "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation." The phrase "whiles I was speaking" emphasizes that Gabriel arrived before Daniel finished praying—God responds even before petition concludes (Isaiah 65:24). This demonstrates divine eagerness to answer faithful prayer rooted in Scripture and covenant promises.
Gabriel, described as "being caused to fly swiftly" (literally "wearied with weariness" or "in swift flight"), hastens to Daniel with urgent divine message. The angel's rapid response reflects heaven's concern for God's people and eagerness to reveal redemptive purposes. The timing—"about the time of the evening oblation"—references the sacrifice that would have been offered at the temple (approximately 3 PM). Though the temple lay in ruins and sacrifices had ceased, Daniel maintained prayer discipline tied to temple worship rhythms (Daniel 6:10).
This passage demonstrates prayer's efficacy when grounded in God's Word and offered with faithful persistence. Daniel didn't receive immediate visible response, but heaven mobilized the moment he began praying. The reference to evening sacrifice points forward to Christ, the true sacrifice who accomplished what temple offerings foreshadowed (Hebrews 10:10-14). Believers' prayers, offered through Christ's sacrifice, receive favorable divine hearing and response.