9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by {c} books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
(c) For even though he was an excellent Prophet, yet he daily increased in knowledge by the reading of the scriptures.
9:2 By books - By the sacred books.
9:1-3 Daniel learned from the books of the prophets, especially from Jeremiah, that the desolation of Jerusalem would continue seventy years, which were drawing to a close. God's promises are to encourage our prayers, not to make them needless; and when we see the performance of them approaching, we should more earnestly plead them with God.
