O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.
Daniel's intercession intensifies: 'O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.' He appeals to God's righteousness (not Israel's) as basis for mercy—paradoxically, the same righteousness that justly judged can mercifully restore. The request is specific: remove anger from Jerusalem, God's city and holy mountain. The motivation is God-centered: 'thy city,' 'thy holy mountain,' 'thy people'—emphasizing covenant relationship. The concern is that Israel's judgment has become 'reproach to all that are about us,' potentially bringing dishonor to God's name. This covenant argumentation appeals to God's glory, promises, and character rather than claiming Israel deserves relief.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's destruction and Judah's exile made them objects of scorn among surrounding nations (Psalm 44:13-14, 79:4, Lamentations 2:15-16). Ancient Near Eastern peoples interpreted defeat as indicating divine weakness. Babylon's conquest of Judah seemed to vindicate Marduk over Yahweh. Yet the prophets reframed this: the exile demonstrated Yahweh's justice and covenant faithfulness; eventual restoration would demonstrate His power and mercy. Daniel's prayer appeals to this framework: let restoration vindicate Your name and character. The appeal to 'thy righteousness' encompasses both justice and faithfulness—God's righteousness includes keeping covenant promises, both warnings and restoration. Church history shows similar patterns: God's people's condition affects witness to surrounding culture; renewal demonstrates God's character and draws others to Him.
Questions for Reflection
How can God's righteousness be basis for mercy rather than only for judgment?
What does emphasizing 'thy city,' 'thy holy mountain,' 'thy people' teach about covenant argumentation in prayer?
Why is concern for God's reputation among watching nations a legitimate prayer motivation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's intercession intensifies: 'O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.' He appeals to God's righteousness (not Israel's) as basis for mercy—paradoxically, the same righteousness that justly judged can mercifully restore. The request is specific: remove anger from Jerusalem, God's city and holy mountain. The motivation is God-centered: 'thy city,' 'thy holy mountain,' 'thy people'—emphasizing covenant relationship. The concern is that Israel's judgment has become 'reproach to all that are about us,' potentially bringing dishonor to God's name. This covenant argumentation appeals to God's glory, promises, and character rather than claiming Israel deserves relief.