Daniel's Prayer for His People
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;"
And I prayed... True prayer is in response to the Word.
made my confession,... Daniel here confesses for the sinful people with whom he identifies himself by "we" and "us" (Dan. 9:5-19; cp. Ezr. 9:5-15; Neh. 1:1-11; 9:33-38).
the great and... Seven truths about God:
1. He is a great God (Dan. 9:4).
2. A dreadful God (Dan. 9:4). Hebrew: yare’, to be feared or reverenced.
3. He keeps covenant and mercy to them that love Him (Dan. 9:4), and
4. to them that keep His commandments (Dan. 9:4)
5. A righteous God (Dan. 9:7, 9:14, 9:16)
6. A God of judgment (Dan. 9:7, 9:13-14, 9:16)
7. A God of mercy (Dan. 9:9)
Daniel began his prayer by telling God he was aware of His greatness. This is very similar to the way Jesus taught the disciples to pray. "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name". In both instances, recognition of God and His power came first. He knows God does not break covenant with man. Man breaks covenant with God. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments". Daniel has kept God's commandments.
Daniel evidently was fully aware that the years in Babylon were a divine discipline on Israel. Knowing that confession was one requisite to restoration, he confessed the sin of his people, identifying himself with their sin as though he were personally responsible for it.
Daniel noted that blessing depends on obedience, for God… keeps His covenant of love (ḥeseḏ, “loyal love”) with all who love Him and obey Him.
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