Definition: In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Daniel 9:1. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the book. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse describes a very significant event that happened a long time ago – around 529 BC. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “In the first year of Darius…” : This tells us who was ruling at the time. Darius I was King of Persia (modern-day Iran). “…of the seed of the Medes…” : This is the key part! The "Medes" are a powerful Persian people who were often rivals to the Persians. “Seed” means a lineage or family line. So, this refers to a specific family within the Medes. "...which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans." : This is where it gets a bit more complicated. "Chaldaean" refers to the Babylonian and Persian Empire – which included much of present-day Iraq and Syria. Darius I had established a powerful empire called the Chaldean Empire, which controlled a large part of this region. So, what does it all mean? The verse is saying that Darius I, when he was first king, made a deal with a family within the Medes (who were allies to the Babylonians and Persians). This deal involved him giving them a significant amount of land and power. It's like a really important agreement with long-term consequences. Why is this a big deal? The Bible uses this story as a warning . It’s seen as a prophecy about the rise of a future, powerful empire that will eventually challenge both the Babylonians and Persians – leading to conflict and potentially disaster. It's often interpreted as a sign that the world is on the verge of significant upheaval. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries. It’s not always straightforward, and different interpretations exist. But it’s generally understood to be a foreshadowing of a time of great turmoil and conflict in ancient history. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, I could: Give you more context about the Medes and Babylonians. Discuss the different interpretations of this verse.

Definition: Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:10. It's a really important and somewhat serious statement about obedience and faithfulness. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the Jewish people (and, by extension, God himself) have not been following God’s rules or laws as he has instructed them. It's a clear warning against disobedience. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God…” – This is saying that we haven't been following God’s commands, like prayer, worship, or keeping his laws. “…to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.” – This is the key part. The “laws” are a set of rules and guidelines given to the people by God's messengers (the prophets). These laws were important for maintaining justice and order within the community. The phrase "by his servants" means these laws were established through God’s chosen people, specifically the Israelites. Putting it all together: Essentially, Daniel is saying that the Jewish people have been breaking or disregarding God's rules and guidelines as outlined by the prophets. They haven't been following what he has commanded them to do. What does this mean in a big picture? This verse speaks to a crucial period in history – the time of Daniel. It’s a warning about potential rebellion and disobedience, and it highlights the importance of obeying God’s will. It's a reminder that true loyalty lies with God and his laws. Why is this important? Historically, this verse is interpreted as foreshadowing events leading up to the Babylonian exile in ancient Israel – a time when the people were severely disobedient and ultimately lost their land. It’s a message of serious consequence for disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Daniel? Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific concept within this verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage?

Definition: Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a pretty serious one, but it's about a pattern of behavior that has led to a judgment. Here’s what it means, explained in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Israel (the Jewish people) has repeatedly disobeyed God’s rules and commands throughout history. It’s like a chain reaction – each time they break a rule, the punishment gets bigger and harsher. And now, because of this pattern, God is about to unleash a very significant consequence. Let's unpack it word by word: “Daniel 9:11” : This refers to a specific passage in the Book of Daniel. It’s a prophecy (a prediction) about events that will happen in the future. “Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law…” : This means “Yes, all of Israel – meaning the Jewish people – has broken God's laws.” It’s not just one person or group; it’s a widespread pattern of disobedience. “…even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice…” : This is key. "Departing" means leaving behind the rules and commands. It's like choosing to ignore God's guidance. It’s actively disobeying. “Therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God…” : This is where it gets really serious. The verse says: "Because of this pattern of disobedience, God is about to pour a curse on us." It’s like a heavy punishment has been set in motion. And the “oath that [is] written in the law of Moses” refers to the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites as instructed by Moses. “because we have sinned against him.” : This is the core of the message – God is punishing us for our disobedience. "Sinning against him" means breaking His rules and commands, and that's what’s causing this consequence. What does this mean practically? This verse points to a long history of times when Israel has disobeyed God and ignored His commands. It suggests that there’s a pattern – a cycle of sin and punishment. This isn't just about one bad act; it’s about a consistent failure to follow God’s will. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse can be debated among theologians, but it generally emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's laws. It is a reminder that we are accountable to God and that our choices have consequences. In short, this verse is a warning about the consequences of disobedience and a call for repentance – acknowledging our mistakes and turning back to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Talk about its historical context (like how it relates to the Old Testament)? Discuss what it means for Christians today?

