Daniel 9:15

KJV

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now, O Lord {H136} our God {H430}, that hast brought {H3318} thy people {H5971} forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} with a mighty {H2389} hand {H3027}, and hast gotten {H6213} thee renown {H8034}, as at this day {H3117}; we have sinned {H2398}, we have done wickedly {H7561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Now, Adonai our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a strong hand, thereby winning renown for yourself, as is the case today - we sinned, we acted wickedly.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and who made for Yourself a name renowned to this day, we have sinned; we have acted wickedly.

American Standard Version

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:15 serves as a profound pivot within Daniel's extensive prayer of confession, powerfully contrasting God's historical faithfulness and mighty acts of deliverance with Israel's persistent and egregious sinfulness. It is a humble acknowledgment of the nation's rebellion, set against the backdrop of God's unwavering character, particularly His renowned act of bringing Israel out of Egypt, thereby laying the groundwork for a plea for mercy based solely on God's righteousness and not on human merit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Daniel's earnest and comprehensive prayer of confession and intercession found in [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession"). The prayer immediately follows Daniel's understanding, gleaned from Jeremiah's prophecy, that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were drawing to a close ([Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel's Understanding of Jeremiah's Prophecy")). Instead of celebrating or demanding immediate restoration, Daniel is moved to deep repentance and corporate confession, recognizing that Israel's exile is a just consequence of their covenant disobedience. His prayer is structured, moving from praise of God's character to a detailed confession of national sin, culminating in a plea for restoration based on God's mercy and glory, not Israel's worthiness. Verse 15 specifically recalls God's past mighty acts as a foundation for acknowledging present sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel's prayer takes place during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and theological reflection for the Jewish people. Having been forcibly removed from their homeland and temple, they grappled with the reasons for their suffering. The exile was understood as divine judgment for centuries of idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Curses for Disobedience in Deuteronomy 28")). The Exodus from Egypt, referenced in this verse, was the foundational event of Israel's identity, marking their birth as a nation under God's covenant. Recalling it in prayer, even in exile, served as a powerful reminder of God's past power and faithfulness, while simultaneously highlighting the stark contrast with Israel's failure to uphold their end of the covenant. The concept of corporate confession, where an individual identifies with the sins of their community or nation, was a significant aspect of Israelite piety, reflecting a deep sense of shared destiny and responsibility before God.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 9:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as Daniel acknowledges God's powerful hand in the Exodus, an act that established His renown and demonstrated His unwavering commitment to His people, even when they were undeserving. This verse also highlights the theme of **Human Sin and Corporate Responsibility**, as Daniel, a righteous individual, fully identifies with the collective sin of Israel, confessing "we have sinned, we have done wickedly." This corporate confession is crucial for understanding the nature of Israel's covenant relationship with God and the communal impact of sin. Finally, it sets the stage for the theme of **God's Righteous Judgment and Merciful Restoration**, by juxtaposing God's just judgment (the exile) with His inherent character of mercy, which Daniel will appeal to in the subsequent verses of his prayer, ultimately leading to the prophetic revelation of the seventy weeks in [Daniel 9:24-27](/daniel/9-24-27 "The Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** (H2389) This word, often translated as "strong" or "hard," here describes the hand of God, emphasizing the irresistible, forceful, and unyielding nature of His power. In the context of the Exodus, it signifies God's absolute ability to overcome all opposition, whether from Pharaoh or the forces of nature, to deliver His people. It speaks to a power that is not merely great, but overwhelming and decisive.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** (H3027) More than a literal appendage, "hand" is a potent biblical idiom representing power, authority, means, and direction. When paired with "mighty," as in "mighty hand," it becomes a powerful metaphor for God's direct, personal, and irresistible intervention. It evokes the tangible display of divine power in history, particularly in the Exodus narrative, where God's "hand" was repeatedly shown to be supreme over all other powers.
* **Sinned (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** (H2398) This primitive root literally means "to miss the mark." Figuratively, it denotes a failure to meet a standard, a deviation from the right path, or an offense against a divine command. In this context, Daniel's use of "we have sinned" signifies a comprehensive failure to live up to God's covenant requirements, encompassing both active transgression and passive neglect of God's will. It highlights the moral culpability of the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now, O Lord our God":** Daniel opens his prayer with an immediate address to God, using the reverent title "Lord" (`Adonai`, H136) and "our God" (`Elohim`, H430). This establishes a personal and communal relationship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and their covenant bond, even in their fallen state. The "And now" signals a transition from the historical understanding of God's character to the present reality of Israel's condition and their need for divine intervention.
* **"that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand":** This clause serves as a foundational theological statement, recalling the quintessential act of God's redemptive power and covenant faithfulness. The Exodus from Egypt, accomplished "with a mighty hand," is the definitive historical proof of God's ability and willingness to save His people from bondage. It is the bedrock upon which Daniel builds his appeal, reminding God of His own past actions and character.
* **"and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day":** This phrase emphasizes the enduring impact and purpose of God's mighty acts. God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt was not solely for Israel's benefit but also for His own glory and reputation (`shem`, H8034) among all nations. The phrase "as at this day" signifies that the fame and recognition of this event persist, even centuries later, serving as a perpetual testament to God's unique power and character, making His name great throughout history.
* **"we have sinned, we have done wickedly":** This stark and immediate confession stands in profound contrast to the preceding clauses. After acknowledging God's glorious past, Daniel shifts to the present reality of Israel's moral failure. The repetition of "we have sinned, we have done wickedly" (`châṭâʼ` and `râshaʻ`, H2398 and H7561) is a strong declaration of corporate guilt, encompassing both general sin and specific acts of unrighteousness. Daniel, though personally righteous, fully identifies with the nation's collective rebellion against God's covenant, acknowledging that their current predicament is a just consequence of their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:15 masterfully employs **Juxtaposition** to highlight the profound theological tension between God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's consistent failure. The verse opens with a powerful affirmation of God's past glorious acts of deliverance, particularly the Exodus performed with a "mighty hand" and bringing Him "renown." This vivid portrayal of divine power and righteousness is then immediately followed by the stark, humble confession, "we have sinned, we have done wickedly." This sharp contrast underscores the gravity of Israel's sin in light of God's goodness and sets the stage for Daniel's plea for mercy based not on human merit but on God's character. Furthermore, the phrase "mighty hand" functions as a potent **Idiom** and **Symbolism**, representing God's irresistible power and direct intervention in human affairs, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament to signify divine sovereignty and action. The **Repetition** of "we have sinned, we have done wickedly" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Israel's corporate guilt and rebellion against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:15 encapsulates a core theological truth: God's character is consistently faithful and powerful, while humanity's is consistently prone to sin and rebellion. This verse establishes the fundamental tension between divine righteousness and human unrighteousness, a tension that permeates biblical theology and necessitates God's redemptive intervention. It reminds us that even when God's people fail, His renown and power remain undiminished. Daniel's corporate confession models a profound understanding of shared responsibility before God, acknowledging that the consequences of sin are often communal, not just individual. This recognition of both God's glorious past acts and humanity's present failings is essential for genuine repentance and for appealing to God's mercy, not based on any human claim, but solely on His own character and covenant promises.

