20. I was still praying to the Lord, my God, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, presenting my petition concerning the holy mountain of my God—
21. I was still praying, when the man, Gabriel, whom I had seen in vision before, came to me in flight at the time of the evening offering.
22. He instructed me in these words: “Daniel, I have now come to give you understanding.
23. When you began your petition, an answer was given which I have come to announce, because you are beloved. Therefore, mark the answer and understand the vision.
24. “Seventy weeks are decreedfor your people and for your holy city:Then transgression will stop and sin will end,guilt will be expiated,Everlasting justice will be introduced,vision and prophecy ratified,and a holy of holies will be anointed.