Daniel 8-9

“O my God ... Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy” (9:18). As Daniel began to have visions about the conflicts of the future, he realized that Israel’s own rebellion had made them vulnerable (9:9-10). Israel’s real enemies were not Babylon or Persia but their own sinful rejection of the Lord who had rescued them from Egypt (9:15).

“O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive” (9:19). God calls us to search our own hearts before blaming others for our troubles. He is ready to hear, forgive, and help us.