What does Daniel 9:4 mean?

Daniel's urgent prayer (Daniel 9:3) begins with confession. He speaks this confession on behalf of his people, using terms such as "we" and "us" (Daniel 9:5, 8). That does not mean that Daniel is literally admitting to the same sin, wickedness, or rebellion against God's law. Scripture indicates that Daniel was an imperfect (Romans 3:23; Daniel 9:20) but remarkably faithful man (Daniel 1:8; 6:5). And yet, he does not pray about the sins of "them" or "they." Rather, he identifies fully with his people and begs God to show mercy. This means admitting the sins committed by the people (Daniel 9:5–7).

Legitimate confession involves more than simply stating one's own actions or emotions. The New Testament offers insight into what true "confession" means. The Greek word used in 1 John 1:9 literally means "to say the same." When a believer genuinely confesses sin, they "say the same" about sin that God does. This means taking the same attitude toward sin as taken by God. Sin is abhorrent, detestable, a violation of God's commandments, and wicked.

Note that confession also includes proclaiming who God is. We not only confess sin, but we also confess—or profess—the truth. Daniel begins his prayer by proclaiming realities about God. His prayer portrays God as majestic and faithful to His covenant, always loving those who love and obey Him. Jesus pointed out that obedience to His commands is a true test of love (John 14:15). Here, Daniel views himself as insignificant, next to the might and value of the Lord. He knew his people were unfaithful to God's covenant, but that God was completely loyal to it.

Deuteronomy 28 clearly communicated the curses that would befall the people of Israel in response to disobedience. Those curses included being subjugated by Gentile nations (Deuteronomy 28:25).