In his prayer,
Daniel lists three compelling reasons for
Hashem (God) to accept his prayer and redeem the people from Babylonia: For the sake of
Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), of the
Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and of the Jewish people. Regarding
Yerushalayim,
Danielpoints out that it is an embarrassment to God when His beautiful city lies in ruins. He further questions how
Hashem can ignore the Temple Mount where His presence was manifest most clearly on earth. Lastly, it is a desecration of God’s name when His chosen people are despised.
Daniel groups
Yerushalayim and the Jewish people together, “
Yerushalayim and
Your people have become a mockery among all who are around us,” since the Jews and
Yerushalayim are one. Without their holy city, how can they succeed in exile, and how can
Yerushalayim flourish without her children? Read about the modern fulfillment of
Daniel's words in
The Israel Bible Daily Inspirations devotional.