And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;
DANIEL 9:4KJVWhat does Daniel 9:4 mean?
Daniel 9:4 describes Daniel praying to the LORD his God, openly confessing and addressing God as great and awe-inspiring, faithful to keep his covenant and show mercy to those who love him and keep his commandments. Daniel begins his prayer by recognizing God's character and faithfulness, setting the tone for the confession and requests that follow.
Daniel is speaking directly to God during a time of prayer, after reading the prophet Jeremiah’s writings about the exile. Daniel’s words highlight both reverence for God’s greatness and a deep trust in God’s commitment to his promises and mercy. This verse marks the start of Daniel’s heartfelt confession on behalf of himself and his people.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 9:4
- LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD." Daniel addresses God by this name, emphasizing a personal relationship and covenant faithfulness.
- confession (יָדָה, yadah, H3034): This word often means to acknowledge or give thanks, but here it carries the sense of openly admitting guilt or wrongdoing before God, not just listing sins but expressing agreement with God’s truth.
- dreadful (נוֹרָא, nora, H3372): This word means "awe-inspiring" or "to be feared," underlining Daniel’s recognition of God’s power and majesty, not just terror but deep respect.
- mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed, H2617): This word refers to steadfast love or loyal kindness, especially in the context of God’s covenant. Daniel appeals to God’s dependable, loyal love as the basis for hope.
Why Daniel 9:4 matters
- Daniel’s prayer starts by focusing on God’s character—his greatness, faithfulness, and mercy—before moving to confession, showing a pattern of humility and reverence in prayer.
- The verse clarifies that God’s covenant and mercy are described as being for those who love him and keep his commandments, highlighting the relational and responsive nature of God’s promises.
- By using specific Hebrew terms for God’s name and qualities, Daniel’s prayer connects deeply to Israel’s history and covenant relationship, setting up the rest of his confession and appeal for forgiveness.