Daniel 9:12

“And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.”

In this verse, Daniel is confessing the sins of the Israelites and acknowledging that the great evil that has come upon them is a result of God fulfilling His words of judgment against them. Let’s explore the context to gain a deeper understanding.

In the preceding verses (Daniel 9:4-11), Daniel prays a penitent prayer on behalf of the Israelites, acknowledging their disobedience to God’s commandments and recognising that their exile in Babylon is a consequence of their transgressions. He implores God for mercy, forgiveness, and restoration.

Verse 12 continues Daniel’s acknowledgment of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His words of judgment. The phrase "he hath confirmed his words" suggests that God has been faithful to His promises, both the promises of blessings for obedience and the promises of judgment for disobedience, as stated in the law and the prophets.

Daniel also acknowledges that the judgment brought upon them is unparalleled. The phrase "for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem" emphasises the magnitude of the calamity that has befallen Jerusalem. It highlights the severity of their punishment, which involved the destruction of the city, the temple, and the exile of the people.

This verse serves as a reminder that God is just and righteous, and He fulfils His promises, whether of blessings or judgment. The judgment upon Jerusalem was a consequence of the people’s rebellion and failure to heed God’s warnings through the prophets.

Overall, Daniel 9:12 encourages reflection on the faithfulness and righteousness of God. It reminds us of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of disobedience. It also highlights the unique and unprecedented nature of the judgment brought upon Jerusalem, underscoring the severity of the situation and the need for repentance.