Daniel 9:20
While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain--
While I was speaking
This phrase indicates the immediacy and continuity of Daniel's communication with God. The Hebrew root for "speaking" is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which often implies not just verbal communication but a deeper, purposeful dialogue. Daniel's speaking is not a mere recitation but a heartfelt engagement with God, reflecting the intimate relationship between the prophet and the Divine. This sets a precedent for believers to approach God with sincerity and openness, trusting that He listens attentively.

praying
The act of praying here is derived from the Hebrew word "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or mediate. Daniel's prayer is an intercessory one, standing in the gap for his people. This highlights the role of prayer as a powerful tool for advocacy and intervention, encouraging believers to pray not only for personal needs but also for the needs of others, especially the community of faith.

confessing my sin
Confession is a critical component of Daniel's prayer, rooted in the Hebrew "יָדָה" (yadah), meaning to acknowledge or confess. Daniel's admission of sin demonstrates humility and self-awareness, recognizing his own shortcomings before a holy God. This act of confession is essential for spiritual growth and restoration, reminding believers of the importance of repentance in maintaining a right relationship with God.

and the sin of my people Israel
Daniel not only confesses his own sins but also those of his people, Israel. This collective confession underscores the concept of corporate responsibility and solidarity within the community of faith. The Hebrew word for sin, "חֵטְא" (chet), signifies a missing of the mark, a deviation from God's standards. Daniel's identification with his people's sins exemplifies a deep sense of unity and shared accountability, urging believers to intercede for their communities and seek communal repentance.

presenting my petition
The phrase "presenting my petition" comes from the Hebrew "נָפַל" (naphal), meaning to fall or to lay down, and "תְּחִנָּה" (teḥinnah), meaning supplication or plea. Daniel's act of presenting his petition is one of humility and earnestness, laying his requests before God with a heart full of faith and dependence. This teaches believers the importance of approaching God with reverence and trust, confident that He hears and responds to our supplications.

before the LORD my God
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship Daniel has with God, using the covenant name "Yahweh" (יְהוָה) and the possessive "my God" (אֱלֹהַי, Elohai). It reflects a deep, personal connection and commitment to the God of Israel. For believers, this highlights the privilege of having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, encouraging them to approach Him with confidence and intimacy.

for His holy hill
The "holy hill" refers to Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, which holds significant spiritual and historical importance as the site of the temple. The Hebrew "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh) for "holy" signifies something set apart for God's purposes. Daniel's focus on the holy hill underscores the centrality of worship and the presence of God among His people. It serves as a reminder for believers to prioritize God's presence and purposes in their lives, seeking His glory above all else.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a man of prayer, known for his unwavering faith and integrity. In this passage, he is interceding for his people.

2. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who are in exile due to their disobedience and sin.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, to whom Daniel directs his prayers and petitions.

4. Holy Hill
Refers to Jerusalem, specifically the temple mount, which holds significant spiritual and historical importance for the Israelites.

5. Confession and Petition
Daniel's act of confessing sin and presenting requests to God, demonstrating humility and dependence on divine mercy.
Teaching Points
The Power of Confession
Confession is a vital part of our relationship with God. It acknowledges our sins and opens the door for God's forgiveness and healing.

Intercessory Prayer
Like Daniel, we are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap and seeking God's mercy on behalf of our communities and nations.

God's Faithfulness to His Covenant
Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, Daniel appeals to God's covenant promises, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness.

The Importance of Humility
Daniel's prayer is marked by humility, recognizing his own sinfulness and the need for God's grace.

Focus on God's Holiness
Daniel's reference to God's "holy hill" underscores the importance of reverence and awe in our approach to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's approach to prayer in this passage challenge or inspire your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate confession and intercession into your daily prayers?

3. How does understanding God's covenant faithfulness impact your trust in Him during difficult times?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate humility in your relationship with God and others?

5. How can you encourage and participate in communal prayer and confession within your church or community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 1:4-11
Nehemiah's prayer of confession and intercession for Israel parallels Daniel's approach, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking God's favor.

1 John 1:9
This verse highlights the promise of forgiveness when we confess our sins, reinforcing the practice of confession seen in Daniel's prayer.

Psalm 51
David's prayer of repentance provides a model of heartfelt confession and reliance on God's mercy, similar to Daniel's prayer.

James 5:16
Encourages believers to confess sins to one another and pray for each other, underscoring the communal aspect of confession and intercession.

