In yesterday’s reading in Daniel, we heard Daniel’s moving prayer. Note that he had been seeking the Lord with limited fasting for 3 weeks. Then the angel Gabriel is again sent with a message for Daniel, who needs to be strengthened in order to hear and understand the message. Note that the phrase ‘anoint the Most Holy Place’ is probably referring to what we read about that our High Priest Jesus did in heaven. We read about that recently in Hebrews. And the seventy sets of seven, or seventy weeks and 62 weeks, are both a difficult translational problem and a prophetic mystery. If we could solve the mystery, then we would know how to translate it.
Yesterday’s chapter was again full of contrasts. Israel is God’s fruitful vine, and he slays the great sea serpent (which pictures Satan) for his vine. But then God also calls Israel a stupid nation and vows that they will not escape the punishment they deserve.
Yesterday we heard how Paul is testing the Corinthians in this issue of giving, and he called on them to remember Christ as they give:
9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
Paul doesn’t want anyone to give beyond their means. And he sends men along which are for two purposes: He wants there to be witnesses to the integrity of how the large gift will be administered. Although it is clear that Paul wants giving to be with joyful hearts and without a feeling of obligation or pressure, he is however putting pressure on the Corinthian church to follow through with what they previously promised.
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