Daniel 9:17
Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
Daniel 9:17 (KJV)
Context
The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian exile, when the Jewish people were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. In Daniel 9, Daniel studies the prophecies of Jeremiah and realizes that the 70 years of exile foretold by Jeremiah are about to be completed. He prays a fervent prayer of confession, repentance, and intercession on behalf of the Jewish people.
Meaning
Daniel addresses God as “our God,” acknowledging His covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereignty over their situation. He pleads for God to hear his prayer and supplications, recognizing that God alone has the power to answer and bring change. The request that God’s face shine upon the desolate sanctuary is a plea for His favour, blessing, and restoration. The sanctuary refers to the temple in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Babylonians. The shining of God’s face represents His presence and glory returning to His people.
Daniel grounds his appeal not in Israel’s merit but “for the Lord’s sake.” He asks God to act for the sake of His own name, character, and glory. The restoration of the sanctuary and the favour of God upon His people would bring honour to God’s name and fulfil His promises. This pattern of prayer—humble confession, dependence on God’s character, and focus on His glory—marks biblical intercession.
Biblical connections
The desolation of the sanctuary reflects the consequences of Israel’s sin, yet Daniel appeals to God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness. This prayer points forward to the ultimate restoration of God’s presence with His people, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the true temple and through whom God’s face shines upon His people.
Application
Confidence in God’s ability to hear and answer prayers: Daniel’s prayer demonstrates unwavering faith in God’s ability to hear and respond to supplications. Believers can approach God with confidence, knowing He is attentive and able to act on their behalf.
Recognition of God’s authority and sovereignty: Daniel acknowledges God as the ultimate authority and source of all blessings. He appeals to God’s power, recognizing that only God can restore and bless His people.
Seeking God’s favour for restoration: Daniel’s prayer focuses on the restoration of the desolate sanctuary. It teaches the importance of seeking God’s favour for the restoration and renewal of lives, communities, and places of worship, asking Him to bring His presence and blessing to areas that have been broken and devastated.
Praying for God’s glory: Daniel’s plea for restoration is rooted in a desire for God’s name to be honoured. Prayers should ultimately be directed towards God’s glory, with the motivation to magnify His name and bring Him honour.
Reflection
Daniel 9:17 illustrates fervent prayer for God’s attention, restoration, and favour upon the desolate sanctuary. It teaches important lessons about prayer, faith, and seeking God’s glory in our lives. When we pray, we can follow Daniel’s example by grounding our requests in God’s character and purposes, trusting that He hears and will act for His name’s sake.
