Daniel 9:18

"“Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake."

Key Reflection

In Daniel 9:18, the prophet pleads earnestly with God, addressing Him as their sovereign deity. He appeals not just to the righteousness of His people, but specifically invokes divine mercy and compassion for the sake of God’s own glory. This plea is set against the backdrop of a desolate temple, emphasizing the need for restoration both physically and spiritually. The phrase "cause your face to shine" likely alludes to a metaphorical expression of divine favor and presence, indicating that Daniel desires not just physical rebuilding but also spiritual renewal through the Lord’s merciful intervention.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear -Pleading earnestly for his attention and his favor, as one does to a man. Open thine eyes -As if his eyes had been closed upon the condition of the city, and he did not see it. Of course, all this is figurative, and is the language of strong and earnest pleading when the heart is greatly interested. And the city which is called by thy name -Margin, “whereupon thy name is called.” The margin expresses the sense more literally; but the meaning is, that the city had been consecrated to God, and was called his - the city of Jehovah.

More from Daniel 9

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