Daniel 9:17

Context of Daniel 9:17

Daniel 9:17 is a pivotal part of Daniel’s profound prayer of confession and intercession, recorded in Daniel chapter 9. This prayer takes place around 538 BC, during the Babylonian captivity, as Daniel understands from the prophet Jeremiah's writings that the 70 years of desolation for Jerusalem are nearing their end. Daniel's prayer is a heartfelt cry for God's mercy and restoration, acknowledging Israel's sin and appealing to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. He is deeply concerned for the desolate state of Jerusalem and the Temple, the very center of Israel's worship and God's presence.

Key Themes and Messages

• Humble Supplication: Daniel approaches God as "thy servant," recognizing his dependent position and pouring out his "supplications" (earnest pleas). This highlights the importance of humility in prayer, especially when petitioning for significant divine intervention.
• Desire for God's Favor: The request to "cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate" is a profound longing for God's manifest presence and favor. The phrase "cause thy face to shine" is a powerful biblical idiom, often associated with divine blessing and protection, as seen in the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:25. Daniel desires not just physical restoration, but the return of God's active blessing and presence to His ruined Temple.
• Appeal to God's Character ("for the Lord's sake"): Crucially, Daniel does not appeal based on Israel's merit or righteousness, but "for the Lord's sake." This emphasizes that the basis for God's action is His own glory, His covenant promises, and His compassion, not human deserving. This aligns with other prayers in Scripture where intercessors appeal to God's name and reputation.
• Concern for the Sanctuary: The immediate focus is on the "sanctuary that is desolate," referring to the Temple in Jerusalem. For Daniel, the desolation of the Temple was a tangible sign of God's judgment and the people's separation from Him. His prayer reflects a deep yearning for the restoration of proper worship and God's dwelling place among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "cause thy face to shine" (Hebrew: יָאֵר פָּנֶיךָ, ya'er panecha) carries the meaning of God's favorable disposition, blessing, and active presence. It implies a lifting of judgment and a restoration of warmth and light. The term "sanctuary" (מִקְדָּשְׁךָ, miqdashcha) specifically refers to the holy place, the Temple, underscoring its significance as the symbol of God's dwelling among Israel.

Practical Application

Daniel 9:17 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

• Fervent Prayer for God's Glory: Like Daniel, our prayers should prioritize God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, rather than solely focusing on personal needs. When we pray for God's "face to shine" upon His church or community, we are asking for His manifest presence and blessing to be evident.
• Intercession for Desolate Places: We are called to pray for places and situations that are spiritually or physically desolate—whether it's a broken community, a struggling church, or individuals far from God. We can pray for God's favor to shine upon them, bringing healing and restoration.
• Reliance on God's Character: Our confidence in prayer should rest on God's unchanging character, His faithfulness, and His compassion, not on our own worthiness. We appeal to Him "for the Lord's sake," trusting in His perfect will and love. This mirrors the New Testament understanding that we approach God through the merits of Christ.