EGW WritingsDaniel 9
Ellen G. White
Read Daniel 9 in the BibleDaniel 9:1-22
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 129, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 129, 1908, par. 11
The great things to take place are before us and we, all who are living, shall see to the end of these judgments which are before us in San Francisco. We can say, concerning San Francisco and the many places where the judgments of God have been witnessed, that they are a standing warning to the people in Oakland, opening to them what Daniel in vision saw would be. “And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterwards I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.” Daniel 8:26, 27. “And I set my face unto the Lord God to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession.” See Daniel 9:3-19.23LtMs, Ms 129, 1908, par. 13
“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; 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 desolation of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord God to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” Daniel 9:1-3.23LtMs, Ms 129, 1908, par. 17
“And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God ...; 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. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.” Daniel 9:20-22.Daniel 9:1-25
Prophets and Kings
Chapter 45—The Return of the Exiles
PK 554.2
Still burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain—so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in 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.” Daniel 9:2.PK 555.1
“I set my face unto the Lord God,” the prophet declared, “to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession.” Verses 3, 4. Though Daniel had long been in the service of God, and had been spoken of by heaven as “greatly beloved,” yet he now appeared before God as a sinner, urging the great need of the people he loved. His prayer was eloquent in its simplicity, and intensely earnest. Hear him pleading:PK 556.2
“O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Thine own sake, O my God: for Thy city and Thy people are called by Thy name.” Verses 4-9, 16-19.PK 556.3
Heaven was bending low to hear the earnest supplication of the prophet. Even before he had finished his plea for pardon and restoration, the mighty Gabriel again appeared to him, and called his attention to the vision he had seen prior to the fall of Babylon and the death of Belshazzar. And then the angel outlined before him in detail the period of the seventy weeks, which was to begin at the time of “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.” Verse 25.PK 556.4
Daniel’s prayer had been offered “in the first year of Darius” (verse 1), the Median monarch whose general, Cyrus, had wrested from Babylonia the scepter of universal rule. The reign of Darius was honored of God. To him was sent the angel Gabriel, “to confirm and to strengthen him.” Daniel 11:1. Upon his death, within about two years of the fall of Babylon, Cyrus succeeded to the throne, and the beginning of his reign marked the completion of the seventy years since the first company of Hebrews had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar from their Judean home to Babylon.Daniel 9:1-27
Conflict and Courage
Daniel, God’s Ambassador, September 5
CC 254.1
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel 6:4.CC 254.2
Daniel, the prime minister of the greatest of earthly kingdoms, was at the same time a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. A man of like passions as ourselves, the pen of inspiration describes him as without fault. His business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny of his enemies, were found to be without one flaw. He was an example of what every businessman may become when his heart is converted and consecrated, and when his motives are right in the sight of God....CC 254.3
Unwavering in his allegiance to God, unyielding in his mastery of self, Daniel, by his noble dignity and unswerving integrity, while yet a young man, won the “favor and tender love” of the heathen officer in whose charge he had been placed.... He rose speedily to the position of prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon. Through the reign of successive monarchs, the downfall of the nation, and the establishment of another world empire, such were his wisdom and statesmanship, so perfect his tact, his courtesy, his genuine goodness of heart, his fidelity to principle, that even his enemies were forced to the confession that “they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful.”CC 254.4
Honored by men with the responsibilities of state and with the secrets of kingdoms bearing universal sway, Daniel was honored by God as His ambassador, and was given many revelations of the mysteries of ages to come. His wonderful prophecies, as recorded by him in chapters 7 to 12 of the book bearing his name, were not fully understood even by the prophet himself; but before his life labors closed, he was given the blessed assurance that “at the end of the days”—in the closing period of this world’s history—he would again be permitted to stand in his lot and place....CC 254.5
We may, like Daniel and his fellows, live for that which is true and noble and enduring. And learning in this life the principles of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, ... we may be prepared at His coming to enter with Him into its possession.7Ibid., 546-548.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 19—Light Through Darkness
GC88 345.1
Christ himself had sent them forth with the message, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel.” [Mark 1:15.] That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by the angel to extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and with high hopes and joyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem, to rule over the whole earth.GC88 345.2
They preached the message which Christ had committed to them, though they themselves misapprehended its meaning. While their announcement was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did not see, in the next verse of the same chapter, that Messiah was to be cut off. From their very birth their hearts had been set upon the anticipated glory of an earthly empire, and this blinded their understanding alike to the specifications of the prophecy and to the words of Christ.GC88 346.4
The announcement which had been made by the disciples in the name of the Lord was in every particular correct, and the events to which it pointed were even then taking place. “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” had been their message. At the expiration of “the time”—the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9, which were to extend to the Messiah, “the Anointed One”—Christ had received the anointing of the Spirit, after his baptism by John in Jordan. And the “kingdom of God” which they had declared to be at hand, was established by the death of Christ. This kingdom was not, as they had been taught to believe, an earthly empire. Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom which shall be set up when “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;” that everlasting kingdom, in which “all dominions shall serve and obey him.” [Daniel 7:27.] As used in the Bible, the expression “kingdom of God” is employed to designate both the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory. The kingdom of grace is brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews. After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” the apostle says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace.” [Hebrews 4:16.] The throne of grace represents the kingdom of grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom. In many of his parables, Christ uses the expression, “the kingdom of Heaven,” to designate the work of divine grace upon the hearts of men.GC88 351.1
The experience of the disciples who preached the “gospel of the kingdom” at the first advent of Christ, has its counterpart in the experience of those who proclaimed the message of his second advent. As the disciples went out preaching, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” so Miller and his associates proclaimed that the longest and last prophetic period brought to view in the Bible was about to expire, that the Judgment was at hand, and the everlasting kingdom was to be ushered in. The preaching of the disciples in regard to time was based on the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by Miller and his associates announced the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, of which the seventy weeks form a part. The preaching of each was based upon the fulfillment of a different portion of the same great prophetic period.GC88 352.3
Those who proclaimed this warning gave the right message at the right time. But as they early disciples declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,“ based on the prophecy of Daniel 9, while they failed to perceive that the death of the Messiah was foretold in the same scripture, so Miller and his associates preached the message based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7, and failed to see that there were still other messages brought to view in Revelation 14, which were also to be given before the advent of the Lord. As the disciples were mistaken in regard to the kingdom to be set up at the end of the seventy weeks, so Adventists were mistaken in regard to the event to take place at the expiration of the 2300 days. In both cases there was an acceptance of, or rather an adherence to, popular errors that blinded the mind to the truth. Both classes fulfilled the will of God in delivering the message which he desired to be given, and both, through their own misapprehension of their message, suffered disappointment.Life Sketches Manuscript
Disappointment of the First Disciples
LSMS 108.2
Christ sent His disciples forth with the message, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by the angel to extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and with high hopes and joyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem, to rule over the whole earth.Life Sketches Manuscript
The Disappointment in 1844
LSMS 111.2
The preaching of the disciples in regard to time was based on the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by Miller and his associates announced termination of the twenty-three hundred days of Daniel 8:14, of which the seventy weeks form a part. The preaching of each was based upon the fulfillment of a different portion of the same great prophetic period.From Here to Forever
“The Time Is Fulfilled”
HF 215.2
Christ had sent them forth with the message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The “sixty-nine weeks” were to extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth.HF 215.3
They preached the message committed to them, though they misapprehended its meaning. While their announcement was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did not see in the next verse that Messiah was to be “cut off.” Their hearts had been set upon the glory of an earthly empire; this blinded their understanding. At the very time when they expected to see their Lord ascend the throne of David, they beheld Him seized, scourged, derided, and condemned on the cross. What despair and anguish wrung the heart of those disciples!HF 216.2
The announcement made by the disciples was correct, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand.” At the expiration of “the time”—the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9 which were to extend to the Messiah, “the Anointed One”—Christ had received the anointing of the Spirit after His baptism by John. The “kingdom of God” was not, as they had been taught to believe, an earthly empire. Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom in which “all dominions shall serve and obey him.” Daniel 7:27.From Here to Forever
The Disciples’ Message Compared to the 1844 Message
HF 218.1
The experience of the disciples at the first advent of Christ had its counterpart in the experience of those who proclaimed His second advent. As the disciples preached, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” so Miller and his associates proclaimed that the last prophetic period in the Bible was about to expire, that the judgment was at hand, and that the everlasting kingdom was to be ushered in. The preaching of the disciples in regard to time was based on the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by Miller and his associates announced the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, of which the seventy weeks form a part. The preaching of each was based upon the fulfillment of a different portion of the same prophetic period.Christ in His Sanctuary
The Experience of the Apostles Provides an Object Lesson
CIHS 105.2
Christ Himself had sent them forth with the message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by the angel to extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and with high hopes and joyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth.CIHS 106.1
They preached the message which Christ had committed to them, though they themselves misapprehended its meaning. While their announcement was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did not see, in the next verse of the same chapter, that Messiah was to be cut off. From their very birth their hearts had been set upon the anticipated glory of an earthly empire, and this blinded their understanding alike to the specifications of the prophecy and to the words of Christ.CIHS 107.1
