Daniel 9:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Daniel asks God to hear his prayer and let his face shine again upon the desolate sanctuary, for the Lord's own sake.
What Does Daniel 9:17 Mean?
Daniel asks God to listen and to make his face shine upon the ruined sanctuary. The phrase echoes the priestly blessing, a plea for God's favor to return to the place where his presence once dwelt. He asks it for the Lord's own sake.
To pray for the Lord's sake is to set God's glory above our own comfort. Daniel's deepest desire is that God's presence return to his desolate house. The shining face of God is the picture of restored fellowship, light breaking over ruins, and it points forward to the day when God himself draws near to dwell with his people for good.
Daniel 9:17 in the Original Language
panim (פָּנִים), 'face' -- God's presence and favor; for his face to shine is for his blessing to rest upon his people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 9:17
What does Daniel 9:17 mean?
Daniel asks God to hear his prayer and let his face shine again upon the desolate sanctuary, for the Lord's own sake.