Daniel 9:19

KJV

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

O Lord {H136}, hear {H8085}; O Lord {H136}, forgive {H5545}; O Lord {H136}, hearken {H7181} and do {H6213}; defer {H309} not {H408}, for thine own sake, O my God {H430}: for thy city {H5892} and thy people {H5971} are called {H7121} by thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, hear! Adonai, forgive! Adonai, pay attention, and don't delay action - for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people bear your name!"

Berean Standard Bible

O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name.”

American Standard Version

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:19 serves as the climactic and most urgent plea within Daniel's profound prayer of confession and intercession for the exiled people of Israel and their desolate city, Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates Daniel's desperate cry for God's immediate and decisive intervention, grounding his appeal not in the merit of his people, but entirely in the character, honor, and covenant faithfulness of God Himself, whose name is intimately associated with both the city and its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:19 concludes Daniel's extended and deeply moving prayer found in [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession and Intercession"). This prayer is prompted by Daniel's understanding, gleaned from the prophet Jeremiah's writings, that the [seventy-year Babylonian exile](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile") was nearing its completion. The prayer itself is a masterclass in intercession, beginning with praise and adoration of God's greatness, moving into a heartfelt confession of Israel's corporate and individual sins (acknowledging God's righteousness in their judgment), and culminating in a fervent appeal for mercy and restoration. This final verse, with its intense repetition and direct address to God, acts as the ultimate crescendo of Daniel's supplication, setting the immediate stage for the revelation of the [seventy weeks prophecy](/daniel/9-24 "The Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks") that immediately follows, providing a divine answer to Daniel's earnest cries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prayer, Jerusalem lay in ruins, its temple destroyed, and the majority of the Jewish people were in exile in Babylon, a condition that had persisted for decades. Daniel himself was an elderly man, likely in a position of influence within the Persian court (as Babylon had fallen to Persia). The desolation of Jerusalem and the continued captivity of the people were not merely political or military defeats; they were seen as a profound disgrace to God's name among the nations, as Jerusalem was "the city of the Great King" and Israel, His chosen people. The cultural understanding of a deity's honor being tied to the prosperity and well-being of their city and people would have been prevalent. Daniel's prayer reflects a deep understanding of this dynamic, appealing to God's reputation and honor as a primary motivation for divine action, rather than relying on Israel's inherent worthiness, which was clearly lacking due to their persistent disobedience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Fervent and Urgent Prayer**, showcasing Daniel's intense earnestness and belief in God's immediate power to intervene, marked by the repeated imperatives "hear," "forgive," "hearken," and "do." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Appeal to God's Character and Glory**, as Daniel pleads "for thine own sake, O my God." This underscores that God's primary motivation for action is His own reputation and the vindication of His holy name, which is intrinsically linked to His covenant people and city. Thirdly, the prayer is centered on the critical need for **Divine Forgiveness and Restoration**, acknowledging Israel's persistent rebellion and understanding that any restoration, both of the people and the city, is entirely contingent upon God's grace and mercy, not Israel's merit (as seen throughout [Daniel 9:5-15](/daniel/9-5-15 "Daniel's Confession of Israel's Sins")). Lastly, the phrase "thy city and thy people are called by thy name" powerfully emphasizes the **Covenant Relationship** between God, Jerusalem, and Israel, appealing to God's faithfulness to His own promises and His unique ownership of them, a concept deeply rooted in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:6-9](/deuteronomy/7-6-9 "God's Covenant with Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term, an emphatic form of _ʼâdôn_, signifies "the Lord" and is used as a proper name of God, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, mastery, and authority. Daniel's repeated use of _ʼĂdônây_ throughout this prayer, and especially in this climactic verse, underscores his humble submission and profound recognition of God's supreme dominion over all circumstances, including the desolation of Jerusalem and the captivity of His people. It is an appeal to the One who is fully capable of hearing, forgiving, and acting.
* **Forgive (Hebrew, _çâlach'_):** This primitive root means "to forgive," "pardon," or "spare." In Daniel's prayer, it highlights the central theological truth that Israel's dire situation is a direct consequence of their sin, and their only hope for restoration lies in God's merciful act of pardon. The imperative "forgive" is a direct and desperate plea for God to remove the barrier of sin that separates Him from His people and prevents their blessing and restoration.
* **Called by thy name (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_ and _shêm'_):** The verb _qârâʼ_ means "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim," while _shêm_ refers to "an appellation," "mark," "memorial of individuality," or "honor/authority." When combined as "called by thy name," it signifies divine ownership, identification, and consecration. It means that Jerusalem and Israel are uniquely identified with God, bearing His reputation and representing Him to the world. Daniel's appeal is thus rooted in God's own honor: if His city and people remain in disgrace, it reflects poorly on His mighty name among the nations, providing a powerful motivation for Him to act.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do;":** This opening clause is a powerful example of **anaphora** and **climax**, with the repeated "O Lord" building intensity. Daniel's pleas are direct and urgent, moving from a request for divine attention ("hear," "hearken") to a plea for divine mercy ("forgive") and finally to a demand for divine action ("do"). "Hear" (_shama'_) implies not just listening, but understanding and responding, while "hearken" (_qashab_) suggests a more intense, attentive listening, pricking up the ears. The progression emphasizes the totality of Daniel's desire for God's full engagement in their crisis.
* **"defer not, for thine own sake, O my God:":** This segment introduces the profound motivation for Daniel's prayer: God's own honor. "Defer not" (_ʼâchar_ with _ʼal_) is an urgent command to not delay or procrastinate. Daniel appeals to God's self-interest, not in a selfish human sense, but in the sense that God's glory and reputation are at stake. The phrase "O my God" expresses a deep, personal relationship and trust, even amidst the national calamity, reinforcing the idea that God's honor is intimately tied to the fate of His people.
* **"for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.":** This concluding clause provides the ultimate theological justification for Daniel's plea. It reiterates the covenant relationship and divine ownership. Jerusalem is "thy city" and Israel is "thy people," both bearing God's "name." This means they are consecrated to Him, represent Him, and their condition directly impacts His reputation in the world. Their desolation is a reproach to His name, and therefore, for His own sake, God must act to restore them and vindicate His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the threefold "O Lord," creating a sense of escalating urgency and fervent appeal. This **anaphora** (repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses) underscores Daniel's desperation and unwavering focus on God. The progression of verbs—"hear," "forgive," "hearken," "do"—demonstrates **climax**, building from a general request for attention to a specific demand for decisive action. The phrase "for thine own sake" is a powerful example of **pathos**, appealing to God's honor and reputation as the ultimate motivation, rather than Israel's merit. Finally, the declaration "thy city and thy people are called by thy name" employs **identification** and **possession**, highlighting the unique covenant relationship and the theological imperative for God to act on behalf of what bears His sacred name.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:19 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that genuine intercession is rooted not in human worthiness but in God's character and covenant faithfulness. Daniel's appeal for God to act "for thine own sake" echoes a recurring theme in Scripture where God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation, are ultimately for the vindication of His holy name and glory among the nations. This prayer serves as a timeless model of how believers should approach God in times of crisis, prioritizing His honor above all else and trusting that His commitment to His own name will compel Him to act according to His righteous purposes and merciful promises. It reminds us that God's reputation is inextricably linked to the well-being of His people and the integrity of His promises.

