So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant.This phrase reflects Daniel's deep humility and dependence on God. Daniel acknowledges God as "our God," indicating a personal and communal relationship. The use of "hear the prayers and petitions" suggests a plea for divine attention and intervention, emphasizing the importance of prayer in the believer's life. Daniel's role as a servant highlights his submission and dedication to God's will, a theme consistent throughout the book of Daniel. This echoes the prayers of other biblical figures like Solomon (1 Kings 8:28) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:6), who also sought God's attention in times of need. 1Ki 8:28-30 Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant,… For Your sake, O Lord, Daniel appeals to God's own reputation and glory, rather than any merit of the people. This reflects a common biblical theme where God's actions are often for the sake of His name (Ezekiel 36:22). It underscores the idea that God's ultimate purpose is His own glory, and His actions in history are to reveal His character and power. This phrase also connects to the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches to pray for God's name to be hallowed (Matthew 6:9). Psa 25:11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity… cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. The imagery of God's face shining is a metaphor for His favor and presence, reminiscent of the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25. The "desolate sanctuary" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This destruction was a significant event in Jewish history, symbolizing the loss of God's dwelling place among His people. Daniel's plea is for restoration, not just of the physical temple, but of the relationship between God and His people. This request for divine favor and restoration foreshadows the ultimate restoration through Jesus Christ, who is described as the true temple (John 2:19-21) and the light of the world (John 8:12). Num 6:25-26 may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you… Persons / Places / Events 1. DanielA prophet and servant of God, known for his faithfulness and prayer life. He is the one offering this prayer of intercession for his people and the desolate sanctuary. 2. God The sovereign Lord to whom Daniel directs his prayer, seeking His mercy and intervention. 3. The Desolate Sanctuary Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was in ruins at the time due to the Babylonian conquest. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical desolation of Israel. 4. Babylonian Exile The historical context of Daniel's prayer, where the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, longing for restoration. 5. Jerusalem The city where the temple was located, representing the heart of Jewish worship and identity. Teaching Points The Power of Intercessory PrayerDaniel's prayer is a model of intercession, showing the importance of praying not just for personal needs but for the community and God's purposes. Seeking God's Glory Above All Daniel's request is for God's sake, highlighting the priority of God's glory and reputation over personal or national interests. The Importance of Repentance and Humility Daniel approaches God with humility, acknowledging the desolation caused by sin and seeking restoration through God's mercy. God's Presence as the Ultimate Restoration The plea for God's face to shine upon the sanctuary signifies the need for His presence as the true source of restoration and blessing. Hope in God's Faithfulness Despite the desolation, Daniel's prayer reflects hope in God's covenant faithfulness and His ability to restore and renew. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Daniel's approach to prayer in this verse challenge or inspire your own prayer life?2. In what ways can you prioritize God's glory in your prayers and daily life, as Daniel did? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual desolation. How did seeking God's presence bring restoration? 4. How can the concept of intercessory prayer be applied in your community or church setting today? 5. What other biblical examples of God's face "shining" upon His people can you find, and how do they encourage you in your faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 7:14This verse emphasizes the power of humble prayer and repentance, similar to Daniel's approach in seeking God's favor. Psalm 80:3, 7, 19 These verses echo the plea for God to "shine His face" upon His people, indicating a request for divine favor and restoration. Exodus 34:29-35 The shining face of Moses after being in God's presence parallels the request for God's face to shine upon the sanctuary, symbolizing divine approval and presence.
People Ahasuerus, Daniel, Darius, Gabriel, Jeremiah, NahumPlaces Egypt, Greece, JerusalemTopics Cause, Desolate, Ear, Face, Favor, Grace, Hearken, Holy, Listen, Lord's, O, Petitions, Prayer, Request, Sake, Sanctuary, Servant, Servants, Shine, Shining, Supplication, Supplications, WasteDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 9:17 1065 God, holiness of Library Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name."--Daniel 9:19. DANIEL was a man in very high position in life. It is true he was not living in his own native land, but, in the providence of God, he had been raised to great eminence under the dominion of the country in which he dwelt. He might, therefore, naturally have forgotten his poor kinsmen; many have done so. Alas! we have known some that have … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915 The Man and the Book. Whether the Time of the Future Judgment is Unknown? That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History. From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers of the Saints who are in Heaven The Blessing of God. Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest. General Account of Jesus' Teaching. Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason, Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of Its Author "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," The Sin-Bearer. Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act. The Being of God The Manifestation of the Messiah The Intercession of Christ Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. Christ's Priestly Office The Scriptures Links Daniel 9:17 NIVDaniel 9:17 NLT Daniel 9:17 ESV Daniel 9:17 NASB Daniel 9:17 KJV Daniel 9:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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