What is the meaning of Daniel 9:18? Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear “Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear …” (Daniel 9:18) • Daniel speaks directly to “my God,” underscoring a personal covenant relationship (cf. Psalm 18:6; 1 John 5:14). • The request to “incline” God’s ear pictures the Almighty bending down to listen, a common biblical image for His readiness to respond (Psalm 116:1–2). • Though God is omniscient, He invites His people to pray; Daniel responds by believing prayer changes real circumstances (2 Chronicles 6:40). • Daniel’s tone is humble yet confident—he knows God hears and acts in line with His unchanging promises (Numbers 23:19). open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name “… open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name.” • The “city” is Jerusalem, literally lying in ruins after Babylon’s invasion (2 Chronicles 36:19). • By reminding God that Jerusalem “bears Your name,” Daniel appeals to God’s own reputation and covenant purposes (Deuteronomy 12:5; Psalm 79:9). • Scripture repeatedly links God’s honor with His chosen city (1 Kings 11:36; Nehemiah 1:3–4). Daniel trusts that God will act to vindicate His name by restoring what He once dwelt among (Psalm 102:13–16). For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts “For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts …” • Daniel acknowledges Israel’s utter lack of merit. Centuries later Isaiah would say, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6), and Paul echoes, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). • Genuine prayer rests on grace, never on human achievement (Titus 3:5; Luke 18:13–14). • Daniel models repentance: he has already confessed national sin (Daniel 9:4–15) and now disowns any claim to deserve God’s favor. but because of Your great compassion “… but because of Your great compassion.” • God’s “great compassion” (lit. abundant mercy) is a cornerstone of His revealed character: “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious …” (Exodus 34:6). • Divine compassion is steadfast, covenant-keeping love that moves God to forgive and restore (Psalm 103:8–12; Lamentations 3:22–23). • Daniel’s appeal parallels later gospel truth: salvation flows from God’s rich mercy, not human works (Ephesians 2:4–5). • In making God’s compassion the basis of his plea, Daniel affirms that only the Lord’s character—not Israel’s track record—secures hope for renewal. summary Daniel 9:18 teaches that effective prayer anchors itself in God’s character, not in human merit. Daniel urgently asks God to listen and look upon desolate Jerusalem because the city carries God’s name, yet he fully disowns any righteousness of his own. The sole ground for his request—and for ours—is the LORD’s great compassion. God hears, sees, and acts to uphold His glory and to extend mercy to repentant people who trust Him alone. |
    |