Daniel 9:3

KJV

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I set {H5414} my face {H6440} unto the Lord {H136} God {H430}, to seek {H1245} by prayer {H8605} and supplications {H8469}, with fasting {H6685}, and sackcloth {H8242}, and ashes {H665}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I turned to Adonai, God, to seek an answer, pleading with him in prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.

Berean Standard Bible

So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

American Standard Version

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:3 describes the prophet Daniel's resolute and humble posture as he prepares to intercede for his people, Israel. Driven by his understanding of God's prophetic timetable concerning the 70-year Babylonian captivity, Daniel intentionally turns his focus to the Lord God, engaging in fervent prayer and supplications, accompanied by traditional acts of profound humility and repentance: fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant intercessory prayers in Scripture, demonstrating a model of earnest seeking and spiritual discipline in response to divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:3 immediately follows Daniel's profound realization in [Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel 9:2 - Daniel's Understanding of Jeremiah's Prophecy") that the seventy-year period of desolation for Jerusalem, prophesied by Jeremiah, was drawing to a close. This understanding, gleaned from studying the prophetic scrolls, did not lead to passive waiting but to an urgent and intense spiritual response. The verse initiates Daniel's extended prayer, which spans from [Daniel 9:4-19](/daniel/9-4-19 "Daniel's Great Intercessory Prayer") and is characterized by confession, supplication, and an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness. It is a pivotal moment in the book, transitioning from Daniel's visions to a deep theological reflection and an earnest plea for national restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Daniel lived during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national humiliation for Israel, a direct consequence of their covenant disobedience. The practices mentioned in [Daniel 9:3](/daniel/9-3 "Daniel 9:3 - Daniel's Posture of Prayer")—fasting, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes—were deeply ingrained ancient Near Eastern customs for expressing profound grief, repentance, and desperate supplication. Fasting signified a denial of physical comforts to focus on spiritual matters, demonstrating earnestness and dependence on God. Sackcloth, a coarse, rough fabric, and ashes, often sprinkled on the head or sat in, were public displays of mourning, humility, and contrition, signifying a total surrender and recognition of one's lowliness before God. These actions were not mere rituals but embodied a sincere heart posture of brokenness and desperate appeal.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, as Daniel's prayer is a response to God's revealed plan, yet it emphasizes the human responsibility to seek God earnestly. The theme of **Repentance and Intercession** is central, as Daniel, though righteous, identifies with the corporate sin of his people and intercedes on their behalf, modeling a profound understanding of corporate responsibility before a holy God. Furthermore, it underscores the **Power and Necessity of Prayer**, demonstrating that even when God's timing is known, fervent prayer remains essential for the fulfillment of His purposes and for drawing near to Him, as seen throughout Scripture, from the [pleas of Moses](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel") to the [prayers of the early church](/acts/4-23-31 "Acts 4:23-31 - The Church's Prayer for Boldness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root means "to give," but is used with the greatest latitude of application, including to "put," "make," "appoint," or "place." In this context, combined with "face," it denotes a deliberate, intentional, and resolute action of directing one's attention and will. It signifies a decisive commitment rather than a casual inclination.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun (used singularly) refers to "the face" as the part that turns. It is used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively. When combined with "set" (nathan), "set my face" (nathan panim) conveys a strong sense of determination, firm resolve, and unwavering focus towards a particular direction or purpose, implying a single-minded pursuit.
* **seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to search out by any method," specifically in worship or prayer. By implication, it means "to strive after," "ask," "beg," "beseech," or "desire." Daniel's "seeking" is not a passive request but an active, diligent, and earnest pursuit of God's presence and will, reflecting a deep longing and commitment.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** An emphatic form of 'adon, used as a proper name of God only. It conveys the idea of sovereign master or ruler, emphasizing God's authority and Daniel's submission to Him.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The plural of 'eloah, specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God. It highlights God's majesty, power, and divine nature, underscoring the awesome being to whom Daniel directs his prayer.
* **prayer (Hebrew, _tᵉphillâh'_):** From the root palal, meaning "to intercede" or "supplicate." It refers to a general act of communication with God, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and petition.
* **supplications (Hebrew, _tachănûwn'_):** From the root chanan, meaning "to be gracious." This word refers to earnest prayer or entreaty, specifically pleas for grace and mercy. The combination with "prayer" emphasizes the comprehensive and fervent nature of Daniel's appeal, encompassing both general communion and specific, urgent requests for divine favor.
* **fasting (Hebrew, _tsôwm'_):** From the root tsum, meaning "to fast." It refers to the practice of abstaining from food for spiritual purposes, demonstrating humility, earnestness, and a heightened focus on God.
* **sackcloth (Hebrew, _saq'_):** From the root shaqaq, meaning "to run through" (as a liquid through a mesh). It refers to coarse, loose cloth or sacking, used in mourning and for bagging. As a symbol, it signifies deep grief, repentance, and humility.
* **ashes (Hebrew, _ʼêpher'_):** From an unused root meaning "to bestrew." It refers to ashes, often sprinkled on the head or sat in, as a symbol of mourning, humiliation, and deep contrition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I set my face unto the Lord God":** This clause reveals Daniel's intentional and resolute posture. "Setting one's face" is an idiom signifying determined focus and unwavering resolve. Daniel deliberately turned his entire being, his will, and his attention towards the sovereign and supreme God, indicating a profound commitment to engage with Him without distraction or hesitation. It speaks of a single-minded pursuit of the divine.
* **"to seek by prayer and supplications":** Daniel's purpose in setting his face was to "seek" God. This seeking was not passive but active, involving both general "prayer" (communication, worship, confession) and specific "supplications" (earnest pleas for grace and mercy). This combination emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of his appeal, reflecting both a relationship with God and urgent, specific petitions.
* **"with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes":** These actions describe the outward expressions of Daniel's inward spiritual state. They are ancient, culturally recognized symbols of deep humility, mourning, and profound repentance. Fasting demonstrates a willingness to deny physical comforts to focus intensely on spiritual matters. Sackcloth and ashes publicly declared sorrow for sin, grief over the nation's condition, and a complete surrender to God's will, acknowledging unworthiness and desperate reliance on divine grace. These were not mere rituals but embodied a sincere heart posture of brokenness and desperate appeal.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the depth of the prophet's spiritual state. The phrase "I set my face" is a powerful **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where "face" represents the entire person's will and determination. It signifies a resolute, unwavering commitment, much like a person setting their course towards a fixed destination. The actions of "fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes" function as potent **Symbolism**. Each element is a tangible representation of an internal spiritual reality: fasting symbolizes self-denial and earnestness; sackcloth symbolizes mourning, humility, and repentance; and ashes symbolize abasement, grief, and contrition. Together, they create a vivid tableau of profound spiritual discipline and a desperate turning toward God. The cumulative effect of these three elements also creates a sense of **Climax** or increasing intensity, emphasizing the extreme measures Daniel took to prepare himself for this significant intercession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of earnest prayer and repentance. It illustrates that true intercession often begins with a deep personal humbling and a resolute turning towards God, even when one is aware of God's sovereign plans. Daniel's actions demonstrate that divine revelation (his understanding of Jeremiah's prophecy) does not negate the need for human supplication but rather provides the impetus for it. His identification with the corporate sin of Israel, despite his personal righteousness, highlights the biblical concept of corporate solidarity and responsibility. The verse underscores that genuine repentance involves not only an intellectual acknowledgment of sin but also a visceral, humble, and disciplined turning to God, appealing to His mercy and covenant faithfulness. This model of prayer is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character as both holy and merciful, and it anticipates the New Testament emphasis on approaching God with both reverence and confidence.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - Conditions for Healing the Land")
* [Psalm 69:10-11](/psalms/69-10-11 "Psalm 69:10-11 - Humiliation and Prayer")
* [Jonah 3:5-8](/jonah/3-5-8 "Jonah 3:5-8 - Nineveh's Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:3 offers a timeless and challenging model for contemporary believers on how to approach God, especially in times of personal or communal crisis, or when seeking divine direction. It calls us to move beyond casual prayer to a posture of intentionality and deep spiritual engagement. Daniel's "setting his face" reminds us that effective prayer requires focused attention and unwavering determination, prioritizing communion with God above all else. The inclusion of fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, while culturally specific, points to the enduring principle of humility, self-denial, and genuine repentance. It prompts us to consider what spiritual disciplines we might employ to demonstrate our earnestness and dependence on God, acknowledging our unworthiness and desperate need for His grace. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to cultivate an intercessory heart, identifying with the brokenness of the world and standing in the gap for others, trusting in God's faithfulness to His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or for what situations do I need to "set my face" towards God with greater resolve and intentionality?**
* **What spiritual disciplines, beyond routine prayer, might God be calling me to embrace to deepen my seeking of Him?**
* **How can I cultivate a more profound sense of humility and repentance, both personally and in identifying with the corporate sins of my community or nation?**
* **What specific burdens or people is God calling me to intercede for with the same earnestness Daniel displayed?**

