Daniel 9:13

KJV

As [it is] written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

As it is written {H3789} in the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872}, all this evil {H7451} is come {H935} upon us: yet made we not our prayer {H2470} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, that we might turn {H7725} from our iniquities {H5771}, and understand {H7919} thy truth {H571}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As written in the Torah of Moshe, this whole disaster came upon us. Yet we did not appease ADONAI our God by renouncing our wrongdoing and discerning your truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our iniquities and giving attention to Your truth.

American Standard Version

As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet have we not entreated the favor of Jehovah our God, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in thy truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:13 captures a pivotal moment in Daniel's profound prayer of confession and intercession on behalf of his people, Israel, during their Babylonian exile. The prophet acknowledges that the severe calamity and suffering they endured were not arbitrary but a righteous fulfillment of the curses stipulated in the Law of Moses, a direct consequence of their persistent disobedience. Crucially, Daniel laments that despite the clear warnings and the unfolding judgment, the people failed to genuinely seek the Lord through prayer, to turn from their pervasive iniquities, or to truly comprehend God's revealed truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:13 is situated within Daniel's extended prayer, which forms the core of [Daniel chapter 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel 9 - Daniel's Prayer and the Seventy Weeks"). This prayer is prompted by Daniel's meditation on Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the [seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"). Recognizing that this period was drawing to a close, Daniel pours out a heartfelt confession of national sin and an earnest plea for God's mercy and restoration. The preceding verses ([Daniel 9:7-12](/daniel/9-7-12 "Daniel 9:7-12 - Confession of National Sin")) establish the theme of Israel's pervasive guilt and God's righteous judgment, leading directly into Daniel's lament in verse 13 about their failure to repent despite the clear evidence of God's faithfulness in executing His covenant warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national suffering for the Judeans, who had been deported from their homeland following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. This exile was understood by faithful Israelites, like Daniel, as a direct consequence of generations of covenant unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry and social injustice, as forewarned by prophets and explicitly detailed in the Law of Moses. The "Law of Moses" refers primarily to the Pentateuch, especially the covenant stipulations and curses outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). For ancient Israel, the covenant was a binding legal and spiritual agreement with God, where obedience brought blessings and disobedience brought curses, culminating in exile. Daniel's prayer reflects a deep understanding of this covenant framework and the cultural significance of national repentance in times of calamity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Justice and Prophetic Fulfillment**, affirming that God's judgments are righteous and that the calamities are a direct consequence of the nation's actions, precisely as forewarned in the covenant law. This highlights God's faithfulness even in judgment, demonstrating that He keeps His word, both in blessing and in curse. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Human Responsibility and Lack of Repentance**, pointing to the people's persistent failure to "turn from our iniquities" ([Daniel 9:13](/daniel/9-13 "Daniel 9:13 - Failure to Repent")) despite the clear warnings and the unfolding judgment. It speaks to a deep-seated stubbornness of heart that prevented them from seeking God's forgiveness and restoration. Thirdly, it highlights **Spiritual Blindness to God's Truth**, as indicated by the phrase "and understand thy truth." This suggests that beyond mere disobedience, there was a failure to grasp the profound implications of God's revealed will and His covenant promises and warnings. They were not just disobedient, but spiritually unperceptive, failing to discern God's purposes in their suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prayer (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, a primitive root meaning "to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to grieve, make sick; also to stroke (in flattering), entreat; beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded." In this context, "made we not our prayer" signifies a failure to earnestly entreat or beseech the Lord, indicating a lack of humble and fervent supplication in response to their affliction.
* **iniquities (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** From H5771, meaning "perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischief, punishment (of iniquity), sin." This word denotes not just individual acts of sin, but the crookedness or perversity of one's moral character and actions, often implying the guilt and punishment that result from such twisted ways. Daniel emphasizes that the people failed to turn from this deep-seated moral perversity.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** From H571, meaning "stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness; assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity." Here, "thy truth" refers to God's unchanging, reliable, and revealed word—His covenant promises, warnings, and moral instructions—which the people failed to understand or heed, leading to their downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As [it is] written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us:"** Daniel begins by affirming the divine origin and justice of their suffering. The "evil" (Hebrew, _ra'_) here refers to the calamity, disaster, or misfortune that has befallen them, specifically the exile and destruction. Daniel acknowledges that this suffering is not random or unjust, but a direct and precise fulfillment of the curses detailed in the covenant law given through Moses. This demonstrates Daniel's profound theological understanding that God is faithful to His word, even in judgment, and that Israel's predicament is a direct consequence of their own actions.
* **"yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth."** This clause highlights the nation's profound spiritual failure. Despite experiencing the very judgments foretold in the Law, they did not humble themselves in earnest prayer before Yahweh, their covenant God. Their failure to pray was symptomatic of a deeper refusal: they did not "turn from their iniquities" (repent of their moral perversity and sin) nor did they "understand thy truth" (grasp the profound implications of God's revealed will and the reality of His covenant). This reveals a stubbornness of heart and a spiritual blindness that persisted even in the face of severe divine discipline.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:13 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Confession**, as Daniel, representing his people, openly acknowledges their collective failure and guilt before God. This is not merely a statement of fact but a humble admission of culpability. Closely related is **Covenant Language**, as Daniel explicitly references "the law of Moses" and the "evil" (calamity) that has "come upon us," directly linking their suffering to the covenant curses for disobedience. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant, even in judgment. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Juxtaposition** between God's righteous action ("all this evil is come upon us") and Israel's unrighteous inaction ("yet made we not our prayer... that we might turn... and understand thy truth"). This contrast underscores the depth of their spiritual apathy and stubbornness. Finally, the verse subtly employs **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Daniel implicitly connects the current suffering to the ancient warnings, affirming God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:13 serves as a profound theological statement on God's justice, the nature of human sin, and the necessity of genuine repentance. It underscores the principle that God is faithful to His covenant, and His warnings of judgment for disobedience are as certain as His promises of blessing for obedience. The "evil" that befell Israel was not arbitrary but a just consequence, demonstrating God's holiness and His commitment to upholding His moral order. The nation's failure to pray, repent, and understand God's truth reveals a deep spiritual malaise, a stubborn resistance to divine instruction and discipline. This verse thus highlights the critical importance of a humble and responsive heart in the face of God's word and His providential dealings.

