Daniel 9:12

KJV

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he hath confirmed {H6965} his words {H1697}, which he spake {H1696} against us, and against our judges {H8199} that judged {H8199} us, by bringing {H935} upon us a great {H1419} evil {H7451}: for under the whole heaven {H8064} hath not been done {H6213} as hath been done {H6213} upon Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He carried out the threats he spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us disaster so great that under all of heaven, nothing has been done like what has been done to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

You have carried out the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us a great disaster. For under all of heaven, nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil; for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:12 serves as a poignant confession within Daniel's prayer, acknowledging God's righteous and unparalleled judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It underscores the devastating consequences of national disobedience and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His spoken word, fulfilling both His warnings and His promises. Daniel recognizes that the "great evil" of destruction and exile was a just and pre-ordained consequence for the persistent rebellion of the people and their leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Daniel's profound prayer of confession and intercession, recorded in [Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks Prophecy"). Having understood from the prophet [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity") that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end, Daniel does not immediately demand release. Instead, he humbly prostrates himself before God, confessing the deep-seated sins of his people. Verse 12 specifically articulates the recognition that their suffering, the "great evil" of exile and destruction, was a direct and righteous fulfillment of God's prior warnings, acknowledging God's justice in their plight before seeking His mercy. This confession sets the theological foundation for his subsequent intercession for restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prayer takes place during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and its glorious Temple had been utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, and the people had been forcibly removed from their land. This calamity was not viewed by Daniel as a mere geopolitical misfortune but as a direct, divinely orchestrated judgment. For centuries, God had warned Israel through His prophets about the consequences of breaking the covenant, particularly through idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to the Mosaic Law. The phrase "our judges that judged us" refers to the kings, priests, and other leaders who, despite their positions of authority and responsibility, had failed to uphold God's standards and often led the nation astray, thereby incurring greater culpability for the national sin and subsequent judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 9:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Justice and Faithfulness**, highlighting God's unyielding commitment to His pronouncements, whether they be promises or warnings. The phrase "he hath confirmed his words" emphasizes God's active role in bringing His spoken word to fruition, demonstrating His immutable character and reliability. This verse also underscores the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**, showing that the "great evil" brought upon Jerusalem was a direct result of the nation's and its leaders' widespread departure from God's covenant laws, as explicitly foretold in covenant stipulations like [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience") and [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Warnings of Judgment"). Furthermore, the declaration "for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem" points to an **Unparalleled Judgment**, emphasizing the extraordinary severity and unique divine nature of the calamity that befell the holy city, serving as a stark warning and a testament to God's righteous anger against sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **confirmed (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, meaning "to rise (up)," "to establish," "to fulfill," or "to make to stand." In this context, it powerfully conveys that God actively brought about what He had spoken. His words did not fall to the ground but were made to stand firm and become a tangible reality. This emphasizes God's active agency and sovereign control over historical events, ensuring His word is never void.
* **great evil (Hebrew, _gâdôwl raʻ'_):** A combination of H1419 ("great," in any sense, here denoting magnitude and severity) and H7451 ("bad or evil," often referring to calamity, disaster, or affliction, frequently with the underlying sense of a morally deserved consequence). This phrase signifies not merely misfortune or a natural disaster, but a profound, divinely ordained calamity that served as a severe judgment. It was an evil of immense scale and sorrow, directly linked to the nation's moral failings.
* **judges (Hebrew, _shâphaṭ'_):** From H8199, meaning "to judge," "to pronounce sentence (for or against)," "to vindicate or punish," or "to govern." This term refers to those in positions of authority—kings, magistrates, priests, and elders—who were entrusted with administering justice and upholding God's law within the nation. Daniel's inclusion of "our judges that judged us" highlights the corporate responsibility for sin, acknowledging that those who were meant to lead in righteousness had instead participated in and even propagated the national rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he hath confirmed his words":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's faithfulness, not in a comforting promise, but in the execution of His warnings. It underscores the certainty and reliability of God's pronouncements, demonstrating that His threats of judgment are as sure as His promises of blessing.
* **"which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us":** This specifies the recipients of God's confirmed words. The judgment was directed not only against the general populace ("us") but particularly against "our judges," those in positions of leadership and authority. This highlights the corporate nature of Israel's sin and the special accountability of those who were meant to guide the nation according to God's will but failed to do so, often leading the people into greater sin.
* **"by bringing upon us a great evil":** This clause describes the concrete manifestation of God's confirmed words. The "great evil" refers to the catastrophic events of the Babylonian invasion, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the subsequent seventy-year exile. It was a divinely orchestrated calamity, a direct and severe consequence for generations of unfaithfulness and rebellion against God's covenant.
* **"for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem":** This powerful declaration emphasizes the unparalleled severity and uniqueness of the judgment meted out upon Jerusalem. It suggests that the scale of destruction and suffering, particularly for God's chosen city and people, was extraordinary, serving as a stark, exemplary warning to all nations and generations about the gravity of defying the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:12 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem." While other cities certainly faced destruction, this statement emphasizes the extraordinary, perhaps even unique, nature of the divine judgment upon God's covenant people and their holy city. It highlights the profound theological significance of Jerusalem's fall as a divine act of unparalleled severity. The verse also features **Repetition** and **Parallelism** with "our judges that judged us" and "hath not been done as hath been done," which serve to emphasize the specific culpability of the leaders and the unique character of the judgment. The entire context of Daniel's prayer is a profound **Confession** and **Lament**, where Daniel, on behalf of his people, acknowledges God's righteousness in their suffering, taking responsibility for their sin rather than blaming God or circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:12 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, even when that word is a warning of judgment. It underscores that God's character encompasses both boundless mercy and unyielding justice. The "great evil" brought upon Jerusalem was not arbitrary but a just and necessary consequence for centuries of covenant breaking, idolatry, and social injustice, demonstrating that sin has real and devastating repercussions. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over history, actively involved in the affairs of nations, and that His covenant people are held to a higher standard of accountability. The unparalleled nature of Jerusalem's judgment highlights the seriousness with which God views disobedience, particularly from those He has chosen and blessed.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Warnings of Judgment")
* [Lamentations 1:1-22](/lamentations/1-1-22 "Lamentations 1:1-22 - Jerusalem's Desolation and Grief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:12 stands as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His word. For us today, it highlights the profound truth that individuals and nations are accountable to God for their actions. Disobedience, particularly to God's revealed will, carries real and often severe consequences, whether individually or corporately. This verse deepens our understanding of God's character as both merciful and just; He is faithful to His warnings just as He is faithful to His promises, inspiring both reverence and trust. Like Daniel, we are called to acknowledge our own sins and the sins of our communities, confessing them before God and seeking His mercy and restoration. This passage underscores the necessity of humble repentance for spiritual healing and renewal, reminding us that true humility recognizes God's righteousness even in suffering, and takes responsibility for sin rather than blaming circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's confession challenge our own tendency to blame circumstances or others rather than acknowledge personal or corporate sin?**
* **In what ways do we observe God's "words"—His warnings and promises—being "confirmed" or brought to pass in our lives or in the world around us today?**
* **What does the unparalleled judgment on Jerusalem teach us about the seriousness of covenant disobedience and the holiness of God?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart of humble repentance like Daniel's, both personally and within our communities, in response to God's revealed truth?**

### FAQ

**What "words" did God confirm against Jerusalem?**

Answer: The "words" God confirmed were the covenant curses and warnings outlined in the Torah, particularly in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Warnings and Promises") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). These passages explicitly foretold severe judgments, including famine, pestilence, defeat by enemies, exile, and the destruction of the land and cities, for persistent disobedience to God's laws. These warnings were reiterated and amplified by prophets throughout Israel's history, such as [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity"), who specifically prophesied the seventy-year Babylonian captivity.

**Who are "our judges that judged us"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the leaders of Israel—including kings, princes, priests, and elders—who were responsible for upholding God's law, administering justice, and guiding the nation in righteousness. Daniel's inclusion of them highlights their particular culpability. While the entire nation sinned, those in positions of authority bore a greater responsibility for leading the people astray, failing to enforce God's commands, and often participating in the very idolatry and injustice that brought about God's judgment.

**What is the "great evil" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "great evil" refers to the catastrophic series of events that befell Judah and Jerusalem, culminating in the Babylonian invasion, the siege and utter destruction of the city and the Temple, and the subsequent seventy-year exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. It was not simply a misfortune or a natural disaster, but a divinely orchestrated calamity, a just and severe consequence for generations of unfaithfulness and rebellion against God's covenant. It represented the full weight of God's righteous judgment against His disobedient people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's confession in Daniel 9:12, acknowledging God's righteous judgment and the unparalleled "great evil" brought upon Jerusalem, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The faithfulness of God to His "words" of warning, even to the point of devastating judgment, foreshadows His ultimate faithfulness in sending His "Word" made flesh, Jesus Christ, to bear the ultimate "great evil" of human sin. Just as Jerusalem's destruction was a consequence of covenant breaking, the entire human condition is under the curse of sin, which demands a divine response. Yet, in Christ, God's justice and mercy perfectly converge. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous wrath against sin on the cross, becoming the ultimate fulfillment of judgment for those who believe. His sacrifice ensures that the "great evil" of sin is dealt with, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, foretelling another period of unparalleled judgment upon the city for its rejection of Him ([Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem"); [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")), demonstrating that God's faithfulness to His warnings continues. Ultimately, in Christ, God's promises of a new covenant and eternal restoration are confirmed, providing a way for humanity to escape the "great evil" of eternal separation from God and to enter into everlasting peace and fellowship with Him ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")).

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

Ezekiel 5:9

And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations.

Lamentations 1:12

¶ [Is it] nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted [me] in the day of his fierce anger.

Isaiah 44:26

That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Lamentations 2:17

The LORD hath done [that] which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused [thine] enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries.

Job 12:17

He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.

Ezekiel 13:6

They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word.