Daniel 9:4 – “I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: ‘Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,’”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Daniel 9:4, we see the beginning of Daniel’s prayer, which is one of the most profound prayers in Scripture. Daniel starts by acknowledging God’s greatness and faithfulness. He calls God “great and awesome,” recognizing His unmatched power and majesty. He also acknowledges God as a covenant-keeping God, highlighting His steadfast love and faithfulness to those who are devoted to Him.

This verse sets the tone for Daniel’s entire prayer. It is rooted in humility, reverence, and trust in God’s character. Daniel understands that his appeal for mercy is based not on Israel’s worthiness but on God’s unchanging nature.

Historical Context

At this point in history, the Jewish people are in exile in Babylon as a result of their disobedience to God’s laws and their failure to keep the covenant. Daniel, living in exile, is deeply aware of the sins of his people and the consequences they have brought upon themselves.

This prayer comes during the first year of Darius the Mede’s reign (539 BC), as Daniel studies Jeremiah’s prophecy about the seventy years of exile (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Daniel understands that the time of exile is nearly over, and he intercedes on behalf of his people, seeking God’s forgiveness and restoration.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Faithfulness – Daniel highlights that God is faithful to His covenant. Even when His people fail, God’s promises remain secure. His love is unchanging, and His faithfulness is a source of hope for those who turn to Him.
2. The Importance of Confession – This verse introduces Daniel’s prayer of confession. Acknowledging sin is an essential step in restoring a broken relationship with God.
3. God’s Love and Justice – By emphasizing God’s covenant of love, Daniel reminds us that God’s discipline is not out of anger but out of a desire to restore His people to Himself.

Literary Analysis

This verse demonstrates the structure of Daniel’s prayer, which begins with praise and confession. By addressing God as “great and awesome,” Daniel uses language that emphasizes both God’s transcendence and His closeness through His covenant relationship.

The use of the term “covenant of love” connects God’s promises to His people with His character. It reflects the Hebrew concept of “hesed,” a steadfast, loyal love that defines God’s relationship with His people.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

1. Exodus 34:6-7 – God reveals Himself as compassionate, gracious, and abounding in love and faithfulness.
2. Deuteronomy 7:9 – God keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
3. 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
4. Psalm 145:3 – A reminder of God’s greatness and worthiness of praise.
5. Jeremiah 31:33 – God’s promise of a new covenant written on the hearts of His people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Daniel 9:4 serves as a model for prayer. It teaches us to approach God with humility, acknowledging His greatness and faithfulness before bringing our requests. It also reminds us of the importance of confession and reliance on God’s character rather than our own merit.

This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s unchanging love and His desire to restore and forgive. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts, recognizing where we need to confess and turn back to Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s love as the foundation of His covenant relationship with His people. Even when they fail, God’s love remains steadfast. His covenant is a reflection of His commitment to draw His people back to Himself, offering forgiveness and restoration.

Daniel’s confidence in approaching God is based on this love. He knows that God desires to restore His people, not because of their righteousness but because of His own faithfulness and mercy.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The covenant-keeping God described in Daniel 9:4 points to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ. Jesus establishes a new covenant through His blood (Luke 22:20), making it possible for all who believe in Him to experience forgiveness and restoration.

Jesus embodies the love and faithfulness of God, fulfilling the law and making a way for humanity to be reconciled to God (Romans 8:3-4). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expression of God’s steadfast love and commitment to His people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Daniel’s focus on God’s character challenge the way you approach prayer?
2. What does this verse teach you about the importance of confession in your relationship with God?
3. How does God’s faithfulness to His covenant encourage you in times of failure or struggle?
4. In what ways does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love and mercy?
5. How does the connection between God’s covenant in Daniel 9:4 and Jesus’ new covenant impact your faith and daily walk with Him?

Daniel 9:4 is a powerful reminder of God’s greatness, love, and faithfulness. It challenges us to come before Him with humility and trust, knowing that He desires to restore and forgive those who turn to Him.