Daniel 9:18 - My God, turn your ear, and hear. Open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name; for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake.

Generated Verse: Daniel 9:18

What does "Daniel 9:18" mean?


This verse, Daniel 9:18, is a powerful plea for God's intervention, and it reveals several important aspects of prayer and faith:

Urgency and Humility: Daniel is in deep distress over the state of Jerusalem and the Jewish people, who are in exile. He begs God to pay attention ("turn your ear, and hear") and to witness their desolation ("open your eyes, and see our desolations"). He is not approaching God with a sense of entitlement, but rather with a humble and desperate heart.

Connection to God's Name: Daniel reminds God that Jerusalem is "the city which is called by your name." This highlights the idea that God's reputation and honor are tied to the well-being of his people and his chosen city. If Jerusalem remains desolate, it reflects poorly on God's power and faithfulness in the eyes of other nations.

Rejection of Self-Righteousness: This is the crucial part of the verse. Daniel explicitly states, "we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake." This is a profound admission of their own unworthiness. They are not claiming to deserve God's favor based on their own good deeds or obedience.

Reliance on God's Mercy: Instead of relying on their own (nonexistent) righteousness, they are appealing to God's "great mercies." They acknowledge that their only hope lies in God's compassion, grace, and undeserved love. They are throwing themselves entirely at God's mercy, trusting in his character rather than their own.

In essence, the verse encapsulates a prayer based on:

Acknowledging need: Recognizing the dire situation.
Humility: Admitting unworthiness.
Faith in God's character: Trusting in his mercy and compassion.
God's Reputation: Appealing to God's honor and commitment to his name.

It's a timeless example of how to approach God in prayer, especially when seeking forgiveness, deliverance, or restoration. It reminds us that we can't earn God's favor; we can only receive it as a gift of his grace.