DANIEL 9:24-27 AND 11:36-45; 12:1-13
The importance of the prophecies of the seventy weeks of Daniel cannot be overemphasized. They lay out much of the history of Israel, extending from the time of Daniel to the coming of Jesus. These prophecies also cover the following: the death of Jesus, the destruction of Jerusalem afterward, some information on the Antichrist, the beginning of the Tribulation, the Tribulation itself, the sacrifices and oblations, the return of Jesus, the end of the Antichrist, and much more. It has been estimated by some that Daniel received these prophecies approximately 539 B.C.
Dan
9:21-23. WHILES I (Daniel) WAS SPEAKING IN PRAYER, EVEN THE MAN GABRIEL, WHOM
I HAD SEEN IN THE VISION AT THE BEGINNING, BEING CAUSED TO FLY SWIFTLY, TOUCHED
ME ABOUT THE TIME OF THE EVENING OBLATION. AND HE INFORMED ME, AND TALKED WITH
ME, AND SAID, O DANIEL, I AM NOW COME FORTH TO GIVE THEE SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THY SUPPLICATIONS THE COMMANDMENT CAME FORTH, AND I AM COME
TO SHOW THEE; FOR THOU ART GREATLY BELOVED: THEREFORE UNDERSTAND THE MATTER,
AND CONSIDER THE VISION.
Dan 9:24-27. SEVENTY WEEKS ARE DETERMINED UPON THY PEOPLE
AND UPON THY HOLY CITY, TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, AND TO MAKE AN END OF SINS,
AND TO MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY, AND TO BRING IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS,
AND TO SEAL UP THE VISION AND PROPHECY, AND TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY.
KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND, THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH
OF THE COMMANDMENT TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH THE PRINCE
SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS: THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT
AGAIN, AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES.
AND AFTER THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS SHALL MESSIAH BE CUT OFF,
BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF: AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE THAT SHALL COME SHALL DESTROY
THE CITY AND THE SANCTUARY: AND THE END THEREOF SHALL BE WITH A FLOOD, AND UNTO
THE END OF THE WAR DESOLATIONS ARE DETERMINED.
AND HE SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK:
AND IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK HE SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION TO
CEASE, AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE,
EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION, AND THAT DETERMINED SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE.
(Scripture with commentary)
9:24. SEVENTY WEEKS (or seventy "sevens") ARE DETERMINED (or decreed) UPON THY PEOPLE AND UPON THY HOLY CITY, TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, AND TO MAKE (or put) AN END OF SINS, AND TO MAKE RECONCILIATION (or atonement) FOR INIQUITY (or atone for wickedness), AND TO BRING IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND TO SEAL UP THE VISION AND PROPHECY, AND TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY (or most holy place).
SEVENTY WEEKS (or seventy "sevens") (each day for a year-ref
Num 14:34). Each day of the week represents one year. Thus, the seventy weeks
of years equal a total of 490 years (7 days x 70 weeks = 490 days). Four hundred
and ninety years
ARE DETERMINED (or decreed). God has decided that
this period of time would take place.
UPON "THY PEOPLE," (which is Israel)
AND UPON "THY HOLY CITY" which is Jerusalem.
These verses deal primarily with Israel.
(1) "TO FINISH" THE TRANSGRESSION (or to
finish disobedience),
(2) AND "TO MAKE" AN END OF SINS
(or put an end to sin),
(3) AND "TO MAKE" RECONCILIATION (or atonement)
FOR INIQUITY (or to atone for wickedness).
(Jesus reconciled us to God. Jesus was our reconciliation for sin to God
the Father through the atonement of His blood shed on the cross.)
Note the terms, "to finish, to make, to make."
The first three applied to the first coming
of Jesus. However, it is generally agreed, they also have a special application
pertaining to Israel at the return of Jesus and during the Millennium.
In number one, Jesus pours upon the house of David and upon
the inhabitants of Jerusalem, THE SPIRIT OF GRACE AND OF SUPPLICATIONS-Zech
12:10. IN THAT DAY THERE SHALL BE A FOUNTAIN OPENED TO THE HOUSE OF DAVID AND
TO THE INHABITANTS OF JERUSALEM FOR SIN AND FOR UNCLEANNESS-Zech 13:1.
