Return of the Exiles
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Nor were these the only prophecies upon which the exiles had
opportunity to base their hope of speedy deliverance. The writings of
Jeremiah were within their reach, and in these was plainly set forth
the length of time that should elapse before the restoration of Israel
from Babylon. “When seventy years are accomplished,” the Lord had
foretold through His messenger, “I will punish the king of Babylon,
and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the
Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.”
Jeremiah 25:12
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Favor would be shown the remnant of Judah, in answer to fervent
prayer. “I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away
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your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from
all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will
bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away
captive.”
Jeremiah 29:14
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Often had Daniel and his companions gone over these and similar
prophecies outlining God’s purpose for His people. And now, as
the rapid course of events betokened the mighty hand of God at work
among the nations, Daniel gave special thought to the promises made to
Israel. His faith in the prophetic word led him to enter into experiences
foretold by the sacred writers. “After seventy years be accomplished
at Babylon,” the Lord had declared, “I will visit you, and perform My
good word toward you, in causing you to return.... I know the thoughts
that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of
evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and
ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye
shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your
heart.”
Verses 10-13
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Shortly before the fall of Babylon, when Daniel was meditating
on these prophecies and seeking God for an understanding of the
times, a series of visions was given him concerning the rise and fall of
kingdoms. With the first vision, as recorded in the seventh chapter of
the book of Daniel, an interpretation was given; yet not all was made
clear to the prophet. “My cogitations much troubled me,” he wrote of
his experience at the time, “and my countenance changed in me: but I
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kept the matter in my heart.”
Daniel 7:28
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Through another vision further light was thrown upon the events of
the future; and it was at the close of this vision that Daniel heard “one
saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which