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Daniel 9:3

Daniel 9:3 in Multiple Translations

So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

¶ And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

And turning my face to the Lord God, I gave myself up to prayer, requesting his grace, going without food, in haircloth and dust.

So I turned to the Lord God in prayer. I fasted and wore sackcloth and ashes, and I pleaded with him in prayer to act.

And I turned my face vnto the Lord God, and sought by prayer and supplications with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

and I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek [by] prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.

I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

And I set my face to the Lord GOD, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

And I set my face to the Lord my God, to pray and make supplication with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.

After I read that, I pleaded to Yahweh my God to help us, praying and ◄fasting/abstaining from eating food►. While doing that, I was wearing rough cloth and sitting in ashes to show that I was very sad about what was going to happen to us.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Daniel 9:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Daniel 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה אֶת פָּנַ֗/י אֶל אֲדֹנָ/י֙ הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ תְּפִלָּ֖ה וְ/תַחֲנוּנִ֑ים בְּ/צ֖וֹם וְ/שַׂ֥ק וָ/אֵֽפֶר
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
פָּנַ֗/י pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אֲדֹנָ/י֙ ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 to seek Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
תְּפִלָּ֖ה tᵉphillâh H8605 prayer N-fs
וְ/תַחֲנוּנִ֑ים tachănûwn H8469 supplication Conj | N-mp
בְּ/צ֖וֹם tsôwm H6685 fast Prep | N-ms
וְ/שַׂ֥ק saq H8242 sackcloth Conj | N-ms
וָ/אֵֽפֶר ʼêpher H665 ashes Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Daniel 9:3

וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנַ֗/י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲדֹנָ/י֙ ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְ/בַקֵּ֥שׁ bâqash H1245 "to seek" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
תְּפִלָּ֖ה tᵉphillâh H8605 "prayer" N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
וְ/תַחֲנוּנִ֑ים tachănûwn H8469 "supplication" Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word describes an earnest or heartfelt prayer, often used to express a deep desire for God's help or favor. It can be a plea to man or God, seeking kindness or mercy. The KJV translates it as intreaty or supplication.
Definition: 1) supplication, supplication for favour 1a) to man 1b) to God
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: intreaty, supplication. See also: 2 Chronicles 6:21; Psalms 143:1; Psalms 28:2.
בְּ/צ֖וֹם tsôwm H6685 "fast" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
וְ/שַׂ֥ק saq H8242 "sackcloth" Conj | N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
וָ/אֵֽפֶר ʼêpher H665 "ashes" Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.

Study Notes — Daniel 9:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
2 Jeremiah 29:10–13 For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
3 James 5:16–18 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.
4 Nehemiah 1:4–11 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. We have behaved corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses. Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’ They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand. O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)
5 Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”
6 Ezra 9:5 At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
7 Ezra 10:6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and walked to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. And while he stayed there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he was mourning over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.
8 James 4:8–10 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
9 Ezra 8:21 And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
10 Psalms 35:13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered.

Daniel 9:3 Summary

[In Daniel 9:3, Daniel turns to God in prayer and fasting because he wants to understand and fulfill God's plan. He humbles himself by wearing sackcloth and ashes, which shows that he is serious about seeking God's guidance. This verse teaches us that when we want to know God's will, we should come to Him in humility and prayer, just like Daniel did, and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it is written that we should trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Daniel turn to the Lord God in prayer and fasting?

Daniel turned to the Lord God in prayer and fasting because he was seeking to understand and fulfill God's plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:12-13, where it is written that when we call out to God and come to Him with all our heart, He will listen and respond.

What is the significance of sackcloth and ashes in Daniel's prayer?

The use of sackcloth and ashes was a sign of humility and repentance, as seen in Job 42:6, where Job repents in dust and ashes, and in Jonah 3:6, where the king of Nineveh decrees that everyone should wear sackcloth and sit in ashes to show their repentance.

How does Daniel's example of prayer and fasting relate to our lives today?

Daniel's example shows us that when we are seeking God's guidance and direction, we should humble ourselves and come to Him in prayer and fasting, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-18, where He instructs us on how to fast in a way that is pleasing to God.

What role does confession play in Daniel's prayer?

While Daniel 9:3 does not explicitly mention confession, the following verses, such as Daniel 9:4-5, show that confession is an integral part of Daniel's prayer, as he acknowledges the sins of his people and confesses them to God, which is in line with Psalm 51:17, where David says that a broken and contrite heart is what God desires.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and direction, and how can I apply Daniel's example of prayer and fasting to those areas?
  2. In what ways can I humble myself and come to God in repentance, like Daniel did with sackcloth and ashes?
  3. How does Daniel's prayer demonstrate his dependence on God, and what can I learn from his example about trusting in God's sovereignty?
  4. What are some ways that I can incorporate prayer and fasting into my regular spiritual disciplines, and how can I use these practices to deepen my relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Daniel 9:3

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications,.... He set apart some time on purpose for this service, distinct from his usual stated times of prayer, as well as from his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Daniel 9:3