The announcement which had been made by the disciples in the name of the Lord was in every particular correct, and the events to which it pointed were even then taking place. “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” had been their message. At the expiration of “the time”—the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9, which were to extend to the Messiah, “the Anointed One”—Christ had received the anointing of the Spirit after His baptism by John in Jordan. And the “kingdom of God” which they had declared to be at hand was established by the death of Christ. This kingdom was not, as they had been taught to believe, an earthly empire. Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom which shall be set up when “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;” that everlasting kingdom, in which “all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Daniel 7:27.Christ in His Sanctuary
The Lesson of 1844
CIHS 110.2
The experience of the disciples who preached the “gospel of the kingdom” at the first advent of Christ, had its counterpart in the experience of those who proclaimed the message of His second advent. As the disciples went out preaching, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” so Miller and his associates proclaimed that the longest and last prophetic period brought to view in the Bible was about to expire, that the judgment was at hand, and the everlasting kingdom was to be ushered in. The preaching of the disciples in regard to time was based on the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by Miller and his associates announced the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, of which the seventy weeks form a part. The preaching of each was based upon the fulfillment of a different portion of the same great prophetic period.CIHS 112.2
Those who proclaimed this warning gave the right message at the right time. But as the early disciples declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,” based on the prophecy of Daniel 9, while they failed to perceive that the death of the Messiah was foretold in the same scripture, so Miller and his associates preached the message based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7, and failed to see that there were still other messages brought to view in Revelation 14, which were also to be given before the advent of the Lord. As the disciples were mistaken in regard to the kingdom to be set up at the end of the seventy weeks, so Adventists were mistaken in regard to the event to take place at the expiration of the 2300 days. In both cases there was an acceptance of, or rather an adherence to, popular errors that blinded the mind to the truth. Both classes fulfilled the will of God in delivering the message which He desired to be given, and both, through their own misapprehension of their message, suffered disappointment.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
II. Ellen White’s Views and Role Regarding the Shut Door
1EGWLM 54.1
Daniel is a good example of a prophet needing additional revelations to aid in understanding a vision. After receiving the vision recorded in chapter 8, the prophet “fainted, and was sick certain days;” nor was the vision understood.71Dan. 8:27, KJV. A significant period of time passed between Daniel 8 and Daniel 9. Daniel had studied the prophecy of Jeremiah 25:10-14 and knew that the Jewish captivity would last only 70 years. But as he contemplated the 2300 days/years of Daniel 8:14 he could not reconcile what he was shown with Jeremiah’s prophecy. In answer to his prayer recorded in Daniel 9, the angel Gabriel was sent to explain the previous vision and give the prophet “skill and understanding.” This indicates that Daniel initially misinterpreted or misunderstood part of his Daniel 8 vision.The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1
Ms 2, 1849
Then my attending angel11
As with the interpreting angels who appeared in the visions of Ezekiel (Eze. 40-48), Daniel (Dan. 8-10), Zechariah (Zech. 1; 2; 4), and John (Rev. 17; 21; 22), an angel sometimes explained various features of a scene shown Ellen White while in vision. Mention of an interpreting angel is found already in the account of her first vision. Various designations are employed in her writings, such as “attending angel” (first found in this document), “accompanying angel,” and “guide.” In an article from 1875 Ellen White related that the “same person has appeared before me in important dreams to instruct me from time to time during the past twenty-six years.”
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 139, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 139, 1896, par. 3
I am very anxious to get out Testimony No. 34 now. I have secured Eliza’s help. I will undertake that work which ought to have been done years ago. I have things that should come to the people. Time is short. The end of all things is at hand. We are to give more diligent searching to Revelation. Here is a book opened for those who shall live in these last days of time. Daniel and Revelation are the books applicable to us and should be carefully studied and with much prayer. Read the first three verses:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 32, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 3
The book that was sealed was not the book of Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel which related to the last days. The Scripture says, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” [Daniel 12:4.] When the book was opened, the proclamation was made, “Time shall be no longer.” [Revelation 10:6.] The book of Daniel is now unsealed, and the revelation made by Christ to John is to come to all the inhabitants of the earth. By the increase of knowledge a people is to be prepared to stand in the latter days.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 14
All that God has in prophetic history specified to be fulfilled in the past has been, and all that is yet to come in its order will be. Daniel, God’s prophet, stands in his place. John stands in his place. In the Revelation the Lion of the tribe of Judah has opened to the students of prophecy the book of Daniel, and thus is Daniel standing in his place. He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on the very threshold of their fulfillment.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 25
The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this time. There are persons ready to catch up every new idea. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are misinterpreted. These persons do not consider that the truth has been set forth at the appointed time by the very men whom God was leading <to do this special work.> These men followed on step by step in the <very fulfillment> of prophecy, and those who have not had a personal experience in this work are to take the Word of God and believe on “their word” [John 17:20] who have been led by the Lord in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These messages, received and acted upon, are doing their work to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. If we search the Scriptures to confirm the truth God has given His servants for the world, we shall be found proclaiming the first, second, and third angels’ messages.11LtMs, Ms 32, 1896, par. 38
Prophecy has been fulfilling, line upon line. The more firmly we stand under the banner of the third angel’s message, the more clearly shall we understand the prophecy of Daniel, for the Revelation is the supplement of Daniel. The more fully we accept the light presented by the Holy Spirit through the consecrated servants of God, the deeper and surer, even as the eternal throne, will appear the truths of ancient prophecy; we shall be assured that men of God spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Men must themselves be under the influence of the Holy Spirit in order to understand the Spirit’s utterances through the prophets. These messages were given, not for those that uttered the prophecies, but for us who are living amid the scenes of their fulfillment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 176, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 176, 1896, par. 2
I have had to meet many things that required pen labor and voice labor to repress and counteract. Brother John Bell is having a large burden to get out that which he considers very precious matter upon Daniel and Revelation. It is a mixture of truth and error, supposition, and a mass of Scripture misapplied and misinterpreted. And yet he has the greatest assurance that he has great light. But as he had no knowledge of the experience through which we passed in the proclamation of the first and second angels’ messages, he cannot understand that his theories uproot the past leadings of God. This I am now seeking to present to him. For two nights in succession I was awake—one night at half past two o’clock a.m.; the next night at half past one o’clock a.m.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 57, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, par. 4
There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy, but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted.11LtMs, Lt 57, 1896, par. 5
Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men and lay human glory in the dust. God alone is represented as great. In the vision of the prophet He is seen casting down one mighty ruler, and setting up another. He is revealed as the monarch of the universe, about to set up His everlasting kingdom—the Ancient of days, the living God, the Source of all wisdom, the Ruler of the present, the Revealer of the future. Read, and understand how poor, how frail, how short-lived, how erring, how guilty is man <in lifting up his soul unto vanity.>Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 87, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 87, 1896, par. 13
The perils of the last days are upon us, and in our work we are to warn people of the danger they are in. Let not the solemn scenes which prophecy has revealed, be left untouched. If our people were half awake, if they realized the nearness of the events portrayed by John, such a reformation would be made in our churches, that many more would believe our message. We are God’s messengers, and we have not time to lose, for He calls upon us to watch for souls as they that must give account. Advance new principles, and crowd in the clear-cut truth. It will be as a sword working both ways. But do not be too ready to take a controversial attitude. There will be times when we must stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Present the truth as it is in Jesus. Let Daniel speak, let Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. But whatever phase of the subject is presented, uplift Jesus as the center of all hope, “the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” [Revelation 22:16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 29, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 29, 1896, par. 17
Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things. Let discourses be short, spiritual, elevated. Let the preacher be full of the Word of the Lord. Let every man who enters the pulpit know that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth into the heart of him who is teaching the Word, then the application of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admission. Christ will withdraw Himself from those who persist in refusing the heavenly blessings that are so freely offered them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 15, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 15, 1896, par. 18
To us who believe have been committed the oracles of God. The books of Daniel and Revelation are full of matter which concerns every one of us. We should study these books, and let the Lord God of Israel communicate truth to us, so that we may be able to communicate the truth to others who live in these last days. The Lord would have His people learn of Jesus. God forbid that those for whom He has wrought shall become highminded and be left to their own way as was the king of Babylon.11LtMs, Ms 15, 1896, par. 22
In the experience of Nebuchadnezzar is contained a lesson to which we should give heed, lest we fall into temptation. The perils of the last days are upon us, and we should watch and pray, read and heed the lessons that are given us in the books of Daniel and Revelation. In mercy the Lord has wrought in behalf of the Sanitarium, the college and the Review and Herald office. Just as long as those in connection with these institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said, “Them that honor me I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] The Lord manifested Himself to the four Hebrew youth in the courts of Babylon. They were surrounded with temptations on every hand, yet God set a hedge about them in order that they should not be corrupted, because they preserved their simplicity of faith. There is a lesson in this for us.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Ms 31, 1896
11LtMs, Ms 31, 1896, par. 1
