What does “being caused to fly swiftly” in Daniel 9:21 mean

Answer: Let’s examine the passage carefully.

Daniel 9:21 :

“Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering.”

The phrase “being caused to fly swiftly” indicates that the angel Gabriel was sent by God with speed and urgency. This is not just a physical act of flying quickly; it symbolizes God’s swift response to Daniel’s prayer. Theologically, it highlights God’s attentiveness to the prayers of His people and His readiness to respond promptly. The angel is portrayed as acting with divine speed, emphasizing that God does not delay in answering His faithful servants. This idea is reinforced by verses like

Isaiah 65:24

“Before they call, I will answer; while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

In this context, “flying swiftly” suggests Gabriel’s role as a messenger, swiftly carrying God’s answers to those in need of divine revelation. This reflects God’s sovereignty and His control over time and space. In Scripture, God’s messengers are often depicted as swift, carrying His will efficiently to His people (see Psalm 103:20, which speaks of angels as “mighty in strength, who do His word”).

We should also consider the theological significance of Gabriel’s role. In the Bible, angels like Gabriel are God’s messengers who communicate His will. In

Luke 1:19 ,

Gabriel identifies himself to

Zechariah: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.”

This emphasizes Gabriel’s authority as a messenger sent directly by God to deliver significant and often life-changing news.

Theologically, Gabriel’s quickness can be understood as a demonstration of God’s urgency in delivering His message of hope and salvation. In the case of Daniel, God was revealing future events that were crucial to His people. For Zechariah and Mary, the messages were about the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan (see Luke 1:26-33).

Gabriel appears in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, during the time of the prophet Daniel, Gabriel was sent to reveal God’s plan for the future, specifically regarding the coming of the Messiah and the end times

(Daniel 8:16-17).

Gabriel’s appearance signifies God’s direct communication with His people and His willingness to reveal His plans for history.

In the New Testament, Gabriel’s role becomes even more prominent as he announces key moments in God’s redemptive plan. To Zechariah, he foretells the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus,

( Luke 1:13-17). Later, Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary, delivering the message of the virgin birth of Jesus, the Son of God (see Luke 1:26-33).

Even today, although Gabriel’s direct appearances are not as frequent, we believe that God still communicates His will to His people through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and His messengers. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ remains central, and God’s responses to our prayers are just as swift, though not always in the way we expect.

Have you received Christ? Jesus is coming again.

Maranatha! (1 Corinthians 16:22)

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