Meaning of Daniel 9:4

Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:4 is a profound expression of humility and recognition of God's sovereign character, uttered in a moment of deep national crisis. He begins by directly addressing God as "the great and awesome God," acknowledging His immense power and majesty, a common characteristic of prayer in the Old Testament that emphasizes God's transcendence. This is immediately followed by a statement of God's faithfulness: "who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments." This affirmation is not merely a theological observation but forms the bedrock of Daniel's plea. It highlights the conditional nature of the covenant, emphasizing that God's faithfulness is linked to the human response of love and obedience, thereby setting the stage for Daniel's confession of Israel's failure to uphold their end of the agreement.

Context and Background

This verse occurs within the broader context of Daniel's prayer in chapter 9, which is prompted by his reading of the prophecies of Jeremiah concerning the seventy years of Babylonian exile. Daniel, deeply troubled by the desolation of Jerusalem and the temple, recognizes that the seventy years are nearing their end, but the people are still in captivity. His prayer is a confession of sin, both personal and corporate, and a plea for God's mercy and restoration. The phrase "I prayed to the Lord my God" signifies a personal and intimate approach to the divine. The confession that follows is not just an acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a theological framing of God's character as the basis for his appeal.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Awe: Daniel's address, "the great and awesome God," underscores God's supreme authority and power. This acknowledgment is foundational to understanding God's dealings with humanity.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: The verse emphasizes God's commitment to His covenant, specifically His "covenant of love" (Hebrew: hesed, often translated as steadfast love, mercy, or lovingkindness). This love is not arbitrary but is directly tied to the actions of those who love and obey Him.
• Human Responsibility: While God is faithful, Daniel acknowledges that His covenant is also conditional on human response. The phrase "those who love him and keep his commandments" points to the active role of believers in maintaining their relationship with God.
• Confession and Relationship: The prayer begins with confession, a vital element in maintaining a right relationship with God. It demonstrates humility and a recognition of one's unworthiness, which paradoxically opens the door for divine grace.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a powerful model for prayer. It teaches believers to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His greatness. It also reminds us that our relationship with God is built on His faithful covenant love, which is extended to those who actively pursue Him through love and obedience. Daniel's prayer highlights that even in times of distress and personal sinfulness, we can appeal to God's character and His promises. The emphasis on keeping commandments signifies that genuine love for God is expressed through obedience, not mere sentimentality.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is deeply embedded in the Old Testament concept of the Mosaic Covenant, which established a unique relationship between God and Israel. God promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Daniel's prayer reflects an understanding of this covenantal framework, acknowledging that Israel's exile is a consequence of their disobedience, yet also appealing to God's enduring love and His promises of future restoration. The concept of God's hesed is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, illustrating God's persistent and unconditional grace despite human failings.

Analogies

Imagine a parent who has made a solemn promise to their child, a promise of unwavering love and support. However, this promise is also contingent on the child demonstrating respect and consideration. When the child falters, they might recall the parent's promise, not to excuse their own behavior, but to appeal to the parent's inherent loving nature, while also acknowledging their own part in breaking the trust. Similarly, Daniel appeals to God's covenant love, recognizing that while God is faithful, Israel's actions have jeopardized their standing within that covenant.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:9: "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." This verse from Deuteronomy directly echoes Daniel's affirmation, highlighting the consistent theological understanding of God's covenantal nature throughout Israel's history.
• Nehemiah 1:5: "and I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments..." Nehemiah's prayer, offered in a similar context of national distress and rebuilding after exile, mirrors Daniel's language, demonstrating the enduring impact of this theological formulation.
• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." While this is a New Testament verse, it resonates with the principle of confession as a precursor to receiving God's forgiveness and restoration, a theme foundational to Daniel's prayer.