Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.

DANIEL 9:17KJV
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Daniel 9:17 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:17 mean?

Daniel 9:17 is a plea from Daniel asking God to listen to his prayer and to show favor again to the ruined temple in Jerusalem, not because of the people's merit, but for the sake of God's own reputation and honor. Daniel is appealing for God's attention and mercy toward the devastated sanctuary.

Daniel is speaking directly to God during a time when the Jewish people are in exile and Jerusalem's temple is in ruins. Daniel's prayer is humble and urgent, recognizing that the sanctuary is "desolate" and that only God can restore it. The verse highlights Daniel's deep concern for God's name and presence among His people, rather than focusing on their own worthiness.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:17

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Daniel addresses God with a term that emphasizes His power and authority, fitting for a request about restoring what only God can restore.
  • Prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah) and Supplications (תַּחֲנוּנִים, tachanunim): Daniel uses both words to stress the earnestness and depth of his appeal, showing that this is not a routine request but a heartfelt plea.
  • Cause thy face to shine (פָּנֶה, panim; אוֹר, or): The phrase "cause thy face to shine" uses the idea of God's presence bringing favor, blessing, and restoration. In Hebrew thought, God's "face" shining means He is looking with kindness and approval.
  • Sanctuary (מִקְדָּשׁ, mikdash) and Desolate (שָׁמֵם, shamem): Daniel specifically asks for God's attention to the temple, which is now abandoned and destroyed, underlining the depth of the loss and the hope for renewal.
  • Lord's (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai): Daniel appeals for action "for the Lord's sake," focusing on God's reputation and faithfulness rather than Israel's merit.

Why Daniel 9:17 matters

  • Daniel 9:17 clarifies that Daniel's request is not based on the people's righteousness but on God's character and promises, which can correct the idea that prayer is about earning God's favor.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of God's presence and reputation among His people, showing that restoration is ultimately about God's glory.
  • Daniel's prayer connects to the wider chapter, where he confesses the nation's sins and seeks God's mercy, setting an example of humility and dependence on God in times of crisis.

Where else these words appear

“desolate” Hebrew H8076 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 12:11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.

“supplications” Hebrew H8469 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
  • Psalms 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
  • Jeremiah 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

“shine” Hebrew H215 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 1:15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Nehemiah 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
  • Psalms 105:39 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Samuel 7:27 For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.
  • Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
  • Psalms 102:1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.