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 9:17KJVWhat 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.