The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, February 16, 2026

Daniel Mourning for Three Weeks - Daniel 10:2

In the book of Daniel, Daniel said, “in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision”, and in chapter ten and verse two of his book Daniel shared how he was, “mourning for three full weeks” where we read,

In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks

The verse reads, “In those days I Daniel …” Daniel began with the words, “in those days” or “within those time periods or seasons” “I Daniel" which means “I, Daniel whose name means God is my judge” was doing the following. Daniel shared how he had the following reaction to the “vision” presented to him in “the third year of Cyrus”.

The verse goes on to say, “… was mourning three full weeks” Daniel continued with the words, “was mourning” or “existed as lamenting, sorrowing and grieving for” “three full weeks” which means “three entire and complete weeks of time”. Daniel shared how he was sorrowing and grieving for three entire week long time periods.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he responded to the next “vision” that he saw. Daniel was given a special opportunity to receive not only these spiritual sighting, but also to know what they meant. God blessed Daniel, and He will bless us as well when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days. God wants to forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to provide help and aid when we have extended times of “mourning”.

Next time Daniel shares how he did not eat, drink or anoint himself, “till three whole weeks were fulfilled”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

A Vision in the Third Year of Cyrus - Daniel 10:1

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”, and in chapter ten and verse one of his book Daniel shared what happened, “in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia” where we read,

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

The verse reads, “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar;” Daniel began with the words, “in the third year” or “within the third annual set of days” “of Cyrus" which means “pertaining to Cyrus whose name means possess you the furnace” “king of Persia” or “royal ruler and leader belonging to Persia whose name means pure or splendid which encompassed the territory from India on the east to Egypt and Thrace on the west, and included, besides portions of Europe and Africa, the whole of western Asia between the Black Sea, the Caucasus, the Caspian and the Jaxartes on the north, the Arabian desert, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on the south” “a thing was revealed” which means “a speech, word, matter or business was uncovered, shown and exposed” “unto Daniel” or “to Daniel whose name means God is my judge”, “whose name was called Belteshazzar” which means “that was known by the name of Belteshazzar whose name means lord of the straitened’s treasure”. Daniel shared how he was known as “Belteshazzar” and a matter was shown to him within the third annual set of days of “Cyrus” who was the royal ruler in “Persia”.

The verse continues, “and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” Daniel added the words, “and the thing was true” or “and the speech, word, matter or business existed as firm, faithful, reliable and sure”, “but the time appointed was long” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the period of time or season was great and lengthy”: “and he understood the thing” or “and he, Daniel, discerned, perceived and considered the speech, word, matter or business”, “and had understanding of the vision” which means “and had discernment, knowledge and wisdom pertaining to the mental imagery, appearance and sighting”. Daniel said the “vision” was faithful and sure, however the season for it was lengthy and he discerned both the matter and the mental imagery.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Daniel received another “vision” from God, and this one was within the third annual set of day belonging to “Cyrus” who ruled in “Persia”. Daniel was given discernment into this mental imagery and the matter which it concerned. Daniel’s ministry to Jehovah God continued over many years, and because He desires that we all be involved in His Kingdom, God sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit so we may have discernment and insight into whatever He desires for us as we live a life with the goal of being pleasing in His eyes.

Next time Daniel shares how he was, “mourning for three full weeks”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Confirming the Covenant for One Week - Daniel 9:27

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-seven of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week” where we read,

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The verse reads, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, …” Daniel began with the words, “and he shall confirm the covenant with many” or “and he, the ruler of the restored Roman Empire which is comprised of ten nations will make a prevailing, strong, powerful, mighty and great alliance, treaty and league with a great and numerous amount of people” “for one week" which means “for the length of seven days or years”: “and in the midst of the week” or “and within the middle pertaining to the seven days or years” “he shall cause the sacrifice” which means “he will make the sacred passover and thank offering” “and the oblation to cease” or “and the gift, tribute, offering and sacrifice to desist, rest, be exterminated and destroyed”. Daniel shared how this leader of the reestablished Roman government, the antichrist, will make a powerful alliance with a great number of people for “seven years”, and in the middle of the seven years, he will stop the sacred passover and offerings in the temple.

The verse goes on to say, “… and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Daniel continued with the words, “and for the overspreading of abominations” or “and on behalf of the extremity, border and pinnacle pertaining to detestable things and idols” “he shall make it desolate” which means “he, the ruler of the reestablished Roman government, will cause it, the sacrifice and the oblation, as appalled, stunned, stupefied, ravaged and causing horror”, “even until the consummation” or “indeed and also till the time of the termination, full end, and annihilation”, “and that determined” which means “and which is decided, decreed and sharply pointed” “shall be poured upon the desolate” or “will exist as melted and molten on the appalled, stunned, stupefied, ravaged and causing horror”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the ruler of the newly established Roman government, the antichrist, will cause the extremity of the detestable and sacrilegious things and idols to be set up that will make a desecration until the “fate decreed” is finally “poured out” upon him. (See Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20; Revelation 1:3; 13:18)

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him this leader, the antichrist, will make a treaty with the people of Israel the seven year period, but will then put an end to the “sacrifices and offerings” presented in God’s temple when one-half of the seven years is completed. In their place he will set up sacrilegious idols which will cause horror and be appalling until such time that his decree turns back upon him. When the “seven year” period comes, the antichrist, will be seen as the one who will save Israel, however, when he sets up an idol to himself in the temple, his true identity will be known. (See Daniel 11:36; 12:11) Destruction and devastation will come upon the earth for the next three and one-half years, and then Jesus will return again to bring destructions upon him and all that is evil. God wants all people to be in a personal relationship with Him so they avoid these times, and when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we may live in a manner that does not fall prey to the “antichrist” spirits that rule in this world. (See 1 John 2:28; 4:3)

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Daniel share what happened, “in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Messiah Cut Off - Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

The verse reads, “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:” Daniel began with the words, “and after threescore and two weeks” or “and following the sixty-two weeks or sets of seven years” “shall Messiah be cut off" which means “will the Anointed One will be destroyed, taken away and perished”, “but not for himself” or “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover in no way or manner on behalf of his own self”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him following the sixty-two weeks of years,, the Anointed One would perish, be killed and taken away without appearing to having accomplished anything.

The verse continues, “and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary;” Daniel added the words, “and the people of the prince” or “and the human beings both male and female belonging to the leader, ruler, captain and overseer” “that shall come” which means “who will enter and go in” “shall destroy the city” or “will corrupt, ruin and make decay the dwelling place, habitation and abode” “and the sanctuary” which means “and the set apart, sacred and holy place of God”. Daniel said the human beings who belong to the leader will corrupt and ruin the dwelling place and sacred worship place in Jerusalem.

Finally the verse says, “and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” Daniel concluded this verse with the words, “and the end thereof” which means “and the utmost border and extremity of the city” “shall be with a flood” or “will exist by the means of a downpour, deluge or overflowing”, “and unto the end of the war” which means “and to the utmost border and extremity pertaining to the battle in the sense of engagement and fighting” “desolations are determined” or “appalling, awestruck and desertions exist as decided and decreed”. Daniel ended this verse by sharing how Gabriel told him that the extremity of this time would not only incur a deluge and overflowing of destruction, but also with a battle that includes a decreed time of desertion.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him that following the sixty-two sets of seven years plus the seven years to rebuild Jerusalem (or four hundred and eighty three years) the Anointed One would be put to death without having and appearing not to having accomplished anything. After this the people of the land (the Romans) under their leadership would cause destruction like a flood to come upon the city of Jerusalem and would continue in battle until the borders and extremities were deserted and destroyed. Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey on the day of the “Triumphal entry” on April 6, 32 A.D which was one hundred seventy three thousand eight hundred and eighty days following the decree to rebuild Jerusalem in 445 B.C. (multiply 483 x 360 Babylonian calendar days = 173,880) After that time, Jesus was crucified on the cross for the sins of the world, and He was raised from the dead after three days so all who put their faith and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Rome destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., which fulfilled this prophetic word given to Daniel. God will fulfill His promise of forgiveness of sins, eternal life and the provision of His Holy Spirit who will be with us and lead us all the days of our lives while He cares for the times and events of Jerusalem and the world.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel tells him “and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sixty-Nine Weeks - Daniel 9:25

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-five of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about, “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks” where we read,

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

The verse reads, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince …” Daniel began with the words, “know therefore and understand” or “learn, perceive, find out and discern wherefore, then and on this account and be prudent, circumspect and within insight and wisdom”, “that from the going forth” which means “that proceeding forward and from the time” “of the commandment” or “pertaining to the speech, word, utterance and business” “to restore and build Jerusalem” which means “to turn back, refresh and repair and to establish and cause to continue Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split” “unto the Messiah the Prince” or “to the time of the anointed One, the High Priest leader, ruler, captain and overseer”. Daniel shared how Gabriel wanted him to discern and have insight into following amount of time that was to pass from the command to reestablish “Jerusalem” until the time of the arrival of the anointed High Priest who is the leader and overseer.

