Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 9:12
And he hath confirmed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
12. confirmed his words ] The phrase as Neh 9:8; cf. Deu 9:5 , 1Ki 8:20, al. with this verse, cf. Bar 2:1-2 .
judges ] apparently a general term for rulers, as Psa 2:10.
by bringing, &c.] to ‘bring evil upon’ is a phrase common in Jer., as Jer 35:17, Jer 36:31 (where ‘pronounced’ is lit. spake, as here).
for ] better, so that, such that, 1Ki 3:12.
under the whole heaven ] cf. on Dan 7:27.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And he hath confirmed his words … – By bringing upon the people all that he had threatened in case of their disobedience. Daniel saw that there was a complete fulfillment of all that he had said would come upon them. As all this had been threatened, he could not complain; and as he had confirmed his words in regard to the threatening, he had the same reason to think that he would in regard to his promises. What Daniel here says was true in his time, and in reference to his people will be found to be true at all times, and in reference to all people. Nothing is more certain than that God will confirm all the words that he has over spoken, and that no sinner can hope to escape on the ground that God will be found to be false to his threatenings, or that he has forgotten them, or that he is indifferent to them.
Against our judges that judged us – Our magistrates or rulers.
For under the whole heaven – In all the world.
Hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem – In respect to the slaughter, and the captivity, and the complete desolation. No one can show that at that time this was not literally true. The city was in a state of complete desolation; its temple was in ruins; its people had been slain or borne into captivity.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
He hath confirmed his words which he spake against us: by this it appears that Gods judgments threatened against sin are to be feared, because of the great and terrible God, Dan 9:4; Deu 7:9,10; Ne 1:8.
Against our judges that judged us; whose place and duty it was to govern the people, to judge their causes, and to appoint others for it; wherein if there be a failure, as there often was, it was a sin and judgment upon the people, and upon the rulers and judges themselves also, of which we find many instances and complaints in Scripture, Psa 2:2,9,10; 58:1,2.
Jerusalem; a place privileged many ways above all others, chiefly by the signal presence of God there, and his promises to it, Psa 76:1,2; yet when sin is found there, as it was in Jerusalem, to the height, as in Sodom, it was punished to the height. Read the book of Lamentations.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
12. confirmed his wordsshowedby the punishments we suffer, that His words were no idle threats.
under . . . heaven hath notbeen done as . . . upon Jerusalem (La1:12).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he hath confirmed his words which he spake against us,…. That is, he hath made good his threatenings of wrath and vengeance, in case of disobedience to his law:
and against our judges that judged us; kings, and inferior governors, that ruled over them, who perverted justice, and did not execute righteous judgment; and against them the Lord performed what he threatened:
by bringing upon us a great evil; the desolation of the whole land, the destruction of Jerusalem; the death of many by the sword, famine, and pestilence, and the captivity of the rest; all which was a great punishment considered in itself, but, when compared with their offences, was less than they deserved:
for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem; its walls broken down, its houses burnt with fire, even the palaces of the king and nobles, and the temple of the Lord itself; and all its inhabitants destroyed, dispersed, or carried captive; see La 1:12.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Daniel pursues the same sentiment, shewing how the Israelites had no cause whatever for expostulating with God on account of their being so heavily afflicted, and no reason for doubting either its origin or intention. For now all had come to pass exactly as it had been long ago predicted. God, therefore, has stirred up his word against us; as if he had said, there is no reason why we should strive with God, for we behold his truthfulness in the punishments which he has inflicted upon us, and his threats are no mere vain scarecrows, or fabulous inventions manufactured to frighten children. God now really proves how seriously he had spoken. What then is the use of our turning our backs upon him, or why should we seek vain excuses when God’s truthfulness shines brightly in our destruction? Do we wish to deprive God of his truthfulness? surely whatever our earnestness we shall never succeed. Let, therefore, this suffice to condemn us, — God has predicted everything which occurs, and thus effectually and experimentally proves himself an avenger. God, therefore, ratified his word; that is, God’s word would have remained without the slightest efficacy and rigor, unless this curse had been suspended over our head; but while we lie prostrate and almost buried under our calamities, God’s word is borne aloft; that is, God makes his truthfulness conspicuously visible, which otherwise would scarcely be perceptible at all. Unless God punished the wickedness of men, who would not treat the threatening of his law as childish? But when he demonstrates by certain proofs the very best reasons for terrifying mankind, efficacy and rigor are immediately imparted to his words. Besides this, Daniel here intends to cast off all subterfuges, and to cause the people candidly to acknowledge, and really to feel themselves justly afflicted. He says, against us and against our judges, who judged us. Again, Daniel throws down all haughtiness of the flesh, with the view of exalting God alone and of preventing any mortal splendor from obscuring the authority of the Law. For we know how the common people think they have a shield for the defense of all their crimes, when they can quote the example of kings and judges. At this very day, whenever we argue against the superstitions of the Papacy, they say, “Well! if we do make a mistake, yet God has set over us both kings and bishops who rule us after their manner, why then should we be blamed when we have God’s command for following those who are endued with power and dignity?” As, therefore, the vulgar generally catch at a subterfuge like this, Daniel again affirms, that although those who transgress God’s law are endowed with great worldly authority, yet they are not exempt from either blame or punishment, nor can the ordinary multitude be excused if they follow their example. Therefore, as he had spoken by Moses against our judges who judged us, he says; that is, although power had been conferred upon them for ruling us, yet the whole ordination of it is from God: yet after they had utterly abused their government, and violated God’s justice, and thus had endeavored to draw down God, if possible, from his elevation, Daniel asserts that their loftiness will by no means shelter them from the consequences of transgression.