Definition: And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:12. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s judgment on sin and injustice. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a time when God is actively displeased with humanity because of all the wrong and evil we’ve done. He’s saying he’s confirmed his words – meaning he’s already made plans to punish us – and that he’s now taking action to bring about this punishment. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us…” This means God has already spoken (declared) things that were meant to hurt or punish us. He’s not just saying it – he's actively making those words come true. “…by bringing upon us a great evil:” This is the core of the verse. God is causing something terrible and devastating to happen to humanity, specifically to Jerusalem (the Jewish capital). “For under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.” This is where it gets really powerful. It’s saying that this – this evil – is unlike anything that has ever happened before. It's a situation so severe and impactful that it surpasses all other injustices or disasters throughout history. What does this mean in bigger terms? It speaks about the coming of Jesus: Many believe this verse points to the events leading up to, and including, the coming of Jesus Christ. The “great evil” is seen as a consequence of humanity’s rebellion against God and its choices that lead to sin and suffering. It's a warning: It’s a serious message about the importance of keeping God’s laws and being righteous. It emphasizes that we must strive to live in accordance with God’s will, because if we don’t, we risk facing consequences. Important Note: The meaning of this verse has been debated throughout history. Different interpretations exist, but it generally points towards a time when God is actively punishing humanity for its sins and disobedience. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you have about this passage, could you tell me: What specifically are you interested in learning more about? (e.g., the historical context, the symbolism of the verse, its connection to other biblical stories?)

Definition: As [it is] written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:13. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s watchfulness over humanity and acknowledging our mistakes. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that despite all the bad things happening in the world – like war, injustice, and sin – we haven’t been turning away from our wrongdoings and trying to repent (change our ways). It's acknowledging that we are guilty of mistakes. Let’s break it down word by word: “As [it is] written in the law of Moses…” - This refers to a set of rules and laws given to Moses, which were considered very important for God’s people. It's saying this isn’t just a random occurrence; there’s a pattern – a history of mistakes. “all this evil is come upon us” - This means that the problems we face – things like war, famine, sickness, and injustice – are happening now . It’s not something that happened in the distant past only. “yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God…” - This is the crucial part. "Made we not..." means “we didn't.” It's saying that despite these problems, we haven’t been asking for forgiveness or turning away from our mistakes. We are still seeking to do wrong. “that we might understand thy truth” - This is the key part of the message – it’s a plea for understanding. It means that we need to really understand God's perspective and what He wants us to do. It’s about recognizing that our actions have consequences and needing to change. In simpler terms, here’s what it’s saying: God is watching over us, seeing everything that happens in the world. We are making mistakes, but we haven't stopped seeking forgiveness or changing our ways. We need to truly understand why we're doing these things and work towards being better people. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder of God’s justice and his commitment to hold us accountable. It encourages humility – recognizing that we are all prone to making mistakes, and it calls for repentance and a desire to live a righteous life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event or situation?

Definition: Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:14. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God's judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is watching over us and has already brought something bad – hardship, trouble, or disaster – upon us. He’s also judging us for not following his instructions. Let's unpack it word by word: “Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us” : This means God is aware of the problems happening in the world. He’s observing what’s going wrong. "Evil" isn't just a simple bad thing; it can mean things like war, famine, oppression, or injustice. “for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth” : This is where it gets interesting. “Righteousness” means doing what’s morally correct and pleasing to God. God is righting a wrong, even though we didn't obey him. He’s doing what he wants to accomplish, even if we don't understand why. “for we obeyed not his voice” : This is the crucial part. "Obeyed his voice" means following God’s instructions and guidelines. We were not listening to Him! We didn't heed His guidance or wisdom. So, what does it all mean? It suggests a pattern of disobedience leading to consequences. God has been watching over us for a long time, and he’s now judging us because we didn't listen to His instructions. It paints a picture of a larger story – a time when humanity was falling short of God’s will. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a longer narrative in the book of Daniel. It’s about a period of great trouble and political upheaval in Judah during the reign of King Jehoiash. It highlights that even though God is powerful and righteous, He also expects us to be obedient to Him. In short, it’s a warning and a statement of justice from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some potential interpretations of what this verse might be about (keeping in mind it’s a complex passage)?

Definition: And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:15. It’s a really important part of understanding God’s perspective on humanity’s behavior. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we (as a people) have messed up badly and are acknowledging our wrongdoing. It’s a moment of serious remorse and regret. Let’s look at the parts: “And now, O Lord our God…” – This establishes a situation where we're addressing God directly. We’re not just talking about an event; we’re acknowledging that we are responsible for it. “…that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt…” - This refers to a time when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, and they were led out into the world. It's a significant historical event – it marked a turning point in their history. “and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day;” – This is where the key part comes in. God is saying that we have become famous, powerful, and admired for our wickedness. It’s like when you do something wrong, people notice it, and they look up to you with admiration or fear. “We have sinned, we have done wickedly.” – This is the core of the verse. It means that we have committed acts of sin, wrongdoing, or disobedience that are harmful to God and to others. "Wickedly" suggests something that’s deliberately wrong and causes harm. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse points to a time when the Israelites were considered to be on a path toward being truly bad – a path of sin and disobedience. It's a reminder that even seemingly good things can lead to negative consequences if we don’t follow God’s will. Important Context: The Old Testament describes a period in Israel’s history where they were plagued by evil, and God was angry with them. This verse is a moment when God is acknowledging that we are part of that pattern and need to turn away from our bad ways. It's about recognizing the gravity of our actions. In short: Daniel 9:15 describes a time when humanity has made mistakes, and God is expressing his disappointment and calling us to repentance (turning back to him). --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give an example of what "wickedness" might look like from a biblical perspective?