The verse goes on to say, “… shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” Daniel continued with the words, “shall be seven weeks” or “will exist as a period of seven days or years”, “and threescore and two weeks” which means “and sixty-two days days or weeks”: “the street shall be built again” or “the broad or open place or plaza will be established, rebuilt and caused to continue”, “and the wall” which means “and the defensive barriers”, “even in troublous times” or “indeed and also within constraining, distressful and anguishing experiences, fortunes, occurrences and occasions”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him sixty nine sets of weeks would pass after the command to rebuild the “street” and “wall” of Jerusalem in distressful times, and then the Anointed One would arrive.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him there would be “sixty nine seven week periods” to pass from the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem before the coming of the Messiah would arrive. We remember that there were “seventy weeks” in total, so this is “seven weeks” shy of that amount. We shall learn more about this in our next few verses, but for now let us consider that this four hundred and eighty-three years was significant to Jehovah God. God knows the future, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit so we will have knowledge and understanding concerning His purpose and plan for our lives.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “and after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Seventy Weeks - Daniel 9:24

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision”, and in chapter nine and verse twenty-four of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel told him, “seventy weeks are determined upon your people” where we read,

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

The verse reads, “Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, …” Daniel began with the words, “seventy weeks” or “seventy periods or periods of seven which may be days or years” “are determined upon your people” which means “are decreed and marked out upon your, Daniel’s, human beings” “and upon your holy city” or “and on your, Daniel’s, sacred and hallowed dwelling place, abode, habitation and town”, “to finish the transgression” which means “to shut up, restrain and complete the time of rebellion and sin”. Daniel shared how Gabriel said there were seventy sevens of years that were decreed upon Daniel’s human beings and city to make an end of the time of rebellion and sin.

The verse continues, “… and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, …” Daniel added the words, “and to make an end of sins” or “and to complete, finish and exhaust errors, wrongs and mistakes”, “and to make reconciliation” which means “and to make atonement, cover, purge and propitiation” “for iniquity” or “on behalf of perversity, depravity and consequence of or punishment for moral evil and wickedness”, “and to bring in” which means “and to enter and be enumerated with” “everlasting righteousness” or “being just and right unto futurity, perpetuity and long duration”. Daniel said Gabriel told him the purpose for the “seventy weeks” was also to cause the finish of errors, mistakes and wrongs, make atonement and on behalf of the errors and wrongs of mankind and to cause perpetual right and just behavior to be among men.

Finally the verse says, “… and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel concluded this verse with the words, “and to seal up” which means “and to lock up and fasten” “the vision and the prophecy” or “the mental imagery, appearance and sighting as well as the and the spoken, declared and proclaimed word ”, “and to anoint” which means “and to smear, spread a liquid over and consecrate” ‘the most Holy” or “the set apart, sacred, separated and hallowed One”. Daniel ended this verse by sharing how Gabriel told him that the “seventy weeks” which were decreed upon the people of Israel and their city was also to lock up and fasten the mental imagery and inspired proclamation as well as to consecrate the sacred, pure and hallowed One.

When we think through Daniel’s words in this verse, we learn through Gabriel that there were seventy sets of seventy years assigned to the people of Israel. This means there are four hundred and ninety years that the people of Israel were specifically given to fulfill God’s will for them. We shall learn more about these years in our next few verses, but for now, let us keep in mind that the eternal God is able to see the past, present and future all in one glance. God knows the times appointed to Israel and to us, and because He desires to live with us forever, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He resurrected Jesus from the dead after three days, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and to be empowered with His Holy Spirit as He teaches us to trust Him with the times of Israel and with our times as well.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel tells him about, “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…