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications - literally,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Daniel 9:3

Observe two things: 1. That deep revolting, and deep afflictions, call for deep and solemn humiliation. 2. God’ s decrees and promises do not excuse us from duty and prayer, but include it and require it. God will be inquired of for those things which he hath purposed and promised to give his people, . And if it be objected by any, (as it is by Calovius,) that both God’ s threats and promises are absolute, and not hypothetical, as they will prove by ,12 29:10; it is answered that, 1. Though it be spoken peremptorily and absolutely, yet not without a tacit condition and secret reserve in God, . 2. God often speaks positively to put sinners in the more awe of his judgments, and to drive them to repentance, . 3. If God give a reason of his threatening, viz. because they have despised his word and abused his patience, ,16 Lu 19:42-44; then the threat is absolute. 4. And if God add upon his threatenings such words as these, I will not hear you, pray not for this people, of which we have many instances, then it is peremptory. 5. When the threat and the judgment threatened are the fruit of God’ s decree, then it is irreversible; not else. Mind all these rules well in this case.

Trapp's Commentary on Daniel 9:3

Daniel 9:3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:Ver. 3. And I set my face unto the Lord God,] i.e., Toward the habitation of his holiness at Jerusalem, but especially in heaven. I looked up unto the hills from whence I looked for help. This Daniel did daily, but now with more than ordinary intention and devotion he presenteth δεησιςενεργουμενη, an inwrought prayer (as St James calleth it, James 5:16), edged with fasting and downright humiliation. He doubteth not thereby to set God to work, as David did He knew that a long look toward God speedeth, how much more an extraordinary prayer!

Ellicott's Commentary on Daniel 9:3

(3) I set my face.—Comp. Daniel 6:11. Probably he prayed, as on that occasion, with his face towards Jerusalem. The prayer of Daniel bears some resemblance to those offered by Ezra and Nehemiah, while that of Baruch resembles it much more closely. (On this see Excursus F.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Daniel 9:3

Verse 3. I set my face - to seek by prayer] He found that the time of the promised deliverance could not be at any great distance; and as he saw nothing that indicated a speedy termination of their oppressive captivity, he was very much afflicted, and earnestly besought God to put a speedy end to it; and how earnestly he seeks, his own words show. He prayed, he supplicated, he fasted, he put sackcloth upon his body, and he put ashes upon his head. He uses that kind of prayer prescribed by Solomon in his prayer at the dedication of the temple. See 1Kg 8:47-48.

Cambridge Bible on Daniel 9:3

3–19. Daniel’s prayer, consisting (1) of a confession of national transgression, and of the justice of God’s punishment (Daniel 9:4-14), and (2) of a supplication for mercy and restoration (Daniel 9:15-19). The prayer evinces great depth and fervour of religious feeling. In style it is Deuteronomic; in fact, it is composed largely of reminiscences of Deut., the prayer of Solomon in 1 Kings 8, and (especially) of Jeremiah (in particular, of Jeremiah 26, 32, 44): there are also some noticeable parallels with the prayers in Nehemiah 1, 9, and Ezra 9 (see on Daniel 9:4; Daniel 9:6-7; Daniel 9:9; Daniel 9:14-15; Daniel 9:18). The most striking resemblances are, however, with parts of the confession and supplication in Bar 1:15 to Bar 3:18; on which see further the Introd. p. lxxiv f.

Barnes' Notes on Daniel 9:3

And I set my face unto the Lord God - Probably the meaning is, that he turned his face toward Jerusalem, the place where God had dwelt; the place of his holy abode on earth. See the notes at Daniel 6:10.

Whedon's Commentary on Daniel 9:3

3. It was now nearly seventy years since Daniel had been carried captive to Babylon (Daniel 1:1), and as the time of the captivity seemed drawing to a close he is represented as becoming deeply and

Sermons on Daniel 9:3

SermonDescription
Ed Miller (Daniel: The Man God Uses #1) Christ the Goal by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker makes three non-controversial observations about the book of Daniel. These observations are agreed upon by people who love the Lord. The first observati
Roy Hession Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 1 by Roy Hession In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's word being a living and active force. He questions why God would warn the people of Nineveh about their impending destruc
William Fitch Daniel - the Man of Prayer by William Fitch In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of prayer and the need for diligent practice in order to become proficient in it. He compares prayer to other arts, emphasizin
David Wilkerson Marvelous Benefits of Repentance by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four benefits that come with true repentance. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and confessing one's sins, making restitution
Dan Biser The Seven Levels of Judgment - Proper Response Part 1 by Dan Biser This sermon delves into the importance of understanding God's judgments and the need for a proper response to them. It emphasizes the consequences of sin and the levels of judgment
Dan Biser The Seven Levels of Judgment - Proper Response Part 2 by Dan Biser This sermon emphasizes the importance of a proper response to God's word, focusing on seeking wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from God, repentance, acknowledging sin, seeking
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) Daniel by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the book of Daniel, focusing on the relevance of Daniel's life in times of persecution. It highlights Daniel's unwavering faith, prayer life, and commitment

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