👉 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:19. It's a really important and somewhat poetic passage about God's love and concern for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says, “Lord, we’re praying to you because you care deeply about us and our city.” It’s a plea from the people of Judah (which is where Jerusalem was located at this time) to God for his protection and favor. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “O Lord, hear…” : This is a direct request from God – He wants to be listened to. “O Lord, forgive…” : This expresses forgiveness – God is willing to let things go and offer mercy. “O Lord, hearken and do…” : This is the most important part. It means “listen to us” and "act on our requests." God is promising to respond to their prayers. “Defer not, for thine own sake, O my God:” This shows that this isn’t just a fleeting request; it's a long-term concern. "O my God" is a way of addressing God directly and emphasizing the importance of his attention. “for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” : This is the core of the verse – It speaks about God’s ultimate purpose: He wants to be recognized as the protector and judge of both Jerusalem (their city) and their entire nation. It's a declaration that God sees them as important and deserves his attention. What does it mean in bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a promise of God’s protection during times of trouble. It suggests a covenant – an agreement – between God and the people of Judah, where God will safeguard their safety and well-being. It speaks to a time when they were facing serious challenges and needed divine intervention. In short: This verse is a powerful expression of God's love, concern, and commitment to his people, promising to protect them and recognize their importance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Provide context about the time it was written (around what historical period)? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical stories or themes?