* [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "God Acts for His Holy Name's Sake")
* [Psalm 79:9](/psalm/79-9 "Plea for Deliverance for God's Name's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:19 offers a profound blueprint for our own prayer lives, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, whether personal, communal, or global. It challenges us to move beyond self-centered petitions and to ground our prayers in the character and purposes of God. Daniel's urgency ("defer not") reminds us that while God operates on His own timeline, He delights in the fervent, persistent prayers of His people. His appeal to God's "own sake" teaches us to prioritize God's glory above all else, recognizing that when we pray for His name to be honored, for His kingdom to come, and for His will to be done, we are aligning ourselves with His ultimate redemptive plan. This verse calls us to intercede passionately for our communities, nations, and the Church, especially when they are in spiritual or moral disarray, trusting that God will act for His own glory and the good of those who bear His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel's emphasis on God's "own sake" challenge or deepen your understanding of prayer?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you need to pray with Daniel's urgency, asking God to "defer not"?**
* **What does it mean for you, as a believer, to be "called by God's name," and how should that influence your daily life and witness?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's glory and honor as the primary motivation for your prayers and actions?**

### FAQ
**Why is Daniel's prayer so urgent and repetitive in this verse?**

Answer: Daniel's prayer is marked by intense urgency and repetition ("O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not") because he understands the gravity of Israel's situation and the imminent fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the end of the seventy-year exile ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). The repetition is a literary device, known as anaphora, used to convey the depth of his earnestness, desperation, and unwavering focus on God. It's not that Daniel thinks God is hard of hearing, but rather it reflects the profound burden on his heart and his persistent, fervent appeal for God's immediate and decisive intervention to restore His people and city, for the sake of His own holy name.

**What is the significance of "thy city and thy people are called by thy name"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant, emphasizing God's unique ownership and covenant relationship with Jerusalem and Israel. To be "called by thy name" means that they are consecrated to God, identified with Him, and bear His reputation. Their desolation and continued captivity were not just a human tragedy but a perceived dishonor to God's name among the pagan nations. Daniel appeals to God's own honor and integrity, arguing that for His own sake, God must act to restore His city and people, thereby vindicating His power and faithfulness in the eyes of the world. It highlights that God's glory is intrinsically linked to the well-being and testimony of those who belong to Him, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:10](/deuteronomy/28-10 "Israel Called by God's Name")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's fervent intercession in [Daniel 9:19](/daniel/9-19 "Daniel's Urgent Prayer") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Daniel's plea for forgiveness for a sinful people, and for God to act "for thine own sake," foreshadows the cross, where God, for His own glory and righteousness, provided the perfect means of atonement. Jesus, the true Son of David and the ultimate intercessor, did not merely pray for a people called by God's name, but He Himself is the one through whom God's name is perfectly glorified and revealed ([John 17:4-6](/john/17-4-6 "Jesus Glorifies the Father's Name")). He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering a definitive and eternal forgiveness that Daniel could only plead for. Furthermore, Jesus' High Priestly prayer in [John 17](/john/17 "Jesus' High Priestly Prayer") mirrors Daniel's intercession, though with a new covenant reality, as He prays for His disciples—the new "people called by His name"—that they might be sanctified and united, reflecting His glory to the world. Through Christ, God's promise to act for His own sake is fully realized, not merely in the restoration of a physical city, but in the building of a spiritual city, the Church, whose citizens are truly [called by His name](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"), and whose ultimate destiny is the New Jerusalem, where God's glory fully dwells ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")).

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 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

Luke 11:8

I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Amos 7:2

And it came to pass, [that] when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he [is] small.

Numbers 14:19

Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

Ephesians 1:12

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Jeremiah 14:7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou [it] for thy name's sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee.

2 Chronicles 6:25

Then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers.