Definition: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 9:4. It’s a really important part of understanding the book and its message about judgment and hope. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “I humbly acknowledge that God is watching over us, protecting us, and that He has a plan for us.” It’s a moment of sincere repentance and recognizing His power and care. Let’s unpack the parts: “And I prayed unto the LORD my God…” – This means Daniel was pleading with God directly, acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority. “…and made my confession…” – He wasn't just complaining; he was admitting a problem and expressing remorse. He recognized that something wrong had happened. “…and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to those who keep his commandments.” – This is where it gets really significant. “The great and dreadful God”: This refers to God Himself – the one who made the covenant (a special agreement) with Israel. “…keeping the covenant…” - This means upholding what He promised to them, especially their loyalty and faithfulness. “…and mercy to them that love him…” - This is a key part! It means God shows compassion and kindness specifically to those who love Him. It's about recognizing and valuing those who are faithful to His word. “…and to those who keep his commandments.” – This speaks of obedience to God’s laws, rules, and instructions. It’s about following His will. Overall Meaning: Daniel is admitting that he has fallen short of fulfilling God's promises and that He needs to change. He's acknowledging that he was wrong and wants to be forgiven and receive mercy from God. It's a recognition of sin and a plea for forgiveness. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of disobedience. It’s a reminder that even though we might make mistakes, God is still watching over us and offering grace. It also speaks to the importance of obedience and faithfulness – because it’s through these things that we can receive blessings. In short: Daniel is admitting he's fallen short and asking for forgiveness, promising to be more faithful in the future. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give you an analogy or example to help understand it better?