Daniel Chapter 9 · Verse 23
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
Original Language Analysis
בִּתְחִלַּ֨ת
At the beginning
H8462
בִּתְחִלַּ֨ת
At the beginning
Strong's:
H8462
Word #:
1 of 14
a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)
יָצָ֣א
came forth
H3318
יָצָ֣א
came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 14
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
בַּדָּבָ֔ר
the commandment
H1697
בַּדָּבָ֔ר
the commandment
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בָּ֣אתִי
and I am come
H935
בָּ֣אתִי
and I am come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְהַגִּ֔יד
to shew
H5046
לְהַגִּ֔יד
to shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְהָבֵ֖ן
and consider
H995
וְהָבֵ֖ן
and consider
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
11 of 14
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
בַּדָּבָ֔ר
the commandment
H1697
בַּדָּבָ֔ר
the commandment
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Cross References
Daniel 10:19And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.Matthew 24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Luke 1:28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.Song of Solomon 7:10I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.Ezekiel 24:16Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.Ezekiel 26:12And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.
Historical Context
Gabriel appears only in Daniel (8:16; 9:21) and Luke's nativity accounts (1:19, 26), suggesting special role in messianic revelation. The angel's immediate dispatch 'at the beginning' of prayer shows divine responsiveness. Ancient Near Eastern religion portrayed gods as distant, requiring ritual manipulation. Biblical theology presents God who actively seeks relationship with His people, sending angelic messengers with revelation. The timing fulfilled God's promise that before they call, He answers (Isaiah 65:24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's immediate response 'at the beginning' of prayer demonstrate His eagerness to communicate with those who seek Him?
- What does being 'greatly beloved' teach about election rooted in divine affection rather than human merit?
Analysis & Commentary
Gabriel reveals God's regard for Daniel: 'At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.' The phrase 'at the beginning' shows God initiated response immediately when Daniel began praying. Gabriel's mission—'I am come to shew thee'—indicates divine commitment to giving understanding. The declaration 'thou art greatly beloved' (Hebrew: chamudot, precious, treasured) expresses divine affection. This motivates attentive consideration: 'therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.' Being loved by God includes receiving revelation of His purposes.