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?