* [Exodus 14:31](/exodus/14-31 "The Lord's Mighty Hand in the Exodus")
* [Nehemiah 9:9-10](/nehemiah/9-9-10 "Nehemiah's Prayer Recalling God's Deliverance")
* [Psalm 106:6](/psalm/106-6 "Confession of Corporate Sin in Psalm 106")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly in the realm of prayer and spiritual self-assessment. Daniel, a man of great personal integrity, does not distance himself from the sins of his nation but fully identifies with them, using the inclusive "we." This models a vital aspect of corporate responsibility, challenging us to consider our complicity in the collective failures of our communities, nations, and even the Church. It calls us to move beyond individualistic piety to a broader understanding of sin's pervasive impact and the need for communal repentance. Furthermore, Daniel's prayer begins not with a request, but with a remembrance of God's past faithfulness and mighty acts. This teaches us the importance of recalling God's historical and personal deliverances as a foundation for faith, especially when facing daunting circumstances or acknowledging deep-seated sin. Remembering God's "renown" strengthens our trust that the God who acted powerfully in the past is the same God who can act powerfully today, despite our unworthiness. Our prayers, like Daniel's, should ultimately seek God's glory and the vindication of His name, rather than merely our own comfort or desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I identify with the collective sins of my community, nation, or the broader church, and how might I incorporate corporate confession into my prayer life?**
* **How does recalling God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness (both in biblical history and in my personal life) strengthen my faith and inform my prayers today?**
* **Am I more concerned with my own reputation or with God's renown in my actions and prayers? How can I reorient my focus to bring greater glory to His name?**

### FAQ

**Why does Daniel, a righteous man, confess "we have sinned"?**

Answer: Daniel's confession of "we have sinned" is a profound example of corporate solidarity and identification with the nation's historical and ongoing rebellion against God. As a prophet and a faithful member of the covenant community, Daniel understood that Israel's identity and destiny were inextricably linked. The consequences of national sin, such as the Babylonian exile, affected all Israelites, regardless of individual righteousness. By confessing "we," Daniel acknowledges that he shares in the corporate identity and the collective responsibility for the nation's covenant breaking, even if he personally did not commit all the specific transgressions. This act of corporate confession is a demonstration of humility, empathy, and a deep understanding of the communal nature of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in other prayers like [Nehemiah 1:6-7](/nehemiah/1-6-7 "Nehemiah's Corporate Confession").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:15, with its stark contrast between God's mighty deliverance and humanity's grievous sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mighty hand" of God, which brought Israel out of Egypt, foreshadows the even greater, spiritual Exodus accomplished by Christ. Just as God delivered His people from physical bondage, Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, delivers humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, a deliverance accomplished not by a physical hand but by His perfect sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "renown" God gained through the Exodus is infinitely surpassed by the glory He receives through Christ's atoning work, which reveals His justice and mercy more fully than any previous act ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Glory of the Incarnate Word")). Daniel's corporate confession, "we have sinned, we have done wickedly," highlights humanity's universal need for a Savior. Christ, as the sinless Lamb of God, became the ultimate fulfillment of this need, bearing the collective sin of humanity on the cross, thereby making reconciliation possible for all who confess their sin and trust in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the themes of divine deliverance, human sin, and God's enduring renown in Daniel 9:15 powerfully point to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one through whom God's ultimate power and glory are revealed in salvation.

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

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Nehemiah 1:10

Now these [are] thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

Exodus 6:1

¶ Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land.

Exodus 32:11

And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

Daniel 9:5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Exodus 14:18

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Psalms 106:8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.