Daniel 9:22
And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֖בֶן
And he informed
H995
וַיָּ֖בֶן
And he informed
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
1 of 9
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
me and talked
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
me and talked
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עִמִּ֑י
H5973
עִמִּ֑י
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עַתָּ֥ה
H6258
יָצָ֖אתִי
I am now come forth
H3318
יָצָ֖אתִי
I am now come forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 9
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Daniel 10:21But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.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.Zechariah 1:9Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
Historical Context
Gabriel appeared to Daniel previously (Daniel 8:16) and later to Zechariah and Mary (Luke 1:19, 26), consistently serving as divine messenger revealing God's redemptive purposes. His role demonstrates that God uses angelic messengers to communicate crucial revelation to His servants. The timing (near exile's end) was significant—God provided prophetic understanding precisely when His people needed hope and direction for restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gabriel's immediate dispatch at Daniel's prayer encourage persistence even when visible answers seem delayed?
- What does seeking "skill and understanding" through divine revelation teach about proper sources for biblical interpretation?
- How should knowing that God eagerly provides illumination shape our approach to studying difficult biblical passages?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel explains his mission: "And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." The angel's purpose—providing "skill and understanding"—indicates God's desire to illuminate His servants about divine purposes. The Hebrew sekel (שֵׂכֶל, "skill") suggests insight, prudence, and practical wisdom; binah (בִּינָה, "understanding") denotes discernment and intelligence. God grants both theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom for applying truth.
The phrase "I am now come forth" emphasizes Gabriel's immediate dispatch at Daniel's prayer's beginning. Heaven responds promptly to faithful prayer, though earthly observation may not perceive immediate answer. This encourages persistent prayer even when visible results delay—spiritual realities may be in motion before earthly manifestation appears. The parallel with Daniel 10:12-13, where angelic response faced demonic opposition, demonstrates that prayer initiates heavenly activity invisible to earthly observers.
Gabriel's mission to provide understanding demonstrates that divine revelation comes through authorized channels, not human speculation. God illuminates His Word through His Spirit and authorized means, not through fanciful interpretation. This points to Christ who sends the Spirit to guide into truth (John 16:13) and opens understanding of Scripture (Luke 24:45). Believers should seek divine illumination through Word and Spirit rather than relying on human wisdom.