Daniel 9:4

¶ And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

And I prayed {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, and made my confession {H3034}, and said {H559}, O {H577} Lord {H136}, the great {H1419} and dreadful {H3372} God {H410}, keeping {H8104} the covenant {H1285} and mercy {H2617} to them that love {H157} him, and to them that keep {H8104} his commandments {H4687};

I prayed to ADONAI my God and made this confession: "Please, Adonai, great and fearsome God, who keeps his covenant and extends grace to those who love him and observe his mitzvot!

And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments,

And I prayed unto Jehovah my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments,

Commentary

Daniel 9:4 introduces the profound prayer of the prophet Daniel, offered during a critical period of Israel's exile in Babylon. This verse sets the tone for his intercession, beginning with an act of humble confession and a deep acknowledgment of God's majestic character.

Context

Daniel's prayer in chapter 9 is prompted by his study of the prophet Jeremiah's writings, specifically the prophecy concerning the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem. As these 70 years were drawing to a close, Daniel, recognizing the nation's persistent sinfulness, felt compelled to seek God's face in prayer. This prayer is not a casual request but a fervent, disciplined act of repentance and intercession on behalf of his people, acknowledging their collective failure to uphold God's covenant.

Key Themes

  • Confession and Humility: Daniel immediately begins with "made my confession," demonstrating a posture of humility and acknowledging sin before God. This sets the foundation for true repentance and restoration.
  • God's Majestic Character: Daniel addresses God as "the great and dreadful God." This dual description highlights both His immense power and sovereignty (great) and His awe-inspiring holiness and justice (dreadful), which demands reverence and obedience.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The verse emphasizes God as "keeping the covenant and mercy." Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast to His promises and His lovingkindness (Hebrew: checed). This provides Daniel with hope that God will act according to His character.
  • Conditional Blessings: God's faithfulness is specifically "to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments." This reiterates the established principle in the Mosaic Law that blessings and covenant relationship are contingent upon obedience and love, a theme echoed throughout scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 7:9.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Dreadful" (Hebrew: yare'): This word conveys more than just terror; it implies a profound sense of awe, reverence, and respect for God's holiness and power. It's the kind of fear that leads to worship and obedience, not paralyzing fright.
  • "Covenant" (Hebrew: berith): Refers to a binding agreement or solemn promise, particularly God's established relationship with Israel. God's faithfulness to His berith is a cornerstone of His character.
  • "Mercy" (Hebrew: checed): Often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "loyal love." It signifies God's unfailing commitment and compassionate loyalty to His people, especially those in covenant relationship with Him.

Practical Application

Daniel 9:4 serves as a powerful model for prayer and spiritual living. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Starting with Confession: Before making requests, acknowledging our own sinfulness and God's holiness prepares our hearts for genuine interaction with Him.
  • Understanding God's Nature: A true understanding of God as both mighty and merciful, just and loving, shapes our prayers and our trust in Him.
  • The Link Between Love and Obedience: This verse highlights that genuine love for God is demonstrated through keeping His commandments. As Jesus Himself stated, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
  • Hope in God's Faithfulness: Even in times of national or personal distress, we can cling to God's unchanging character and His commitment to His promises for those who diligently seek Him.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:28

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

  • Exodus 20:6

    And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

  • Deuteronomy 5:10

    And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

  • 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:

  • Daniel 9:12

    And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

  • Exodus 34:6

    And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

  • Exodus 34:7

    Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].