Daniel 9:17 - “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.
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What does "Daniel 9:17" mean?
This verse from Daniel 9:17 is a plea for God's favor and restoration, specifically focusing on the desolate sanctuary. Let's break it down:
“Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions…” This is a direct and humble appeal to God. Daniel recognizes God's power and authority ("our God") and asks him to hear his prayer. Daniel refers to himself as "your servant," emphasizing his devotion and willingness to submit to God's will. He's not just offering a casual request, but serious "petitions," implying heartfelt and urgent concerns.
“…and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate…” This is the core of Daniel's request. The "face" of God shining represents divine favor, blessing, and restored presence. In contrast, the "desolate sanctuary" refers to the destroyed or neglected temple in Jerusalem. This likely indicates both the physical devastation of the temple by the Babylonians and the spiritual desolation of the nation. Daniel is pleading for God to restore his presence to the temple, to rebuild it, and to rekindle spiritual life within it.
“…for the Lord’s sake.” This phrase is crucial. Daniel isn't asking for restoration based on the merits of the people of Israel, who have been sinful and disobedient (as he acknowledges throughout the chapter). Instead, he appeals to God's own character, his covenant faithfulness, his reputation, and his commitment to his own promises. He's essentially saying, "Do it, God, not because we deserve it, but because your name and glory are at stake. Restore your sanctuary for your own purposes and to demonstrate your power and mercy."
In summary, Daniel is asking God to:
Hear his prayer.
Show favor and blessing upon the desolate sanctuary (temple).
Restore the temple and the nation of Israel, not because they deserve it, but for God's own sake and to uphold his reputation.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's helpful to know the context of Daniel 9. Daniel is reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and realizes that the 70-year exile of the Jewish people in Babylon is coming to an end. He then begins to pray a powerful prayer of confession and repentance on behalf of himself and the nation of Israel, acknowledging their sins and pleading for God's mercy and restoration.
This verse is a key part of that plea, showing Daniel's longing for God's presence to return to his people and his land. It is a demonstration of intercessory prayer rooted in humility, repentance and profound understanding of God's character.
Daniel 9:17 - “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.
What does "Daniel 9:17" mean?
This verse from Daniel 9:17 is a plea for God's favor and restoration, specifically focusing on the desolate sanctuary. Let's break it down:
“Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions…” This is a direct and humble appeal to God. Daniel recognizes God's power and authority ("our God") and asks him to hear his prayer. Daniel refers to himself as "your servant," emphasizing his devotion and willingness to submit to God's will. He's not just offering a casual request, but serious "petitions," implying heartfelt and urgent concerns.
“…and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate…” This is the core of Daniel's request. The "face" of God shining represents divine favor, blessing, and restored presence. In contrast, the "desolate sanctuary" refers to the destroyed or neglected temple in Jerusalem. This likely indicates both the physical devastation of the temple by the Babylonians and the spiritual desolation of the nation. Daniel is pleading for God to restore his presence to the temple, to rebuild it, and to rekindle spiritual life within it.
“…for the Lord’s sake.” This phrase is crucial. Daniel isn't asking for restoration based on the merits of the people of Israel, who have been sinful and disobedient (as he acknowledges throughout the chapter). Instead, he appeals to God's own character, his covenant faithfulness, his reputation, and his commitment to his own promises. He's essentially saying, "Do it, God, not because we deserve it, but because your name and glory are at stake. Restore your sanctuary for your own purposes and to demonstrate your power and mercy."
In summary, Daniel is asking God to:
Hear his prayer.
Show favor and blessing upon the desolate sanctuary (temple).
Restore the temple and the nation of Israel, not because they deserve it, but for God's own sake and to uphold his reputation.
Context is Important:
To fully understand this verse, it's helpful to know the context of Daniel 9. Daniel is reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and realizes that the 70-year exile of the Jewish people in Babylon is coming to an end. He then begins to pray a powerful prayer of confession and repentance on behalf of himself and the nation of Israel, acknowledging their sins and pleading for God's mercy and restoration.
This verse is a key part of that plea, showing Daniel's longing for God's presence to return to his people and his land. It is a demonstration of intercessory prayer rooted in humility, repentance and profound understanding of God's character.