### FAQ

**What does "set my face" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In a biblical context, "setting one's face" (Hebrew: *nathan panim*) is an idiom that signifies a strong, unwavering determination, resolute purpose, and single-minded focus towards a particular goal or direction. It implies a firm resolve to accomplish something, regardless of obstacles or difficulties. For Daniel, it meant he was fully committed and intentionally directing his entire being—his will, attention, and spirit—towards the Lord God in prayer and supplication. This phrase is also famously used of Jesus in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem"), indicating His determined journey to Jerusalem to fulfill His destiny.

**Why did Daniel include fasting, sackcloth, and ashes in his prayer?**

Answer: Daniel included fasting, sackcloth, and ashes as traditional and deeply symbolic acts of profound humility, mourning, and repentance in the ancient Near East. Fasting (abstaining from food) demonstrated earnestness, self-denial, and a heightened focus on spiritual matters over physical needs. Sackcloth (a coarse, rough fabric worn next to the skin) and ashes (sprinkled on the head or sat in) were public expressions of deep grief, contrition for sin, and a recognition of one's lowliness and unworthiness before God. These actions were not mere rituals but outward manifestations of an inward heart posture of brokenness, desperation, and sincere appeal for divine mercy and grace, acknowledging the severe consequences of Israel's corporate sin that led to their exile, as described in [Lamentations 2:10](/lamentations/2-10 "Lamentations 2:10 - Humiliation and Mourning").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel's profound posture of prayer in [Daniel 9:3](/daniel/9-3 "Daniel 9:3 - Daniel's Posture of Prayer") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. While Daniel interceded for his people, identifying with their sin and appealing to God's covenant faithfulness, Jesus is the perfect Intercessor who needed no personal repentance, for He was without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Daniel's "setting his face" towards God foreshadows Christ's own unwavering determination to accomplish the Father's will, particularly His resolute journey to Jerusalem to face the cross ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolute Journey to Jerusalem")). The acts of humility and self-denial seen in Daniel's fasting and sackcloth point to Christ's ultimate self-emptying (kenosis) in His incarnation ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), and His profound suffering and sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the "sackcloth and ashes" of humanity's sin, taking upon Himself the full weight of divine judgment. Through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, He became the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the ultimate basis for prayer, repentance, and reconciliation with God, fulfilling the very longing for restoration that Daniel expressed. Now, believers can approach God's throne of grace with confidence through Christ, our great High Priest and Advocate ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:18

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Nehemiah 1:4

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned [certain] days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.