70 Weeks Prophecy (Dan 9)

The 70 Weeks Prophecy of Dan 9:24-27 is one of the most recognizable prophecies of the Old Testament. It is a notable prophecy since it addresses important Bible themes such as reconciliation of sins (salvation), the Messiah’s advent, the raising of the prince that is to come (i.e., the Antichrist), the Abomination of Desolation (referenced from Mat 24:15, Mk 13:14 as the beginning of the Great Tribulation) and the Last Day (consummation of time).

However, there are many divergent opinions on the interpretation of this prophecy. These interpretations often seek to set speculative Bible timelines involving the first and second advents of Jesus Christ. However, the proper interpretation of the 70 weeks involves understanding the spiritual meaning of 7 weeks, 62 weeks, one week and the number 3 ½. When the spiritual meaning of these time frames are understood, spiritual truth emerges. The spiritual meaning of these terms can only be understood by comparing Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor 2:13, John 6:63). Please click on the link below to view a You Tube video on this topic or continue with the study below:

Summary Meaning of the 70 Weeks Prophecy

Daniel 9:24-27 – Bible Passage

Background to 70 Weeks Prophecy

Events of the 70 Weeks – Dan 9:24

70 Weeks Determined

Upon the People and the Holy City

Finish Transgression, End sins, Make Reconciliation

Events of the First 69 Weeks – Dan 9:25

Restore and Build Jerusalem

Messiah the Prince

Street and Wall Built in Troublesome Times

7 Weeks and 62 Weeks (69) – Symbolic Meaning

7 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

62 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

69 Symbolic Meaning

Events of the 70^th Week – Dan 9:26-27

Outline of 70^th Week

Messiah Cut off, Not for Himself

Covenant Confirmed for 1 week

Middle of Week – Sacrifice / Oblation Cease

People of the Prince Destroy City and Sanctuary

End with a Flood, War, Desolations

Abomination of Desolation

The Consummation

Summary Meaning of the 70 Weeks Prophecy

The 70 Weeks are symbolic weeks (sevens)
The 70 weeks involve the time frame from the Restoration of Israel after the Babylonian Captivity through the Last Day (Consummation)
The 1^st 69 Weeks – restoration from the Babylonian Captivity to the Cross of Jesus Christ
The 1^st 7 weeks – restoration of Israel to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the sanctuary and city as recorded in Ezra, Nehemiah (prophets Haggai and Zechariah)
- Related to the Jubilee
The following 62 weeks points to the ‘perfection of God’s purpose in a time of spiritual battle by God’s witnesses
- Book of Malachi
- Conditions of the Jewish church in Israel present at the advent of Jesus Christ
- Spiritual battle of faithful with those with a works based salvation plan
69 Weeks of Dan 9:24-27 prophecy
- 69 = 3 X 23
- 3 – the witness of God’s will
- 69 weeks represent the time that Jerusalem was being rebuilt in troublous times, which represents the trial of faith that God’s people endure
70^th week
Covenant confirmed (Gospel of grace / Sacrifice of Jesus Christ)
1^st half of week (3½ days) – church age (cross to the Great Tribulation)
Middle of 70^th week
- Prince that shall come (Antichrist revealed)
- Abomination of Desolation placed in the church
2^nd half of week (3½ days) – Great Tribulation
- Antichrist / Abomination of Desolation (a.k.a., spiritual fornication)
- Destroy city and sanctuary (church becomes Babylon)
- Intense spiritual warfare
Consummation (Last Day) – overflowing spiritual flood of God’s judgment

Daniel 9:24-27 – Bible Passage

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. (Dan 9:24)

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. (Dan 9:25)

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. (Dan 9:27)

Background to 70 Weeks Prophecy

Daniel Chapter 9 takes place just after the fall of Babylon in the first year of Darius the Mede (c. 536 B.C.). At this time, Daniel recognized the completion of the 70 years of desolation of Jerusalem and Judah spoken of by Jeremiah the prophet (Dan 9:1-2). Daniel then prays (Dan 9:4-19) to the Lord God for restoration of God’s people even though they have sinned against God. Notably in Dan 9:11-13, Daniel recognizes that the evil that has come upon God’s people is a fulfillment of the curses (for disobedience) that are written in the Law of Moses (Lev 6:14-46, Deut 28:15-68). In Dan 9:18-19, Daniel prays for God’s mercy to relieve the holy city (Jerusalem) and God’s people that are called by His name of the desolations which has fallen on the city.

As a result of Daniel’s prayer, the angel Gabriel (appearing as a man) appeared to Daniel (Dan 9:21). Gabriel is an angel that appears four times in the Bible. First, Gabriel appears as a man to Daniel to provide the interpretation of the Daniel 8 prophecy concerning the ram and the he-goat (Dan 8:15-19). In addition to the two appearances in Daniel 8 and Daniel 9, Gabriel also appears to John the Baptists father named Zacharias (Lk 1:19) and finally to Mary to announce the advent of Jesus Christ (Lk 1:26).

In Lk 1:11-20, we find Gabriel is indeed an angel of the Lord (Lk 1:11). He announces to Zacharias that Elizabeth will have a son (john the Baptist) and that John will be great in the sight of the Lord (Lk 1:15) and he shall turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God (Lk 1:16). John will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk 1:17). In Lk 1:26-38, Gabriel at a later time appears to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Gabriel tells Mary that she has found favor with God and that she shall conceive and bring forth a son, who will be named Jesus (Lk 1:30-31). Jesus will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God will give Him the throne of his father David (Lk 1:32).

It is notable that the only occurrences of Gabriel in the Scriptures are to Zacharias (father of John the Baptist), Mary (mother of Jesus) and twice to Daniel. Therefore, we should be alert to the need to consider the 70-week prophecy of Gabriel to be in the larger context of the advent of Jesus Christ.

Events of the 70 Weeks – Dan 9:24

70 Weeks Determined

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city … (Dan 9:24)

The Hebrew word for ‘week’ is shabua (H7620), which literally means ‘sevened’. It occurs 19 times and normally refers to a literal week of days (i.e., 7 days). For example, It is used to describe the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) in Ex 34:22, Deut 16:9-10, 16, Num 28:26, 2 Chr 8:13. It is also used in a literal way in Lev 12:15 when discussing the laws concerning childbirth and in Dan 10:2-3 regarding Daniel being in mourning for 3 weeks. Besides the 7 occurrences in Dan 9:24-26, in only one place in Scripture is the word used with regard to ‘years’ instead of days. This occurs in the passage concerning Jacob serving Laban for 7 additional years (Gen 29:20) which is called a ‘week’ of years in Gen 29:27-28.

On the surface, it may appear necessary to assume these 70 weeks are 490 years (70 X 7). However, throughout the Bible, prophecy is usually delivered by using symbolism. Therefore, it is dubious to assume that this passage refers to 490 ‘literal’ years. In fact, Dan 9:24-27 cannot be a literal 490 years since the end point of the prophecy is at the Last Day, which is 2500 or more literal years after the prophecy was written. Also, many other symbolic numbers are used in prophecy (e.g., the millennium (1000 years), 42 months, 1260 days, 1335, etc. etc.). Many take the first 62 weeks (483 years) as literal, but recognize that the last 7 years are symbolic. But, other difficulties exist with the first 483 years being literal. It is more appropriate to understand the symbolic meaning of numbers such as 7 and 62 to understand the meaning of this passage. This will be addressed later in this study.

Symbolism of 7:

70 weeks are determined … (Dan 9:24)
- ‘Week’ – literally, ‘sevened’ (usually translated as ‘week’)
7 – Perfection of purpose (whether good or bad)
Revelation 7’s:
- Churches, Spirits, candlesticks, stars, lamps, seals, angels, trumpets, thunders, heads (Satan / beast), plagues, bowls, mountains, kings
Wisdom … has hewn out her 7 pillars (Pro 9:1)
7 times a day do I praise you … (Psa 119:164)
When he speaks graciously, believe him not: for there are 7 abominations in his heart. (Pro 26:25)

Symbolism of 70:

Perfect purpose fully implemented
- 70 years of Babylonian Captivity / Desolation of the Land – Jer 25:11-12, 2 Chr 36:21, Dan 9:2, etc.
- Gen 50:3 – Egyptians mourned for Joseph 70 days
- Ps 90:10 – 70 years appointed for man to live
- Num 11:15-25 – Moses appoints 70 elders to judge
- Jud 8:30, Jud 9:56 – 70 sons of Gideon slain by Abimelech
- Ex 1:5, Gen 46:27 – 70 souls out of Jacob came out of Egypt

Symbolism of 70 Sevens:

70 sevens:
- Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Mat 18:21-22)
70 sevens – symbol of never-ending fullness of God’s perfect purpose

The word ‘determined’ is also used on Dan 9:26, Dan 9:27 and Dan 11:36. The Hebrew word is charats (H2782) which means to ‘decide’. In Job 14:5, the word is used in the context of the fact that God has ‘determined’ man’s days that he will live. Also, in both Isa 10:23 and Is 28:22, the word is used in the context that Judgment day is an established fact and is in God’s timetable:

Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth. (Isa 28:22)

Also, in the context of Dan 9:26-27, we find that the 70 weeks prophecy is a prophecy that will terminate at the end of time (Judgment day). It also should be noted that seventy sevens is used in an important manner in the New Testament:

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Mat 18:21-22)

Seventy sevens represents the extreme extent of forgiveness. This relates to Dan 9:24-27 since it is God who is the One that has a plan for His people and is longsuffering (2 Pet 3:8-10).

Seventy sevens – symbol of never-ending fullness / completeness of God’s will of salvation and judgment

Incorrect Beliefs about the 70 Weeks:

First 69 Weeks (7 weeks and 62 weeks)
- A literal 483 years between the command to restore / build Jerusalem unto Christ
  - Varying beliefs about when the command went forth
  - 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. (Dan 9:25)
70^th Week – future period of time that applies Israel after the rapture of the saints (does not apply to Christian church)
- Ref: Things to Come, J. Dwight Pentecost, Zondervan Publsihing, 1964 (pages 193-199)

70 Weeks Prophecy Duration:

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem … (Dan 9:25)
- 6^th – 5^th century B.C.
Prince that shall come … in the midst of the week … cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:26-27)
- Abomination of desolation – end-time Great Tribulation
… and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined … even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Dan 9:26-27)
- End / consummation – points to the Last Day (Judgment Day) – still in future
70 Weeks – not a literal time period

Upon the People and the Holy City

The 70 weeks prophecy is directed to two entities: God’s people and God’s holy city (Jerusalem). In the study above on ‘The Holy Place’, we found that God’s people are spiritually called Israel which joins together all true Christians (Jew and gentile alike) into one people (Hos 1:9-11, 2:23, with Ro 9:6-8, Ro 9:24-26, Ro 9:27-28 with Is 10:22-23, Ro 2:29, Gal 6:16, etc.). In the study above on ‘The Holy Place’, we found that the holy city Jerusalem represents the location of God’s people. The ultimate fulfillment is the heavenly city above that comes down to the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21, Heb 12:22, etc.) for the eternity after Judgment Day. Because God’s people that are living are on the earth, the Holy City on earth exists wherever God’s people are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ. The Holy City, Jerusalem, was the original location of the church that was begun on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

It is very important to understand at this point in the prophecy that the prophecy is directed to God’s people (currently called true Christians) and the Holy City is any location where Christians are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ.

Please refer to these webpages on this website for more details on:

Summary:

70 weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city … (Dan 9:24)
- Angel Gabriel speaks to Daniel – Dan 9:21-22
- …while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel … (Dan 9:20)
Israel symbolic of God’s people
- … For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel (Rom 9:6)
- For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly … But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly … (Rom 2:28-29)
Jerusalem – symbolic of location of God’s people (church)
- Jerusalem as the Holy City – Isa 52:1, Neh 11:1, etc.

Finish Transgression, End sins, Make Reconciliation

This phrase is an elegant three-fold description of the problem that has entered into the human race, necessitating salvation. The overall focus is to terminate sin and bring in everlasting salvation.

Transgression (H6588, H6586) occurs about 134 times in the Old Testament and literally means ‘to rebel or revolt’. Job 34:37 says that man adds ‘rebellion’ to his sins. In other words not only does he ‘miss the mark’ of perfection, he also rebels and intentionally defies God. Additionally, another practical example is that Edom ‘revolted’ from under the hand of Judah in 2 Ki 8:20-22. Therefore, ‘transgression’ as used in the Old Testament refers to man’s conscious rebellion rom God. Notably, the abomination of desolation (worshiping of other gods and idols that makes the church desolate) is also called the transgression (revolt) of desolation (Dan 8:11-14, Dan 8:26). That is, when people worship other gods and idols above the true God, they revolt against God. The word finish in the Hebrew (H3607) literally means to ‘restrain, stop or shut’. Therefore, the completion of the 70 weeks on the Last day (Judgment Day) will result in ending transgressions.

Sin (H2403) occurs about 290 times in the Old Testament and means to ‘miss the mark’ as in shooting at a target. This word implies that the mark may be missed unintentionally or intentionally. Sin is still sin. The Hebrew word ‘end’ (H2856) is the word used for ‘seal’ which occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. It is used in Dan 12:4 and Dan 12:9 with reference to sealing up the book of Daniel until the end times. In other places in the Old Testament, it is used to seal up a treasure or a document so that it would not be opened until the person who it was intended for receives it (e.g., Deut 32:34, 1 Ki 21:8, Est 3:12, 8:8-10, etc.). In Job 14:17, the Job speaking of what happens when one has died, says that his transgression is sealed up in a bag. In other words, at the end time (Judgment Day) all sin will be ended (sealed up) and we have the assurance of the seal that it will never return.

… but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Heb 9:26)
New Jerusalem:
- And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev 21:27)
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (Mat 13:41)

Finally, the word for ‘iniquity’ (H5771) in the Old Testament literally means ‘perverseness’. This word has the meaning to change the truth into falsehood. In Mal 2:6, we find that when the law of truth is in one’s mouth, iniquity is not found. Iniquity not performing the truth of God by changing the truth of God into falsehood, whether intentionally or unintentionally. We also find in Hos 5:5, iniquity is tied to pride. Just as Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, a perversion of God’s command was followed due to the pride of Adam and Even (desire to be wise, knowing good and evil). The Hebrew word for reconciliation (H3722) is kaphar and literally means atonement, which is the usual translation of the word. This word occurs about 100 times in the Old Testament and often occurs with regard to the Day of Atonement (Lev 16). The word literally means to cover something up. In other words, as a result of the atonement of Jesus Christ, all iniquities will be covered. They will no longer visible. God indeed will wipe away every tear and the former things will no longer come to mind (Is 65:17-25, Rev 21:4).

The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. (Mal 2:6)
Reconciliation – literally, atonement
- And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has He reconciled (Col 1:21)
- And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Rom 5:11)

Finish the Transgression:

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and your holy city … to finish the transgression … (Dan 9:24)
- Transgression – literally, a revolt (rebellion from God)
Abomination of desolation (antichrist)
- And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground … How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation … Unto 2300 days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. (Dan 8:12-14)
Judgment Day
- The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard … and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. (Isa 24:20)

Make an End to Sins:

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city … to make an end of sins … (Dan 9:24)
… but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. (Heb 9:26)
New Jerusalem:
- And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination, or makes a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev 21:27)
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; (Mat 13:41)

Make Reconciliation for iniquity

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city … and to make reconciliation for iniquity … (Dan 9:24)
- Iniquity – literally, perverseness
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. (Mal 2:6)
Reconciliation – literally, atonement
- And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has He reconciled (Col 1:21)
- And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Rom 5:11)

To bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy:

The removal of transgression, sin and iniquity result in everlasting righteousness. Eternity will be perfect and holy. The heavens declare the righteousness of God and all people will see His glory (Ps 97:6). The Lord comes to judge the earth. With righteousness shall he judge the world and the people with equity (Ps 98:9). Judgment shall return unto righteousness and all the upright in heart shall follow it (Ps 94:15).

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city … to bring in everlasting righteousness … (Dan 9:24)
- The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. (Psa 97:6)
- Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. (Psa 98:9)
- But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. (Psa 94:15)

All vision and prophecy will be sealed up. As we saw above, the act of ‘sealing’ means that the visions and prophecy of this era will be closed up and no longer needed since all the promises of visions and prophecies will be completed at the end of the 70 weeks. Visions (H2377) often referred to a vision that a prophet had (Dan 8:1-2, 13-15, 26, Dan 9:21-24, Dan 11:14, Ob 1:1, Hab 2:1-3, Is 1:1, Jer 23:16, etc.). The word ‘prophecy’ (H5030) in the Old Testament, means to speak by inspiration. Therefore, at the end of time, all visions and prophecies will be fulfilled. The word of God stand forever. It is truth (John 17:17).

Prophecy – literally, to speak of future things by the inspiration of God
Vision – a symbolic sight that a prophet receives
Sealed – a guarantee of the future (eternity with God)
- Christians are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise – Eph 1:13
- … O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end … (Dan 12:4)

And to anoint the most Holy:

When we read ‘most holy’, the literal rendition of this in the original Hebrew language is ‘holy of holies’. This occurs in about 40 places in the Bible and can be summarized as follows:

Inner sanctuary of the tabernacle / temple where the ark of the covenant was located – Heb 9:3, Ex 26:33-34, 1 Ki 6:16, 1 Ki 7:50, 1 Ki 8:20, 2 Chr 3:8-10, 2 Chr 4:22, 2 Chr 5:7, Eze 41:4, Eze 44:13, Eze 45:13
Door of tabernacle of the congregation – Lev 6:25
Altar of burnt offering – Ex 29:37, Ex 40:10
Anointing oil placed before ark of testimony – Ex 30:36
Meat (grain) offerings – Lev 2:3, Lev 2:10, Lev 6:17, Lev 10:12, Num 18:9-10
Sin offerings – Lev 10:17, Lev 6:17, Num 18:9-10
Trespass offering – Lev 14:13, Lev 6:17, Num 18:9-10
Bread offering – Lev 21:22
Showbread – Lev 24:9
Devoted things – Lev 27:28
Top of mountain, round about God’ house (eternal state) – Eze 43:12

Also, we find in Ex 30:22-38 that the various articles of the tabernacle including the tabernacle itself, the ark of the testimony, the table, the candlestick, the altars of incense and burnt offering were to anointed and made ‘most holy’. We also know that all the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament pointed to their antitype, which is Jesus Christ (read Hebrews 8-10).

In addition to the most holy places and things being anointed, we find that Aaron and his sons were to be anointed. Aaron as high priest (type of Christ – Heb 5:1-6) and his sons (type of believers – 2 Cor 1:21, 1 John 2:20, 27). Also, in Isa 61:1, Ps 45:7, Ps 89:20, Acts 10:38) that Jesus Christ was anointed.

The Most Holy that is to be anointed in the context of Dan 9:24 should be taken as the anointing of the temple of God, which is Christ’s complete body, which includes all those who are to be saved. The complete anointing of the ‘Most Holy’ in Dan 9:24 can be understood in the first place as Jesus Christ (since the word Christ simply means the Anointed One). But, the body of Christ will include the entirety of all Christians who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit (i.e., anointing). Therefore, the 70 weeks of Gabriel’s prophecy includes the anointing of the entire body of Christ, which does not occur until the Last Day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise but is long-suffering. He will not allow any of His people to perish, but that all His people will come to repentance (and then the end can come) – see 2 Pet 3:8-9. The long suffering of our Lord is salvation (2 Pet 3:15). The end cannot occur until all of His people are saved.

Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city … to anoint the most Holy. (Dan 9:24)
- Most Holy – literally, Holy of Holies
Most Holy places and things
- Inner sanctuary of the tabernacle / temple where the ark of the covenant was located – Heb 9:3, Ex 26:33-34, 1 Ki 6:16, etc.
- Altar of burnt offering – Ex 29:37, Ex 40:10
- Anointing oil placed before ark of testimony – Ex 30:36
- Meat (grain) offerings – Lev 2:3, Lev 2:10, Lev 6:17, Lev 10:12, Num 18:9-10
- Sin / trespass offerings – Lev 10:17, Lev 6:17, Lev 14:13
- Showbread – Lev 24:9
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; (Heb 9:4)
Ark of the Covenant:
- The presence of God in the glory of His covenant of grace and mercy through the witness and offering of the Word of God (Jesus Christ)
The Temple (dwelling place of God) is Most Holy
Christ’s Body – Mat 26:61, Mat 27:40, Mk 14:58, Mk 15:29, John 2:19-21

Anointing of the Most Holy:

Anointed (literally, rubbed with oil) – Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ anointed
- … God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit … (Act 10:38)
Christians are in Christ / Body of Christ / Temple / House
- So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Rom 12:5)
- Temple / House – Eph 2:19-22, 1 Pet 2:5, Heb 3:14, 1 Cor 3:16, etc.
Christians are anointed – 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27
The Lord … is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Pe 3:9)

Events of the First 69 Weeks – Dan 9:25

Restore and Build Jerusalem

To know (Hebrew word yada) and understand (Hebrew word sakal) emphasize the importance of carefully studying the following verses by having knowledge. In other words, to understand this passage, one must carefully compare Scripture with Scripture (1 Cor 2:13). For example the 70 weeks prophecy of Dan 9:24-27 related to the Great Tribulation as discussed in Mat 24:15 and Mk 13:22. Dan 9:25 is a subject of much debate and often involves the attempt by many to set Biblical timelines. However, it is important to study the Bible by comparing Scriptures and to recognize that most of prophecy is written in symbolic ways.

The word ‘commandment’ used in the text is simply the Hebrew word (dabar), which literally simply means ‘word’. This word occurs over 1400 times in the Old Testament. Therefore, we will look for the ‘words’ in the Bible where there was direction to ‘restore and build’. The word ‘restore’ is also a very common word in Hebrew which occurs more than 1000 times, but is usually translated as ‘bring’, ‘bring back’ or ‘return’. We find many relevant verses involving the restoration (literally ‘bringing back’) of Jerusalem, which will be shared below. The word for build literally means to build and occurs more than 375 times. Therefore, it is important to find Bible passages that discuss the brining back and building of Jerusalem.

… of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shalt be built; and to the temple, your foundation shall be laid. (Isa 44:28)
Zerubbabel and Joshua, the Priest
- Build altar, sacrifices and offerings – Ezra 3:1-7
  - Symbol for Jesus Christ – Eph 5:2, Heb 9:26
- Laid foundation of the temple – Ezra 3:10-13
  - Jesus Christ cornerstone / foundation – 1 Cor 3:11, Eph 2:20
- Built and completed the temple – Ezra 6:15
  - Jesus and His people (in Christ) are the temple – John 2:19-21, Eph 2:21
Nehemiah built the walls – Neh 6:14-15

The Spiritual Significance of Bringing Back and Building Jerusalem

We find several passages in the Bible that teach us that the spiritual meaning of bringing back and building Jerusalem has its fulfillment in salvation of spiritual Israel (the totality of God’s people, Jerusalem – Symbol for Nominal Church on Earth):

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. (Psa 147:1-3)
And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me. And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it. Thus saith the LORD; Again there shall be heard in this place, which ye say shall be desolate without man and without beast, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man, and without inhabitant, and without beast, The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jer 33:7-11)
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. (Amo 9:11-15)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. (Isa 61:1-4)

There are many other passages that discuss the spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem and bringing back her captivity: Jer 27:22, Jer 29:10-14, Jer 30:3, Jer 30:10, Jer 30:18, Jer 31:4, Jer 31:23, Jer 31:38, Jer 32:37, Jer 32;44, Jer 33:26, Is 58:12, Eze 36:10, 33, Deut 30:3, Ps 53:6, Eze 39:25-26, Joel 3;1, Ob 1:19-20, Zeph 3:20, Ps 85:1, Ps 126:1-4, Job 42:10, Hos 6:11.

It should be seen in the above passages that the ultimate fulfillment of the bringing back of captives (restoring) and rebuilding Jerusalem has its fulfillment in the salvation of all of God’s people throughout the ages, culminating in the establishment of the New Jerusalem, which is the bride of Christ (Rev 21). In the Isaiah 61:1-4 passage above, we find that this passage is referenced in Lk 4:18-21 as Jesus stating that He was the fulfillment of this passage.

King Cyrus’ Decree (c. 536 B.C.)

There is a prophecy in Isa 44:26-28 and Isa 45:13 concerning a king that would return and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple (both of which are symbols of God’s people). This decree was fulfilled in c. 536 B.C by the King of Persia, Cyrus:

That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. (Isa 44:26-28)
I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. (Isa 45:13)

In these passages in Isaiah, we should be able to see that King Cyrus of Persia was actually a type of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true Shepherd of which Cyrus was the type. Notwithstanding, the reference to King Cyrus also had a historical fulfillment which is recorded in 2 Chr 36:22-23, Ezr 1:1-6, Ezra 5:13-17, Ezra 6:3-5, Ezra 7:12-13, Ezra 7:23, Ezra 9:8-9:

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered. (Ezr 1:1-6, see Ezra 5:13-17, Ezra 6:3-5, Ezra 7:12-13, Ezra 7:23, Ezra 9:8-9)
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up. (2Ch 36:22-23)

The restoration of national Israel to Jerusalem was a fulfilment of the prophecies of Jeremiah found in Jer 25:11-14 and Jer 29:10. Therefore, the historical fulfillment is that the city of Jerusalem was re-populated and rebuilt as allowed by King Cyrus. But, the spiritual fulfillment points to Jesus Christ, as the true Shepherd. The temple foundation was laid in c. 535 B.C. (Ezra 3:8-10) and the temple was completed in c. 516 B.C. (Ezra 6:15) after the prophetic preaching of Haggai and Zechariah in c. 520 B.C. (Hag 1:1-2, Zech 1:1, Ezra 5:1-2). King Darius of Persia reiterated the decree of Cyrus in c. 519 B.C. (Ezra 6:7-12). We also recall that from a spiritual standpoint Jesus is our Temple and He is the foundation (the chief cornerstone – 1 Pet 2:6, Eph 2:20, etc.). But, there are two more decrees that need to be reviewed.

The Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra (458 B.C.)

It should be observed that in circa 458 B.C., Artaxerxes also commissioned Ezra to bring back the people and the vessels to the temple in Jerusalem and reestablished the sacrificial system (Ezra 7:11-26):

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee. Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem: That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God. The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem. And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house. And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them. And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. (Ezr 7:11-26)

Similarly, this decree involved the returning of the captives to Jerusalem (including Ezra).

The Decree of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (445 B.C.)

Thirteen years after the decree to Ezra (Ezra 7:7 with Neh 1;1, 2:1), Artaxerxes made another decree to Nehemiah to actually build the wall and gates of the city. This decree is found in these passages in Nehemiah:

That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. (Neh 1:2-3)
Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned. We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. (Neh 1:6-10)
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it. And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. (Neh 2:5-6)

It should be noted that in these passages, there was concern about the captives that were brought back to Jerusalem and the desire of Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and gates of the city. This passage more directly discusses that it is Jerusalem that was to be rebuilt. We find that the walls and gates of Jerusalem represent God’s salvation in that the walls protect and the gates allow entry into the city of God:

In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isa 26:1-3)
Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. (Isa 60:18)

Therefore, this decree or allowance for Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem has spiritual significance relating to salvation of God’s people.

Messiah the Prince

The Bible teaches that until Messiah the Prince, there will be 7 weeks and 62 weeks. Therefore, there will be 69 weeks between the ‘word’ to restore and build Jerusalem until the Messiah. During this time, the street and the wall will be rebuilt in troublesome time.

The Messiah is a reference to Jesus Christ. The word Christ in the Greek (Gr. Christos) and Hebrew (Heb: mashach) literally means to be ‘rubbed with oil’ or ‘anointed’. Therefore, Jesus is the anointed one. The word for anointed in the Hebrew is often transliterated as the ‘Messiah’. Therefore, Jesus is the Messiah (i.e., Christ or anointed one).

In the Old Testament, the words for Messiah occur approximately 125 times. In the New Testament, the Greek words for Christ (Gr. Christos) / Christian (Gr: Christianos) / anointed (Gr: chrio) / anointing (Gr: chrisma) all have the similar meaning of being anointed. These words (Christ, Christians, anointed) are used approximately 570 times in the New Testament. The New Testament contains approximately 8000 total verses. Therefore, the words relating to Christ, Christians, anointed are used once in every 14 verses, or so. The vast majority of the usages are the term ‘Christ’. References in the Old Testament to the coming Messiah can be seen in the following verses: Dan 9:24, 25, 26, Hab 3:13, Ps 2:2, 20:6, 84:9, 89:38, 51, 84:9, 1 Sam 2:35.

The ‘anointing’ also refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Lk 3:21-22, the Bible teaches that after His baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon Him. This would signal that He was the Anointed One:

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. (Luk 3:21-22)
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Act 10:38, see also 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luk 4:18)
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. (Joh 1:32)
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: (Mar 1:10)
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (Mat 3:16)

The word ‘Prince’ literally means chief or leader and is used in many contexts. It is used often in the Bible to refer to Jesus: Is 9:6, Acts 3:15, Acts 5:31, Rev 1:5. It is also used to refer to Satan: Mat 9:34, Mat 12:24, Mk 3:22, John 12:31, John 14:30, Eph 2:2, etc.

Street and Wall Built in Troublesome Times

Street:

The Hebrew word translated as ‘street’ occurs about 43 times in the Old Testament (H7339, rechob) and literally means a ‘broad place’. It is used to reflect a larger than area than a normal street. For example in Song 3:2, the Bible says that the bride goes about the city in the streets (different Hebrew word) and in the ‘broad ways’, she will seek the one whom she loves. The same distinction is made in Jer 5:1. Therefore, the word ‘street’ used in Dan 9:25 should be recognized as a broad way or area within the city.

Symbolically, the street (broad way) represents the place of congregation, meeting, discussion and spiritual activity (whether good or bad).

As used in the Bible, we find this word street (or broad way) generally refers to a place of interaction with others (public congregation, judgment, sharing of ideas including the Gospel):

Old Testament:
Where judgment occurs – Nah 2:4
Where the spoil of a wicked city is burned – Deut 13:16
Where wickedness, deceit and guile are – Ps 55:11
Where wisdom cries out – Pr 1:20
Where mourning occurs – Is 15:3
Where the desolate children swoon (suffer / die) in Jerusalem – Lam 2:11-12
Where wailing occurs (judgment) – Amos 5:16
Where truth is fallen – Is 59:14
Where high places exist in Jerusalem – Eze 16:24, 31
Where Jerusalem men are cut off – Jer 9:21
Where the lamentation of Moab occurs – Jer 48:38
Where the young men of Damascus fall – Jer 49:26
New Testament Street – G4113, plateia – literally, wide area – 9 occurrences
Hypocrites love to pray in the corners of the streets – Mat 6:5
Will not hear Jesus’ voice in the streets – Mat 12:19 (quoted in Is 42:1-4 (street = H2351, chuts))
If a disciple is not received in a city, then go out into the street and shake of the dust of your feet as a testimony … Lk 10:10
Master of house taught in our (unsaved) streets – Lk 13:26
Go into streets and lanes of the city and bring in poor, maimed, halt and blind … Lk 14:21
Brought sick into the streets so shadow of Peter may overshadow them – Acts 5:15
2 witnesses dead bodies in the street of Jerusalem – Rev 11:8
Street of New Jerusalem pure gold, transparent glass – Rev 21:21
Midst of street and on either side of the river was the tree of life – Rev 22:2

… restore and to build Jerusalem … the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times (Dan 9:25)
Street of Jerusalem
- Street – literally, plaza – place of meeting / finding God
- I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets … I will seek him whom my soul loves … (Son 3:2)
- … Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (Luk 14:21)
- In the midst of the street of it … was there the tree of life … (Rev 22:2)
- Ezra reads the Book of the Law – (Neh 8:2-3)
Street in Use in Ezra / Nehemiah
- Repentance for sin
- … all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter … (Ezr 10:9)
- Word of God:
- … all the people gathered … into the street … and they spoke unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses … Ezra … read … before the street … from the morning until midday … and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. (Neh 8:1-3)
- Feast of Tabernacles:
- So the people … made themselves booths … and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. (Neh 8:16)

These broad ways (streets) are rebuilt in the ’69 weeks’ preceding the advent of Christ. This was the time of the rise of the Jewish conditions we find in the New Testament. It is not surprising that these times are troublous. We find that the broad way in Dan 9:25 is built again. We find that when Jesus Christ walked the earth, that indeed he found Jerusalem to be in rebellion:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! (Mat 23:37)

Troublous times:

The word ‘troublous’ (H6693, H6995) occurs 15 times in the Old Testament. It literally means to be in distress or anguish. It is used in a very negative connotation (see Pr 1:27, Is 8:22, Is 30:6). We find that Delilah distressed Samson (Jud 16:16). It is used to describe an oppressor who is ready to destroy with fury (i.e., Satan – Is 51:13). Ariel (another name for Jerusalem) would also be distressed by God (Is 29:2, 9). The siege of Jerusalem would be a time of distress (Jer 19:9). Returning to Deuteronomy 28 which describes the consequences (curses) for disobedience, we find this description concerning distress:

And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee: So that the man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children which he shall leave: So that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat: because he hath nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates. The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates. (Deu 28:53-57)

As we saw above, this time will also be characterized by the building of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh 1:2-3, Neh 1:6-10, Neh 2:5-6). The time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the temple and the walls of Jerusalem was a mixture of very positive spiritual growth, but also there were difficulties. As we saw above, the walls of Jerusalem are symbolic of salvation (protection of God) – Isa 60:18, Isa 26:1-3.

In summary, for the time period of 69 weeks prior to the advent of Jesus Christ, we find that there was a restoration and rebuilding of the Holy City Jerusalem (spiritual growth), but it was in troublous (stressful) times.

… restore and to build Jerusalem … the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times (Dan 9:25)
Much opposition to the re-building of Jerusalem (Ezra and Nehemiah)
- Adversaries the halted rebuilding of the temple – Ezra 4
- Rebuilding of walls by Nehemiah was opposed – Neh 4:1-3, Neh 6
Troublous – literally, time of distress
Curses for disobedience (Deut 28):
- … in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress you: (Deu 28:53)
- … he has nothing left him in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee in all thy gates. (Deu 28:55)
- … toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want … in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates. (Deu 28:57)
Time of Christ – Jerusalem was under control of the Roman Empire

7 Weeks and 62 Weeks (69) – Symbolic Meaning

The Bible states that the time between the ‘word’ to restore and build Jerusalem until the Messiah will be ‘7 weeks and 62 weeks’. During this time, the street and the wall will be rebuilt in troublesome time, much like has been the condition during the church age. But, the Bible does not say 69 weeks, although of course 7 plus 62 is 69. In this passage, it is important to recognize why the Bible says 7 weeks and 62 weeks and not just 69 weeks. In addition, this passage does not explicitly state that these are 70 weeks of literal years. It is reasonable to assume that years are in view when talking about ‘weeks’. That is an assumption made by many. Often, Bible students attempt to use this passage to justify the date of Jesus Christ’s entry into ministry. Although, a literal 483 years (69 weeks) approximately will lead one to the time of Christ, this is not really the spiritual meaning of the 7 weeks and 62 weeks. People who try to literalize the 483 years usually teach that the only meaning of the 69 weeks of years is that it ‘proves’ the timing of the first advent of Jesus Christ. However these teachers typically ignore the difference between what the Bible teaches about 7 weeks and 62 weeks and what they teach concerning 483 literal years. Every student of the Bible must be careful not to add to the Bible or take away from it:

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deu 4:2)
For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18-19)

Also, many Bible students have spent much time on analyzing the presumed 483 years (69 weeks of presumed years). (Again, the Bible does not use ’69 weeks’. It says 7 weeks and 62 weeks). The debate usually is around which word to restore and build Jerusalem marked the beginning of the 483 weeks. That is, the debate is around which of these 3 decrees marks the beginning of the 483 year clock:

Decree of King Cyrus (c. 536 B.C.)
Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra (c. 458 B.C.)
Decree to Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (c. 445 B.C.)

Usually, Bible students that are interested in this question use this to try to use these passages to prove the start of Jesus Christ’s ministry when He was around 30 years of age (Lk 3:23). Using the above three decrees and adding the 483 presumed literal years would yield the following dates for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry at about 30 years old:

Decree of King Cyrus (c. 536 B.C.) – Jesus’ ministry – 53 B.C.
Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra (c. 458 B.C.) – Jesus’ ministry – 24 A.D.
Decree to Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (c. 445 B.C.) – Jesus’s ministry – 37 A.D.

But, this type of analysis seems to not be spiritual important. Rather, these types of analyses lead to speculative dating and are sometimes used in an extrapolation to date of the Last Day. These types of arguments are endless genealogies, which the Bible warns His people to avoid (1 Tim 1:4, Titus 3:9, 1 Tim 6:4-5). However, the fact that the 70^th year of the Dan 9:24-27 prophecy is symbolic (see below discussion) suggests that the 7 weeks and the 62 weeks is also symbolic, which is much more spiritually significant.

Many varying beliefs:

… from the … commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince … 7 weeks and 62 weeks … (Dan 9:25)
- Incorrectly assume 69 weeks are literal 483 years
- Desire to validate history – calculate time of Christ’s ministry
- Do not see the symbolism of 7 weeks and 62 weeks
- Incorrect belief in 2000+ years gap between 69^th and 70^th week
- Incorrectly believe that 70^th week is a literal 7 year time period
- Premillennialism – 70^th week after rapture / only for Israel
- Premillennialism – false prophecy / false gospel
Many hold to a literal interpretation (literal 483 years)
- No solution / value to what the 7 and 62 weeks represent
- … so shall My Word be, which goes out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall certainly do what I sent it to do. (Isa 55:11)
Symbolic interpretation
- Symbolic meaning of 7 weeks and 62 weeks
Bible interpretation
- … Compare spiritual with spiritual … 1 Cor 2:13
- … Jesus words are spirit and life … John 6:63
- … precept upon precept; line upon line… here a little, and there a little (Isa 28:10)

Start date for restore / rebuild Jerusalem:

… 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. (Dan 9:25)
Most, believe 69 Weeks is a literal 483 years
But, there is a symbolic meaning of 7, 62 and 69 and 70
The 70^th Week terminates on the Last Day (70^th week symbolic)
Varying views on the start date:
- Decree of King Cyrus (c. 536 B.C.) – Messiah in 53 B.C.
  - Therefore, most discount this decree as the start of 70 weeks
- Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra (c. 458 B.C.) – Messiah in 24 A.D.
- Decree to Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (c. 445 B.C.) – Messiah in 37 A.D.

Background / History:

606 B.C. – 536 B.C.: 70 Years Captivity of Judah / Jerusalem
- Dan 25:1-12, 2 Chr 36:22-23
536 B.C.: King Cyrus (King of Persia) and Darius the Mede conquer Babylonian empire – Dan 8:1-4, Dan 7:5
520 B.C – 516 B.C.: Temple rebuilt
- And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. (Ezr 6:14)
458 B.C.: Ezra (priest) – the return of more exiles (worship)
445 B.C.: Nehemiah – building of the walls and the gates

7 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

The literal rendition of 7 weeks is ‘seven sevens’. The Hebrew word for ‘sevens’ is same as used describing Jacob serving Laban for 7 additional years (Gen 29:20), where a week is equated to 7 years. Dan 9:25 also points to seven sevens, which is 49.

The Bible uses 7 weeks of years (49) years in a very significant way: the Jubilee. It is the antecedent to the Jubilee, which is the 50^th year. This 50^th year begins on the Day of Atonement (Lev 25:9) which points to salvation. It is also a year of redemption:

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. (Lev 25:10)

In this 50^th year, everyone who was sold into bondage is released and he returns to his land. The Jubilee is when bond-servants of Israel are released (set free).

The Jubilee is also when land that needed to be sold is returned to its original owner:

In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession. And if thou sell ought unto thy neighbour, or buyest ought of thy neighbour’s hand, ye shall not oppress one another: According to the number of years after the jubile thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and according unto the number of years of the fruits he shall sell unto thee: (Lev 25:13-15)

The setting free of the bond-servant and the return their promised land are symbols for salvation. They are symbols for redemption and restoration to the land. There is complete harmony with the 7 Weeks and the rebuilding of the temple, sanctuary and walls found in Ezra and Nehemiah. This was a great time of spiritual advancement.

Also, the Feast of Pentecost occurred on the 50^th day after the beginning of the early harvest:

And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD. (Lev 23:15-17)
This feast was a symbol of the coming of the Holy Spirit as salvation goes forth ‑ Acts 2:1‑4, 11:16, 1 Cor 12:12‑13
Feast of Pentecost ‑ Lev 23:15‑22, Exo 23:16, 34:22, Num 28:26‑31, Deut 16:9‑12

This symbolic 7 weeks points to the activities that occur after the Babylonian Captivity ceases (c. 536 B.C.). As discussed above regarding the 3 decrees (King Cyrus, Artaxerxes to Ezra, Artaxerxes to Nehemiah), these decrees involved return Judah to their land, rebuilding the temple and Jerusalem. This was a glorious time of restoration of the earthly place of worship of the true God. Great spiritual revival during troublesome times took place including celebration of the Passover, teaching of God’s law, prophecy of Haggai and Zechariah, reformation and confession of sin (see Ezra 5, 6, 7, 10, Neh 5, 8, 11, etc.). This prophetic 7 weeks is primarily described in Ezra and Nehemiah. This 7 weeks should not be taken as 7 sevens of years (49 years). As discussed previously, there is no basis to assume that the 70 Week prophecy has to be a 490 literal years. Rather, it is better understood as a symbolic time for the return to the Promised Land.

1^st 7 Weeks – Jubilee:

… the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be 7 weeks, and 62 weeks … (Dan 9:25)
… you shall number seven sabbaths of years … seven times seven years … 49 years … and you shall hallow the 50^th year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants … it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. (Lev 25:8,10)
- Hirelings and slaves set free (salvation) & return to the promised land (Lev 25:8-34)
  - Hirelings (the poor of Israel) and slaves (not of Israel)
  - People in Israel may sell their inheritance (land)
  - Promised Land – place of salvation
49 years symbolizes the time of waiting for salvation

1^st 7 Weeks – Pentecost:

… the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be 7 weeks, and 62 weeks … (Dan 9:25)
Day of Pentecost – 50^th Day after 7 weeks (49 days)
- … count … from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number 50 days … (Lev 23:15-16)
  - Sheaf of the wave offering – Feast of firstfruits (Lev 23:9-14)
    - Resurrection of Jesus Christ
    - But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept … Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. (1Co 15:20,23)
- 50 days later – Pentecost
- 49 days – Time of waiting for the Promise of the Holy Spirit (salvation)
- … I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luk 24:49)
- … commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father … (Act 1:4)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Act 1:8)

1^st 7 Weeks – Waiting for the Promises of Salvation

Return to the Promised land out of Babylonian Captivity – Ezra 1-2
Jerusalem rebuilt (symbol for the church)
- Rebuilt the Temple – Ezra 6:13-16
- Rebuilt the wall (salvation) – Neh 6:15-16
- Worship and the Word of God – Ezra 6:17-18, Ezra 7 / Neh 8
  - Ezra (in street) reads / explains the Law of God (Neh 8:1-12)
  - Passover (Ezra 6:19-22)
  - Feast of Tabernacles (Neh 8:13-18)
- Period of time: Ezra / Nehemiah / Haggai / Zechariah / Malachi
- Not a literal 49 years
- 7 Weeks – time of waiting for God’s promises

62 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

In order to understand the spiritual meaning of ’62 Weeks’, it is important to understand that numbers in prophecy (e.g., 2, 4, 7, 10, 12, 144, 1000, 144,000, etc.) are used symbolically (see Symbolic Meaning of Numbers page). In addition the Bible reveals that symbolic numbers often are made up of multiples of other numbers. For example, the 144,000 discussed in the Book of Revelation refers to the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel multiplied by 12,000 from each tribe. To understand the symbolic meaning of this number, one must understand that the number refers to 12 (Old Testament church) times 12 (New Testament church) times 1000 (symbolic of complete fullness). This symbolic number refers to the complete fullness of the organization of God’s true church.

Another example of multiples of numbers having symbolic meaning is the following passage:

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (Mat 18:21-22)

In this passage, one must recognize that the number 7 symbolically means the ‘perfection of purpose’. The number 70 represents the multiples of 7 (perfection of purpose) times 10 (fullness). The multiple of 7 times 70 points the fullness of the perfection of God’s purpose involving the full perfection of God’s purpose in forgiveness. It does not mean that one is only required to forgive his offender 490 times. It is a symbolic number generated by multiplying symbolic numbers. (See Symbolic Meaning of Numbers page). Similarly, the 70 weeks of Daniels prophecy in Dan 9:24-27 can be seen to be the perfection of purpose of the fullness of God’s purpose for His people. This conclusion completely agrees with the stated purpose of the 70 weeks:

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. (Dan 9:24)
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. (Dan 9:25)

The number 62 is used in the Bible as referring to the amount of people who keep the gates (a.k.a., gatekeepers, porters):

All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, were threescore and two of Obededom. (1Ch 26:8)
6200 is used in Num 3:34 as the number of the males of Merari (son of Levi (Num 3:17)). Merari’s sons were in charge of various potions of the tabernacle.
It is also the age of Darius when he conquered Babylon (Dan 5:31). It should be noted that the Dan 9 prophecy came in the 1^st year of Darius (62 years old) and it is in the same year that the angel strengthened Darius the Mede (Dan 11:1).

Because 62 Weeks (or 62 sevens or 434) only has minimal parallel passages in the Bible, this number could also be broken down as:

62 times 7
31 times 2 times 7 (all prime numbers)

The number ‘2’ is often used symbolically as the number of ‘witness’ (e.g., Rev 11:3-4, Mk 6:7, Lk 10:1, Mat 18:18-20). (See Symbolic Meaning of Numbers page).

The number ‘31’ is found in the following passages:

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. (2Ch 34:1)
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. (2Ki 22:1)
Number of kings conquered by Joshua on the west side of the River Jordan:
- … all the kings thirty and one. (Jos 12:24)

Josiah was notable for driving out foreign idolatry from Judah and restoring the Law of God, but was defeated and killed in battle (2 Chr 34:1-21). Joshua also was known for battles and drove out foreign kings from the Promised Land (Josh 12). But Joshua was not completely successful in driving out the heathen from the land (Josh 13:1-7). The number 31 can be seen as the number of ‘spiritual battle’.

Analyzing the symbolic meaning of the numbers 2, 7, 31 and 62, it can be observed that the 62 sevens symbolically points to the ‘perfection of God’s purpose in a time of spiritual battle by God’s witnesses’. When we recall that street is where people congregate in spiritual searching and the gates represent salvation (Isa 60:18, Isa 26:1-3), we find that spiritual battle involving God’s witnesses is exactly what is stated in Dan 9:25:

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. (Dan 9:25)

Therefore, we have spiritual harmony concerning what the 62 weeks symbolizes.

Summary:

7 Weeks – restore law of God – waiting for the promises
- Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi
- 5^th Century B.C. – No more revelation for about 450 years
62 weeks – spiritual battle of God’s witnesses
- Witness – Law of Moses performed (Neh 8:1-18, Neh 6:19-22)
- Law of Moses evident at 1^st Advent of Christ
- Pharisees, lawyers, Saducees
62 – points to those who serve in the temple (Law of God)
- 62 sons of Obededom (south gatekeepers) – 1 Chr 26:4-15
- 6200 sons of Merari (tabernacles components) – Num 3:33-37)
- Merari – 3^rd son of Levi (Num 3:17)

62 – number of spiritual battle by God’s witnesses

62 = 2 times 31
2 – the number of Witness
- … the Lord appointed … 70 also, and sent them two and two … into every city and place … (Luk 10:1)
- And I will give power unto my 2 witnesses, and they shall prophesy … These are the 2 olive trees, and the 2 candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. (Rev 11:3-4)
31 – the number of spiritual battle
- Josiah … reigned in Jerusalem 31 years (2Ch 34:1)
- Drove out idolatry / restored the Law of God (2 Chr 34:1-21)
31 Kings driven out of Caanan by Joshua – Josh 12:24
- Joshua drove out foreign kings from the Promised Land
… 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. (Dan 9:25)
- 7 Weeks
  - Return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of Jerusalem / temple / walls / worship and the Word of God
- 62 Weeks
  - Ezra / Nehemiah / Haggai / Zechariah to the 1^st century of Christ (first advent)
- Symbolic meaning of 62 (2 times 31)
- 62 – Examples of those in the 62 weeks
- John the Baptist
  - Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. (Mal 3:1)
- Baby Jesus brought to the Temple
  - And there was one Anna, a prophetess … And she was a widow of about 84 years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and da And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (Luk 2:36-38)

69 Symbolic Meaning

… shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (Dan 9:25-26)
69 Weeks of Troublesome times (3 X 23)
3 – the witness of God’s will
23 – judgment on the nominal church
69 weeks symbolism
- The witness of God’s will in the judgment on national Israel
- Israel was the ‘nominal church’ of the Old Testament – Acts 7:38

69 Weeks of Dan 9:24-27 prophecy
- 69 = 3 X 23
- 3 – the witness of God’s will (see above)
- 23 represents – judgment of God’s nominal church (see Symbolic Meaning of Numbers page).
- 69 weeks symbolizes the witness of God’s will in the judgment on national Israel

Summary:

In Dan 9:25, we find that:

7 sevens – points to the Jubilee of God’s purpose of the restoration of God’s people to their land
- Ezra / Nehemiah / Haggai / Zechariah – a time of restoration to land (a key feature of the Jubilee)
62 sevens – points to the perfection of God’s purpose in a time of spiritual battle by God’s witnesses
- Book of Malachi
- Conditions of the Jewish church in Israel present at the advent of Jesus Christ
- Spiritual battle of faithful with those with a works based salvation plan time
- Troublesome time, but environment of spiritual dialogue is built
- Matthew / Mark / Luke / John
69 weeks – points to the perfection and witness of God’s purpose and will in the the judgment on the nominal church

It is important to now turn to the 70^th week of the prophecy.

Events of the 70^th Week – Dan 9:26-27

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. (Dan 9:26-27)

Outline of 70^th Week

After 62 Weeks (70^th Week)
- Messiah cut off; but not for himself – Dan 9:26
- Confirm the covenant for 1 week – Dan 9:27
Great Tribulation (2^nd half of the 70^th week)
- Midst (Middle) of the Week – Dan 9:27
- Prince that shall come (Antichrist) – Dan 9:26
- Daily Removed, Abomination of Desolation
  - Destroy city / sanctuary (persecute God’s people) – Dan 9:26
  - War – desolations are determined – Dan 9:26
  - Cause the sacrifice / oblation to cease – Dan 9:27
  - Overspreading of abominations, make desolate – Dan 9:27

Messiah Cut off, Not for Himself

The time between the word to go and rebuild Jerusalem, there was a troubled time until the advent of Jesus Christ. We find in this passage that the Messiah (Christ) would be ‘cut off’. The word ‘cut off’ is the Hebrew word karath (H3772) which occurs more than 280 times in the Old Testament. Most often, this word refers to judgment or damnation on a person that would be cut off from God or from the land of the living: Ps 37:22, Ps 37:9, Ps 37:28, Ps 37:34, Ps 101:8, Gen 9:11, Num 19:13, Ps 12:3, Is 11:13, etc. etc. Notably, in Jer 11:19, we find Jeremiah referring to himself as like unto a tree with fruit of which will be cut off from the land of the living.

However, the word karath is also used about 80 times when making a covenant (i.e., cut a covenant). For example, the word ‘make’ in the following passages is the same word for ‘cut’:

For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. (Isa 61:8)
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:31-33)
And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. (Eze 37:25-26)

We also find in the New Testament, that Christ was cut off (i.e., taken away) as the bridegroom from His bride:

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. (Mat 9:15, see also Mk 2:20, Lk 5:35)

Jesus Christ was ‘cut off’ in the sense that He who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). Even though He knew no violence and deceit was not in His mouth, His grave was made with the wicked (Is 53:9):

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1Pe 2:21-24)

‘Cut off’:
- … he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. (Isa 53:8)
- For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. (Psa 37:22)
- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree (Gal 3:13)
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Co 5:21)

It is by God’s covenant that Christ would be offered as a sinless sacrifice in order to provide salvation (read Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 10). Therefore, when Dan 9:26 states that the Messiah would be ‘cut off’, we have a clear reference to Christ in the ‘making (i.e., cutting) of a covenant’ where Jesus would be cut off from the land of the living for the sake of salvation for all of God’s people. He was not cut off for Himself, but rather He was cut off to save His people.

Summary:

And after 62 weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself … (Dan 9:26)
‘Cut off’:
- … he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. (Isa 53:8)
- For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. (Psa 37:22)
- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree (Gal 3:13)
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Co 5:21)

Covenant Confirmed for 1 week

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. (Dan 9:26)
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. (Dan 9:27)

In the context of Dan 9:26-27, the person who confirms (literally, to prevail) the covenant is the Messiah. Dan 9:27 is a reiteration of Dan 9:26. Dan 9:26 discusses the events after the 62 weeks. But then, Dan 9:27 recapitulate Dan 9:26. This confirmation of the covenant points to the fact that the covenant of salvation by Jesus Christ is for the 70^th week (i.e., church age and the Great Tribulation). We see that the Messiah being ‘cut off’ marks the beginning of the 70^th week. The Hebrew word for ‘confirm’ is gabar (H1396), which literally means to prevail. This same Hebrew word translated as ‘great’ is found in the following passages:

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. (Psa 103:11)
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. (Psa 117:2)

In these passages, it is God’s mercy that prevails for His people (who fear Him). God’s mercy (salvation) is the covenant of God. Also, it is important to understand that Jesus prevailed (was victorious) at the cross:

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Heb 2:14)
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:57)
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (Rev 6:2)

The covenant of God is God’s salvation program where Jesus Christ became the substitution / sacrifice for His people’s sins. The word ‘covenant’ occurs about 280 times in the Old Testament and the about 40 times in the New Testament. The following is a passage that explains the New Covenant that was put in place:

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (Heb 8:6-13, see also Jer 31:31-40)

The following are other passages that discuss the covenant (salvation program): Gal 3:15-17, Mat 26:28, Heb 9:4, Heb 10:16, Heb 10:29, etc.

