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?