Daniel and 70 years of Captivity Thru the Bible: Daniel 9:1-23 In this chapter Daniel tells us that he had been studying the book of the prophet Jeremiah in order to determine how many years Israel would remain in Babylonian captivity. upon finding that it would be 70 years, he immediately begins to pray and repent for himself and the nation. For their sins and rebellion. Daniel knew that God had promised that if He had to send His people into any captivity, that if they would seek His face in repentance while there, He would hear and deliver them AFTER the Promised Land had recovered from all the Sabbath years they failed to observe when they were in the land. Daniel realized that their deportation form Jerusalem was accomplished in three separate waves and so which deporting was the date upon which the 70 years began was a matter of some question. Regardless, he sought the Lord, and in sincerity of heart he repented, requesting that they be allowed to return and restore Jerusalem as soon as possible since it was the place where God had chosen to place His great name. Blessings!