Daniel 9:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What further insights does he offer? Let us listen to his confession. ‘And I prayed to the Lord my God.’ Observe the depth of his devotion to the Lord. He refers to Him as ‘my God.’ The One he felt unworthy to approach, he now acknowledges as his God.

What action do you take, Daniel? In your plea for those who have sinned and brought offense to God, do you bring into consideration those who adhere to His laws? Do the transgressors of His commandments merit forgiveness? The prophet responds that his plea is not for their benefit, but for the sake of the revered ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To them, he affirms, God extended His promises, embracing those who observed His commandments.

I call upon You, O Lord God, who is formidable and awe-inspiring to those who disregard Your commandments. You uphold Your covenant and extend mercy to those who cherish You and follow Your statutes. Therefore, God's promises are not without conditions, for He fulfills His commitments to those who observe His directives.

The Prophet declares his prayers to the Lord my God, saying, "O Lord my God, great and marvelous, keeper of the covenant," and "mercy to them that love Thee, and keep Thy commandments." He refers to God as great and marvelous, reflecting His ability to perform extraordinary deeds, for those who are divine often employ titles from the manifestation of divine power. God maintains His covenant and favor with those who love Him, recalling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In his prayer, it is clear that He does not simply 'keep' but rather extends His grace 'to those who love Him and observe His commandments'; yet, any individual who violates Your commands disqualifies himself from Your promises. These truths have indeed been realized among us.