He afterwards adds, To bring upon us a great evil, which has never happened under the whole heavens, as it has now occurred at Jerusalem. Here Daniel foresaw an objection which had some slight force in it. Although God had deservedly punished the Israelites, yet when he displayed his anger against them more severely than against other nations, he might seem forgetful of his equity. Daniel here removes all appearance of incongruity, even if God is more severe against his elect people then against profane nations, because the impiety of this people was far greater than that of all others on account of their ingratitude, contumacy, and impracticable obstinacy, as we have already said. Since the Israelites surpassed all nations in malice, ingratitude, and all kinds of iniquity, Daniel here declares how thoroughly their disastrous afflictions were deserved. Again, we are here reminded, whenever God severely chastises his Church, of that principle to which we must return, namely, our impiety is the more detestable to God the nearer he approaches us; and the kinder he is to us, the more chargeable we are, unless in our turn we prove ourselves grateful and obedient. This state of things ought not to seem troublesome to us, as vengeance begins at the house of God, and he puts forth examples of his wrath against his own people far more tremendous than against others; this, I say, we ought not to take ill, as I have already explained the reason of it. It does not surprise us to find the Gentiles groping in darkness, but when God shines upon us and we resist him with determined willfulness, we are doubly impious. This comparison, therefore, must be noticed, as evil was poured out upon Jerusalem; meaning, no similar punishment was inflicted upon other nations, for what happened to Jerusalem, says Daniel, never occurred under the whole heaven. It follows, —
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(12) Our judges.Used in a wide sense to signify kings, princes, and rulers generally. (Comp. Hos. 7:7.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12, 13. Because of Israel’s extreme sensitiveness, better training, higher ideals, and nobler possibilities the loss of her land and temple cut her deeper than any such loss could have wounded a heathen people. (See notes Eze 5:9.) All this ruin had fallen upon the nation wholly because of the people’s sins and their failure to repent and recognize the truth of the prophetic promises and warnings. R.V. reads, “have discernment in thy truth;” that is, gain a knowledge of the true way of safety and life.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Daniel Relates What Has Happened To What They Deserved Should Happen.
In this section Daniel does not speak to God directly, but indirectly. Indeed it may be that this short section was included by Daniel as an explanation of his prayer when he wrote the details down.
“And he has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us a great evil. For under the whole heaven has not been done as has been done to Jerusalem.”
What has happened to Jerusalem has in fact been a confirmation of the word of God. By His judgment He has demonstrated that He is a God Who does what He promises, and carries out what He says He will do (Jer 35:17; Jer 36:31). That is why this great evil has come on them.
‘For under the whole heaven has not been done as has been done to Jerusalem.’ If we were only thinking of the destruction of Jerusalem this would be a forgivable exaggeration. For other great cities have also been destroyed and razed to the ground. But he was thinking of more. He was also thinking of what Jerusalem had meant as the city of God, as God’s earthly dwellingplace. It was the most sacred city of all. Thus for it to be destroyed was a crime beyond telling. And they had enjoyed it and had lost it all. No one had ever lost what they had lost, for others had never enjoyed it.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Dan 9:12 And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.
Ver. 12. And he hath confirmed his words. ] What he had spoken with his mouth he hath fulfilled with his hand. There is an infallibility, as in God’s promises, so in his menaces.
And against our judges.