* [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Nehemiah 9:33](/nehemiah/9-33 "Nehemiah 9:33 - Nehemiah's Confession of God's Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:13 offers timeless and potent lessons for believers today, both individually and corporately. It compels us to recognize that while God is gracious and merciful, He is also just, and there are real consequences for persistent disobedience and a refusal to acknowledge His truth. We are called to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to God's warnings, quick to confess sin, and eager to repent. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we quick to blame circumstances or others for our difficulties, or do we humbly acknowledge our own "iniquities" and turn from them? Do we engage in genuine, heartfelt "prayer before the LORD our God," not just in times of crisis, but as a consistent posture of dependence and submission? Furthermore, it emphasizes the ongoing need to "understand thy truth," urging us to diligently engage with God's Word so that we are not spiritually blind or unresponsive to His will. Our spiritual health and flourishing depend on our willingness to align our lives with God's unchanging truth and to respond with humility and repentance when we fall short.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, or my community, tend to ignore or rationalize the consequences of disobedience, both personal and corporate?**
* **What does "making our prayer before the LORD our God" truly entail, beyond mere words, and how can I cultivate a more fervent and repentant prayer life?**
* **How does my understanding (or lack thereof) of God's "truth" impact my daily decisions and my spiritual walk?**
* **What specific "iniquities" might I need to turn from in my own life, and what practical steps can I take toward genuine repentance?**

### FAQ

**What does Daniel mean by "all this evil is come upon us" if God is good?**

Answer: The term "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) in this context primarily refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune, rather than moral wickedness. Daniel is acknowledging that the suffering Israel endured—the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the Babylonian exile—was not a random act of misfortune but a direct, righteous judgment from God. It was the promised consequence for generations of covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and moral corruption, as explicitly warned in the [Law of Moses](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Daniel's statement underscores God's justice and His faithfulness to His word, even when that word brings severe discipline. This "evil" was a necessary, though painful, means of bringing His people back to Himself.

**Why does Daniel lament that they "made we not our prayer" and failed to "turn from our iniquities" when they were already suffering?**

Answer: Daniel's lament highlights a profound spiritual paradox: even in the midst of severe judgment, the people did not respond with genuine repentance and humble supplication. Their suffering was intended to lead them to turn back to God, but their hearts remained hardened. The failure to "make prayer" indicates a lack of earnest entreaty and confession before God, while the failure to "turn from iniquities" signifies a refusal to abandon their sinful ways. The inability to "understand thy truth" points to a spiritual blindness that prevented them from discerning God's purposes in their affliction and responding appropriately. This reveals the depth of their spiritual rebellion, where even divine discipline failed to produce the desired change of heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:13, with its lament over Israel's failure to keep the "law of Moses" and to "turn from our iniquities" and "understand thy truth," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The "evil" or calamity that befell Israel due to their sin pointed to humanity's universal predicament under the curse of the Law, a burden that no one could fully bear or escape through their own efforts ([Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law")). Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, perfectly fulfilled the Law of Moses, living a life of complete obedience where Israel consistently failed ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfilled the Law")). More profoundly, He became the ultimate sacrifice for our "iniquities," bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross, thereby taking away the "evil" of sin's consequences for those who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning work, Christ enables true repentance, granting us the ability to "turn from our iniquities" by the power of the Holy Spirit, a turning that was impossible for Israel in their own strength ([Acts 11:18](/acts/11-18 "Acts 11:18 - God Grants Repentance for Life")). Finally, Jesus is the embodiment of God's "truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through Him, we are given spiritual understanding and access to the Father, overcoming the spiritual blindness that plagued ancient Israel. His intercession for us before God's throne also perfectly accomplishes the "prayer before the LORD our God" that Israel failed to offer effectively ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Always Lives to Intercede")). Thus, what Israel could not achieve through the Law, God accomplished perfectly in Christ, offering a new covenant of grace and enabling true communion and transformation.

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

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].

Daniel 9:11

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.

Isaiah 9:13

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 2:30

In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

Psalms 119:27

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.