What does "Your great compassion" in Daniel 9:18 teach about God's character? Setting the scene Daniel is pleading for a broken, exiled nation. His appeal is not based on Israel’s performance but on God’s own heart. In verse 18 he confesses, “For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our own righteousness, but because of Your great compassion” (Daniel 9:18). The Hebrew behind “great compassion” • “Compassion” translates rachamîm—rooted in the word for a mother’s womb. • It speaks of tender, protective, covenant love. • “Great” (rab) piles on magnitude—overflowing, abundant mercy. What this phrase reveals about God’s character • He is innately merciful. Mercy is not a mood; it is a defining attribute (Exodus 34:6). • His compassion is vast—large enough to answer prayers even after prolonged rebellion. • He acts for His name’s sake. Compassion safeguards His glory by keeping promises despite human failure (Ezekiel 36:22). • He listens. Compassion moves Him to “incline Your ear and hear” (Daniel 9:18). • He sees. Compassion “opens His eyes” to desolation and responds with restorative action (Jeremiah 31:20). How this compassion operates • Overrides merit: “Not…because of our own righteousness” underscores grace. • Moves toward need: God’s heart is drawn to desolation, not repelled by it (Psalm 103:13-14). • Releases forgiveness: Daniel 9 ends with the 70-weeks prophecy, promising ultimate atonement—compassion in plan form (Daniel 9:24). • Fuels covenant faithfulness: The exile did not nullify God’s promises to Abraham and David (Nehemiah 9:31). Parallel scriptural echoes • Psalm 86:15 — “But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God…” • Lamentations 3:22 — “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” • Isaiah 54:7-8 — “With deep compassion I will bring you back.” • Ephesians 2:4-5 — “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive…” Takeaway truths • God’s compassion is bigger than our sin. • Prayer anchored in divine mercy, not human worthiness, is heard. • The same great compassion seen in Daniel ultimately appears in Christ, who embodies and secures it for all who believe (Titus 3:4-5). |
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