I have not been able to sleep since half past one o’clock. I was bearing to Brother John Bell a message which the Lord has given me for him. The peculiar views he holds are a mixture of truth and error. If he had passed through the experience of God’s people as He had led them the last forty years, he would be better prepared to make the correct application of Scripture. The great waymarks of truth, showing us our bearings in prophetic history, are to be carefully guarded, lest they be torn down and replaced with theories that would bring confusion rather than genuine light. I have been cited to the various erroneous theories that have been presented over and over again. Those who advocated these theories presented Scripture quotations, but they misapplied and misinterpreted them. The theories supposed to be correct were incorrect, and yet many thought them the very theories to be brought before the people. The prophecies of Daniel and John are to be diligently studied.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 56, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 56, 1896, par. 10
I cannot write more; I must close. I will have some things sent by next mail. Study Revelation in connection with Daniel, for history will be repeated. We must be true and faithful amid the iniquity that abounds. At no period of time are we in so much danger as when prosperity seems to crown our efforts. Self must be hidden in God. We are living amid the perils of the last days, and many of us are insensible to the perils that threaten our world. We, with all our religious advantages, ought to know far more today than we do know. “Watch therefore,” said Jesus, “for ye know not when the time is. Be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh.” [Mark 13:33; Matthew 24:42, 44.] “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” [Luke 13:3.] The right hand is to be cut off; the right eye is to be plucked out. There is hidden depravity that needs to be carefully considered and uprooted. God help us individually to purify our souls by obeying the truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 59, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, par. 2
Daniel identified himself with Israel’s sins, and confessed their sins as his own. He prayed, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” Yet Gabriel, the heavenly messenger, thrice called him a man greatly beloved. “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin, and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; 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. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of the 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.” [Daniel 9:19-23.]11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, par. 7
It was the Lion of the tribe of Judah who unsealed the book and gave to John the revelation of what should be in these last days. Daniel stood in his lot to bear his testimony, which was sealed until the time of the end, when the first angel’s message should be proclaimed to our world. These matters are of infinite importance in these last days, but while “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried,” “the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand.” [Verse 10.] How true this is. Sin is the transgression of the law of God, and those in the denominational churches who will not accept the light in regard to the law of God, will not understand the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The book of Daniel is unsealed in the revelation to John, and carries us forward to the last scenes of this earth’s history.11LtMs, Lt 59, 1896, par. 22
Today, with my workers, I am preparing the American mail. I am sending copies of testimonies to California, to Africa, and to Melbourne. O that God would give that impression to the human heart that would humble the pride of the human agent! Then the holiness, the meekness of Christ will be manifested. If we persevere in maintaining the likeness of Christ, He will write our names, as He did Daniel’s for his faithfulness, as children of God, “greatly beloved.” [Daniel 9:23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 1, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 1, 1897, par. 1
I am drawn out to address you. I am in great travail of soul for our people. We are living amid the perils of the last days. A superficial faith results in a superficial experience. There is a repentance that needs to be repented of. All genuine experience in religious doctrines will bear the impress of Jehovah. All should see the necessity of understanding the truth for themselves individually. We must each understand the doctrines that have been studied out carefully and prayerfully. It has been revealed to me that there is among our people a great lack of knowledge in regard to the rise and progress of the third angel’s message. There is great need to search the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation, and learn the texts thoroughly, that we may know what is written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 107, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 107, 1897, par. 2
But much ignorance of Scripture prevails, even among those that preach the Word. Well-educated, intelligent men preach at the Word, and around the Word, but they do not touch the inner meaning of the Word. They do not present truth in its genuine simplicity. These men, considering themselves authority, tell their hearers that they cannot understand either Daniel or Revelation. Many ministers make no effort to explain Revelation. They call it an unprofitable book to study. They regard it as a sealed book, because it contains the record of figures and symbols. But the very name that has been given it—“Revelation”—is a denial of this supposition. Revelation is a sealed book, but it is also an opened book. It records marvelous events, that are to take place in the last days of this earth’s history. The teachings of this book are definite, not mystical and unintelligible. In it the same line of prophecy is taken up as in Daniel. Some prophecies God has repeated, this showing that importance must be given to them. The Lord does not repeat things that are of no great consequence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 33, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 3
Christ has given us the truth in Daniel and Revelation. In this age we can see the necessity of drawing men to Christ. This draws them to one another in that confidence, that love, that unity, for which Christ prayed in His last prayer with and for His disciples. This unity was essential for their spiritual growth. This world is a battle field, upon which the powers of good and evil are in ceaseless warfare.12LtMs, Ms 33, 1897, par. 26
Read and become faithful students of the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. The Revelation is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Again this is repeated, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth save he which receiveth it.” [Revelation 1:1-3; 2:11, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 11, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 11, 1897, par. 2
God has chosen a people who are to proclaim the third angel’s message to the world. They are to be a separate and peculiar people in this world of churches who are transgressing His commandments. We have a special work to do to prepare the people for the greatest event the world has ever seen. The books of Daniel and Revelation are of great consequence to us, and should be studied with great earnestness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 21, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 21, 1897, par. 40
Those who make light of the third angel’s message do it because they know little of Daniel or Revelation. They have not read with a determination to find out the meaning by prayer, by study, and by fasting. If they had had the experience of Daniel or of John, they would know that the third angel’s message will go forth unto perfect victory. Those who proclaim that message because they see and believe it will understand that very much is comprehended in it. The third angel is represented as flying through the heavens with a banner on which is inscribed “The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” [Revelation 14:12.] All who will gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their defection, and loyalty from their treason, will triumph with the third angel’s message.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 185, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 185, 1897, par. 1
I am in great travail of soul for our people. We are living in the perils of the last days. A superficial faith results in a superficial experience. There is a repentance that needs to be repented of. All genuine experience in religious doctrines will bear the impress of Jehovah. All should see the necessity of understanding the truth for themselves individually. We must understand the doctrines that have been studied out carefully and prayerfully. It has been revealed to me that there is among our people a great lack of knowledge in regard to the rise and progress of the third angel’s message. There is great need to search the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation, and to learn the texts thoroughly, that we may know what is written.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 69, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 69, 1897, par. 17
The Word of God is the foundation of all true study, and it is a most deplorable thing that it is so poorly understood, and therefore so little appreciated. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.] In Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. The book of Revelation is the complement of the book of Daniel. God foresaw the crime and guiltiness of this world. It came up in review before Him, and in Revelation is declared the completion of the eternal plan.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 141, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 141, 1897, par. 39
Daniel and Revelation must be studied, as well as the other prophecies of the Old and New Testament. Let there be light, yes, light in your dwellings. For this we need to pray. The Holy Spirit, shining upon the sacred page, will open our understanding, that we may know what is truth. We can appropriately say, as said the disciples, when Jesus walked with them on their way to Emmaus after He had risen from the dead. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures. And “they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” [Luke 24:32.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 41, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 41, 1898, par. 5
God has shown His people what is truth. He has opened to them the books of Daniel and Revelation, which set forth the truth for this time. Those who have closed their ears and their understanding to this truth, have imitated the people who in Christ’s day would not receive the light. Evidence may be piled upon evidence, but men’s hearts may be so hardened by the deceitfulness of sin that evidence, though greatly increased, will prove nothing to them, because it is not proof they want, but their own way.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 89, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 89, 1898, par. 5
Daniel and the Revelation should be gotten out in little books and made as simple as possible. This should be given to every church, and to the people scattered everywhere. It is not a money making scheme, but it will bring in means to invest in getting out other books. Elder Haskell has a whole treasure house of precious things, and he should be tenderly cherished, and everything provided for him that will help him in his work. These precious things should be taken down in shorthand, and given to our people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 123, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 123, 1898, par. 7
This is our work. The light that we have upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. All in regard to this matter is not yet understood, and will not be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. “Cry aloud; spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sin.” [Verse 1.] A message is to be given to arouse the churches. Every effort is to be made to give the light not only to our people, but to the world. I have been given light that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are to be printed in small books, with the necessary explanations, and sent all through the world. Our own people need to have the light in clearer lines before them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 180, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 180, 1898, par. 4
We are seeing and feeling that there is much to be done, and may the Lord strengthen and bless us all to do His work intelligently. We need to study the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation more earnestly. The truth we need is revealed in Revelation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 199, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 199, 1898, par. 5
The books of Daniel and Revelation are to be carefully and prayerfully studied. You are to connect with your brethren in presenting before the people all the light you can on these two books. The Lord wants not only your talent of ability; He wants the united talents of those He has commissioned to preach the gospel, so that the best and strongest Scriptural truths shall be linked together and combined as a perfect whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 86, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 86, 1898, par. 22
