King James Version

What Does Daniel 9:17 Mean?

Daniel 9:17 in the King James Version says “Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sa...” — study this verse from Daniel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Daniel 9:17 · KJV

Prayer

Context

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.

17

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.

18

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. which: Heb. whereupon thy name is called present: Heb. cause to fall

19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daniel's petition becomes more direct: '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.' The word 'now' indicates urgency and transition from confession to petition. The request for God to 'hear' and for His face to 'shine upon' the desolate sanctuary uses covenantal language from the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). The phrase 'for the Lord's sake' (or 'for Your own sake') is crucial: Daniel doesn't ask based on Israel's merit but God's own interests—His glory, reputation, and covenant promises. The sanctuary's desolation is emphasized—the temple, God's dwelling place, lies in ruins. This appeals to God's own honor: will He allow His sanctuary to remain destroyed? This represents mature intercession: appealing not to our worthiness but to God's character, glory, and promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The temple's destruction (586 BC) was catastrophic for Israel—it was God's dwelling place, the center of worship, and symbol of His presence. Its ruins throughout the 70-year exile testified to God's judgment. Daniel's prayer comes near the exile's end (c. 538 BC), as Jeremiah's 70-year prophecy neared fulfillment. The request for God's face to shine reflects Numbers 6:24-26's priestly blessing—invoking covenant relationship language. Historically, the temple's rebuilding began shortly after this prayer (539-516 BC under Cyrus's decree), fulfilling Daniel's petition. The appeal 'for the Lord's sake' rather than Israel's merit accurately framed restoration: it demonstrated God's covenant faithfulness and mercy, not Israel's deserving. Church history shows revivals similarly come through intercession appealing to God's glory rather than claiming human merit.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does praying 'for the Lord's sake' rather than 'for our sake' teach about proper prayer motivation?
  2. How does using covenantal language (like the Aaronic blessing) strengthen intercession?
  3. Why is appealing to God's glory and character more effective than claiming personal worthiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְעַתָּ֣ה׀1 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

שְׁמַ֣ע2 of 15

“hear”

H8085

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

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ3 of 15

“Now therefore O 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

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּפִלַּ֤ת5 of 15

“the prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַבְדְּךָ֙6 of 15

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

וְאֶל7 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּ֣חֲנוּנָ֔יו8 of 15

“and his supplications”

H8469

earnest prayer

וְהָאֵ֣ר9 of 15

“to shine”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

פָּנֶ֔יךָ10 of 15

“and cause thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַל11 of 15
H5921

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

מִקְדָּשְׁךָ֖12 of 15

“upon thy sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

הַשָּׁמֵ֑ם13 of 15

“that is desolate”

H8076

ruined

לְמַ֖עַן14 of 15
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲדֹנָֽי׃15 of 15

“for the Lord's”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 80:19Lamentations 5:18Psalms 80:72 Corinthians 1:20Psalms 80:3Numbers 6:23-26

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