Daniel 9:11

KJV

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, all Israel {H3478} have transgressed {H5674} thy law {H8451}, even by departing {H5493}, that they might not obey {H8085} thy voice {H6963}; therefore the curse {H423} is poured {H5413} upon us, and the oath {H7621} that is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of God {H430}, because we have sinned {H2398} against him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, all Isra'el flouted your Torah and turned away, unwilling to listen to your voice. Therefore the curse and oath written in the Torah of Moshe the servant of God was poured out on us, because we sinned against him.

Berean Standard Bible

All Israel has transgressed Your law and turned away, refusing to obey Your voice; so the oath and the curse written in the Law of Moses the servant of God has been poured out on us, because we have sinned against You.

American Standard Version

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even turning aside, that they should not obey thy voice: therefore hath the curse been poured out upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God; for we have sinned against him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:11 is a profound and somber confession by the prophet Daniel, acknowledging the comprehensive and deliberate transgression of God's law by the entire nation of Israel. This verse, embedded within Daniel's fervent prayer of repentance during the Babylonian exile, articulates the direct causal link between Israel's widespread disobedience and the divine judgment manifested as the "curse" and "oath" foretold in the Mosaic Law, thereby affirming God's righteous and faithful execution of His covenant warnings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9 marks a pivotal moment in the book, shifting from prophetic visions to Daniel's deeply personal and corporate prayer of confession. Having understood from Jeremiah's prophecy ([Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Desolation") and [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return After Seventy Years")) that the seventy-year period of desolation for Jerusalem was nearing its end, Daniel is moved to earnest intercession. Verse 11, specifically, forms a crucial part of his extended confession of sin on behalf of his people (see [Daniel 9:5-15](/daniel/9-5-15 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession and Supplication")), highlighting the pervasive nature of Israel's rebellion against God's covenant and acknowledging the justice of their exile. It sets the stage for the subsequent divine revelation concerning the seventy sevens.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and theological crisis for Israel. For decades, the Jewish people had been living in foreign lands, their temple destroyed, and their homeland desolate, precisely as prophesied by earlier prophets due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness. Daniel's prayer reflects the deep spiritual introspection of a people grappling with the consequences of their actions. Culturally, the concept of a covenant—a binding agreement between God and His people, with stipulated blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (as detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses"))—was foundational to Israelite identity. Daniel's confession in this verse directly appeals to this covenantal framework, recognizing that their suffering was not arbitrary but the just fulfillment of God's word.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Corporate Sin and Responsibility**, emphasizing that the entire nation, "all Israel," was complicit in transgressing God's law, leading to collective judgment. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God is true to His word, even when that word involves judgment for disobedience. The "curse" and "oath" are not arbitrary acts but the righteous consequences of a broken covenant. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Authority and Efficacy of God's Law**, specifically "the law of Moses," as the unchanging standard against which Israel's actions were measured. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **Repentance and Restoration**, as Daniel's confession, rooted in this acknowledgment of sin and judgment, serves as a prerequisite for the hope of future restoration promised by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **transgressed (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, meaning "to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in copulation); alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make) to transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath." In this context, `ʻâbar` signifies a deliberate crossing over of a boundary, a violation of established divine limits, emphasizing a willful act of rebellion against God's commands.
* **curse (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** From H423, meaning "an imprecation; curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing." This word denotes a solemn pronouncement of judgment or an imprecation, often associated with a covenant oath. Its presence here highlights the binding nature of the consequences that were promised for covenant infidelity, emphasizing that the suffering Israel endured was not arbitrary but the direct fulfillment of divine warnings.
* **sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, meaning "a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn; bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass." This fundamental term for sin encapsulates the idea of missing the mark, failing to meet God's standard, and incurring guilt. Its use here underscores the moral and spiritual culpability of Israel, providing the ultimate reason for the divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law":** Daniel begins with a sweeping, emphatic declaration of national guilt. The phrase "all Israel" emphasizes the pervasive nature of the sin, indicating that the transgression was not limited to a few individuals or a particular segment of society, but was a widespread and systemic failure to adhere to God's revealed will, the "law" (Torah).
* **"even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice":** This clause clarifies the nature of the transgression. It was not merely an accidental or unwitting breach but a deliberate "departing" (Hebrew: `çûwr`, H5493, to turn off or withdraw) from God's path. The purpose of this departure was a conscious refusal "that they might not obey thy voice" (Hebrew: `shâmaʻ`, H8085, to hear intelligently, often with implication of attention, obedience). This highlights willful disobedience and a rejection of divine authority, indicating a deep-seated spiritual rebellion.
* **"therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him":** This final section establishes the direct consequence of their actions and the righteous basis of God's judgment. The "curse" (Hebrew: `ʼâlâh`, H423) is depicted as being "poured" (Hebrew: `nâthak`, H5413, to flow forth), a vivid image suggesting an abundant, inescapable outpouring of divine judgment. This judgment is not arbitrary but is explicitly linked to "the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God," referring to the covenant curses detailed in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Curses for Disobedience")). The concluding phrase, "because we have sinned against him," unequivocally states the ultimate reason for their suffering: their direct offense against God Himself.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:11 employs several powerful literary devices. **Confession** is the overarching rhetorical mode, as Daniel articulates a profound and unreserved acknowledgment of national sin. The phrase "all Israel" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche**, emphasizing the widespread nature of the transgression, even if not every single individual was equally culpable. This sweeping statement underscores the corporate responsibility and the pervasive spiritual decay. The structure of the verse clearly demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, directly linking Israel's "transgressed thy law" and "departing... that they might not obey thy voice" to the consequence that "the curse is poured upon us." The image of the curse being "poured upon us" is a striking **Metaphor**, depicting divine judgment as an overwhelming, inescapable deluge. Furthermore, the explicit reference to "the law of Moses the servant of God" serves as an **Appeal to Authority**, grounding Daniel's confession and the subsequent judgment in the established, divine covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:11 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, divine justice, and the inviolability of God's covenant. It affirms that sin is not merely a human failing but a direct transgression against God's revealed will, carrying inevitable and just consequences. The "curse" poured out upon Israel is not an arbitrary punishment but the faithful execution of God's word, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even in judgment. This verse underscores the corporate dimension of sin, where the actions of a nation can incur collective judgment, and highlights the importance of acknowledging this truth as the foundation for genuine repentance and the hope of restoration. It teaches that God's justice is always righteous, and His judgments are rooted in His character and His word.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Covenant Curses")
* [Nehemiah 9:33](/nehemiah/9-33 "Nehemiah's Acknowledgment of God's Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:11 offers a timeless model for individual and corporate spiritual reflection. It compels us to honestly confront the reality of our own sin and the collective sins of our communities, acknowledging that disobedience to God's revealed will carries consequences. Just as Israel's suffering was a direct result of their "departing" from God's voice, we too must examine areas where we have willfully strayed from His commands or neglected to obey His leading. This verse reminds us that God's judgments are always righteous and just, stemming from His faithfulness to His own word, rather than arbitrary malice. True repentance begins with this humble recognition of our culpability and the justice of God's response. It calls us to a deeper understanding of the gravity of sin and to seek God's mercy and restoration, not based on our merit, but on His unfailing grace and covenant promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our community's life have we "departed" from God's voice, perhaps unknowingly or deliberately?**
* **How does understanding the "curse" as a consequence of sin, rather than arbitrary punishment, deepen my appreciation for God's justice and faithfulness?**
* **What does Daniel's corporate confession teach me about my responsibility for the spiritual state of my community or nation?**

