Sophiee, So you say the important stuff begins in 9:3 and just ignore 9:2? Oy vey!

I am just saying that the Lord responded to the two issues that Daniel PRAYED about - the angel did not speak anything about a 70 year prophecy, but a 490 year prophecy that was in response to the issues that Daniel prayed about. The breakdown in verses 9:25-27 is not about the 70 years, but about 490 years. 49 years to restore Jerusalem, and 434 years added to that, the messiah (anointed) would come. Cyrus was never declared to be God's anointed in regards to a 490 year prophecy - no matter which way you cut it.