STRENGTHENED BY A MESSENGER FROM GOD;CHAPTER TWELVE

DANIEL'S  keen interest in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose was richly rewarded.  He was given the stirring prophecy of the 70 weeks regarding the time of the Messiah's appearance.  Daniel was also blessed with seeing the faithful remnant of his people return to their homeland.  That occurred in 537 B.C.E., toward the end of "the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia." -Ezra 1:1-4. 

Daniel was not among those who traveled back to the land of Judah. Traveling my have been difficult at his advanced age.  In any case, God still had further service in mind for him in Babylon.  Two years passed.  Then, the account tells us: "In the year of Cyrus the king of Persia there was a matter revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the matter was true, and there was a great military service. And he understood the matter, and had understanding in the thing seen." -Daniel 10:1. 

"The third year of Cyrus" would correspond to 536/535  B.C.E.  More than 80 years had passed since Daniel was brought to Babylon along with the royal offspring and Judah's youths of noble birth.  (Daniel 1:3) If he was in his early teens when he first arrived in Babylon, he would be nearly 100 years of age by  now.  What a marvelous record of faithful service he had!

In spite of his advanced age, however, Daniel's role in Jehovah's service was not over.  Through him, God would yet proclaim a prophetic message having far-reaching significance.  It was to be a prophecy that would reach down to our times and beyond. To prepare Daniel for this further task, Jehovah saw fit to act in his behalf, to strengthen him for the service ahead.

Next time: A CAUSE FOR ANXIETY

From the book: PAT ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999