In the evening Elder Haskell spoke in a very acceptable manner upon Daniel. The theme of his discourse was that the book of Daniel was to be read and understood. Nearly three pounds were contributed at this meeting, making about eight pounds in one day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 132, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26
God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 174, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 174, 1899, par. 8
God desires the light found in the books of Daniel and Revelation to be presented in clear lines. It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests, and the nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their great desire is to make a sensation.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 169, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 169, 1900, par. 2
We must now see that a meetinghouse is built in Maitland. There are a goodly number of souls that have embraced the truth, and a church has been organized; but what bitter opposition is made by the ministers. It is pronounced and strong. Ministers who cannot evade the Bible argument for the Sabbath binding upon the people, talk in their pulpits that the Bible is not all the book it should be. (One said that Daniel should never be a part of the Bible; and other books he mentioned, and the same testimony was borne; and then he said he thought there would be a new Bible, and some of the books now in it would not appear.) Brethren Colcord and Goodheart were present.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 18, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 18, 1900, par. 7
Those who profess to believe the truth are not to separate themselves from the commandment-keeping people of God, as altogether more righteous than those God has appointed to preach His Word, to explain the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation, to give the warnings regarding the law of God and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, the seal of the living God. The Lord declares that the Sabbath is the sign between Him and His people.Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]
MR No. 1303—Heaven and Earth Are Closely Linked; Lessons From Daniel’s Prayer Experience in Daniel 9, 10
MR No. 1303—Heaven and Earth Are Closely Linked; Lessons From Daniel’s Prayer Experience in Daniel 9, 10
18MR 14.2
Daniel identified himself with Israel’s sins, and confessed their sins as his own. He prayed, “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Thine own sake, O my God: for Thy city and Thy people are called by Thy name” [Daniel 9:19]. Yet Gabriel, the heavenly messenger, thrice called him a man greatly beloved. [Verses 20-23, quoted.] Here is a communication direct from heaven to Daniel.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 192, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 192, 1900, par. 8
Brother Woodward is a pleasant, retiring, modest man, his wife a pleasant woman. I do not think they understand much of the truth, but they are eager to learn. I do not think they know what family prayer is. He was a Roman Catholic and has been converted to receive the truth, but knows but very little of the Bible. Sister Peck is teaching them. We commenced at once to have prayers, and meet in the morning on the front piazza and read in course; then in the evening, on back piazza, explain or have a study of the Scriptures. Both seem to be eager to get all the knowledge possible. Evenings they sit up, last Friday evening until eleven o’clock, all so interested in the study of Daniel that they kept no account of time.15LtMs, Lt 192, 1900, par. 13
I have seen nothing of Brother Robinson. We did not attend meeting anywhere on Sabbath but we had meeting in the house. We are certainly doing good missionary work right here and have a great satisfaction in trying to help those souls which need help. We shall continue to do this work, we hope, for time and for eternity. These souls need to be educated. He [Brother Woodward (?)] is anxious to understand Daniel, and Sister Peck sits right down in the evenings and goes over the investigation as a Bible study and it is a great blessing to these dear souls. Now I think I have said enough on these things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 93, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 93, 1900, par. 27
Evening after the Sabbath. This morning I thank the Lord that He has given me some hours of sleep. The first portion of the night I was weary and very nervous. Could not sleep until about midnight. My hip is troublesome unless I have a very easy bed, and it is difficult to find this traveling about. Meetings have been held all day. Brother Robinson spoke in forenoon. They report excellently well. There is quite a number from Hamilton. This afternoon I spoke from Daniel, chapters nine and ten, showing the work of the ministering angels who came to Daniel to give him in vision the communication from God that he had not fasted and afflicted his soul and prayed most earnestly in tears and with confession and humiliation for naught. He was told his prayer was heard. Daniel, chapters 9, 10.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 16, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 2
In the past, teachers have declared Daniel and the Revelation to be sealed books, and the people have turned from them. The veil whose apparent mystery has kept many from lifting it, God’s own hand has withdrawn from these portions of His Word. The very name, “Revelation,” contradicts the statement that it is a sealed book. Revelation means that something of importance is revealed. The truths of this book are addressed to those living in these last days. We are standing with the veil removed in the holy place of sacred things. We are not to stand without. We are to enter, not with careless, irreverent thoughts, not with impetuous footsteps, but with reverence and godly fear. We are nearing the time when the prophecies of the book of revelation are to be fulfilled.15LtMs, Lt 16, 1900, par. 9
When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven, that heart and mind will be impressed in regard to the character all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those “that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” [Revelation 1:3.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 59, 1900
Daniel and Revelation
15LtMs, Ms 59, 1900, par. 23
The books of Daniel and the Revelation are one. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book opened. John heard the mysteries which the thunders uttered, but he was commanded not to write them. The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels’ messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God, most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels’ messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work. This is represented by the Angel standing with one foot on the sea, proclaiming with a most solemn oath that time should be no longer.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 29, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 29, 1900, par. 2
Read the book of Daniel, chapter by chapter, and recognize the spirit that works in those who are under the control of the enemy of God. Many of these are church members, instructed by ministers who are doing just what God told them not to do.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 142, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 142, 1901, par. 2
Will our brethren bear in mind that we are living amid the perils of the last days? Read Revelation in connection with Daniel. Teach these things.—Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, No. 8, p. 24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 224, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 224, 1902, par. 11
I ask men here in this congregation, What are you worshiping? Are you converted? Do you profess to believe the truth of Daniel and Revelation? Have you become nearly insane over your own specious theories? Has the living God taken possession of heart, mind, and soul? Have you been critically examining your own life by the Word of God, and has it had its influence to break you from the idolatry and imagery you have framed to make of none effect the Word of the living God?The Great Controversy
Chapter 19—Light Through Darkness
GC 345.1
Christ Himself had sent them forth with the message: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. That message was based on the prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine weeks were declared by the angel to extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and with high hopes and joyful anticipations the disciples looked forward to the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth.GC 345.2
They preached the message which Christ had committed to them, though they themselves misapprehended its meaning. While their announcement was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did not see, in the next verse of the same chapter, that Messiah was to be cut off. From their very birth their hearts had been set upon the anticipated glory of an earthly empire, and this blinded their understanding alike to the specifications of the prophecy and to the words of Christ.GC 346.4
The announcement which had been made by the disciples in the name of the Lord was in every particular correct, and the events to which it pointed were even then taking place. “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” had been their message. At the expiration of “the time”—the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9, which were to extend to the Messiah, “the Anointed One”—Christ had received the anointing of the Spirit after His baptism by John in Jordan. And the “kingdom of God” which they had declared to be at hand was established by the death of Christ. This kingdom was not, as they had been taught to believe, an earthly empire. Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom which shall be set up when “the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;” that everlasting kingdom, in which “all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Daniel 7:27. As used in the Bible, the expression “kingdom of God” is employed to designate both the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory. The kingdom of grace is brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews. After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” the apostle says: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace.” Hebrews 4:15, 16. The throne of grace represents the kingdom of grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a kingdom. In many of His parables Christ uses the expression “the kingdom of heaven” to designate the work of divine grace upon the hearts of men.GC 351.1
The experience of the disciples who preached the “gospel of the kingdom” at the first advent of Christ, had its counterpart in the experience of those who proclaimed the message of His second advent. As the disciples went out preaching, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand,” so Miller and his associates proclaimed that the longest and last prophetic period brought to view in the Bible was about to expire, that the judgment was at hand, and the everlasting kingdom was to be ushered in. The preaching of the disciples in regard to time was based on the seventy weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by Miller and his associates announced the termination of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, of which the seventy weeks form a part. The preaching of each was based upon the fulfillment of a different portion of the same great prophetic period.GC 352.3
Those who proclaimed this warning gave the right message at the right time. But as the early disciples declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand,“ based on the prophecy of Daniel 9, while they failed to perceive that the death of the Messiah was foretold in the same scripture, so Miller and his associates preached the message based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation 14:7, and failed to see that there were still other messages brought to view in Revelation 14, which were also to be given before the advent of the Lord. As the disciples were mistaken in regard to the kingdom to be set up at the end of the seventy weeks, so Adventists were mistaken in regard to the event to take place at the expiration of the 2300 days. In both cases there was an acceptance of, or rather an adherence to, popular errors that blinded the mind to the truth. Both classes fulfilled the will of God in delivering the message which He desired to be given, and both, through their own misapprehension of their message, suffered disappointment.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 223, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 223, 1902, par. 11
I have been deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that we are to pass through severe trials. Everyone’s faith will be tested. We must study carefully the old waymarks. These experiences in the past are to be revived. Daniel is to stand out conspicuously with the Revelation given to John on the Isle of Patmos.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 170, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 170, 1902, par. 16
We need to study Revelation in connection with Daniel. Both of these books are to be carefully and prayerfully studied, and as we study them, we are to pray that their importance may be impressed on our hearts by the Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 231, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 231, 1902, par. 41
