Daniel 9:9

KJV

To the Lord our God [belong] mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;

KJV (with Strong's)

To the Lord {H136} our God {H430} belong mercies {H7356} and forgivenesses {H5547}, though we have rebelled {H4775} against him;

Complete Jewish Bible

It is for Adonai our God to show compassion and forgiveness, because we rebelled against him.

Berean Standard Bible

To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him

American Standard Version

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 9:9 stands as a profound declaration within Daniel's fervent prayer of confession, offered during the Babylonian exile. This verse encapsulates the foundational truth of God's unchanging character, asserting that despite humanity's consistent and deliberate rebellion, His very nature is defined by an overflowing abundance of mercies and a readiness to grant complete forgiveness. It serves as a cornerstone for understanding divine grace in the face of human sin, providing the sole basis for hope and restoration for a people who had profoundly deviated from their covenant with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 9:9 is situated within Daniel's monumental prayer of confession and intercession, recorded in [Daniel 9:3-19](/daniel/9-3-19 "Daniel's Prayer of Confession"). This prayer immediately follows Daniel's study of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the [seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years"). As the seventy years of exile were drawing to a close, Daniel, acting as a representative for his people, felt compelled to seek God in earnest prayer. His prayer is characterized by deep humility, fervent confession of Israel's corporate sins, and a profound reliance on God's covenant faithfulness and merciful character. Verse 9 specifically articulates the theological premise upon which Daniel bases his plea: God's inherent nature to forgive. The subsequent verses continue to confess Israel's unfaithfulness while appealing to God's righteousness and great mercies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 9 is the Babylonian exile, approximately 538 BC, shortly after the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians. Jerusalem lay in ruins, and the Jewish people were scattered, enduring the consequences of generations of disobedience to God's covenant. This period was marked by national humiliation and a profound sense of despair, yet also by a nascent hope for return, fueled by prophecies like Jeremiah's. Culturally, prayer was a central mode of communication with God, often involving fasting and sackcloth as signs of repentance and earnest supplication. Daniel's prayer reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of covenant, where blessings followed obedience and curses followed disobedience. His confession acknowledges that Israel's suffering was a just consequence of their rebellion against the divine King and His laws, yet he appeals to the unique attribute of the God of Israel: His capacity for boundless mercy and forgiveness, which set Him apart from the capricious deities of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Daniel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty and Righteousness of God**, demonstrating that even in judgment, God remains true to His character and His promises. Secondly, it underscores the pervasive theme of **Human Sin and Rebellion**, acknowledging Israel's consistent failure to uphold their covenant responsibilities, which led to their exile. Daniel's confession, "though we have rebelled against him," is a stark admission of this reality, echoing similar confessions throughout Israel's history, such as those found in [Nehemiah 9:26-30](/nehemiah/9-26-30 "Nehemiah's Account of Israel's Rebellion"). Most importantly, Daniel 9:9 powerfully establishes the theme of **God's Abundant Mercy and Forgiveness**. It asserts that God's character is fundamentally one of compassion and readiness to pardon, not primarily one of retribution. This truth forms the very foundation of hope for restoration, not based on human merit but solely on divine grace, a theme beautifully articulated in [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - God's Compassion and Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mercies (Hebrew, _racham'_):** Derived from a root meaning "womb," this word conveys a deep, visceral, tender compassion and affection, often likened to a parent's profound love for a child. In the plural form, as here (rachamim), it emphasizes the vastness, multiplicity, and overflowing nature of God's compassionate love. It is not merely pity, but an active, heartfelt benevolence that moves God to act on behalf of those in distress.
* **forgivenesses (Hebrew, _çᵉlîychâh'_):** This term specifically denotes pardon, the act of remitting a penalty, or overlooking a transgression. Its plural form, like "mercies," underscores the comprehensive and manifold nature of God's pardoning power. It signifies God's willingness and ability to clear the guilty, to remove the stain and consequences of sin, and to restore relationship, a concept vital to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **rebelled (Hebrew, _mârad'_):** This verb means to rebel, to revolt, or to apostatize. It implies a deliberate and defiant turning away from authority or a rightful relationship. In the context of Daniel 9:9, it signifies Israel's intentional and persistent disobedience to God's commands and covenant stipulations, not merely accidental sin, but a willful act of insubordination against their divine King.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the Lord our God [belong] mercies and forgivenesses":** This opening clause immediately establishes the character of God as the source of all compassion and pardon. The implied verb "belong" or "are with" emphasizes that these attributes are inherent to His very being, not something He acquires or dispenses reluctantly. The use of "Lord" (`ʼĂdônây`) and "our God" (`ʼĕlôhîym`) highlights His sovereignty and His covenant relationship with Israel, making the declaration of mercy and forgiveness even more profound given their unfaithfulness. It is a statement of divine nature and prerogative.
* **"though we have rebelled against him;":** This contrasting clause underscores the depth of human sin and the radical nature of God's grace. The conjunction "though" (or "for") introduces the reason for the need of mercy and forgiveness: Israel's willful and persistent rebellion (`mârad`). This is a stark confession, acknowledging that their suffering and exile were not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their defiant turning away from God's commands. It highlights that God's mercies and forgiveness are extended not because of human merit, but despite human demerit.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 9:9 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, juxtaposing the boundless mercies and forgiveness of God with the stark reality of human rebellion. This highlights the profundity of divine grace. The use of **Plural Forms** for "mercies" (_rachamim_) and "forgivenesses" (_selichot_) is a form of **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the immeasurable and manifold nature of God's compassion and pardoning power, rather than just a singular act. The verse also functions as a **Confession**, as Daniel, on behalf of his people, openly acknowledges their sin, which is a crucial step in the process of repentance and reconciliation. Furthermore, it serves as a **Theological Statement**, articulating a core truth about God's character that underpins all hope for salvation and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 9:9 encapsulates a foundational theological truth about God's character that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative: His enduring and active disposition towards mercy and forgiveness, even in the face of profound human rebellion. This verse asserts that God's compassion is not a reactive emotion but an intrinsic attribute, forming the very basis of His relationship with humanity. It underscores the biblical principle that while God is righteous in judgment, His ultimate desire is for reconciliation and restoration, rooted in His covenant faithfulness. This divine attribute is the wellspring of all hope for fallen humanity, demonstrating that our access to God's grace is never based on our merit, but solely on His inherent goodness and willingness to pardon.

* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is Merciful and Gracious")
* [Nehemiah 9:17](/nehemiah/9-17 "Nehemiah 9:17 - God's Forgiveness and Mercy")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 9:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a timeless anchor for our faith and practice. It calls us to an honest and humble self-assessment, recognizing our own propensity for rebellion against God's will and ways. Just as Daniel did not shy away from confessing the corporate sin of Israel, we are invited to acknowledge our personal and collective shortcomings, understanding that true repentance begins with this transparent admission. Yet, the verse immediately pivots from human failure to divine faithfulness, reminding us that our hope is never in our perfect obedience, but in God's perfect character. We can approach God with absolute confidence, not because of our righteousness, but because His nature is to be merciful and forgiving. This truth liberates us from the burden of earning God's favor and empowers us to live in the freedom of His grace. It assures us that even when we stumble or deliberately stray, the door to His compassion and pardon remains wide open, enabling restoration and renewed intimacy with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be consciously or unconsciously "rebelling" against God's known will?**
* **How does understanding God's inherent "mercies and forgivenesses" change your approach to confession and repentance?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully lean into God's character of mercy when you feel the weight of your own failures?**
* **How can the truth of Daniel 9:9 foster greater hope and confidence in your relationship with God, even amidst personal struggles or societal brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Why is Daniel's emphasis on God's mercy and forgiveness so significant given Israel's rebellion?**

Answer: Daniel's emphasis is profoundly significant because it highlights that God's mercy and forgiveness are not conditional upon human merit or perfect obedience, but are inherent attributes of His character. Israel's rebellion had led to their exile and devastation, a clear consequence of their breaking the covenant. Yet, Daniel appeals not to Israel's worthiness, but to God's nature. This underscores that divine grace is sovereign and extended despite sin, providing the only true basis for hope and restoration when human efforts have utterly failed. It's a powerful theological statement that God's ultimate disposition towards His people is one of compassion and a desire for reconciliation, even when they have justly earned judgment. This truth is foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible, culminating in the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 9:9, with its profound declaration of God's inherent mercies and forgivenesses despite human rebellion, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Daniel's prayer acknowledges God's character as the source of pardon, it does not explicitly detail the means by which this forgiveness would be fully accomplished. The New Testament reveals that God's boundless mercy and forgiveness, so desperately needed by rebellious humanity, are made fully accessible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of human rebellion and satisfying the demands of divine justice. Through His cross, God's mercy and justice perfectly converge, allowing God to be both [just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification"). The "mercies and forgivenesses" that belong to the Lord are poured out abundantly upon all who turn to Christ, demonstrating that God's heart of compassion, revealed to Daniel, is fully realized in the [redemptive work of His Son](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"). Thus, Daniel 9:9 serves as a prophetic glimpse into the very heart of the Gospel, where God's character of boundless grace is perfectly manifested in the person of Christ.

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

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:8

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Daniel 9:7

O Lord, righteousness [belongeth] unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, [that are] near, and [that are] far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

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:

Psalms 86:15

But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

Ephesians 2:4

¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.