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.