And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
Daniel appeals to historical precedent: 'And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day: we have sinned, we have done wickedly.' He references the Exodus—Israel's defining deliverance and God's great demonstration of power. The phrase 'gotten thee renown' acknowledges that God's reputation is at stake: His name became famous through redeeming Israel. The appeal is implicit: will God allow His name to be dishonored through Israel's continued exile? This represents covenant argumentation: not claiming merit but appealing to God's character, promises, and reputation. The concluding 'we have sinned, we have done wickedly' maintains humility—Daniel isn't presuming on God's grace but acknowledging continued unworthiness while appealing to divine mercy.
Historical Context
The Exodus was Israel's foundational deliverance—liberation from Egyptian slavery through miraculous plagues, Red Sea crossing, wilderness provision, and covenant establishment at Sinai. This event defined Israel's identity and revealed Yahweh's character to surrounding nations. Egypt's defeat and Israel's deliverance made Yahweh's name known worldwide (Exodus 15:14-16, Joshua 2:10). Daniel's appeal assumes God's concern for His reputation: nations watching Israel's exile might conclude Yahweh was weak or faithless. Yet the prophets clarified: the exile demonstrated God's justice, not weakness; restoration would demonstrate His mercy and covenant faithfulness. Church history shows similar patterns: God's people's condition affects His reputation among watching nations; corporate repentance and revival vindicate His name.
Questions for Reflection
How does appealing to God's reputation and past faithfulness differ from claiming personal merit?
What does the Exodus reference teach about proper use of salvation history in prayer?
Why is it appropriate to remind God of His past works while acknowledging present unworthiness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel appeals to historical precedent: 'And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day: we have sinned, we have done wickedly.' He references the Exodus—Israel's defining deliverance and God's great demonstration of power. The phrase 'gotten thee renown' acknowledges that God's reputation is at stake: His name became famous through redeeming Israel. The appeal is implicit: will God allow His name to be dishonored through Israel's continued exile? This represents covenant argumentation: not claiming merit but appealing to God's character, promises, and reputation. The concluding 'we have sinned, we have done wickedly' maintains humility—Daniel isn't presuming on God's grace but acknowledging continued unworthiness while appealing to divine mercy.