Daniel 9:9

"Lord, to us belongs confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you."

Key Reflection

In Daniel 9:9, the people of Israel are expressing profound remorse for their sins against God. They acknowledge that their actions have brought shame not only upon themselves but also upon their leaders and ancestors. This verse reflects the deep sense of guilt and humility that characterized the Jewish understanding of divine judgment, where personal sin has communal and generational repercussions. The confession of their "confusion of face" highlights a posture of repentance, recognizing the visible dishonor brought about by their transgressions against God's holy presence.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses -Not only does righteousness belong to him in the sense that he has done right, and that he cannot be blamed for what he has done, but mercy and forgiveness belong to him in the sense that he only can pardon, and that these are attributes of his nature.

More from Daniel 9

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