In number two, the national sins of Israel will come to an
end; as it is written, I WILL FORGIVE THEIR INIQUITY, AND I WILL REMEMBER THEIR
SIN NO MORE-Jere 31:34.
In number three, Jesus reconciled us to God through the atonement
of His blood on the cross. Jesus was cut off from the land of the living, but
rose from the dead and now sits on the right hand of God the Father. He provides
salvation for Jew and Gentile alike through faith.
Note the last three, "to bring in, to seal up, and to
anoint." These cover the return of Jesus.
Jesus was cut off from the land of the living, but rose from
the dead and now sits on the right hand of God the Father.
Note
the beginning words of the next three phrases: "to bring in," "to
seal up," and "to anoint." These refer to the second coming
of Jesus:
(4) AND "TO BRING IN" EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS,
or to bring in Jesus Christ the Messiah; to bring in everlasting righteousness
regarding Israel and Jerusalem.
(5) AND "TO SEAL UP" THE VISION AND PROPHECY,
or to complete and finish this vision and prophecy.
(6) AND "TO ANOINT" THE MOST HOLY (to anoint
Jesus Christ)-Dan 9:24. Some maintain that this is Jesus, being anointed by
God the Father. Jesus will return to the earth; as it is written,, IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS… SHALL APPEAR THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN
IN HEAVEN…AND THEY SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN WITH
POWER AND GREAT GLORY-Mt 24:29,30.
He shall receive the kingdom from His Father-ref Dan 7:13,14.
Jesus will reign as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Others hold that "to anoint the most holy" is referring
to the millennial temple being anointed, as the term "most holy" is
often used in conjunction with the temple.
These six reasons sum up the purpose of the 490 years being
determined upon Israel and upon Jerusalem.
9:25. KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND, THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMAND-MENT (or issuing of the decree) TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH THE PRINCE (or the Anointed One, the ruler, comes-NIV) SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS (or seven ‘sevens’), AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS (or sixty-two ‘sevens’): THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN, AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES (or in times of trouble).
Next,
an explanation of the times and major events that would take place.
KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND. This is a command—"know
and understand"
THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMANDMENT
(or the issuing of the decree-NIV, or command; the next part tells us which
decree or commandment),
TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM-ref Neh chapter
2:1-8. Daniel is told that a decree to restore and to build Jerusalem—which
had been broken down by Nebuchadnezzar and his army—was going to come forth.
There is some debate over which decree it was and its exact date. The decree,
generally accepted, is that of Artaxerxes, issued approximately 445 B.C. Jerusalem
was to be restored.
UNTO THE MESSIAH THE PRINCE or until the Anointed
One, or the ruler, comes-NIV, which is Jesus
SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS or seven ‘sevens’ which is 49
years,
AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS or sixty-two ‘sevens’
(or 62 x 7 years which is 434 years:
THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN, (which is in Jerusalem)
AND THE WALL which is of Jerusalem shall also be built
again-ref Neh 2:17,18; 6:15-19,
EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES (or in times of trouble)-Dan
9:25. This gives a total of 483 years, leaving one week (or one period of 7
years) left. Jerusalem was to be rebuilt; however, it would not be easy. There
would be times of trouble during this rebuilding.
The seventy weeks are divided into three parts.
(1) Seven weeks or 49 years. This may have covered the rebuilding
in troublous times. All are fulfilled.
(2) Sixty-two weeks or 434 years. This covered from the end
of the 49 years to, perhaps, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem before
His crucifixion. All are fulfilled.
(3) One week or 7 years remain. This is the Tribulation,
which is still to come as of the writing
of this book.
Thus, 49 years + 434 years gives us a total of 483 years.
This leaves one week or one period of 7 years to fulfill the total of 490 years.
The 483 years fulfilled the rebuilding of Jerusalem, just
as Daniel had seen, as well as the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. At exactly
what point in time the 483 years were completed is uncertain. Allowing for errors
in the calendar, the transition from B.C. to A.D., and other items, many believe
it was when Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph four days prior to being crucified.
There are other opinions as well.