Definition: O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people [are become] a reproach to all [that are] about us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:16. It's a really important passage that speaks about God’s perspective on a city and its people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: God is deeply disappointed with Jerusalem and its people because they have consistently acted badly – bad, immoral, and unjust. He sees them as a problem for everyone around them. Let's unpack the parts: “O Lord, according to all thy righteousness…” - This means God is acknowledging that He is in control and that His judgment is based on how right or wrong things are. It’s a humbling statement from God. “…I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away…” – God isn't just disappointed; he wants to remove the anger and rage that are causing problems. He wants to stop his negative feelings toward Jerusalem. "...from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain…” - This is the main focus of God’s concern. He specifically calls out Jerusalem – the capital city – as being in trouble. “Holy Mountain” refers to the Temple, which was a place of worship and holiness for God. “because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers…” - This is where it gets really serious. God says that past wrongs are causing problems now. He’s pointing out that the people of Jerusalem have been making bad choices – acting immorally, being unjust to others, etc. – for a long time. “Iniquities” means wrongdoings or injustices. “Jerusalem and thy people [are] become] a reproach to all [that are] about us.” - This is the devastating consequence of these past wrongs. God sees Jerusalem as an outcast, a source of negativity and trouble for everyone nearby. It's like a stain – it’s damaging everything around it. In simpler terms: God is saying that because people in Jerusalem have been making bad choices throughout history, they are now causing problems for everyone else. He wants to stop these negative actions and restore balance. What does this mean for us? This verse can be a warning about the importance of: Forgiving others: It’s not just about forgiving yourself , but also acknowledging and letting go of past wrongs. Taking responsibility: It suggests that we all need to own our mistakes and make amends, both individually and as a community. Working for justice: It highlights the importance of striving for fairness and righteousness in our lives and in society. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about God's plan for Israel and His relationship with them. It’s often interpreted as a call to repentance and a promise that God will ultimately restore his people. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Provide examples of past wrongs that might be mentioned in the context of this verse? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?

Definition: Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Daniel 9:17. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially asking God to comfort a person who is experiencing a deep problem or distress – likely a significant injustice or hardship. Let's unpack it word by word: "Now therefore, O our God..." - This is a formal and respectful way of addressing God. It’s like saying “Listen here, Lord.” "...hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications..." – This means "listen to what this person is asking for." They're pleading with God to understand their situation and help them. The word "supplications" is key - it’s a plea or request specifically made to God, often because someone has been wronged or treated unfairly. "...and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary..." – This is the most complex part. “Sanctuary” in this context refers to God's house, His presence, and His holiness. Shining his face on it means making God prominent and visible again. It’s a request for God to restore what has been lost or damaged. "...that the Lord’s sake." – This is the final part, emphasizing the reason behind the prayer. "The Lord's sake" means that God’s favor, his goodness, and his protection are being sought. Putting it all together: Daniel 9:17 is a plea from a person facing serious trouble. They are asking for God to show mercy and restore what has been lost or damaged. The verse asks God to look favorably upon them and make Him prominent again, as a sign of his love and protection. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the idea that God will ultimately restore all things – both good and bad – to their original place and glory. It's a promise that even after great suffering, there’s hope for restoration and divine favor. In short: This verse is a heartfelt plea from someone experiencing significant hardship, asking for God’s compassion and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give an example of how this verse might be interpreted in a specific situation (without giving away the full context)?

Definition: O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:18. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deeply concerned about us and our nation, and he wants to be involved with us. He’s expressing a profound sadness and worry because we are facing serious problems. Let's break it down word by word: “O my God…” : This shows humility and acknowledges that we are asking for God’s help. “…incline thine ear…” : This means to listen very carefully. It’s not just a casual request, but a genuine desire to understand what's happening. “…and open thine eyes…” : This is a metaphor – it’s like opening your eyes to see something important. “…and behold our desolations…” : “Desolations” means destruction or ruin. This verse describes serious problems and challenges we are facing as a nation. “…and the city which is called by thy name…” : This refers to Israel (the Jewish people) – specifically, to the land of Judah. It’s talking about a time of great trouble for them. “for your great mercies.” : This is the crucial part. God isn't just concerned with our problems; he wants to offer us mercy and kindness. Putting it all together – A simpler explanation: God is saying, "I’m watching you very closely. I see that we are in a difficult time, and I’m worried about what will happen to us." He's not just concerned with our problems; he wants to be involved as a powerful force of good and to offer us help and protection. Why is this important? This verse often relates to prophecies about the future destruction of Israel, and it’s interpreted as a sign that God is ultimately watching over his people and will intervene if things get really bad. It speaks to a deep sense of covenant – a special relationship between God and humanity. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated by scholars for centuries. It's often seen as symbolic, rather than literal, referring to the future events described in other parts of Scripture. --- Do you want me to explain any specific part of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the verse within the larger story of Daniel? Discuss its symbolism and what it might represent?