Daniel 9:18 Meaning and Explanation
“O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Daniel begs God to see and hear the city's ruin, appealing not to any righteousness of the people but to God's great mercy.
What Does Daniel 9:18 Mean?
Daniel asks God to incline his ear and open his eyes to the desolations of the city that bears his name. Then he states the heart of his appeal: he pleads not because of any righteousness of his own, but because of God's great mercy.
This is the very center of biblical prayer. We come to God empty-handed, with no merit to bargain with, casting ourselves entirely on his compassion. Daniel, one of the most upright men in Scripture, claims no righteousness before God. Every soul that approaches God does so on the same ground: not our worthiness, but his abundant mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 9:18
What does Daniel 9:18 mean?
Daniel begs God to see and hear the city's ruin, appealing not to any righteousness of the people but to God's great mercy.