And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
DANIEL 9:15KJVWhat does Daniel 9:15 mean?
Daniel 9:15 is Daniel’s prayer to God, recalling how God powerfully rescued the Israelites from Egypt and became famous for it, and then confessing that the people have sinned and acted wickedly. Daniel is appealing to God’s past acts of deliverance as he admits the nation’s guilt.
Daniel is speaking directly to God during a time of exile, praying on behalf of the Jewish people. He remembers God’s “mighty hand” in bringing Israel out of Egypt (a key event in their history) and openly admits that the people have failed God since then. This verse is part of Daniel’s larger prayer of confession and plea for mercy, showing both respect for God’s power and honesty about the nation’s wrongdoing.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:15
- “Lord” (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai, H136): This word emphasizes God’s authority and sovereignty, which fits Daniel’s humble approach in prayer.
- “God” (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim, H430): This is a general term for God, often highlighting His power as Creator and ruler over all.
- “Mighty” (חָזָק, chazaq, H2389) and “hand” (יָד, yad, H3027): Together, these words stress the strength and active intervention of God in history, not just a passive presence.
- “Renown” (שֵׁם, shem, H8034): This word means “name” or “reputation.” Daniel points out that God’s actions in Egypt made His name famous, which is why Daniel appeals to God’s reputation now.
- “Sinned” (חָטָא, chata’, H2398) and “done wickedly” (רָשַׁע, rasha’, H7561): These words show Daniel’s clear confession, using strong terms for moral failure and rebellion.
Why Daniel 9:15 matters
- Daniel 9:15 reminds readers that confession in prayer can be honest and direct, acknowledging both God’s greatness and human failure.
- The verse connects the current crisis (exile) to Israel’s history, showing that God’s past faithfulness is the basis for hope and appeal in the present.
- By mentioning God’s “renown,” Daniel highlights that God’s reputation among nations is important in biblical prayers, not just personal or national needs.