Daniel 9:5

Daniel 9:5 (KJV): "We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:"

Context of Daniel 9:5

This verse is part of Daniel's profound prayer of confession and intercession, offered during the Babylonian exile. Daniel, understanding from Jeremiah's prophecy that the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem were nearing their end, turns to God in fervent prayer. His prayer is not merely a request for deliverance but a deep acknowledgment of the sins of his people, Israel, identifying himself with their transgressions, even though he was personally righteous. This corporate confession sets the stage for God's further revelation concerning the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Key Themes and Messages

• Comprehensive Confession of Sin: Daniel uses a powerful accumulation of terms—"sinned," "committed iniquity," "done wickedly," and "rebelled"—to describe the depth and breadth of Israel's disobedience. This isn't a superficial acknowledgment but a thorough and honest recognition of collective guilt before a holy God.
• Corporate Responsibility: Although Daniel himself was faithful, he includes himself in the "we," demonstrating a profound sense of solidarity with his people. This highlights the concept of corporate responsibility, where individuals identify with the sins and consequences of their community or nation.
• Departure from God's Law: The essence of their sin is clearly stated: "departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments." This emphasizes that sin is fundamentally a rebellion against God's revealed will and His established moral order, found in the Law given through Moses. This departure led to the consequences of exile, as forewarned in passages like Deuteronomy 28.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse paint a vivid picture of sin:

• Chata (חָטָא - "sinned"): This common word for sin means "to miss the mark" or "to go astray." It speaks of failing to meet God's standard.
• Avah (עָוָה - "committed iniquity"): Implies distortion or perversion, suggesting a bending or twisting of what is right, leading to moral crookedness.
• Rasha (רָשַׁע - "done wickedly"): Denotes being guilty or unrighteous, acting contrary to justice and righteousness.
• Marad (מָרַד - "rebelled"): This is the strongest term, signifying open revolt, defiance, or insurrection against an authority. It highlights the intentional and defiant nature of their disobedience against God as their sovereign King.

Practical Application

Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• The Necessity of Genuine Confession: Like Daniel, we are called to a deep and honest confession of our sins, individually and corporately. This involves acknowledging specific transgressions and recognizing our departure from God's will. 1 John 1:9 reminds us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.
• Understanding the Nature of Sin: Sin is not merely a mistake; it is a rebellion against God's authority and a departure from His perfect standards. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of God's grace.
• Intercession for Our Communities: Daniel's example encourages us to pray not only for ourselves but also to identify with the spiritual condition of our families, churches, and nations, interceding on their behalf and confessing collective failings.