What is the meaning of Daniel 9:17? So now, our God • Daniel turns from confessing Israel’s sins (Daniel 9:4–16) to asking for help. • By saying “our God,” he affirms the covenant relationship God established with Israel (Exodus 6:7; Deuteronomy 29:13). • The word “now” shows Daniel’s faith that God’s timing for mercy has arrived, in line with Jeremiah’s seventy-year prophecy (Jeremiah 29:10). • Similar covenant appeals appear in 1 Kings 8:52 and Nehemiah 1:5–6, where other leaders ask God to act because He is their God. hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant • Daniel humbly calls himself “Your servant,” echoing Moses (Numbers 12:7) and David (2 Samuel 7:25). • “Prayers” covers general worship and confession; “petitions” highlights specific requests. Both terms show Daniel’s dependence on God’s mercy (Psalm 130:1–2; 2 Chronicles 6:19). • Scripture promises that God listens to the humble (Psalm 34:15; Isaiah 66:2). Daniel leans on that promise. For Your sake, O Lord • Daniel bases his plea on God’s reputation, not Israel’s worthiness (Psalm 25:11). • God often acts “for His name’s sake” to uphold His holiness (Isaiah 48:9–11; Ezekiel 36:22–23). • This God-centered motive aligns with the model prayer “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). • When believers seek God’s glory first, their requests align with His will (John 14:13). cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary • “Cause Your face to shine” echoes the priestly blessing of favor (Numbers 6:25; Psalm 80:3). • The “desolate sanctuary” refers to the Temple that Babylon destroyed in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:9; Lamentations 2:7). • Daniel asks for visible restoration so that God’s presence and favor return to Jerusalem (Psalm 102:13–16). • God answered this request through Cyrus’s decree allowing the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1:1–4), demonstrating His faithfulness. summary Daniel 9:17 shows a servant who knows God’s covenant love, trusts His readiness to hear, appeals to His glory, and longs for His restoring presence. The verse teaches believers to approach God humbly yet confidently, seeking His honor above all and expecting Him to revive what seems desolate. |
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