Daniel 9:18

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Luister asseblief, my God, kyk hoe verwoes is ons en Jerusalem, die stad wat aan U behoort. Ons bid dat U weer goed moet wees, nie omdat ons iets gedoen het wat reg is nie, maar omdat U lief is vir ons.

What Does This Mean?

In Daniel 9:18, Daniel is praying to God and asking Him to listen closely and see the damage done to Jerusalem. He admits they aren't good enough but asks for mercy because of God's great kindness.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're talking to a friend who broke your favorite toy. You ask them to look at how broken it is, not because you did anything right, but because you know they are a kind person and will help fix it. That’s what Daniel does with God here.

Historical Background

Daniel wrote this prayer during the Babylonian exile when Jerusalem was destroyed and the Jews were in captivity. The audience would have been fellow exiled Israelites who felt hopeless about their situation but hopeful for God's mercy.

Living It Out Today

Today, if you’re facing a tough time like losing your job or struggling with illness, remember to pray honestly acknowledging that it’s not because of your good deeds but due to God’s mercies. Just as Daniel did, lean on God’s kindness in times of despair.

Topics

• prayer
• mercy
• repentance
• God's kindness
• desolation
• supplication

Related Verses

• Psalms 86:15
• Jeremiah 33:26
• Luke 18:9
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Romans 3:24

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Daniel pray for the city called by God's name?

Daniel prayed for Jerusalem because it was a holy place, significant in Jewish faith and history. Praying for its restoration was a plea for divine intervention to fulfill their covenant.

What does 'desolations' refer to in this verse?

'Desolations' refers to the destruction and abandonment of Jerusalem during the Babylonian exile, where Daniel saw his homeland devastated and his people suffering.

How is God's mercy emphasized in Daniel 9:18?

Daniel emphasizes God’s mercy by stating they do not pray based on their own righteousness but solely because of God’s great mercies, showing that salvation comes from divine grace rather than human effort.

What lessons can we learn about prayer from Daniel's example in this verse?

From Daniel, we learn to pray honestly acknowledging our shortcomings and fully relying on God's mercy. This shows the importance of humility and trust in prayer.