Daniel 9:8
O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Daniel prayed this around 538 BC, near the end of the 70-year exile Jeremiah prophesied (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10). He had read Jeremiah's prophecy (Daniel 9:2) and understood the exile's approaching end, prompting intercession. The 'confusion of face' referred to Israel's current state—Jerusalem destroyed, temple in ruins, people scattered. Yet Daniel acknowledges this came not through divine caprice but just response to covenant violation. Israel's history showed repeated rebellion: idolatry, injustice, ignoring prophets, breaking God's commands. The exile wasn't arbitrary but covenantal curse (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28-30). Daniel's prayer shows mature spirituality: understanding God's justice in judgment while pleading for mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Daniel's comprehensive confession (kings, princes, fathers) model corporate rather than merely individual repentance?
- What does the phrase 'confusion of face' teach about sin's natural consequence being shame and humiliation?
- Why is acknowledging causation ('because we have sinned') crucial to genuine confession?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Daniel's prayer acknowledges comprehensive shame: 'O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.' The Hebrew בֹּשֶׁת פָּנִים (boshet panim, shame/confusion of face) depicts humiliation and disgrace. Daniel includes all levels of society—kings, princes, fathers (ancestors)—recognizing corporate guilt spanning generations. The cause is stated simply: 'because we have sinned against thee.' No excuse, no blame-shifting, no minimizing—just honest acknowledgment of sin as the root cause of Israel's exile. This models proper confession: comprehensive (including all parties), honest (admitting fault), and God-centered (recognizing sin as offense against God, not merely misfortune). Reformed theology emphasizes confession's necessity: genuine repentance requires acknowledging sin's gravity and our culpability without excuse.