Daniel 9:18

“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.”

Context:Daniel 9 is a chapter where Daniel, a prophet in Babylonian captivity, prays for the restoration of Jerusalem and the forgiveness of the sins of Israel. He recognizes the sins of the people and pleads for God’s mercy and intervention.

Prayer and Petition:In this verse, Daniel begins by addressing God as “O my God,” acknowledging his personal relationship with the Lord. He implores God to pay attention to his prayer, asking Him to “incline thine ear” and “open thine eyes.” This emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of Daniel’s plea.

Desolation of Jerusalem:Daniel acknowledges the desolation of Jerusalem, referred to as “our desolations.” The city had been destroyed, and the people of Israel were in exile due to their disobedience and rebellion against God. Daniel appeals to God to look upon the ruins of the city that bears His name and to consider their dire situation.

The Righteousness of God:Daniel acknowledges that their supplications are not based on their own righteousness. He recognizes that the people of Israel have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards. Instead, Daniel appeals to God’s “great mercies” and asks for forgiveness and restoration based on God’s character and faithfulness.

• Humble Dependence:Daniel’s prayer is marked by humility, acknowledging the sins of the people and their need for God’s mercy. We learn the importance of approaching God in humility, recognizing our dependence on Him and seeking His mercy rather than relying on our own righteousness.
• Intercessory Prayer:Daniel intercedes on behalf of the nation of Israel, demonstrating the role of intercessory prayer. We can learn from Daniel’s example by praying for the needs of others, lifting them up before God, and seeking His intervention in their lives.
• Trusting in God’s Character:Daniel appeals to God’s “great mercies” as the basis for his petition. We can learn to trust in the character of God, relying on His faithfulness, love, and mercy when we approach Him in prayer. Our confidence should be in God’s nature and His ability to respond according to His will.
• Seeking Restoration:Daniel’s prayer is focused on seeking the restoration of Jerusalem and the forgiveness of sins. We learn the importance of acknowledging our own sins, repenting, and seeking God’s forgiveness and restoration in our lives.

Overall, Daniel 9:18 highlights the humility of Daniel’s prayer, his reliance on God’s character, and his plea for God’s mercy and restoration. It teaches us the importance of approaching God in humility, interceding for others, and seeking His forgiveness and restoration based on His character and faithfulness.