Daniel 9:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Sinners, in the wake of their transgressions, have but one recourse, and that is to acknowledge their wrongdoings. It is important to observe the righteousness of the virtuous individual in contrast to the malice of those who oppose. The righteous, who perceive no fault within themselves, severely judge their actions, proclaiming, ‘We have sinned, we have done lawlessly, we have acted wickedly’ (Dan. 9:5); however, those burdened with countless transgressions assert the opposite, claiming, ‘We have kept his decrees; and now we count the haughty happy: they who do iniquity are better off’ (Mal. 3:14-15). Just as it is typical for the just to show humility following their good deeds, it is equally common for the unrighteous to take pride after committing sins.

We have transgressed, we have acted unlawfully, and we have deviated from all your commandments that were delivered to us through Moses and the priests.

We have sinned, we have transgressed, we have committed evil acts, and we have turned away from the faith. As he is part of the community, he acknowledges the collective sins of the people on his own behalf, reflecting a similar sentiment found in the Apostle's writings in the Epistle to the Romans.

After employing these noble and wondrous titles for God, the Prophet accurately referred to his compatriots with contrasting terms. He felt it inadequate to merely acknowledge, "we have sinned," but went further to declare, "we have sinned unlawfully, irreverently," becoming unrecognizable to Your blessings. "In wickedness," favoring other deities over You, lifeless, unresponsive, devoid of strength. The Prophet then illustrated both God's unwavering concern for them and the profound insensitivity of the people.