Daniel 9:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After expressing his sorrow and shedding tears, Daniel ultimately depicts the city as a distressed captive woman, pleading, "Look with Thy bright face upon Thy desolate sanctuary, incline Thy ear, O my God, and hear, open Thy eyes, and look upon our desolations, and upon the city upon which Thy name is called." Upon surveying the people, Daniel found no one among them who could atone for their sins. Thus, he directed his attention to the buildings, revealing the state of the city itself and emphasizing its ruin. He concluded his prayer with this acknowledgment, thereby seeking God's favor, as shown in the subsequent events.

Reveal Your presence amid the ruins of Your holy place. Bring to fruition what You have pledged: the period of desolation has come to a close.

Dear Lord our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and his plea, and let Your presence shine upon Your sanctuary, which lies in ruins. Accept, O Lord, as Daniel implores, the request of Your servant, and regard the devastation of Your holy place, restoring it with Your grace once more. Since the people were unworthy to receive this, it is appropriate for the prophet to declare: For Your sake, O Lord. Do what is right in Your sight, O Lord, and turn not Your attention to our sins, but to the boundless depths of Your compassion. As he continues in supplication, the Prophet prays: O my God, bend down Your ear and listen; open Your eyes and behold our plight and Your tribulation.