What does Daniel 9:9 mean?

Babylon conquered Judah and took Jewish people like Daniel captive (Daniel 1:1–7). Sixty-plus years later, Babylon falls, and Daniel reads about the end of the exile in the writings of Jeremiah (Daniel 9:1–2). He begins fervently praying for God to restore His people, by confessing their national sins (Daniel 9:3–8). This corresponds with prophecies about the nation's decline and eventual rescue (Deuteronomy 28:48–50; 29:25; 30:1–3; 2 Kings 17:1–8; Jeremiah 25:7–11; 29:10–14).

The same prophet who spoke about the exile, Jeremiah, also says: "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22–23). Mercy is the companion of grace. While Israel was guilty of idolatry and other terrible sins, God is associated with mercy and forgiveness. God's righteousness means He cannot approve of sin. However, His love and grace mean He may delay or withhold judgment for a time. He can also offer forgiveness. By grace God gives what sinners don't deserve: salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9). In mercy He withholds what sinners do deserve: punishment (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

However, God's salvation is available only to those who recognize their need. A classic demonstration of this comes from one of Jesus' parables (Luke 18:9–14). In that lesson, a tax collector and a self-righteous Pharisee prayed in the temple. The Pharisee bragged about his supposed goodness, even "thanking" God that he was not a sinner like others. On the other hand, the tax collector acknowledged his sin and asked God to be merciful to him. Jesus said only the tax collector went in a right relationship with God.