Daniel 9:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 9:18
18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Chapter Context
Daniel 9 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of grace, love, judgment. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 9:18
18 O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.
Analysis
Daniel's prayer approaches its climax: "O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies." The parallel imperatives—"incline...hear...open...behold"—urgently petition divine attention. The phrase "our desolations" references Jerusalem's ruins, appealing to God's compassion for His people's suffering.
The crucial phrase—"the city which is called by thy name"—grounds the petition in God's own glory. Jerusalem bore God's name; its desolation reflected on His reputation among nations (cf. Ezekiel 36:20-23). Daniel appeals not primarily to Israel's suffering but to God's honor—He must act to vindicate His name. This demonstrates proper prayer priority: God's glory above personal comfort. Christ taught this pattern: "Hallowed be thy name...thy kingdom come" precedes "give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:9-11).
The final disclaimer—"we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies"—explicitly renounces works-righteousness. Daniel, though personally righteous (Ezekiel 14:14), doesn't appeal to merit but to divine mercy alone. This models Reformed soteriology: salvation by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ's righteousness, not our own, provides access to God's throne (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Historical Context
Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC) and temple's burning devastated Israel physically and spiritually. The city "called by God's name" lay in ruins, seeming to contradict divine promises. Daniel prayed around 538 BC as the seventy years neared completion, seeking restoration based on God's mercy and name, not Israel's merit. Cyrus's decree allowing return (Ezra 1:1-4) answered this prayer.
Reflection
- How does appealing to God's glory and name rather than personal merit model proper prayer priorities?
- What does renouncing dependence on "our righteousnesses" teach about the sole ground for approaching God in prayer?
- How does this prayer pattern point to Christ's righteousness as our only access to God's throne?
Word Studies
- Righteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik) H6666 - Righteous one
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Kings 19:16, Isaiah 37:17, Jeremiah 15:16, Ezekiel 36:32
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 14:7, 25:29, 36:7