Publications; I have seen that one should be on Daniel and Revelation, published right together, making scarcely any remarks or explanations, or but very few. That has been shown me for years. And they should be sold to those whom you can sell them to, and give them away to those whom you cannot sell them to.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 165, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 20
We do not dwell sufficiently upon the Revelation and the book of Daniel. These books should be published together in pamphlet form, with a few explanations added, and they should be circulated everywhere. The words of inspiration will do their appointed work; for the Holy Spirit will impress hearts in regard to the prophecies given. In this pamphlet it should be made plain that a revelation is not a mystery which cannot be understood, but rather a mystery revealed. These two books may be prepared for publication in a pamphlet bound inexpensively, costing but a trifle, and small enough to be carried in the pocket. Printed together, the books of Daniel and the Revelation will speak to the people and tell their own story.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 1, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 1, 1903, par. 4
The books of Daniel and the Revelation should be bound together and published. A few explanations of certain portions might be added, but I am not sure that these would be needed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 263, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 263, 1903, par. 27
A sad and alarming chapter in our experience has for years been opening before us, and much of its record needs to be blotted out with the blood of redeeming love. There are some who are betraying the truth and betraying their Saviour. Let them dismiss from their minds the theories of the great deceiver. Let them humble their hearts before God. Let them fix their minds on the science of truth contained in His Word. In the books of Daniel and the Revelation they will find truths to understand which will tax the mind to the utmost.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 203, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 203, 1903, par. 12
“The prayer recorded in the ninth chapter of Daniel was offered by one who had long been in the service of God, and who had received the commendation of God. Yet Daniel appeared before God as a sinner, pleading the great need of the people he loved. His prayer is eloquent in its simplicity; for he was intensely in earnest. Read this prayer, and then ask the Lord to indite your prayers. Ask Him to help you to pray with Christlike fervor. With humility and contrition confess your mistakes and errors, and repent before God. Oh, your prayers mean very little; for they are cold and lifeless. You have not a personal acquaintance with Jesus of Nazareth. How can you, then, bring light and power and grace and righteousness into your work for Him?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 38, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 38, 1905, par. 15
Oh, how solemn and important is the work entrusted to us. How far-reaching this work is in its results! How are we to obtain the strength and wisdom necessary for its successful accomplishment? As Daniel sought the Lord, so we are to seek Him. Daniel declares, “I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” [Daniel 9:3.] We are to seek the Lord in humility and contrition, confessing our sins, and coming into close unity with one another. Brethren and sisters, pray, pray for your own sake and for the sake of others. Read and study the ninth chapter of Daniel. “O Lord, hear,” the prophet prayed; “O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Thine own sake, O my God; for Thy city and Thy people are called by Thy name.” [Verse 19.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 351, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 351, 1905, par. 10
He believes straight present truth. There is not one thread of spiritualistic science which would take the world in its deceivings. It is solemn, serious truth which is before the people, the truth of the first, second, and third angels’ messages, linking Daniel and Revelation together. And the grasp he has of the people is marvelous. The Lord has put His Spirit into the mind, heart, and soul of Brother Simpson. He is firm upon the testimonies. This work should be taken up in every city now without delay.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 372, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 372, 1906, par. 6
For several weeks, meetings have been held in Oakland in a large tent pitched close by the post office. Elder Simpson has had wonderful success in this series of meetings. His method has been to make Scripture explain Scripture; and the Holy Spirit has convinced many hearts of the truth. The people cannot but accept a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The beasts used as symbols in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation he has presented before the people in life-size images, and this has impressed the people strongly. He has lectured only in the evening, when men are released from their work and can come out to hear. After a few weeks of labor he presented the Sabbath, again making the Bible prove every statement.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 350, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 350, 1906, par. 6
He has large life-like representations of the beasts and symbols in Daniel and the Revelation, and these are brought forward at the proper time to illustrate his remarks. Not one careless or unnecessary word escapes his lips. He speaks forcibly and solemnly. Many of his hearers have never before heard discourses of so solemn a nature. They manifest no spirit of levity, but a solemn awe seems to rest upon them. He takes up a collection only once a week, but he receives sufficient to defray his expenses without being obliged to call upon the conference.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 349, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 349, 1906, par. 10
The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the Bible prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this time of trouble. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 326, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 326, 1906, par. 8
Brother Simpson dwells especially upon the prophecies in the books of Daniel and the Revelation. He has large representations of the beasts spoken of in these books. These beasts are made of papier-mâché, and by an ingenious invention, they may be brought at the proper time before the congregation. Thus he holds the attention of the people, while he preaches the truth to them. Through this effort hundreds will be led to a better understanding of the Bible than they ever had before, and we trust that there will be many conversions. Those who attend his lectures and are not converted must practically reject the Word of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 368, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 368, 1906, par. 3
In presenting before the people the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, Brother Simpson illustrates them by large images of the beasts of these prophecies; and this is creating a wonderful interest. He uses the Bible to prove every statement he makes and tells the people if they have any controversy with the truth he is teaching, their controversy must be with the Bible itself. This method of making the Bible prove the Bible makes a deep impression on the minds of those assembled. The Lord is impressing many minds.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 400, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 400, 1906, par. 9
Brother Simpson’s meetings were largely attended, and the people listened to his words with spellbound interest; the interest continued from first to last. With his Bible in his hand, and basing all his arguments on the Word of God. Brother Simpson traced out before the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. His own words were few; he made the Scriptures themselves explain the truth to the people. After giving them the truth, Elder Simpson would draw an expression of opinion from his congregation. “Now,” he would say, “those who see the truth of what I am saying, raise your hands;” and in response many hands would be raised. I can only poorly represent to you the interest his work has created.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 105, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 105, 1906, par. 5
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared lifelike images of papier-mâché.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 388, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 388, 1906, par. 3
The manner of Elder Simpson’s work reminds me of the efforts that were put forth in 1843 and 1844. He does not make prominent his own words, but reads the Bible, explaining one Scripture by another. He dwells largely on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation and uses many illustrations and suitable figures to impress the truth. To represent the beasts of Daniel and Revelation, he has prepared life-like images of papier-mâché.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 6, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 6, 1907, par. 9
May the Lord help you to understand His Word. If you will heed and practice this Word, you will become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Let our ministers and teachers seek knowledge from the one true source. Let them seek the Lord with much prayer, earnestly searching His Word to find the hidden treasure. Now, just now, is the golden opportunity to understand the truths of the Word, and let this opportunity be improved by all. Let the book of Daniel be read and its instruction heeded.Daniel 9:2
From Splendor to Shadow
The Time Prophecy Unfolds
SS 287.1
The prophecies of Jeremiah were so plain that he understood “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.” Daniel 9:2.Daniel 9:2-25
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 138, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 27
“Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. ... Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore thy curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses, the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. ... O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain; because for our sins and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and all thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.” [Daniel 9:2-6, 11, 16.]14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 28
“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O Lord my God; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” [Verses 18, 19.]14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 29
The spirit of intercession was upon Daniel, and he laid hold of the throne of infinite power, praying earnestly for the restoration of Jerusalem. All heaven was interested in his supplication, and before his prayer was finished, a messenger from the heavenly courts was sent to him. He says, “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.” [Verses 21, 22.]14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 30
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and [to] build Jerusalem, unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and three score and two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” [Verses 24, 25.]Daniel 9:3
In Heavenly Places
The Gracious Invitation, November 17
HP 328.3
Oh, how solemn and important is the work entrusted to us! How far reaching this work is in its results! How are we to obtain strength and wisdom necessary for its successful accomplishment? As Daniel sought the Lord, so we are to seek Him. Daniel declares, “I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” (Daniel 9:3). We are to seek the Lord in humility and contrition, confessing our own sins and coming into close unity with one another....Manuscript Releases, vol. 12 [Nos. 921-999]
MR No. 950—Counsels to Students
12MR 120.2
The Hebrew Captives—“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes” [Daniel 9:3].Homeward Bound
Daniel’s Example in Prayer, May 26
HB 167.1
Then I set my face toward the LORD God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.—Daniel 9:3.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 51, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 51, 1898, par. 1
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.” [Daniel 9:3.]Daniel 9:3-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 32, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 32, 1903, par. 17
Listen to Daniel’s confession. The Lord had spoken of him as a man greatly beloved of God; and yet what does Daniel say?—“I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments: neither have we hearkened unto Thy servants the prophets, which spake in Thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.” [Daniel 9:3-6.]Daniel 9:3-7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 271, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 271, 1904, par. 12
