Daniel 9:3
So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.
So I turned my attention
The phrase "turned my attention" signifies a deliberate and conscious decision by Daniel to focus entirely on God. The Hebrew root here is "natan panim," which means to give one's face or presence. This indicates a purposeful act of devotion and a shift from the distractions of the world to the divine presence. In a historical context, this reflects the Jewish practice of seeking God with intentionality, often in times of distress or need for guidance.

to the Lord God
The title "Lord God" combines "Adonai" and "Elohim," emphasizing both the sovereignty and the power of God. "Adonai" is a term of respect and authority, while "Elohim" denotes might and creative power. This duality underscores Daniel's recognition of God's supreme authority and his reliance on God's omnipotence. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as both a personal Lord and a universal Creator.

to seek Him
The act of seeking God, "darash" in Hebrew, implies a diligent and earnest pursuit. It is not a casual inquiry but a deep, heartfelt quest for divine presence and wisdom. This reflects the biblical principle that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). In the context of Daniel, it shows his commitment to understanding God's will and aligning himself with it.

by prayer and petition
"Prayer" (tefillah) and "petition" (tachanunim) together highlight different aspects of communication with God. "Tefillah" is a general term for prayer, encompassing praise, thanksgiving, and requests. "Tachanunim" refers specifically to supplications or pleas for mercy. This dual approach indicates a comprehensive engagement with God, combining reverence with earnest requests. Historically, this reflects the Jewish tradition of approaching God with both structured prayers and personal supplications.

with fasting
Fasting, or "tzom" in Hebrew, is a physical expression of humility and repentance. It is a way to deny oneself and focus on spiritual matters. In the biblical context, fasting is often associated with seeking God's favor or intervention in dire circumstances. For Daniel, fasting signifies his deep commitment to seeking God's guidance and his willingness to humble himself before the Almighty.

sackcloth
Sackcloth, or "saq" in Hebrew, is a coarse material traditionally worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. It symbolizes humility and penitence, reflecting a heart contrite before God. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, wearing sackcloth was a public demonstration of one's sorrow and desire for forgiveness. Daniel's use of sackcloth indicates his deep sorrow for the sins of his people and his earnest desire for God's mercy.

and ashes
Ashes, or "epher" in Hebrew, are another symbol of mourning and repentance. Sprinkling ashes on oneself was a way to express grief and acknowledge one's mortality and sinfulness. In the biblical narrative, ashes represent a return to the dust from which humanity was created, signifying humility and the need for divine grace. Daniel's use of ashes underscores his recognition of human frailty and his dependence on God's mercy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Daniel
A prophet and a key figure in the Babylonian and Persian empires, known for his unwavering faith and devotion to God. In this verse, Daniel is seeking God earnestly.

2. The Lord God
The object of Daniel's prayer and devotion. Daniel turns his attention to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance and mercy.

3. Prayer and Petition
Daniel's method of seeking God, emphasizing a heartfelt and earnest communication with God.

4. Fasting
A spiritual discipline that Daniel employs to humble himself and focus on God, often associated with repentance and seeking divine intervention.

5. Sackcloth and Ashes
Traditional symbols of mourning and repentance in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating Daniel's humility and contrition before God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Earnest Prayer
Daniel's example shows the power of turning our full attention to God in prayer, emphasizing sincerity and dedication in our communication with Him.

Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Fasting is a way to humble ourselves and focus on God, setting aside physical needs to prioritize spiritual growth and connection with God.

Repentance and Humility
The use of sackcloth and ashes signifies a heart posture of repentance and humility, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging our sins and seeking God's forgiveness.

Seeking God in Times of Distress
Daniel's actions teach us to seek God earnestly during challenging times, trusting in His sovereignty and mercy.

The Role of Tradition in Worship
While sackcloth and ashes are cultural symbols, they remind us of the value of meaningful traditions that draw us closer to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Daniel's approach to seeking God in Daniel 9:3 inspire your own prayer life, and what practical steps can you take to deepen your prayer practices?

2. In what ways can fasting enhance your spiritual journey, and how can you incorporate it into your life as a means of seeking God more earnestly?

3. Reflect on a time when you sought God during a period of distress. How did your experience compare to Daniel's approach, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can the symbols of sackcloth and ashes be translated into modern expressions of repentance and humility in your life?

5. Consider the connections between Daniel 9:3 and other scriptures that emphasize prayer and fasting. How do these connections enrich your understanding of these spiritual disciplines?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 8:23
This verse describes a similar act of fasting and prayer for divine guidance and protection, showing a communal seeking of God.

Nehemiah 1:4
Nehemiah's response to hearing about Jerusalem's desolation mirrors Daniel's actions, as he fasts and prays, demonstrating a pattern of seeking God in times of distress.

Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches about fasting, emphasizing sincerity and the importance of focusing on God rather than outward appearances, which aligns with Daniel's humble approach.

Joel 2:12-13
The call to return to God with fasting, weeping, and mourning, highlighting the theme of repentance and seeking God's mercy.
Aids to DevotionDaniel 9:3
Daniel, the Man of PrayerAlex.Whyte, D.D.Daniel 9:3
Daniel's PrayerR. Gordon, D.D.Daniel 9:3
Daniel's PrayerJoseph A. SeissDaniel 9:3
Fast-Day ServiceDaniel 9:3
PrayerJohn Cumming, D.D.Daniel 9:3
Prayer for National ProsperityJ. M. Sherwood, D.D.Daniel 9:3
Righteousness not a Position But a DirectionBrooke Herford, D.D.Daniel 9:3
Setting the Face unto the LordJ. E. Dalton, B.D.Daniel 9:3
The Fast-DayNat. Meeres, B.D.Daniel 9:3
The Omnipotence of PrayerJ.D. Davies Daniel 9:1-19
The Nation's Advocate At God's BarH.T. Robjohns Daniel 9:1-21
People
Ahasuerus, Daniel, Darius, Gabriel, Jeremiah, Nahum
Places
Egypt, Greece, Jerusalem
Topics
Ashes, Attention, Dust, Face, Fasting, Grace, Haircloth, Myself, Petition, Petitions, Prayer, Requesting, Sackcloth, Seek, Seeking, Supplications, Turning
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 9:3

     5794   asceticism
     6742   sackcloth and ashes
     8430   fasting, nature of
     8432   fasting, practice
     8620   prayer, practicalities
     8653   importunity, to God

Daniel 9:1-6

     8431   fasting, reasons

Daniel 9:1-19

     8611   prayer, for others

Daniel 9:1-23

     4926   delay, human

Daniel 9:2-3

     1035   God, faithfulness
     8160   seeking God

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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