2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Da 9:2.
The book of Daniel contains some pretty interesting prophecy and symbolism. It could easily be confusing to those who approach it without a deep desire to understand God’s design and mystery. It was in fact that same desire in which Daniel approached the writings of Jeremiah the prophet.
In verse 2 of chapter 25 Daniel comes to realize the 70 years of Babylonian captivity was coming to an end according to the revelation of God through Jeremiah. Daniel knew this because he sought God’s wisdom.
When we read God’s word our goal should be to seek His wisdom and guidance. Because of Jesus we have access to God’s ear and through His Spirit we have access to His voice. Prayer and reading go hand in hand. One without the other leaves us with missing pieces of the picture. We have access to the creator of the universe through his written revelation and His spiritual revelation. Prayer urges us to dig into what He has revealed through His chosen people and reading scripture urges us to run to God in prayer to fill in the gaps and answer questions as to His purpose for us as individuals. Prayer and Scripture Reading must work together.