Daniel 9:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord observes the presence of wickedness and permits it to befall us. When we face consequences for our transgressions, God remains vigilant and intervenes in our lives. However, there are times when He withdraws His judgment from us, and in our unworthiness of His correction, it is often said that He is asleep. This is reflected in the Psalms, where it is written, "The Lord is asleep and as noisy with wine" (Psalm 77:65). Our sins and wrongdoing are like a drunkenness to God, and when we endure punishment for them, it is said that He awakens and arises from His slumber to call us, who are ensnared by sin, back to righteousness.

The Lord God will marvel at our wrongdoing and permit it to befall us. In a manner reminiscent of a dream, He has imposed a penalty that is fitting for our existence; for, as the Prophet states, Holy is the Lord our God in all His deeds, and we have failed to heed His call. He is blameless and should receive no criticism for His actions; however, we, ensnared in malice and deceit, have invited judgment upon ourselves. Therefore, after concluding his denunciation of sin, the Prophet ultimately commences his prayer, seeking mercy for humankind.