Daniel 9:4

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 9:4 (KJV)

Context

In Daniel 9, the prophet studies Jeremiah’s prophecies and understands that the seventy years of captivity are nearing their end. He responds with a prayer of confession and intercession for himself and the people of Israel.

Meaning

Daniel begins by praying to the Lord his God, showing his personal relationship and dependence on Him. He addresses God as “the great and dreadful God,” a title that combines awe and reverence. The Hebrew word for “dreadful” (yare’) conveys a sense of fear and reverence, highlighting God’s majesty and power.

Daniel acknowledges that God keeps “covenant and mercy” with those who love Him and keep His commandments. The Hebrew word for “mercy” (chesed) emphasizes God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. This phrase underscores the connection between love for God and obedience to His commands, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

Biblical connections

Daniel’s prayer is a direct response to his understanding of Jeremiah’s prophecy about the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem (Daniel 9:2). It demonstrates how prayer and confession are appropriate responses to God’s revealed word.

Application

We can learn from Daniel’s example by cultivating a personal prayer life, seeking God’s guidance, forgiveness, and mercy. We should also recognize and acknowledge God’s greatness and holiness, and strive to love Him and obey His commandments in response to His covenant faithfulness.

Reflection

Daniel’s prayer is directed to the Lord alone, grounded in the character of God as both great and merciful. His confession is an act of humility and dependence on God’s faithfulness, setting the tone for the entire prayer as a model of confession and intercession.