9:26. AND AFTER THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS (or sixty-two ‘sevens’) SHALL MESSIAH (or the Anointed One will) BE CUT OFF, BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF (or will have nothing): AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE (or ruler) THAT SHALL COME SHALL DESTROY THE CITY AND THE SANCTUARY; AND THE END THEREOF SHALL BE WITH (or will come like) A FLOOD, AND UNTO THE END OF THE WAR DESOLATIONS ARE DETERMINED (or have been decreed).
AND
AFTER THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS or sixty-two ‘sevens’ which is 434 years
(note the 434 years, plus the 49 years, equals a total of 483 years total),
SHALL MESSIAH (which is Jesus Christ) (or the Anointed
One will)
BE CUT OFF (or killed) (or CUT OFF FROM THE LAND OF
THE LIVING-ref Isa 53:8) (Jesus Christ was crucified),
BUT NOT FOR HIMSELF. He did not die for Himself.
Jesus never sinned. He died for those who should trust on Him as their
Lord and Savior. We note that it said AFTER 434 years this would happen. The
verse continues,
AND THE PEOPLE, which are the people of the Roman
Empire, the fourth beast, the people—
OF THE PRINCE (or ruler)
THAT SHALL COME. The prince that shall come is referring
to the Antichrist that would come in the future. The verse continues,
SHALL DESTROY THE CITY which is Jerusalem
AND THE SANCTUARY or temple;
AND THE END THEREOF SHALL BE WITH (or will come like)
A FLOOD, which can indicate with great force or mightily,
AND UNTO THE END OF THE WAR wherein the Roman Empire
comes against Jerusalem, unto the end of this war,
DESOLATIONS ARE DETERMINED (or war will continue until
the end, and desolations have been decreed-NIV)-Dan 9:25,26. Jesus also prophesied
about the temple's destruction, in Mt 24:2-AND JESUS SAID UNTO THEM, SEE YE
NOT ALL THESE THINGS (the temple)? VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE SHALL NOT BE
LEFT HERE ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN.
The commandment went forth to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, just as predicted. The city, street, and wall were rebuilt in troublous times. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, did come. After the sixty-ninth week, He was crucified, cut off out of the land of the living, but rose from the dead and ascended up to be with the Father. Then the fulfillment of the feast at Pentecost, signified the beginning of the church age. Within a generation, the temple was destroyed and the city. All happened exactly as prophesied.
As
the summer of 68 A.D. came (dates are as best as can be determined), Jerusalem
was near defeat by the Roman legions. Vespasian was made emperor in 69 A.D.
He allowed his son, Titus, to make the final attack, which came in 70 A.D. The
temple (often referred to as Herod's temple) was destroyed. Not one stone was
left upon another, as Jesus had said. Multitudes were slaughtered. By the year
73 A.D., all traces of a self-ruling Jewish nation had completely disappeared.
Israel was scattered among all nations.
Jesus said, DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM, WEEP NOT FOR ME, BUT
WEEP FOR YOURSELVES, AND FOR YOUR CHILDREN. FOR IF THEY DO THESE THINGS IN A
GREEN TREE, WHAT SHALL BE DONE IN THE DRY?-Lk 23:28,31.
Then from the time of Pentecost to the soon coming Rapture,
there are seven churches. They are listed in the Revelation.
Then the Jews began to return to the land of Israel. Israel
became a nation on May 14, 1948. Soon, the Rapture will occur, ending the church
age. The Antichrist will come forth.
Sixty-nine of the seventy weeks (or 483 years) have been
fulfilled. One week (or 7 years) remains, which is the Tribulation.
There is a gap (or time lapse) between the events of verse
26 and the events of verse 27. The seventieth week is yet to come. It is the
period called the Tribulation.
9:27. AND HE SHALL CONFIRM THE COVENANT WITH MANY FOR ONE WEEK (or one ‘seven’): AND IN THE MIDST (or middle) OF THE WEEK HE SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION (or offering) TO CEASE (or end), AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE (or on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation-NIV), EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or complete destruction), AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed) SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him).
AND
HE (which is the Antichrist, which shall come from the people that destroyed
Jerusalem and the temple, in approximately 70 A.D.—the Roman Empire), the verse
continues,
SHALL CONFIRM (or sign or agree to)
THE COVENANT (or treaty, agreement, or peace accord)
WITH MANY (which is Israel and others)
FOR ONE WEEK (or one ‘seven,’ or for seven years).
(Note, the confirming or signing of this covenant is the beginning of what is
called the Tribulation.)
God
warns Israel regarding this treaty and trusting the Antichrist. BECAUSE YE HAVE
SAID (Israel has said), WE HAVE MADE (or entered into) A COVENANT (or treaty)
WITH DEATH (with the Antichrist), AND WITH HELL (or with the grave) ARE WE AT
(or have made an) AGREEMENT. In making a covenant with the Antichrist, Israel,
in effect, was in agreement with hell. WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming)
SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH (or sweeps by), IT SHALL NOT COME UNTO US (or it
cannot touch us): FOR WE (Israel) HAVE MADE LIES (or a lie) OUR REFUGE, AND
UNDER FALSEHOOD HAVE WE HID OURSELVES-Isa 28:15. Israel should have trusted
God for their protection. Instead, they chose to make falsehood their hiding
place, protection, and hope. They have trusted in lies—in the Antichrist—for
their security, their refuge, and their hope for peace. Israel believes that,
because of the covenant with the Antichrist, when the overwhelming scourge shall
pass through, they will be protected. They are blind to the truth of what they
have done. As it is written, FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY; THEN
SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, AS TRAVAIL UPON A WOMAN WITH CHILD (or
as labor pains on a pregnant woman-NIV); AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE-1 Thes 5:3.
The Russian-Arab invasion of Israel shall take place.
Jesus foretold that this would happen; as it is written,
I AM COME IN MY FATHER’S NAME, AND YE RECEIVE ME NOT: IF ANOTHER SHALL COME
IN HIS OWN NAME (which is the Antichrist), HIM YE WILL RECEIVE-Jn 5:43. Israel
turns to the Antichrist for protection. Later in the Tribulation, many in Israel
shall receive the Antichrist as their Messiah.
God tells Israel, regarding the covenant with the Antichrist,
AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH SHALL BE DISANNULLED, AND YOUR AGREEMENT WITH HELL
SHALL NOT STAND; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming) SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH
(or sweeps by), THEN YE SHALL BE TRODDEN (or beaten) DOWN BY IT. The very agreement
that Israel thought would be their protection is now going to be their downfall.
FROM THE TIME THAT IT GOETH FORTH IT SHALL TAKE YOU (or carry you away): FOR
MORNING BY MORNING SHALL IT PASS OVER (or sweep through), BY DAY AND BY NIGHT:
AND IT SHALL BE A VEXATION (or sheer terror) ONLY TO UNDERSTAND THE REPORT (or
message)-Isa 28:18,19. It will bring sheer terror to those that can understand
what has happened and the report or message.
FOR THE BED IS SHORTER THAN THAT A MAN CAN STRETCH HIMSELF
ON IT: AND THE COVERING NARROWER THAN THAT HE CAN WRAP HIMSELF IN IT-Isa 28:20.
The bed and covenant represent the Antichrist. The bed is too short. One cannot
wrap himself in it for warmth and protection. Likewise, the covering that the
Antichrist offers is not sufficient. It will not accomplish the purpose that
Israel thought it would. It will not save them. It cannot protect them. The
only true protection that a person can really have is Jesus. All other beds
are too short, and all other coverings are too narrow. All other coverings will
pass away.
Dan
9:27 continues—
AND IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK (or middle of the ‘seven’)
(or in the midst of the 7 year Tribulation) (or three and one-half years or
42 months from the end of the Tribulation), (note, this is showing that there
are two parts to the Tribulation, separated by this event). The last 42 months
of the Tribulation is also called the "Great Tribulation."
HE (the Antichrist)
SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION (or offering)
TO CEASE (or end), which are taking place at the temple (or will put an
end to sacrifice and offering-NIV). This shows that the sacrifice and oblation
will restart in Jerusalem as in olden times during the first part of the Tribulation.
By this and other Scriptures, we also note that a temple will have to be rebuilt
in Jerusalem for the sacrifice and oblation during the first part of the Tribulation.
At the approximate time of the midst of the Tribulation,
the Antichrist shall be killed but then return to life. The Antichrist, the
son of Satan, will move into THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHEWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD-2
Thes 2:4.
The Antichrist shall stop the sacrifices and oblations.