Daniel was a man greatly beloved of God, but he did not say, “I did not confess.” “I set my face unto the Lord God,” he says, “and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments; neither have we harkened unto Thy servants the prophets, which spake in Thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day.” [Daniel 9:3-7.]Daniel 9:3-18
That I May Know Him
Daniel’s Example of Prayer and Confession, September 22
TMK 271.1
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession. Daniel 9:3, 4.TMK 271.3
Daniel makes no plea on the ground of his own goodness, but he says: “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies” (Daniel 9:18). His intensity of desire makes him earnest and fervent. He continues: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” ...Daniel 9:4-6
The Sanctified Life
Chapter 6—Daniel’s Prayers
SL 46.1
As the time approached for the close of the seventy years’ captivity, Daniel’s mind became greatly exercised upon the prophecies of Jeremiah. He saw that the time was at hand when God would give His chosen people another trial; and with fasting, humiliation, and prayer, he importuned the God of heaven in behalf of Israel, in these words: “Oh Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments; neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land” (Daniel 9:4-6).Daniel 9:4-19
Prayer
Daniel
Pr 145.3
Earnestness and Fervor Characterized Daniel’s Prayers—As the time approached for the close of the seventy years’ captivity, Daniel’s mind became greatly exercised upon the prophecies of Jeremiah. He saw that the time was at hand when God would give His chosen people another trial; and with fasting, humiliation, and prayer, he importuned the God of heaven in behalf of Israel, in these words: “O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments; neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land” (Daniel 9:4-6).Pr 146.3
“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not; for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (verses 18, 19).Pr 147.1
The man of God was praying for the blessing of Heaven upon his people and for a clearer knowledge of the divine will. The burden of his heart was for Israel, who were not, in the strictest sense, keeping the law of God. He acknowledges that all their misfortunes have come upon them in consequence of their transgressions of that holy law. He says, “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.... Because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us” (verses 15, 16). The Jews had lost their peculiar, holy character as God’s chosen people. “Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate” (verse 17). Daniel’s heart turns with intense longing to the desolate sanctuary of God. He knows that its prosperity can be restored only as Israel shall repent of their transgressions of God’s law, and become humble, faithful, and obedient.Daniel 9:4-20
Ye Shall Receive Power
Humility, March 29
YRP 97.1
And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments. Daniel 9:4, 5.YRP 97.3
Instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies” (Daniel 9:18). “We have sinned, we have done wickedly” (verse 15). And “for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach” (verse 16).YRP 97.4
He declares, “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people” (verse 20). And when at a later time the Son of God appeared in answer to his prayers to give him instruction, he declares, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength” (Daniel 10:8).Daniel 9:5
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Hearing and Doing Sermon at Santa Rosa, California Sabbath, March 7, 1885 Text: Matthew 7:22-28
1SAT 21.3
Daniel was a man to whom God had given great skill and learning, and when he fasted the angel came to him and said, “Thou art greatly beloved.” And he fell prostrate before the angel. He did not say, Lord, I have been very faithful to you and I have done everything to honor you and defend Your Word and name. Lord, You know how faithful I was at the king’s table, and how I maintained my integrity when they cast me into the den of lions.” Was that the way Daniel prayed to God? No; he prayed and confessed his sins. He said, “Hear O Lord, and deliver; we have departed from Thy Word and sinned.” (See Daniel 9:5) And when he saw the angel, he said, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption” (Daniel 10:8). He could not look upon the angel’s face, and he had no strength; it was all gone. So the angel came to him and set him upon his knees, but he could not behold him. And then the angel came to him with the appearance of a man. Then he could bear the sight.Daniel 9:5-17
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 5, 1885
4LtMs, Ms 5, 1885, par. 24
Daniel was a man to whom God had given great skill and learning, and when he fasted the angel came to him and said, “Thou art greatly beloved.” And he fell prostrate before the angel. [Daniel 10:11, 15.] He did not say, “Lord, I have been very faithful to [You], and I have done everything to honor You and defend Your Word and name. Lord, You know how faithful I was at the king’s table, and how I maintained my integrity when they cast me into the den of lions.” Was that the way Daniel prayed to God? No; he prayed and confessed his sins, and said, “Hear O Lord, and deliver; we have departed from Thy Word and have sinned.” [Daniel 9:5, 8, 11, 15-17.] And when he saw the angel, he said, “My comeliness was turned into corruption.” [Daniel 10:8.] He could not look upon the angel’s face, and he had no strength; [it] was all gone. So the angel came to him and set him upon his knees. He could not behold him then; and then the angel came to him with the appearance of a man. Then he could bear the sight.Daniel 9:7
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 196, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 196, 1903, par. 4
The language of our hearts should be: “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, but unto us” who have departed from Thy counsel “confusion of faces.” [Daniel 9:7.] What answer can we render to Thee? and how shall we be justified before Thee? We will return unto Thee; for Thy hand is stretched forth to help the penitent, who seek Thee with the whole heart. For Thy mercy’s sake, Thou hearest their cries.Daniel 9:9
With God at Dawn
Only God Can Forgive, August 13
WGD 227.1
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him. Daniel 9:9.Daniel 9:13
Manuscript Releases, vol. 9 [Nos. 664-770]
MR No. 763—Ellen White and the Church in Adelaide, South Australia
9MR 365.3
Of Christ it is said that He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. His human nature did not yield to the suggestions of Satan on a single point. And, if the Lord Jesus has overcome the temptations of Satan, every son and daughter of Adam may overcome. But there is only one way in which any of us can do this. It is to obey His voice. Let all carefully read the prayer of Daniel: “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth” (Daniel 9:13). This has been our deficiency. The Word has not been a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. But this it should be, for the Lord, He is God.—Letter 3, 1897, pp. 9-11. (To the Brethren and Sisters in Adelaide, May 6, 1897.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 3, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 3, 1897, par. 27
Of Christ it is said that He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. His human nature did not yield to the suggestions of Satan on a single point. And if the Lord Jesus has overcome the temptations of Satan, every son and daughter of Adam may overcome. But there is only one way in which any of us can do this. It is to obey His voice. Let all carefully read the prayer of Daniel: “As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand thy truth.” [Daniel 9:13.] This has been our deficiency. The Word has not been a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. But thus it should be, for the Lord, He is God.Daniel 9:15-18
Reflecting Christ
The Truly Sanctified Feel Unworthy, March 18
RC 91.1
We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. Daniel 9:18.RC 91.3
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly” (chap. 9:18, 15)....Daniel 9:15-19
The Sanctified Life
Earnestness and Fervor
SL 47.2
“Oh my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name; for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. Oh Lord, hear; Oh Lord, forgive; Oh Lord, hearken and do; defer not; for thine own sake, Oh my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (verses 18, 19).SL 47.3
The man of God was praying for the blessing of Heaven upon his people and for a clearer knowledge of the divine will. The burden of his heart was for Israel, who were not, in the strictest sense, keeping the law of God. He acknowledges that all their misfortunes have come upon them in consequence of their transgressions of that holy law. He says, “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.... Because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us” (verses 15, 16). The Jews had lost their peculiar, holy character as God’s chosen people. “Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate” (verse 17). Daniel’s heart turns with intense longing to the desolate sanctuary of God. He knows that its prosperity can be restored only as Israel shall repent of their transgressions of God’s law, and become humble, faithful, and obedient.Daniel 9:15-20
Maranatha
No Room for Boasting, August 15
Mar 235.3
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares: “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.... “(Daniel 9:18, 15, 20).The Great Controversy
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC 470.3
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousness, but for Thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares: “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.” And when at a later time the Son of God appeared, to give him instruction, Daniel says: “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 27—Modern Revivals
GC88 470.3
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” [Daniel 10:11.] of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares, “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.” And when at a later time the Son of God appeared, to give him instruction, he declares, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” [Daniel 9:18, 15, 20; 10:8.]A New Life (Revival and Beyond)
No Room for Boasting
NL 14.4
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares: “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people....” (Daniel 9:18, 15, 20).From Here to Forever
Only Through Faith
HF 290.4
Those who experience Bible sanctification will manifest humility. They see their own unworthiness in contrast with the perfection of the Infinite One. The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. Instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people. Daniel 10:11; 9:15, 18, 20; 10:8, 11.True Revival
No Room for Boasting
TR 23.4
The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11) of Heaven. Yet instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” He declares: “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people. ...” (Daniel 9:18, 15, 20).The Great Hope (Condensed)
Only Through Faith
GrH_c 27.7
Those who experience Bible sanctification will manifest humility. They see their own unworthiness in contrast with the perfection of the Infinite One. The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. Instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people. Daniel 10:11; 9:15, 18, 20; 10:8, 11.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
4SP 301.1
Spurious sanctification carries with it a boastful, self-righteous spirit which is foreign to the religion of the Bible. Meekness and humility are the fruits of the Spirit. The prophet Daniel was an example of true sanctification. His long life was filled up with noble service for his Master. He was a man “greatly beloved” [Daniel 10:11.] of Heaven, and was granted such honors as have rarely been vouchsafed to mortals. Yet his purity of character and unwavering fidelity were equaled only by his humility and contrition. Instead of claiming to be pure and holy, this honored prophet identified himself with the really sinful of Israel, as he pleaded before God in behalf of his people: “We do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.” “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” And “for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach.” He declares, “I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people.” [Daniel 9:18, 15, 16, 20.] And when at a later time the Son of God appeared in answer to his prayers to give him instruction, he declares, “My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” [Daniel 10:8.]Daniel 9:19
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Consecration to the Work
GW92 35.3
There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” “I have longed after thy precepts;” “I have longed for thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments.” [Psalm 42:1; 119:40, 174; 84:2; 119:20.] This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist. Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God.” [Daniel 9:19.] This is what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said, “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly.” [Luke 22:44.] In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip-service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.Ye Shall Receive Power
A Prayer in Behalf of God’s People, October 31
YRP 313.1
