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Book of Daniel - Chapter 9 - Verse 3

9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

Meaning

In this verse, the act of setting one's face unto the Lord God signifies a deep and intentional commitment to seeking God through prayer, supplications, fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This verse exemplifies the profound devotion and humility displayed by individuals in the Bible when seeking God's presence and guidance. By setting one's face towards God, one is turning their entire being towards Him, acknowledging His authority and seeking His will. The use of fasting, sackcloth, and ashes further illustrates a profound sense of repentance, humility, and urgency in seeking God's favor. Fasting is a physical act of denying oneself in order to focus on spiritual matters, while sackcloth and ashes were symbols of mourning and humility in biblical times. Together, these actions demonstrate a profound desire to connect with God and seek His mercy and guidance in times of need.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:", it is important to note the symbolism of each action taken by the speaker. Setting one's face to the Lord God signifies a deep commitment and dedication to seeking God's presence and guidance. The use of prayer and supplications emphasizes the act of humbly making requests and seeking help from God. Fasting, sackcloth, and ashes are traditional signs of mourning, repentance, and humility in the Bible. By incorporating these practices into his seeking of God, the speaker is demonstrating a sincere desire for forgiveness, renewal, and a closer relationship with the Divine. This verse highlights the power of prayer, repentance, and humility in seeking God's will and grace.

American Standard Version

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
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