The Scripture continues—
AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS (or because
of the abominations being spread or placed in the temple)
HE (which is the Antichrist)
SHALL MAKE IT (which is the temple)
DESOLATE (or on a wing of the temple he will set up
an abomination that causes desolation-NIV). This is referred to as the "abomination
of desolation," in Mt 24:15. The temple is defiled. Some kind of abomination
is set up on a wing of the temple. Perhaps, the image that was made to the beast
will be placed there, as it is written THAT THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMAGE TO THE
BEAST-Rev 13:14. People will be required to worship it or be put to death-ref
Rev 13:14,15. As it is written, THE DAILY SACRIFICE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY, AND
THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET UP-Dan 12:11. The verse continues—
EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or end) (or complete
destruction) The Antichrist shall reign for 3 ½ years (or 42 months, or 1260
days) until the end, the time that has been determined for him to reign. Immediately
after the Tribulation, Jesus shall return at the time of Armageddon. When Jesus
returns,
AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed)
SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him,
the Antichrist) (or until the end that is decreed is poured out on him-NIV,
the Antichrist) (or until the Antichrist is consumed). The temple that was made
desolate is included in "that determined." The end or last things
that God has decreed in His Word which are determined against the Antichrist
shall come to pass, or be poured out upon him.
8:25-(The Antichrist) SHALL ALSO STAND UP AGAINST
THE PRINCE OF PRINCES, which is Jesus; BUT HE SHALL BE BROKEN WITHOUT HAND (or
not by human power). The STONE WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS...IT
BRAKE IN PIECES THE IRON...THE CLAY-Dan 2:45. He shall be broken by spiritual
power not human power, when Jesus returns. For THAT WICKED...THE LORD SHALL
CONSUME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HIS MOUTH-2 Thes 2:8.
What is the end that shall be poured upon the Antichrist?
The Antichrist (which is also called the beast) and false prophet shall be cast
alive into the lake of fire-ref Rev 19:20.
7:26. BUT THE JUDGMENT (or court) SHALL SIT. What God has
decreed will take place. Jesus shall return; the judgment of the nations shall
be held. AND THEY SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS DOMINION (or power), referring to the
power and authority of the Antichrist, TO CONSUME AND TO (completely) DESTROY
IT UNTO THE END (or forever).
The Tribulation period is generally understood to be 7 years or 2520 days long. This is divided into two parts; each part is normally understood to be 42 months or 1260 days, however, the Lord has shortened those days.
Seventy weeks or 490 years are determined
Upon thy people, Israel
And upon thy holy city (Jerusalem)
Note the words: "to finish" and "to make" in the following three phrases, which are referring to Jesus' first coming and what was accomplished at the cross.
"To finish" the transgression (or finish disobedience)
"To make" an end of sins (or put an end to sin)
"To make" reconciliation for iniquity (or atone for wickedness)
Note the words: "to bring in," "to seal up," and "to anoint," in the next three phrases, referring to Jesus' return or second coming.
"To bring" in everlasting righteousness (the Messiah)
"To seal up" the vision and prophecy
"To anoint" the Most Holy (Jesus, King of kings)
Note, a command is given
to know and understand.
Note, a commandment or decree went forth.
To restore Jerusalem
To rebuild Jerusalem
The street shall be built again
The wall shall be built again
There shall be troublous times
Unto Messiah the Prince (Jesus)
Messiah shall be cut off (or die)
Not for Himself
People shall come
The people shall destroy Jerusalem
The sanctuary or temple shall be destroyed
It will be like a flood
There will be a war
Desolations are decreed to the end of the war; there is a gap (or time lapse) between verse 26 and 27
He (the Antichrist) shall be from the people that destroyed Jerusalem and the temple
The Antichrist shall confirm a covenant or treaty (this event begins the Tribulation)
This shall be with Israel and others (many)
It shall be for one week (or 7 years)
In the midst of the week (this shows that the seven years are divided into two parts)
The Antichrist shall cause the sacrifice to cease
The Antichrist shall cause the oblation to cease
Therefore, a temple is to be built prior to the midst of the seven years
There shall be an overspreading of abominations
This shall occur in the temple
By this, the Antichrist shall make it desolate
The Antichrist shall be consumed
The things determined shall be poured upon the desolate (the Antichrist)
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