O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. Daniel 9:19.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 45, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 45, 1897, par. 17
In the prayer of Daniel, the one who would not be filled with exaltation and pride, although assured that he was greatly beloved of God, every word reveals the longing of the soul after God. His wisdom is longed for. Daniel’s prayer is urgent, it will not admit of denial or delay. “O Lord, hear,” he said, “O Lord forgive, O Lord hearken and do; defer not, for thy name’s sake, O my God.” [Daniel 9:19.]Daniel 9:21
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White
Restored in the Last Days
CET 243.5
Therefore it is the prophets who have “the testimony of Jesus;” and the angel who appeared to John is evidently the special messenger who conveys instruction to all the prophets,—doubtless the angel Gabriel, who is mentioned as having appeared to Daniel. See Daniel 8:16; 9:21. The same angel further said to John, “the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.Daniel 9:22-27
Early Writings
The Reckoning of the Prophetic Periods
EW x.2
“Yet God had bidden His messenger, ‘make this man to understand the vision.’ That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying, ‘I am now comeforth to give thee skill and understanding;’ ‘therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.’ [Daniel 9:22, 23, 25-27.] There was one important point in the vision of chapter eight which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time,—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time:The Great Controversy
Chapter 18—An American Reformer
GC 323.2
“Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind,” he says, “was the chronology of the Scriptures.... I found that predicted events, which had been fulfilled in the past, often occurred within a given time. The one hundred and twenty years to the flood (Genesis 6:3); the seven days that were to precede it, with forty days of predicted rain (Genesis 7:4); the four hundred years of the sojourn of Abraham’s seed (Genesis 15:13); the three days of the butler’s and baker’s dreams (Genesis 40:12-20); the seven years of Pharaoh’s (Genesis 41:28-54); the forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34); the three and a half years of famine (1 Kings 17:1) [see Luke 4:25;] ... the seventy years’ captivity (Jeremiah 25:11); Nebuchadnezzar’s seven times (Daniel 4:13-16); and the seven weeks, threescore and two weeks, and the one week, making seventy weeks, determined upon the Jews (Daniel 9:24-27),—the events limited by these times were all once only a matter of prophecy, and were fulfilled in accordance with the predictions.”—Bliss, pages 74, 75.GC 325.2
Yet God had bidden His messenger: “Make this man to understand the vision.” That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying: “I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding;” “therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Daniel 8:27, 16; 9:22, 23, 25-27. There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time:The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 18—An American Reformer
GC88 323.2
“Another evidence that vitally affected my mind,” he says, “was the chronology of the Scriptures. I found that predicted events, which had been fulfilled in the past, often occurred within a given time. The one hundred and twenty years to the flood, Genesis 6:3; the seven days that were to precede it, with forty days of predicted rain, Genesis 7:4; the four hundred years of the sojourn of Abraham’s seed, Genesis 15:13; the three days of the butler’s and baker’s dreams, Genesis 40:12-20; the seven years of Pharaoh’s, Genesis 41:28-54; the forty years in the wilderness, Numbers 14:34; the three and a half years of famine, 1 Kings 17:1; [See Luke 4:25.] the seventy years’ captivity, Jeremiah 25:11; Nebuchadnezzar’s seven times, Daniel 4:13-16; and the seven weeks, threescore and two weeks, and the one week, making seventy weeks, determined upon the Jews, Daniel 9:24-27; the events limited by these times were all once only a matter of prophecy, and were fulfilled in accordance with the predictions.”GC88 325.2
Yet God had bidden his messenger, “Make this man to understand the vision.” That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying, “I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding;” “therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” [Daniel 9:22, 23, 25-27.] There was only one point in the vision of chapter eight which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time,—the period of the 2300 days; therefore, the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells exclusively upon the subject of time:—Christ in His Sanctuary
The Prophecy of Daniel 8:14
CIHS 82.1
Yet God had bidden His messenger: “Make this man to understand the vision.” That commission must be fulfilled. In obedience to it, the angel, some time afterward, returned to Daniel, saying: “I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding:” “therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Daniel 8:27, 16; 9:22, 23, 25-27. There was one important point in the vision of chapter 8 which had been left unexplained, namely, that relating to time—the period of the 2300 days; therefore the angel, in resuming his explanation, dwells chiefly upon the subject of time:From Here to Forever
Discovering the Prophetic Timetable
HF 204.1
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city. ... Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: ... And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 8:16; 9:22, 23, 24-27.Daniel 9:23
Ye Shall Receive Power
Reasons for the Gift: To Define Truth, August 12
YRP 233.1
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. Daniel 9:23.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 15, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 15, 1899, par. 14
The work of Christ is to restore the moral image of God in man. The Lord purposed what Daniel should be, and Daniel gave himself up, with all his God-given energies, to work out the plan of his Creator. He was quite young, only about sixteen years old, when he was brought to Babylon. It was not his choice to serve in these courts, to be exposed to all the profligacy, the gluttony, and the spendthrift habits of that heathen nation. But he set his heart to serve the Lord there. In his character-building he co-operated with God. He stood under Christ’s banner as a loyal subject of the heavenly King. He was a man whom God called “greatly beloved.” [Daniel 9:23.]Daniel 9:24
Selected Messages Book 1
Chapter 62—Justified by Faith
1SM 396.1
In the prophecy of Daniel it was recorded of Christ that He shall “make reconciliation for iniquity, and ... bring in everlasting righteousness” (Daniel 9:24). Every soul may say: “By His perfect obedience He has satisfied the claims of the law, and my only hope is found in looking to Him as my substitute and surety, who obeyed the law perfectly for me. By faith in His merits I am free from the condemnation of the law. He clothes me with His righteousness, which answers all the demands of the law. I am complete in Him who brings in everlasting righteousness. He presents me to God in the spotless garment of which no thread was woven by any human agent. All is of Christ, and all the glory, honor, and majesty are to be given to the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.”From Splendor to Shadow
The Important Work: Deliverance From Sin
SS 359.3
The time of the first advent was made known to Daniel. “Seventy weeks,” said the angel, “are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel 9:24.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)
Ms 89, 1886
4LtMs, Ms 89, 1886, par. 7
Is Satan’s object then gained? Can man after all be saved in continual transgression of God’s law? Christ came not to perpetuate sin but to make an end of sin; “to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and the prophecy, and to anoint the most holy” [Daniel 9:24].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 25, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 25, 1892, par. 25
The physicians need to be learners as well as instructors. They are in a world where every form of vice and sin is fashionable. All who believe in Jesus should join in the work of reform, yoke up with Christ, and put an end to sin. Christ’s work was “to make an end to sins” and “to bring in everlasting righteousness.” [Daniel 9:24.] No human science or philosophy can establish a people in the way of virtue. This is a work demanding divine agency, even that “wisdom that is from above,” which “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” [James 3:17, 18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Ms 112, 1894
9LtMs, Ms 112, 1894, par. 2
Is Satan’s object then gained? Can man after all be saved in continual transgression of God’s law? Christ came not to perpetuate sin but to make an end of sin; “to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and the prophecy, and to anoint the most holy” [Daniel 9:24].Daniel 9:24-27
From Heaven With Love
Prophet Daniel Foretold Christ’s Ministry
HLv 147.2
The burden of Christ’s preaching was, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15. The gospel message as given by the Saviour was based on the prophecies. The “time” which He declared fulfilled was the period made known to Daniel. “Seventy weeks,” said the angel Gabriel, “are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.” Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or 490 days, represent 490 years.HLv 147.3
A starting point for this period is given: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,” sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. Daniel 9:25.HLv 148.1
Then, said the angel, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].” For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. “In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.Prophets and Kings
Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer
PK 698.1
The time of the first advent and of some of the chief events clustering about the Saviour’s lifework was made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. “Seventy weeks,” said the angel, “are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.” Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” (Daniel 9:25), sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus, went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. See Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled.” Mark 1:15.PK 699.1
Then, said the angel, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].” For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. “In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.The Desire of Ages
Chapter 23—“The Kingdom of God Is at Hand”
DA 233.1
The burden of Christ’s preaching was, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Thus the gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The “time” which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. “Seventy weeks,” said the angel, “are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.” Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,” sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. Daniel 9:25. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of B. C. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A. D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A. D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed. “The time is fulfilled.”DA 233.2
Then, said the angel, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].” For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself; and afterward by the apostles. “In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A. D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Appendix
4SP 493.1
Note 1. Page 206.—William Miller’s views as to the exact time of the second advent were based on the prophecy of Daniel 8:14: “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” That a day in symbolic prophecy represents a year, see Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. As the period of 2300 prophetic days, or literal years, extended far beyond the close of the Jewish dispensation, it could not refer to the sanctuary of that dispensation. Mr. Miller held the generally received view that in the Christian age the Earth is the sanctuary, and hence concluded that the cleansing of the sanctuary brought to view in Daniel 8:14 represented the purification of the earth by fire at the second coming of Christ. The point from which to reckon the 2300 days is found in Daniel 9:24-27, which is an explanation of the vision of chapter 8. It is stated that 70 weeks, or 490 years, are determined, literally, cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. The only period from which the 70 weeks could be cut off is the 2300 days, that being the only period of time mentioned in the vision of chapter 8. The 70 weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The 70 weeks are declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If, then, we can correctly locate this commandment, we have the starting-point for the great period of the 2300 days. The Bible furnishes us with four tests by which we may determine when the true date is found:—4SP 493.2
1. From the time the commandment was given, 49 years were to witness the completion of the street and wall of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:25.4SP 494.1
