Daniel 9:4 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Daniel begins his prayer by confessing and by praising God as great and faithful, the keeper of covenant and mercy.
What Does Daniel 9:4 Mean?
The prayer opens not with requests but with worship and confession. Daniel addresses God as great and awesome, yet faithful, the One who keeps covenant and steadfast love toward those who love him and obey him.
True confession starts by remembering who God is. Daniel grounds his plea in God's character, not in his own merit. Because God is faithful to his promises, there is hope even for a people who have broken theirs. The God who is awesome in holiness is also unwavering in mercy, and that union is the foundation of every prayer for forgiveness.
Daniel 9:4 in the Original Language
chesed (חֶסֶד), 'mercy' -- steadfast covenant love that God keeps even when his people fail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel 9:4
What does Daniel 9:4 mean?
Daniel begins his prayer by confessing and by praising God as great and faithful, the keeper of covenant and mercy.