For under the whole heaven.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
confirmed His words: i.e. by His prophets since the giving of the law (2Ki 17:13. Isa 44:26. Lam 2:17. Zec 1:6).
words. Hebrew margin, with some codices, and one early printed edition, read “word” (singular) Hebrew text, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read “words” (plural)
evil = calamity. Hebrew. ra’a’. App-44.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Dan 9:12
Dan 9:12 And he hath confirmedH6965 (H853) his words,H1697 whichH834 he spakeH1696 againstH5921 us, and againstH5921 our judgesH8199 thatH834 judgedH8199 us, by bringingH935 uponH5921 us a greatH1419 evil:H7451 forH834 underH8478 the wholeH3605 heavenH8064 hath notH3808 been doneH6213 asH834 hath been doneH6213 upon Jerusalem.H3389
Dan 9:12
“And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.”
That which God spoke to Moses concerning the curse came to pass. When reading the account of the curse in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 it is obvious that prophesied penalty for their transgression would be horrific and Daniel here stated that the words had been confirmed. God meant what He said and He fulfilled those words completely.
“for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.”
God broke Israel down and scattered her to the four winds. Their suffering was unlike anything in the memory of Daniel. Consider the time in history in which this took place. This was a barbaric and cruel time to live. The authority of kings was absolute and they ruled by force. There was no recognition of human rights. A king was free to exercise whatever cruelties he deemed suitable and could enforce upon his enemies. And it is in this barbaric period in history when Daniel made the comment that the judgment God imposed on Jerusalem was without precedent or comparison. Let’s keep in mind the fact that Daniel, being well versed in the word of God full well knew of the annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah and how they were destroyed. Daniel also lived through the conquests of Nebuchadnezzar, himself being taken captive about the same time that Nebuchadnezzar began his reign over the Babylonian Empire. Daniel saw firsthand what fate befell the nations who fell to Nebuchadnezzar and especially the ones that rebelled and withheld the tribute money. Israel rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar and he made an example out of them. The first time they rebelled, he dealt harshly with them. The third time they rebelled, he very nearly wiped them off the face of the earth. Nebuchadnezzar made an example out of the Israelites as a warning to other nations who would similarly rebel against his authority.
Daniel lived through Nebuchadnezzar’s reign and then on through the overthrow of the Babylonian Empire by the Medo-Persians. Daniel had firsthand knowledge of the overthrow of two world empires and he had a lot of experience with the cruelties that were inflicted on the people of conquered nations. Daniel was not a man who lived a sheltered life with no perspective to draw from. When Daniel said “for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem”, he was speaking from the perspective of a man who had seen a great deal of pain and suffering due to the actions of conquering world powers and her cruel kings having lived in Babylon for nearly 70 years. In short, when Daniel, speaking from his perspective, said it was the worst that had been done under heaven, the reader can be assured that it was bad to a level which is difficult to even imagine.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
confirmed: Isa 44:26, Lam 2:17, Eze 13:6, Zec 1:8, Mat 5:18, Rom 15:8
our judges: 1Ki 3:9, Job 12:17, Psa 2:10, Psa 148:11, Pro 8:16
for under: The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, and the condition of the Jews during almost eighteen centuries, have far more exceeded all the miseries of the capture of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, and in the Babylonish captivity, than those miseries exceeded the judgments inflicted on other nations; for the guilt of crucifying the Messiah, and rejecting his gospel, was immensely more atrocious than all their other transgressions. Lam 1:12, Lam 2:13, Lam 4:6, Eze 5:9, Joe 2:2, Amo 3:2, Mat 24:21, Mar 13:19, Luk 21:22
Reciprocal: Deu 8:20 – so shall ye perish Deu 28:59 – General 1Ki 8:34 – forgive the sin 1Ki 9:8 – at 2Ki 21:12 – I am bringing 2Ch 7:22 – therefore Psa 60:3 – showed Isa 40:2 – double Jer 15:2 – for death Jer 25:18 – Jerusalem Jer 30:7 – so Jer 32:23 – therefore Jer 34:19 – princes Jer 39:16 – Behold Jer 40:3 – because Jer 44:6 – my fury Jer 44:22 – your land Jer 44:23 – therefore Lam 3:7 – made Lam 4:11 – Lord Eze 6:10 – General Eze 7:5 – General Eze 12:25 – I will Eze 20:33 – surely Eze 23:31 – her Dan 12:1 – there shall Hab 1:5 – and regard Zec 1:2 – Lord Zec 1:6 – did Zec 7:12 – therefore
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dan 9:12. The evil that God brought upon the nation means a puntshment, not in the sense of something wrong. By imposing this distress upon the nation God confirmed his words that were spoken against it.