Daniel 9:12

Commentary on Daniel 9:12

Daniel 9:12 is a profound confession within Daniel's extended prayer, acknowledging God's righteous judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. It speaks to the devastating consequences of national disobedience and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His spoken word, both in promise and warning.

Context

This verse is part of Daniel's great prayer of confession and intercession recorded in Daniel chapter 9. Daniel, living in the Babylonian exile, has understood from the prophecies of Jeremiah that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end. Instead of demanding release, Daniel humbly confesses the sins of his people, recognizing that their suffering was a direct fulfillment of God's warnings. He acknowledges that the "great evil" – the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the exile – was a just consequence for their persistent rebellion against God's covenant.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Faithfulness: The phrase "he hath confirmed his words" highlights God's unyielding commitment to His pronouncements. He is not merely a God of mercy but also of justice, upholding His warnings with the same certainty as His promises. This speaks to God's immutable character and reliability.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The "great evil" brought upon Jerusalem was a direct result of the nation's and its leaders' ("our judges that judged us") widespread departure from God's laws. This judgment was foretold in the covenant stipulations, particularly the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26.
• Unparalleled Judgment: The declaration "for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem" emphasizes the extraordinary severity and uniqueness of the calamity that befell the holy city. This was not just another historical event; it was a divine act of judgment of immense scale and sorrow, serving as a stark warning to all nations.
• Confession and Humility: Daniel's prayer models genuine repentance, where the afflicted acknowledge God's righteousness in their suffering, taking responsibility for their sin rather than blaming God or circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "confirmed" is qum (קוּם), meaning "to rise up," "to establish," or "to fulfill." Here, it powerfully conveys that God actively brought about what He had spoken, making His words stand firm and become reality. The phrase "great evil" translates from ra'ah gedolah (רָעָה גְּדוֹלָה), which signifies a profound calamity, disaster, or affliction, often with the underlying sense of a morally deserved consequence. It's not just misfortune but a severe judgment.

Practical Application

Daniel 9:12 serves as a timeless reminder of God's justice and His unwavering commitment to His word.

• Accountability: It highlights that individuals and nations are accountable to God for their actions. Disobedience carries real, often severe, consequences.
• God's Character: It deepens our understanding of God as both merciful and just. He is faithful to His warnings just as He is faithful to His promises. This should inspire both reverence and trust.
• The Call to Repentance: 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 verse underscores the necessity of humble repentance for healing and renewal.