Understanding Daniel 9:4

Daniel 9:4 reads, "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."

Summary of the Verse

This verse captures Daniel's earnest prayer to God, highlighting his acknowledgment of God's greatness and mercy. It reflects his deep understanding of God's character, particularly regarding His covenants and commandments.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the importance of confession in prayer, noting that Daniel recognizes the holiness and mercy of God. He illustrates how true prayer requires us to acknowledge our sins and the righteousness of God's judgment.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes interprets this verse as a key aspect of Daniel's prayer, wherein he approaches God with reverence. He indicates that Daniel's plea for mercy is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness, suggesting that God is bound by His promises to His people.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke provides insight into the meaning of "great and dreadful," suggesting it portrays God’s majesty and the awe He inspires. He underscores that God's mercy is extended to those who love Him and uphold His commandments, illustrating the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship.

Thematic Connections

This verse promotes themes of mercy, faithfulness, and covenant love. It exhorts believers to approach God in prayer with genuine heart-felt confession while recognizing His character and promises.

Bible Cross References

Below are some Bible verses that relate to Daniel 9:4:

• Deuteronomy 7:9: "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him..."
• Nehemiah 1:5: "And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments..."
• Psalm 145:8: "The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."
• Exodus 34:6-7: "The Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth..."
• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
• Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
• Romans 5:20: "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."
• 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
• James 5:16: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

Connections Between Bible Verses

Daniel 9:4 serves as a pivotal instance of a prayerful request for mercy that resonates throughout both Old and New Testaments. It reflects a pattern of seeking God's forgiveness, as also demonstrated in the New Testament verses.

• This verse echoes themes found in Psalm 51, a penitential psalm where David seeks God’s mercy after committing sin.
• The connection with Luke 18:13, where the tax collector asks for God’s mercy, showcases a similar heart posture in confession.
• Links can be seen with Apostle Paul’s emphasis on confession and repentance as foundational to receiving grace (e.g., Romans 10:9).

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To facilitate deeper understanding of Biblical connections, consider utilizing:

• Bible concordance: A tool that lists words and phrases along with the scriptures they appear in, assisting in finding related verses.
• Bible cross-reference guide: A comprehensive resource that links pertinent scriptures across both Testaments.
• Bible reference resources: Various study Bibles and commentaries that offer insights and links between passages.
• Bible chain references: A technique where one verse is linked to subsequent scriptures, creating a chain of related ideas.

Conclusion

In studying Daniel 9:4, we gain valuable insight into the nature of prayer, the significance of confession, and the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Cross-referencing with related scripture enriches our understanding and highlights the inter-Biblical dialogue that underscores the unity of divine revelation throughout Scripture.