Daniel 9: Lord, You are Righteous

Daniel's heart was broken.  He realized that the desolation of Jerusalem that has taken place will last seventy years, well beyond his remaining lifetime, and he goes to God in prayer, while fasting in sackcloth and ashes.  He prays for the entire people of Israel who have not kept God's commandments and have brought this fate on themselves.  He repents, not just for himself, but for all the Israelites.  "O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us."

 "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." - Dan. 9:16-19 NIV

Immediately, while Daniel was still praying, the angel Gabriel appeared.  He told Daniel that as soon as he began praying an answer was given.  The answer was that  "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish  transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. - Dan 9:24 NIV

The exact meaning is open to interpretation, but the word to Daniel was that it will take time for sin to run it's course.  Someday there will be an end to sin and an everlasting righteousness will take it's place.  Daniel was shown these marvelous and unknowable things because of his confession.  "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
 "Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. - Dan. 9:4-7 NIV

Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame. Daniel repented for all of the people, the only act that could banish sin and bring in righteousness.  Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame