Daniel 9:14

KJV

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore hath the LORD {H3068} watched {H8245} upon the evil {H7451}, and brought {H935} it upon us: for the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} is righteous {H6662} in all his works {H4639} which he doeth {H6213}: for we obeyed {H8085} not his voice {H6963}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So ADONAI watched for the right moment to bring this disaster upon us, for ADONAI our God was just in everything he did, yet we didn't listen when he spoke.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it upon us. For the LORD our God is righteous in all He does; yet we have not obeyed His voice.

American Standard Version

Therefore hath Jehovah watched over the evil, and brought it upon us; for Jehovah our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth, and we have not obeyed his voice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:14 stands as a profound confession within Daniel's prayer, articulating the nation of Israel's understanding that their suffering, specifically the Babylonian exile, was a direct and just consequence of their persistent and unrepentant disobedience to God's covenant commands. It highlights God's active and righteous judgment, affirming His perfect character even as He brought calamity upon His people for their rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Daniel's deeply penitential prayer in [Daniel 9](/daniel/9 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession"), specifically following his contemplation of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the [seventy-year desolation of Jerusalem](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of 70-Year Exile"). Daniel, though personally faithful, identifies corporately with the sins of his people, confessing their transgressions as if his own. The prayer moves from acknowledging God's faithfulness to His covenant (even in judgment) to a detailed confession of Israel's widespread disobedience, culminating in the plea for restoration based on God's mercy, not their merit. Verse [Daniel 9:14](/daniel/9-14 "Daniel 9:14 - God's Righteous Judgment") serves as a pivotal statement affirming God's justice in the face of their deserved punishment, setting the stage for Daniel's earnest intercession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, which began with the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 586 BCE, fulfilling numerous prophetic warnings. For centuries, Israel had repeatedly violated the Mosaic Covenant, particularly the stipulations outlined in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Blessings and Curses"), which promised severe consequences for disobedience, including exile. Daniel himself was among the first exiles, taken to Babylon in 605 BCE. The cultural understanding of the time recognized that national calamities were often interpreted as divine judgments for corporate sin. Daniel's prayer reflects this understanding, acknowledging that God's actions were not arbitrary but a just response to a long history of national apostasy and rebellion against His revealed will.
* **Key Themes:** [Daniel 9:14](/daniel/9-14 "Daniel 9:14 - God's Righteous Judgment") powerfully articulates several key themes foundational to biblical theology. First, it underscores **God's unwavering righteousness and justice**. Even in judgment, God acts consistently with His holy character, demonstrating that His "works" are always just, as stated in the verse. Second, it highlights the **consequences of disobedience**, clearly linking Israel's suffering ("brought it upon us") to their failure to obey God's voice. This reinforces the principle found throughout the Old Testament that covenant breaking leads to curses, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). Third, the phrase "the LORD watched upon the evil" emphasizes **divine sovereignty and active oversight** in bringing about judgment. God is not passive but intentionally brings about the consequences of sin, demonstrating His control over history and His commitment to His covenant, whether in blessing or in judgment. This theme of divine oversight is also seen in [Jeremiah 1:12](/jeremiah/1-12 "Jeremiah 1:12 - God watches over His word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **watched (Hebrew, _shâqad'_):** From H8245, meaning "to be alert, i.e. sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)." In this context, it conveys God's active, vigilant, and deliberate attention to Israel's "evil" (moral wickedness and its resulting calamity). It implies that God was not passive or unaware of their sin, but rather purposefully and persistently observing, ready to execute His promised warnings and judgments. This is not a casual glance but a focused, intentional gaze that precedes action.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** From H6662, meaning "just; lawful, righteous (man)." Applied to God, it affirms His inherent moral perfection, integrity, and adherence to His own divine standards and laws. When Daniel states that God "is righteous in all his works which he doeth," he declares that God's actions, including the severe judgment of exile, are not arbitrary or capricious but are perfectly aligned with His just character and His covenantal promises and warnings. God's righteousness guarantees that His judgments are always deserved and equitable.
* **obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.)." Coupled with "his voice" (H6963, _qôwl_), this word highlights the core failure of Israel. It's not merely about hearing the words of God, but about hearing with understanding, attention, and, crucially, a willingness to comply. The negative "obeyed not his voice" indicates a deliberate and persistent refusal to listen and act upon God's commands and prophetic warnings, directly linking their disobedience to the "evil" (calamity) that God brought upon them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us:"** This clause establishes the direct causal link between Israel's sin and their suffering. The "LORD" (Yahweh, God of the covenant) has actively and vigilantly observed the "evil" (raʻ, meaning both moral wickedness and the calamity/disaster that results from it). His watching is not passive but purposeful, leading to the deliberate act of "brought it upon us," signifying that the Babylonian exile was a divinely orchestrated consequence, not a random misfortune.
* **"for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth:"** This parenthetical yet foundational statement provides the theological justification for God's actions. Daniel affirms God's inherent justice and moral perfection. Every action God undertakes, including judgment, is consistent with His holy character. This declaration ensures that the suffering is understood not as divine cruelty, but as a just and necessary response to persistent sin, upholding God's integrity and faithfulness to His own covenantal warnings.
* **"for we obeyed not his voice."** This final clause pinpoints the specific reason for God's judgment: Israel's chronic disobedience. "His voice" refers to God's commands, laws, and prophetic warnings communicated throughout their history. The failure to "obey" (shâmaʻ, to hear and heed) was not an isolated incident but a pattern of rebellion, making the nation culpable and the judgment entirely warranted. This corporate confession underscores human responsibility for the consequences of sin.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Cause and Effect** is central, clearly linking Israel's disobedience ("we obeyed not his voice") as the cause and God's bringing "the evil" (calamity) upon them as the effect. This direct correlation emphasizes divine justice. **Confession** is inherent in Daniel's prayer, as he acknowledges the nation's guilt and God's righteousness, taking responsibility rather than blaming God. The phrase "the LORD our God is righteous" functions as a powerful **Theological Statement**, affirming God's unchanging character as the ultimate standard of justice, even in the context of severe judgment. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Personification** in "watched upon the evil," implying that "evil" is something God can observe and act upon, underscoring its tangible and consequential nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:14 offers profound theological insights into the character of God and the nature of humanity's relationship with Him. It unequivocally asserts God's absolute righteousness, even when His actions involve severe judgment. This means God is never arbitrary or unjust; His judgments are always a direct and proportionate response to human sin and rebellion. The verse underscores the biblical principle that disobedience to God's revealed will carries real and often devastating consequences, both individually and corporately. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all events, including calamitous ones, and recognizing that He "watches" and acts with purpose. This understanding cultivates a proper fear of the Lord and a deep respect for His holiness, while simultaneously affirming His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when that faithfulness involves upholding the curses for disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:14 provides a powerful model for reflection and application in our own lives and communities. It calls us to a profound humility, urging us to acknowledge God's perfect justice even when we experience or observe suffering. Instead of questioning God's goodness in times of difficulty, this verse prompts us to examine our own hearts and the collective actions of our society, asking where we have failed to obey God's voice. True repentance, like Daniel's, involves taking responsibility for our disobedience and the consequences it brings, rather than blaming external circumstances or God Himself. It reminds us that God's commands are not burdensome suggestions but vital instructions for flourishing, and that neglecting them inevitably leads to brokenness. Embracing this truth fosters a deeper commitment to obedience, knowing that God's character is righteous in all His works, and His ways are always just.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's corporate confession challenge my own tendency to view sin and its consequences solely as individual matters?**
* **In what areas of my life or in my community have we "obeyed not His voice," and what "evil" (calamity or brokenness) might be a consequence?**
* **How does understanding God's righteousness in judgment shape my trust in His character during difficult times?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater spirit of obedience to God's voice in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**Does Daniel 9:14 imply that God causes evil, or that He is responsible for human suffering?**

