Daniel 9:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After expressing his deep sorrow, Daniel ultimately depicts the city as a sorrowful captive woman, proclaiming, "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." Realizing that among the people there was no one who could appease God, he shifted his focus to the structures, revealing the city itself and emphasizing its devastation. He concluded his prayer with this appeal to God, which is evident in what follows.

Hear my prayer, O God, and listen; look upon our desolation. This is expressed in a way that resonates humanly, suggesting that when God hears us, it seems as if He tilts His ear toward us; when He honors us with His gaze, it feels as though He opens His eyes; and when He turns His face away, it signifies that we are deemed unworthy of His sight and attention.

Listen, O my God, to my plea and open Your gaze to our plight and Your grace. By relating Your grace even more intimately to the Divine, it is said: In it, Your name is invoked. The phrase, "Listen and open Your gaze," signifies a call not to turn away from my requests, but to receive my prayers with kindness. The Prophet understood that the Divine essence is beyond physical form; however, as a human, he sought a way to communicate with God. Since all humanity sees with their eyes and hears with their ears, he employed such expressions to describe the incorporeal nature of God, attributing these human faculties to divine powers. He further emphasizes that we do not present our requests based on our own merits but on Your generosity, O Lord. We do not rely on our own righteousness; instead, we place our trust in Your compassion and, with that faith in Your mercy, we courageously beseech You.