3. Sixty-nine and a half weeks were to extend to the crucifixion,—the cessation of sacrifice and oblation in the midst of the week. Verse 27.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 63—Jesus Acclaimed as Israel’s King
HLv 386.5
Daniel will tell you: He is the Messiah (“the Anointed One”). See Daniel 9:24-27.Christ in His Sanctuary
The Impact of Bible Chronology
CIHS 79.1
“Another kind of evidence that vitally affected my mind,” he says, “was the chronology of the Scriptures. ... I found that predicted events, which had been fulfilled in the past, often occurred within a given time. The one hundred and twenty years to the flood (Genesis 6:3); the seven days that were to precede it, with forty days of predicted rain (Genesis 7:4); the four hundred years of the sojourn of Abraham’s seed (Genesis 15:13); the three days of the butlers and baker’s dreams (Genesis 40:12-20); the seven years of Pharaoh’s (Genesis 41:28-54); the forty years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:34); the three and a half years of famine (1 Kings 17:1) [see Luke 4:25;]...the seventy years’ captivity (Jeremiah 25:11); Nebuchadnezzar’s seven times (Daniel 4:13-16); and the seven weeks, threescore and two weeks, and the one week, making seventy weeks, determined upon the Jews (Daniel 9:24-27),—the events limited by these times were all once only a matter of prophecy, and were fulfilled in accordance with the predictions.”—Bliss, pages 74, 75.Daniel 9:25
God’s Amazing Grace
The Message of the First Advent, January 4
AG 12.3
The gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The “time” which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel.... “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” (Daniel 9:25), sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled.” ...From Here to Forever
A Message Given by Humble Men
HF 194.3
At the time of Christ’s first advent the priests and scribes of the Holy City might have discerned “the signs of the times” and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. Micah designated His birthplace, Daniel, the time of His advent. Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25. The Jewish leaders were without excuse if they did not know. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect.From Splendor to Shadow
Faithful Daniel Identifies Himself With Unfaithful Israel
SS 287.6
Even before the prophet had finished his plea, Gabriel again appeared to him, called his attention to the vision he had seen, and outlined in detail the seventy weeks which were to begin at “the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.” Verse 25.The Great Controversy
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC 313.1
At the time of Christ’s first advent the priests and scribes of the Holy City, to whom were entrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated His birthplace; Daniel specified the time of His advent. Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25. God committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews were building monuments for the slain prophets of God, while by their deference to the great men of earth they were paying homage to the servants of Satan. Absorbed in their ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of heaven.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 17—Heralds of the Morning
GC88 312.2
At the time of Christ’s first advent, the priests and scribes of the holy city, to whom were intrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times, and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated his birthplace; [Micah 5:2.] Daniel specified the time of his advent. [Daniel 9:25.] God had committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews were building monuments for the slain prophets of God, while by their deference to the great men of earth they were paying homage to the servants of Satan. Absorbed in their ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of Heaven.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Chapter 12—God Honors the Humble
4SP 196.3
At the time of Christ’s first advent, the priests and scribes of the holy city, to whom were intrusted the oracles of God, should have discerned the signs of the times, and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated his birthplace; [Micah 5:2.] Daniel specified the time of his advent. [Daniel 9:25.] God had committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; therefore they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect.Daniel 9:25-27
From Splendor to Shadow
The Time of Christ’s First Coming Specified
SS 360.1
A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The 70 weeks, or 490 days, represent 490 years. A starting point for this period is given: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore [sixty] and two weeks” (Daniel 9:25)—69 weeks, or 483 years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. See Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9. From this time, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:27; John 1:33), and soon afterward the message was proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled.” Mark 1:15.SS 360.2
Then, said the angel, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].” For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. “In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent (see Mark 15:38), showing that the time had come for the earthly sacrifice to cease.Maranatha
Study the Subject of the Sanctuary, August 27
Mar 247.3
The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem, went into effect, in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27.... The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”The Faith I Live By
The Signal to Begin, July 21
FLB 208.3
The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27.... The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” 57The Great Controversy, 410.The Great Controversy
Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?
GC 410.1
To accept this conclusion was to renounce the former reckoning of the prophetic periods. The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27. Sixty-nine weeks, the first 483 of the 2300 years, were to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One; and Christ’s baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit, A.D. 27, exactly fulfilled the specification. In the midst of the seventieth week, Messiah was to be cut off. Three and a half years after His baptism, Christ was crucified, in the spring of A.D. 31. The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” All the preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unquestionably fulfilled at the time appointed.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 23—What is the Sanctuary?
GC88 409.3
To accept this conclusion was to renounce the former reckoning of the prophetic periods. The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of A. D. [B. C.] 457. Taking this as the starting-point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27. Sixty-nine weeks, the first 483 of the 2300 years, were to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One; and Christ’s baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit, A. D. 27, exactly fulfilled the specification. In the midst of the seventieth week, Messiah was to be cut off. Three and a half years after his baptism, Christ was crucified, in the spring of A. D. 31. The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of his disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A. D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A. D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” All the preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unquestionably fulfilled at the time appointed. With this reckoning, all was clear and harmonious, except that it was not seen that any event answering to the cleansing of the sanctuary had taken place in 1844. To deny that the days ended at that time was to involve the whole question in confusion, and to renounce positions which had been established by unmistakable fulfillments of prophecy.Christ in His Sanctuary
Integrity of the Prophetic Periods
CIHS 130.2
To accept this conclusion was to renounce the former reckoning of the prophetic periods. The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem went into effect, in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting point, there was perfect harmony in the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel 9:25-27. Sixty-nine weeks, the first 483 of the 2300 years, were to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One; and Christ’s baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit, A.D. 27, exactly fulfilled the specification. In the midst of the seventieth week, Messiah was to be cut off. Three and a half years after His baptism, Christ was crucified, in the spring of A.D. 31. The seventy weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this period the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples, and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel, “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” All the preceding specifications of the prophecy had been unquestionably fulfilled at the time appointed.Daniel 9:26
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 8, 1874
2LtMs, Ms 8, 1874, par. 5
The great King Himself hath made a marriage for His Son. He hath sent forth His servants for many hundred years, saying, Come, for all things are ready. But how little does the world heed the invitation! They make light of it and go their ways to their worldly pursuits and worldly pleasures, the same as they have done for centuries. But the King sendeth forth His armies and destroys those murderers and burns up their city, and we are told in the ninth chapter of Daniel, the 26th verse, that “the people of the Prince that shall come shall destroy the city ...; and the end thereof shall be with a flood.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 78, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 78, 1897, par. 33
Christ warned His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem as well as of the temple. This event was foretold by Daniel. The oblations and sacrifices were no more of value, for type had reached antitype in the one great oblation. And when the great antitypical sacrifice was offered, the veil of the temple was rent in twain. Forty years after Christ uttered His prediction, His words were fulfilled to the letter. In the siege of Jerusalem, it is stated that more than a million people perished, while many were led into captivity.Daniel 9:27
Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3
Spiritual Gifts
3SG 11.1
This promise cannot be restricted to the lifetime of the chosen twelve, nor to the Christians of the first century, for it extends to the end of the world [aion] age. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” to the end of the Christian age. If it be said that the Jewish age is her meant, we reply, that dispensation closed with the death of Christ, forty-two days before this commission was given. We give two passages as proof. Colossians 2:14. “Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” Daniel 9:27. “In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.” This prophecy was fulfilled at the death of the Messiah, in the middle of the last of the seventy weeks. There the Jewish typical sacrifices ceased to be of any virtue, when the great antitypical sacrifice was offered. Christ gave this commission just before His ascension, Mark 16:19, which was at least forty-two days after His crucifixion.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Daniel 9:1-14
Conflict and Courage
Burden-sharing, September 7
CC 256.1
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession. Daniel 9:3, 4.CC 256.2
Burdened in behalf of Israel, Daniel studied anew the prophecies of Jeremiah. They were very plain—so plain that he understood by these testimonies recorded in 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.”CC 256.3
With faith founded on the sure word of prophecy, Daniel pleaded with the Lord for the speedy fulfillment of these promises. He pleaded for the honor of God to be preserved. In his petition he identified himself fully with those who had fallen short of the divine purpose, confessing their sins as his own.10Ibid., 554, 555.CC 256.4
What a prayer was that which came forth from the lips of Daniel! What humbling of soul it reveals! The warmth of heavenly fire was recognized in the words that were going upward to God. Heaven responded to that prayer by sending its messenger to Daniel. In this our day, prayers offered in like manner will prevail with God. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” As in ancient times, when prayer was offered, fire descended from heaven, and consumed the sacrifice upon the altar, so in answer to our prayers, the heavenly fire will come into our souls. The light and power of the Holy Spirit will be ours....CC 256.5
Have not we as great need to call upon God as had Daniel? I address those who believe that we are living in the very last period of this earth’s history. I entreat you to take upon your own souls a burden for our churches, our schools, and our institutions. That God who heard Daniel’s prayer will hear ours when we come to Him in contrition. Our necessities are as urgent, our difficulties are as great, and we need to have the same intensity of purpose, and in faith roll our burden upon the great Burden-bearer. There is need for hearts to be as deeply moved in our time as in the time when Daniel prayed.11The Review and Herald, February 9, 1897.