And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;

DANIEL 9:20KJV
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Daniel 9:20 (KJV)

What does Daniel 9:20 mean?

Daniel 9:20 describes Daniel in the act of speaking, praying, confessing both his own sins and those of Israel, and making requests before God for the sake of God's holy mountain. The verse shows Daniel’s deep concern for his people and Jerusalem as he humbly seeks God’s mercy and help.

Daniel himself is speaking in this verse, describing his actions during a time of prayer. The setting is during the Babylonian exile, and Daniel is interceding for the Jewish people, acknowledging their failures and asking God to restore Jerusalem (often called God’s “holy mountain”). This verse sets the stage for the answer Daniel is about to receive from God through the angel Gabriel.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:20

  • "Confessing" (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to acknowledge or admit, often with a sense of open honesty. Daniel is not hiding or minimizing sin but openly admitting both his own and his people’s wrongdoing.
  • "Supplication" (תְּחִנָּה, teḥinnah): This word refers to earnest pleading or a heartfelt request for mercy. Daniel’s prayer is not just a routine; it is a passionate appeal for God’s intervention.
  • "Holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) and "mountain" (הַר, har): Together, these refer to Jerusalem, seen as set apart for God. Daniel’s focus is not just on people but also on the restoration of the place God chose for His presence.

Why Daniel 9:20 matters

  • Daniel 9:20 highlights that Daniel includes himself among the sinners, showing humility and solidarity with his people rather than distancing himself from their failures.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of confession and honest prayer before God, not just for personal needs but for the wider community and God’s purposes.
  • This verse connects directly to the larger theme of Daniel 9, where Daniel’s prayer leads to a significant prophetic revelation about Israel’s future, showing how humble prayer can precede God’s answers.

Where else these words appear

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

“praying” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

“confessing” Hebrew H3034 · used in 111 verses

  • Genesis 29:35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.
  • Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!