### FAQ

**What is meant by "the law of Moses the servant of God" in this verse?**

Answer: "The law of Moses the servant of God" refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), which contain the commandments, statutes, and ordinances given by God to Israel through Moses. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority of these laws, highlighting that Moses was merely the faithful intermediary through whom God communicated His will. It underscores that Israel's transgression was not against human rules but against the very word of God Himself, delivered through His chosen servant. The curses mentioned in [Daniel 9:11](/daniel/9-11 "Daniel 9:11 - Israel's Transgression and the Curse") are specifically detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Covenant Blessings and Curses"), outlining the consequences of covenant disobedience.

**Why is the curse described as being "poured upon us"?**

Answer: The imagery of the curse being "poured upon us" (Hebrew: `nâthak`, H5413) is a vivid and powerful metaphor. It suggests an abundant, overwhelming, and inescapable outpouring, much like water or liquid being poured from a vessel. This conveys the idea that the judgment Israel experienced was not a trickle or a minor inconvenience, but a full, comprehensive, and unavoidable deluge of consequences for their widespread and persistent sin. It implies a complete and thorough fulfillment of the covenant curses, leaving no part of the nation untouched by the divine judgment, as seen in their exile and the destruction of Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 9:11 powerfully articulates Israel's failure to keep the Law and the resulting curse, it simultaneously sets the stage for the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Israel's inability to obey God's voice and their consistent "departing" from His law demonstrate humanity's inherent sinfulness and desperate need for a perfect deliverer. The "curse... poured upon us" is the just consequence of this universal rebellion, a curse that no human effort could ever reverse. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the Law where Israel failed. He lived a life of complete obedience to God's voice, never "departing" from His will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). More profoundly, Christ willingly became the object of the curse that was due to humanity's sin. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeems Us From the Curse of the Law") declares, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" Thus, the curse "poured upon" Israel in Daniel's day, foreshadows the ultimate curse that Christ bore on the cross, taking upon Himself the full outpouring of God's righteous judgment against sin, so that all who believe in Him might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Spirit ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "The Blessing of Abraham Through Christ")). In Christ, the broken covenant is restored, and the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled, offering forgiveness and new life where only curse and death once reigned.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 8:5

Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Jeremiah 8:10

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

Isaiah 1:4

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Isaiah 1:6

From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Deuteronomy 29:20

The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.