Commentary on Daniel 9:5

Verse: "We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments."

Introduction

The ninth chapter of the Book of Daniel presents a profound moment of confession and repentance with critical implications for understanding God's mercy and justice. In verse 5, Daniel acknowledges Israel's sinfulness, providing a blueprint for genuine repentance that is applicable to all generations. This commentary synthesizes insights from notable public domain scholars, integrating their perspectives into a cohesive overview for pastors, students, and theologians.

Contextual Overview

Daniel's prayer in this chapter takes place during the Jewish exile in Babylon, reflecting a deep awareness of the consequences of sin. His lament serves both as a personal acknowledgment of sin and a communal representation of Israel’s failures. Contextually, it is crucial to observe how historical events influenced this confession.

Exegesis and Insights

Syntax and Structure

The structure of Daniel 9:5 demonstrates a comprehensive enumeration of sin. The verse employs a series of phrases, each deepening the gravity of offenses committed against God:

• “We have sinned” – A broad acknowledgment of sin, encompassing both individual and collective transgressions.
• “Committed iniquity” – Indicates an act with a sense of moral deviation; it suggests intentionality in wrongdoing.
• “Done wickedly” – A stronger term that highlights a level of malice and moral failure distinct from simple sin.
• “Rebelled” – Reflects active opposition against God's commands.
• “Departing from thy precepts and judgments” – Indicates a willful turning away from God's law, emphasizing that sin is both an action and a state of being.

Theological Themes

The confessions in Daniel 9:5 bring forth several vital theological themes:

• Sin and Its Consequences: The acknowledgment of sin is the first step toward understanding its ramifications. Daniel's prayer highlights the reality that sin leads to spiritual exile and separation from God (Albert Barnes).
• Corporate Confession: Daniel identifies himself with the sins of his nation, showcasing that leaders and communities bear collective responsibility for transgressions (Matthew Henry).
• The Nature of True Repentance: Daniel models repentance that is sincere and comprehensive, which is crucial for restoration (Adam Clarke). Acknowledging all facets of sin reflects a heart genuinely seeking forgiveness.

Application for the Faithful

The implications of Daniel’s acknowledgment resonate deeply with modern believers:

• Encouragement for Confession: Just as Daniel’s prayer invites individuals to genuinely confess their sins, it encourages communities to seek unity in seeking God.
• Reflecting on Personal and Collective Sin: Pastors and theologians should challenge church members to understand and reflect on both personal and societal sins, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability.
• Celebration of Grace: Recognizing sin should lead believers to appreciate the grace offered through repentance and faith, which is central to Christian doctrine.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Babylonian exile was a significant period characterized by loss, suffering, and longing for restoration. Understanding this historical backdrop is essential to grasping the weight of Daniel’s confession:

• Exile as Judgment: The Israelites interpreted their exile as a direct consequence of disobedience to God’s laws (Adam Clarke). This context amplifies the significance of repentance.
• Cultural Challenges: Living in Babylon, the Israelites faced immense pressure to conform to foreign beliefs and practices, leading to a further departure from their divine commandments (Matthew Henry).

Conclusion

Daniel 9:5 serves as a timeless reminder of the gravity of sin and the power of repentance. The insights garnered from historical context, linguistic analysis, and theological implications enrich our understanding of this pivotal confession. For pastors and scholars, this passage presents an opportunity to cultivate a narrative of hope through repentance, reminding believers of the unceasing grace that lies in acknowledgment of sin and the return to God. The diverse reflections of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke collectively underscore the need for humble confession and the divine promise of restoration.