16 “O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Da 9:16.
Reproach usually causes shame, at least to those whose hearts are not hardened. The nation of Israel was looked upon with reproach because of their sin and the sin of their fathers. Daniel could feel the shame but his main concern wasn’t the image of his people but the image of his God.
Daniel knew that God was angry. However, he didn’t ask for mercy because of the people but because these were God’s people inhabiting God’s city, Jerusalem. He was asking that His anger be set aside for His own sake.
In verse 8 Danel says: “O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You.” There was no doubt that the people had sinned against God, from the kings down to the children. They deserved the shame and reproach and even God’s anger. Daniel’s focus however, was that God had built an image for Himself. He was the God that brought the people out of Egypt and provided for them every step of the way. He was known for His righteousness and mercy. He was also known for His judgement which earned Him fear and respect. Now His people had brought shame to Jerusalem, His holy mountain.
How concerned are we about the image of God? How concerned are we about how we represent Him? God’s name is to be glorified in every way and we play a huge part in that act. His name is blasphemed, dishonored and belittled in this world. We must take every opportunity to honor His Holy name and make Him our priority, for His name’s sake.