The Church Fathers on this verse

Daniel 9:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And now, O Lord, our God, who hast brought forth thy people out of the land of Egypt, with a strong hand, and hast made thee a name as at this day: we have sinned, we have committed iniquity,

Douay-Rheims

וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ אֲדֹנָ֣י אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ אֲשֶׁר֩ הוֹצֵ֨אתָ אֶֽת־עַמְּךָ֜ מֵאֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה וַתַּֽעַשׂ־לְךָ֥ שֵׁ֖ם כַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה חָטָ֖אנוּ רָשָֽׁעְנוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

John Chrysostom

4th centuryChurch Father

Even after addressing the transgressions committed by the Jews and outlining the consequences they faced, Daniel does not consider them automatically entitled to forgiveness. Observe the integrity of this devoted servant! He illustrates that the Jews had not endured a punishment proportionate to their offenses, nor had they compensated for their wrongdoings through their sufferings.

Read more (86 words)

Ultimately, he turns to God’s mercy and compassion, proclaiming, “And now, O Lord our God, who brought Thy people out of the land of Egypt by a mighty hand, and hast revealed Thy glory as this day, we have sinned, we have acted wickedly.” Just as You rescued them, not due to their righteousness, but because You looked upon their suffering and heard their cries, so may You rescue us from our current afflictions, grounded solely in Your compassion; we possess no other claim to salvation.

Jerome of Stridon

4th centuryChurch Father

And now, O Lord our God, etc. This reflects on a past blessing, seeking a similar grace from Him once more.

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

The prophet reflects on the past blessings and, through this grateful remembrance, seeks divine compassion, saying: It is not beyond Your power, O Lord, to grant us liberation. Previously, You performed numerous signs and wonders upon the Egyptians, delivering Your people from harsh slavery, making Your miracles known far and wide and revealing Your might to all. Despite our own transgressions and our failure to live up to Your grace, we implore You to show mercy to Your city and to that mountain sanctified by Your presence.

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As the prophet continues to plead for the city, he acknowledges: Because of our sins, ‘and our iniquities, and our fathers’ iniquities, Jerusalem and Thy people were reproached in all our neighbourhood.’ Due to our offenses and the wrongdoings of our ancestors, we have become a source of ridicule for the surrounding nations, and this renowned and honorable city has been left in ruins.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.