The Seventy Weeks of Years

²⁰ While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel,^(A) and presenting my petition before the Lord my God concerning the holy mountain of my God— ²¹ while I was praying, Gabriel,^(B) the man I had seen in the first vision,^(C) reached me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering.^{(D) 22} He gave me this explanation: “Daniel, I’ve come now to give you understanding.^{(E) 23} At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to give it, for you are treasured by God.^[a](F) So consider the message and understand the vision:^(G)

¹² “Don’t be afraid,^(A) Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God,^(B) your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.^(C)