Daniel 9:17
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.
Daniel 9:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Daniel, the speaker appeals to God for mercy and restoration. The supplicant recognizes the desolation of the sanctuary caused by their own sins and the sins of their people. By asking God to cause His face to shine upon the desolate sanctuary, the speaker is seeking divine favor and blessings to restore what has been lost. The phrase "for the Lord's sake" emphasizes the importance of God's name and reputation in the restoration process. This verse highlights the believer's trust in God's power to bring about healing and redemption, even in the midst of destruction and desolation. It serves as a reminder that God's mercy and grace are always available to those who humbly seek His favor.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Daniel, the speaker is pleading with God to hear his prayers and supplications. The phrase "cause thy face to shine" is a common biblical expression signifying God's favor and blessing upon a person or place. In this context, the speaker is asking God to show favor upon the desolate sanctuary for the Lord's sake. The use of the term "sanctuary" refers to the holy temple or place of worship where God's presence dwells. By asking God to shine His face upon the sanctuary, the speaker is seeking divine intervention and restoration for the desolate and neglected holy place. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God's favor and blessing through prayer and supplication, as well as the concept of God's presence bringing restoration and renewal to places of worship.
Daniel 9:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now therefore, O our God, hearken unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.
World English Bible
Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.
Douay-Rheims
Now, therefore, O our God, hear the supplication of thy servant, and his prayers: and shew thy face upon thy sanctuary, which is desolate, for thy own sake.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe therefore, O our God, heare the prayer of thy serunant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine vpon thy Sanctuarie, that lyeth waste for the Lords sake.