King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:14 Mean?

Daniel 9:14 in the King James Version says “Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his work... — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Daniel 9:14 · KJV


Context

12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

13

As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. made: Heb. intreated we not the face of the, etc

14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

15

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. gotten: Heb. made thee a name

16

O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel continues: 'Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.' The phrase 'watched upon the evil' depicts God's careful execution of warned judgment—not hasty or excessive but measured and just. The affirmation 'the LORD our God is righteous in all his works' praises God's character even while describing judgment. This is remarkable: Daniel doesn't question God's justice but affirms it. The final clause returns to causation: 'we obeyed not his voice.' This covenantal framework pervades the prayer: sin brings judgment; God's judgment is just; the solution requires repentance and appeal to divine mercy. Reformed theology emphasizes this: God's justice in condemning sin is praiseworthy; our response should be acknowledging His righteousness while pleading for mercy based on His character, not our merit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'watched upon the evil' uses language suggesting careful oversight—God didn't arbitrarily or excessively punish but executed precise, measured judgment fitting the sin. Ancient Near Eastern treaties (like Hittite suzerain-vassal treaties) included curse clauses for violation; Israel's covenant similarly specified consequences for disobedience. God's enactment of these curses demonstrated covenant faithfulness: He keeps His word, both blessings and warnings. For Jewish exiles, affirming God's righteousness in their suffering preserved faith: rather than viewing themselves as abandoned or God as unjust, they acknowledged just judgment while hoping for promised restoration. Church history shows healthy suffering response involves acknowledging God's justice while appealing to His mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does affirming God's righteousness in our suffering differ from passive fatalism or denial of pain?
  2. What does the phrase 'watched upon the evil' teach about God's judgments being measured rather than arbitrary or excessive?
  3. Why is it spiritually healthy to praise God's justice even when experiencing His discipline?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ד1 of 18

watched

H8245

to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill)

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 18

Therefore hath the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל3 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָ֣רָעָ֔ה4 of 18

upon the evil

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וַיְבִיאֶ֖הָ5 of 18

and brought

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֵ֑ינוּ6 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּֽי7 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

צַדִּ֞יק8 of 18

is righteous

H6662

just

יְהוָ֣ה9 of 18

Therefore hath the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ10 of 18

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל11 of 18
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל12 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַֽעֲשָׂיו֙13 of 18

in all his works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֔ה15 of 18

which he doeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְלֹ֥א16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֖עְנוּ17 of 18

for we obeyed

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְּקֹלֽוֹ׃18 of 18

not his voice

H6963

a voice or sound


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Daniel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Daniel 9:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Daniel 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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