DANIEL HUMBLY PETITIONS JEHOVAH

Daniel realized that Jerusalem's 70-year desolation was about to end. what would he do next?  He himself tells us:  "I proceeded to set my face to Jehovah the true God, in order to seek  him with prayer and with entreaties with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. And I began to pray to Jehovah my God and to make confession." (Daniel 9:3, 4)  A proper heart condition was needed to experience God's merciful deliverance. (Leviticus 26:31-46; 1 Kings 8:46-53)  There was a  need for faith, a humble spirit, and a full repentance over th sins that had led to exile and slavery.  In behalf of his sinful people, Daniel therefore proceeded to approach God.  How? By fasting, mourning, and clothing himself in sackcloth, a symbol of repentance and sincerity of heart. 

Jeremiah's prophecy had given Daniel hope, for it indicated that the Jews would soon be restored to their homeland of Judah.  (Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10)  Doubtless, Daniel felt confident that relief would come for the subjugated Jews because  a man name Cyrus was already ruling as king of Persia.  Had not Isaiah prophesied  that Cyrus would be instrumental in releasing the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple? (Isaiah 44:28-45:3)  But Daniel had no idea just how that would come about.  So he continued to supplicate Jehovah.

Daniel drew attention to God's mercy and loving-kindness.  Humbly, he acknowledged that the Jews had sinned by rebelling, turning aside from Jehovah's commandments, and ignoring his prophets.  God had rightly dispersed them because of their unfaithfulness."  Daniel prayed:  "O Jehovah, to us belongs the shame of fact, to our kings, to our princes and to our forefathers, because we have sinned against you.  To Jehovah our God belong the mercies and the acts of forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him. And we have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah our God by walking in his law that he set before us by hand of his servants the prophets.  And all those of Israel have overstepped your law, and there has been a turning aside by not obeying your voice, so that you poured out upon us the curse and the sworn oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of the true God, for we have sinned against Him." -Daniel 9:5-11; Exodus 19:5-8; 24L3, 7, 8. 

Next time: Conclusion of DANIEL HUMBLY PETITIONS JEHOVAH

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999