What is the meaning of Daniel 9:9? To the Lord our God belong Daniel begins by fixing our gaze on God’s ownership of all things—including mercy itself. When we say something “belongs” to Him, we’re confessing His absolute sovereignty and inexhaustible resources. • Scripture repeatedly points to this ownership. “To You, O LORD, belong greatness and power… for everything in heaven and on earth is Yours” (1 Chronicles 29:11). • “Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it” (Deuteronomy 10:14). • Because mercy originates with God, we never have to wonder whether He still has any left. His supply cannot be depleted. This opening phrase prepares us to receive what follows: if compassion and forgiveness reside in Him, we can come with full confidence. compassion and forgiveness Daniel pairs two beautiful attributes that flow together: • Compassion—God’s tender-hearted response toward our misery. “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion” (Psalm 103:8). • Forgiveness—His deliberate choice to remove our guilt. “Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity… You do not stay angry forever but delight in loving devotion” (Micah 7:18). Notice these traits operate together. Compassion sees our need; forgiveness solves it. At the cross, both shine. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). The same God who feels for us provides the remedy. even though we have rebelled against Him Daniel does not gloss over sin. Rebellion is active, willful resistance—not a mere mistake. • “All we like sheep have gone astray; each one has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). • “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet it is precisely against this bleak backdrop that grace shines brightest. “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Our rebellion does not cancel God’s mercy; instead, His mercy overcomes our rebellion when we repent and believe. This truth fuels humble confession and confident approach: the door to pardon is open, not because we deserve it, but because He delights to grant it. summary Daniel 9:9 reminds us that mercy is God’s possession, freely offered to rebels who turn back to Him. His limitless sovereignty guarantees the availability of compassion; His character guarantees the certainty of forgiveness. Our sin is real, but His grace is greater. Knowing this, we come honestly, receive lavish pardon, and live in grateful obedience. |
    |