Philippians 4:6
Advises believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, aligning with Daniel's practice of petitioning God.
The Nation's Advocate At God's BarH.T. Robjohns Daniel 9:1-21
Answer to Daniel's PrayerR. Gordon, D.D.Daniel 9:20-23
Daniel's DevotionsJohn Clayton, A.M.Daniel 9:20-23
The Power of PrayerJ. H. Morgan.Daniel 9:20-23
Prayer Opens Wider Horizons of God's KingdomJ.D. Davies Daniel 9:20-27
People
Ahasuerus, Daniel, Darius, Gabriel, Jeremiah, Nahum
Places
Egypt, Greece, Jerusalem
Topics
Behalf, Causing, Confessing, Fall, Grace, Hill, Holy, Making, Mount, Mountain, Prayer, Praying, Presenting, Putting, Request, Requesting, Saying, Sin, Sins, Speaking, Supplication, Whiles, Whilst
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 9:1-23

     4926   delay, human

Daniel 9:17-23

     7217   exile, in Babylon

Daniel 9:20-22

     8281   insight

Daniel 9:20-23

     5548   speech, divine
     8409   decision-making, and providence
     8431   fasting, reasons

Daniel 9:20-27

     4145   archangels

Library
Daniel: a Pattern for Pleaders
"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name."--Daniel 9:19. DANIEL was a man in very high position in life. It is true he was not living in his own native land, but, in the providence of God, he had been raised to great eminence under the dominion of the country in which he dwelt. He might, therefore, naturally have forgotten his poor kinsmen; many have done so. Alas! we have known some that have
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Man and the Book.
In this and the following lectures I attempt an account and estimate of the Prophet Jeremiah, of his life and teaching, and of the Book which contains them--but especially of the man himself, his personality and his tempers (there were more than one), his religious experience and its achievements, with the various high styles of their expression; as well as his influence on the subsequent religion of his people. It has often been asserted that in Jeremiah's ministry more than in any other of the
George Adam Smith—Jeremiah

Whether the Time of the Future Judgment is Unknown?
Objection 1: It would seem that the time of the future judgment is not unknown. For just as the holy Fathers looked forward to the first coming, so do we look forward to the second. But the holy Fathers knew the time of the first coming, as proved by the number of weeks mentioned in Daniel 9: wherefore the Jews are reproached for not knowing the time of Christ's coming (Lk. 12:56): "You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the heaven and of the earth, but how is it that you do not discern
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers of the Saints who are in Heaven
I. Are the Saints cognizant of our Prayers? II. Ought we to appeal to the Saints to intercede for us? III. Are the Saints' Prayers to God for us always heard? I Are the Saints cognizant of our Prayers? On those words of Job,[267] Whether his children come to honour or dishonour, he shall not understand, S. Gregory says: "This is not to be understood of the souls of the Saints, for they see from within the glory of Almighty God, it is in nowise credible that there should be anything without of
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices of Prophet, King, and Priest.
1. Among heretics and false Christians, Christ is found in name only; but by those who are truly and effectually called of God, he is acknowledged as a Prophet, King, and Priest. In regard to the Prophetical Office, the Redeemer of the Church is the same from whom believers under the Law hoped for the full light of understanding. 2. The unction of Christ, though it has respect chiefly to the Kingly Office, refers also to the Prophetical and Priestly Offices. The dignity, necessity, and use of this
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Fifthly, as this Revelation, to the Judgment of Right and Sober Reason,
appears of itself highly credible and probable, and abundantly recommends itself in its native simplicity, merely by its own intrinsic goodness and excellency, to the practice of the most rational and considering men, who are desirous in all their actions to have satisfaction and comfort and good hope within themselves, from the conscience of what they do: So it is moreover positively and directly proved to be actually and immediately sent to us from God, by the many infallible signs and miracles
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of Its Author
In Isaiah 41:21-23 we have what is probably the most remarkable challenge to be found in the Bible. "Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and show us what shall happen; let them show the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods." This Scripture has both a negative
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Sin-Bearer.
A COMMUNION MEDITATION AT MENTONE. "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 24, 25. THE SIN-BEARER. THIS wonderful passage is a part of Peter's address to servants; and in his day nearly all servants were slaves. Peter begins at the eighteenth verse: "Servants, be subject
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Being of God
Q-III: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH? A: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. Q-IV: WHAT IS GOD? A: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Here is, 1: Something implied. That there is a God. 2: Expressed. That he is a Spirit. 3: What kind of Spirit? I. Implied. That there is a God. The question, What is God? takes for granted that there
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Manifestation of the Messiah
(JOHN I. 31.) "Before me, as in darkening glass, Some glorious outlines pass, Of love, and truth, and holiness, and power-- I own them thine, O Christ, And bless Thee in this hour." F. R. HAVERGAL. The Herald's Proclamation--The Meeting of John and Jesus--Christ's Baptism--"It Becometh Us."--"My Beloved Son." John's life, at this period, was an extraordinary one. By day he preached to the teeming crowds, or baptized them; by night he would sleep in some slight booth, or darksome cave. But the
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The Intercession of Christ
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us! T he Redemption of the soul is precious. Fools make mock of sin (Proverbs 14:9) . But they will not think lightly of it, who duly consider the majesty, authority, and goodness of Him, against whom it is committed; and who are taught, by what God actually has done, what sin rendered necessary to be done, before a sinner could have a well-grounded
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Christ's Priestly Office
Q-35: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A PRIEST? A: In his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us. 'Now once in the end of the world has he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.' Heb 9:96. What are the parts of Christ's priestly office? Christ's priestly office has two parts - his satisfaction and intercession. I. His Satisfaction; and this consists of two branches. [1] His active
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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