Daniel 9:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 9:7
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.
Chapter Context
Daniel 9 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, holiness. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 9:7
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.
Analysis
Daniel continues: "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." The contrast is stark—"righteousness belongeth unto thee" but "unto us confusion of faces." God's righteousness remains unstained; Israel's shame is complete and visible ("confusion of faces" = disgrace, embarrassment).
The phrase "as at this day" anchors the confession in present reality—exile isn't theoretical but current disgrace witnessed by all. The comprehensive scope—"men of Judah...Jerusalem...all Israel...near...far off"—indicates the exile scattered the nation widely, fulfilling covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:64). Yet even in acknowledging dispersion, Daniel maintains hope by recognizing God's sovereign hand: "whither thou hast driven them." Though judgment resulted from sin, God sovereignly controlled even exile's details.
The final phrase—"because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee"—uses emphatic Hebrew construction (literally "in their unfaithfulness which they acted unfaithfully") stressing willful, knowing rebellion. This acknowledgment of deserved judgment provides proper foundation for seeking mercy—not denying guilt but confessing it fully while appealing to divine grace. Christ bore our "confusion of faces" (shame) on the cross, suffering public disgrace to restore our honor (Hebrews 12:2).
Historical Context
By Daniel's time (538 BC), Jews were scattered throughout the Babylonian and emerging Persian Empires from Egypt to Persia. The "near and far off" described those who returned to Judah versus those remaining in dispersion. This scattered condition fulfilled Deuteronomy's covenant curses for persistent disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:64-68), demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word—both blessings and curses.
Reflection
- How does the contrast between God's righteousness and our shame establish proper foundation for seeking divine mercy?
- What does recognizing God's sovereign hand even in judgment ("whither thou hast driven them") teach about divine control over all circumstances?
- How does Christ bearing our shame on the cross provide the ultimate answer to humanity's "confusion of faces"?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Daniel 9:8, Deuteronomy 4:27, Jeremiah 3:25
- Righteousness: Daniel 9:14
- References Israel: Amos 9:9
- Parallel theme: Psalms 44:15, Romans 6:21