How does Daniel 9:5 define sin and rebellion against God? Setting the Scene Daniel prays on behalf of exiled Israel, openly confessing their collective failure before God. Key Phrase from Daniel 9:5 “We have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled; …” (Daniel 9:5a) Layers of Disobedience Daniel Names • Sinned – missed the mark of God’s holiness (cf. Romans 3:23) • Done wrong – committed specific acts of injustice or guilt • Acted wickedly – behaved with moral corruption, embracing evil motives (Psalm 106:6) • Rebelled – willfully resisted God’s rightful authority (1 Samuel 15:23) • Turned away from commandments and ordinances – deliberate neglect of God’s revealed Word (paraphrased from the verse’s closing phrase) A Comprehensive Definition Taken together, sin and rebellion involve: 1. Personal moral failure (sin, wrongdoing) 2. Heart-level corruption (wickedness) 3. Open defiance of God’s rule (rebellion) 4. Conscious departure from His written standards (turning away) Daniel’s wording shows that sin is never merely accidental; it is active choice against God’s character, commands, and covenant. Scripture Echoes • 1 John 3:4 ties sin to “lawlessness,” reinforcing Daniel’s focus on God’s commandments. • Isaiah 53:6 pictures all humanity “turning to our own way,” mirroring Daniel’s “turned away.” • Psalm 51:1-4 illustrates David using similar layered language—sin, iniquity, transgression—to express total culpability. Why This Matters Today • Recognizing the full range of sin keeps us from minimizing our need for grace. • Daniel models humble, honest confession that aligns with God’s own verdict. • Understanding rebellion as willful resistance helps us repent not just of actions, but attitudes. • Seeing Scripture’s consistency—from Moses to the prophets to the apostles—strengthens confidence that God’s definition of sin has never changed. |
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