Daniel 9:7
O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
Daniel 9:7 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Daniel reflects the deep sense of repentance and acknowledgment of God's righteousness by the people of Judah, Jerusalem, and all Israel. The verse speaks to the belief that righteousness belongs to God alone, while the people of Israel have fallen into a state of confusion and shame due to their disobedience. The phrase "confusion of faces" indicates a sense of humiliation and disgrace as a result of their sins. The verse also highlights the consequences of their actions, as the people of Israel have been scattered and driven away from their homeland into various countries as a punishment for their trespasses against God. Despite these challenges, the verse serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance, humility, and seeking forgiveness from God in times of adversity.
Theological Overview
This verse emphasizes the theme of divine righteousness and human iniquity. It portrays God as the ultimate source of righteousness, contrasting it with the confusion and shame that belong to humanity as a whole. The mention of 'confusion of faces' signifies the shame and disgrace that the people of Judah and Jerusalem experienced due to their sin and disobedience. The reference to the scattering of Israel to various countries as a result of their trespass highlights the consequences of turning away from God and failing to live in accordance with His will. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of living a righteous life and the necessity of repentance when one strays from God's ways. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can delve deeper into the meaning and significance of each aspect of the verse, gaining a greater understanding of the message being conveyed.
Daniel 9:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.
World English Bible
Lord, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near, and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you.
Douay-Rheims
To thee, O Lord, justice: but to us confusion of face, as at this day to the men of Juda, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, to them that are near, and to them that are far off, in all the countries whither thou hast driven them, for their iniquities, by which they have sinned against thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
O Lord, righteousnes belongeth vnto thee, and vnto vs open shame, as appeareth this day vnto euery man of Iudah, and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem: yea, vnto all Israel, both neere and farre off, through all the countreys, whither thou hast driuen them, because of their offences, that they haue committed against thee.