Answer: Daniel 9:14 states that the LORD "watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us." The Hebrew word for "evil" (raʻ, H7451) in this context refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune, which are the consequences of moral evil or sin. It does not mean that God instigates or is the author of moral evil. Rather, it means that God, in His sovereignty and justice, actively allows or brings about the just consequences of human disobedience. Israel's suffering was not an arbitrary act but a direct result of their persistent rebellion against God's commands. God's "watching" implies His active awareness and deliberate fulfillment of the covenant curses that were warned about for centuries (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Blessings and Curses")). He is righteous in all His works, meaning His judgments are always just and deserved, not capricious or cruel.

**How can God be "righteous" if He brings "evil" upon His people?**

Answer: The "evil" God brings is not moral evil, but the just and deserved punishment or calamity that results from Israel's moral evil, their disobedience. Daniel 9:14 explicitly states, "for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth." This means that even in bringing judgment, God acts in perfect accordance with His holy, just, and faithful character. His righteousness demands that sin be addressed. For centuries, Israel had ignored prophetic warnings and violated their covenant with God. The exile was the ultimate fulfillment of the curses for disobedience outlined in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Covenant Blessings and Curses")). Therefore, God's actions were not a contradiction of His righteousness but an affirmation of it, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant, both its blessings and its warnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 9:14 powerfully articulates God's righteous judgment upon Israel for their disobedience, it also implicitly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice and the provision for human sin found in Jesus Christ. The verse highlights humanity's inability to obey God's voice perfectly, leading to deserved consequences. Yet, the New Testament reveals that God's righteousness is not only displayed in judgment but supremely in salvation through Christ. Jesus, the perfectly obedient [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), came to fulfill all righteousness, living a life of perfect obedience where Israel (and all humanity) failed ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). He then bore the "evil" – the just wrath and consequences of our disobedience – on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus satisfied the demands of God's justice, making a way for sinners to be reconciled to a righteous God, not by their own failed obedience, but by faith in His perfect work ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, the "evil" that God "watched upon" and "brought upon us" finds its ultimate resolution and redemption in the cross of Christ, where God's justice and mercy perfectly converge.

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

Daniel 9:7

O Lord, righteousness [belongeth] unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, [that are] near, and [that are] far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

Nehemiah 9:33

Howbeit thou [art] just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

Psalms 51:14

¶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Jeremiah 31:28

And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.