Daniel 9:15

Commentary on Daniel 9:15

Daniel 9:15 is a pivotal verse within Daniel's profound prayer of confession and intercession for his people, Israel, during their Babylonian captivity. This verse vividly contrasts God's past faithfulness and powerful acts of deliverance with the nation's consistent pattern of sin and disobedience.

Context

This prayer, recorded in Daniel 9:3-19, comes after Daniel has understood from the prophet Jeremiah's writings that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end. Rather than demanding release, Daniel responds with deep humility, fervent prayer, and a comprehensive confession of Israel's national sins. He identifies with the transgressions of his ancestors and contemporaries, acknowledging that their current exile is a just consequence of their rebellion against God's covenant.

Key Themes

• God's Historical Deliverance: Daniel begins by recalling God's most foundational act of salvation for Israel: the Exodus from Egypt with a "mighty hand." This highlights God's power, faithfulness, and covenant relationship with His people from their very beginning.
• God's Renown and Glory: The phrase "hast gotten thee renown, as at this day" emphasizes that God's powerful acts were not just for Israel's benefit but also for His own glory and reputation among the nations. Even in Daniel's day, centuries later, the Exodus remained a testament to God's unique power and character.
• Corporate Confession: Daniel, a righteous man, fully identifies with the sins of his nation. He uses "we have sinned, we have done wickedly," demonstrating a profound sense of corporate responsibility and solidarity with his people's historical and ongoing rebellion.
• Contrast of Divine Faithfulness and Human Failure: The verse starkly juxtaposes God's consistent deliverance and glory with Israel's persistent sinfulness. It sets the stage for Daniel's plea for mercy, not based on Israel's merit, but on God's own character and promises.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "mighty hand" (Hebrew: yad chazaqah) is a recurring and powerful idiom throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, signifying God's irresistible power and authority. It evokes images of divine intervention that no human force can withstand. The term "renown" (Hebrew: shem) refers to God's name, reputation, or fame, underscoring that His acts are meant to reveal His character to all the world.

Practical Application

Daniel's prayer in this verse offers several lessons for believers today:

• Humility in Prayer: It models how to approach God with genuine humility, acknowledging sin before making requests.
• Remembering God's Faithfulness: Just as Daniel recalled the Exodus, we are encouraged to remember God's past acts of deliverance and provision in our own lives and in history, which strengthens our faith.
• Corporate Responsibility: While we are individually accountable for our sins, Daniel's prayer reminds us that we can also confess and repent on behalf of our communities, nations, or even the broader church, recognizing shared failures and spiritual brokenness.
• Focus on God's Glory: Our prayers and actions should ultimately aim to bring glory and renown to God's name, not just to fulfill our own desires.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while God is mighty and faithful, humanity often fails to live up to His standards, necessitating ongoing repentance and reliance on His boundless mercy.