Summary:

And after 62 weeks shall Messiah be cut off … (Dan 9:26)
And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week … (Dan 9:27)
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers … But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel … I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:33 – also quoted in Heb 8:8-13)
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Heb 13:20)

Middle of Week – Sacrifice / Oblation Cease

‘In the midst of the week’ literally means in the ‘middle’ of the week. Therefore, there will be 3 ½ ‘days in each half of the week. Assuming a day represents a year, than there would be 1260 ‘spiritual’ days in each half of the week, since months were 30 days and there were 12 months in the typical year. Also, 3 ½ years would represent 42 months. Here are the relevant occurrences of 3 ½ years and 1260 days in the Bible:

Church age:
- Rev 11:3-6 – Two witnesses (represent true Christians) prophecy – 1260 days
- Rev 12:6-17 – Woman fled into wilderness after her Child caught up to heaven – 1260 days (3 ½ times) – represents 1^st half of 70^th week where the true church is nourished in the wilderness and the Satan made war with the remnant of her Seed.
Great Tribulation:
- Rev 11:2 – Gentiles tread down court and holy city – 42 months – (typifies second half of week where the church is overrun by the unsaved (a.k.a., Babylon)
- Rev 11:7-10 – Two witnesses killed by the Beast and bodies lie in Holy City – 3 ½ days (represents the second half of the 70^th week, where the little horn / Beast / man of sin are in control of the church)
- Rev 13:5 – Beast with mouth speaking great things had power to continue – 42 months (represents second half of 70^th week, , months likely represent the law of God and salvation by works)
- Dan 7:25 – Little Horn – speak great words against most high, wear out the saints, change times and law – 3 ½ times (represents second half of 70^th week).
- Dan 12:7 – King of the North scatters power of the holy people – 3 ½ times until it will be finished (second half o the 70^th week)
7 is perfection of purpose – see notes on 7 (3 ½ is half of 7 – see ½ notes)
The 3 and ½ Chart:
- 3 ½ times: Rev 12:14 – church age
- 3 ½ times: Dan 7:25, Dan 12:7 – great tribulation
- 3 ½ days: Dan 9:27, Rev 11:9-11 – great tribulation
- 1260 days: Rev 11:3, Rev 12:6 church age – time of nourishing and prophesying
- 42 months: Rev 11:2, Rev 13:5 – great tribulation
- 3 ½ years: Dan 9:27, Ja 5:17, Lk 4:25 w/ Rev 11:6 – church age

Based on the above Rev 11:7-10 (the Beast), Rev 13:5 (the Beast), Dan 7:25 (the little horn) and Dan 12:7 (king of the North) are all the same entity that, under the power of Satan, makes the physical church a desolation.

When we read that the ‘sacrifice’ and oblation will cease, we should understand that this is what will happen in the middle of the 70^th week, which is the time of the Abomination of Desolation, which is called the ‘Great Tribulation’ in Mat 24 and Mk 13. The Great Tribulation occurs immediately after the first 3 ½ days of the 70^th week of Daniel 9:27.

The fulfillment of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament is Jesus Christ. He is the sacrifice for our sins. The New Testament time brought to a close that ritual sacrifices that were performed under the Mosaic Law (Col 2:13-17). The following scriptures attest to the fact that the sacrificial system of the Mosaic Law was fulfilled in the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 7:27, 9:23-26, 10:1-3).

The word oblation in the Old Testament means ‘offering’ and would translate to the Greek word prophero (G4374, G4376) in the New Testament. We find once again, that it is the sacrifices (fulfilled in Christ) that were offered (Heb 5:1, Heb 8:3-4, Heb 9:7, Heb 9:14, Heb 9:25, Heb 10:1-2, Heb 10:8, Heb 10:12, Heb 11:4, Heb 11:17).

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Eph 5:2)

In addition to Jesus Christ, we find that His people (Christians) are command to present themselves as a living sacrifice:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2)

It is also of interest in the above passage that Christians are to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. In other words, our life should be considered as a sacrifice. We consider ourselves crucified to Christ (Gal 2:16, 20) and we die daily (1 Cor 15:31). We present ourselves as an offering:

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Php 2:16-17)
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Heb 13:15)
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1Pe 2:5)
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Php 4:18)

We find in the above passages that it is Jesus Christ (and His body of true Christians) that is the offering of sacrifice. But, it is not yet clear as to what it means that the sacrifice and offering will ‘cease’. The word ‘cease’ in the Old Testament (shabath – H7673) I literally ‘to rest’. In Gen 2:2-3, we find that God rested after His creation. However, in 2 Chr 36:21, Lev 26:34-35, we find that when the desolation of Judah / Jerusalem occurred, the land ‘kept sabbath’ (H7673). This did not mean that God’s people were still not active in preaching God’s word (e.g., Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zephaniah, etc.). What the cessation of sacrifices and oblations meant was that the organized system of religion was hampered and therefore, ceased. In Lam 5:14-15, when the desolation occurred, we find this:

The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their musick. The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. (Lam 5:14-15)

When the sacrifice and offering has ceased, there is Great Tribulation on the church, since it is now controlled by the antichrist (a.k.a., little horn, man of sin, Beast, etc.). The ability to perform service for God is limited or prevented because the candlestick is corrupted (which is supposed to project the light (a portrait of the church upholding true Christians who bring the Gospel – see Rev 1:13, Rev 1:20).

Summary:

… the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … and in the midst of the week … and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:27)
- Midst – literally, middle
- 3½ days / years
Points to the Great Tribulation (Antichrist – Prince to come)
- And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Dan 7:25)
- … How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? … it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (Dan 12:7)
The3 ½ Chart:
- 3½ times: Rev 12:14 – church age
- 3½ times: Dan 7:25, Dan 12:7 – great tribulation
- 3½ days: Dan 9:27, Rev 11:9-11 – great tribulation
- 1260 days: Rev 11:3, Rev 12:6 church age – time of nourishing and prophesying
- 42 months: Rev 11:2, Rev 13:5 – great tribulation
- 3½ years: Dan 9:27, Ja 5:17, Lk 4:25 w/ Rev 11:6 – church age

People of the Prince Destroy City and Sanctuary

As mentioned above, a ‘prince’ is used in many contexts and often refers to Satan Himself (Eze 28:2, Mat 9:34, Mat 12:24, Mk 3:22, John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2, Eph 6:12, etc.). However, the individual that is the prince to come is the Antichrist.

In John 14:30, we find an interesting passage:

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (Joh 14:30)

The prince of this world in the first place, would refer to Satan. But, at the time Jesus had said this, Satan had already put into Judas Iscariot’s heart to betray Jesus (John 13:2). Judas Iscariot is a type of the Antichrist. Also, Satan had already entered (indwelt Judas) as we find in Lk 22:3 when Judas went to the chief priests to betray Jesus (Lk 22:4-5). So the prince of this world took the form of one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas Iscariot. Judas, as a type of the Antichrist, betrayed Jesus and led the band of officers from the chief priests and Pharisees (John 18:4) to arrest Jesus. Although, we are not told explicitly in Dan 9:26, who the prince is, we can conclude that the prince referred to in Dan 9:26 would equate to the little horn of Dan 8, the Man of Sin of 2 Thess 2 and would also correspond to the ‘king of the north’ discussed in Dan 11 (see Titles, Symbols and Types of the Antichrist).

We find in Dan 9:26 that the prince shall come to destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (i.e., temple), which relates to the persecution of God’s people during the Great Tribulation. We have already seen earlier that Jerusalem represents the location of God’s people although the group of people are mixed with saved and unsaved people. Jerusalem effectively represents the Christian churches and parachurches. We find in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that the 7 churches of revelation were a mixture of saved and unsaved people. Some churches were more holy and some were less. Additionally, the sanctuary (temple) in Dan 9:26, literally just means ‘holy’.

We find in the New Testament that the temple is the house of God where Christians reside. The temple of God equates to the house of God (Lk 11:51). Ideally, the true tabernacle is only for true Christians (Heb 8:2, 9:11, 24) which is the kingdom of God, in heaven. God does not actually dwell in physical temples (Acts 7:48, 17:24). We also find ideally, that the true temple is Christ’s body (Mat 27:40, Mk 14:58, 15:29, John 2:19‑21), which is comprised of true Christians. However, the physical location of the body of Christ is wherever two or three are gathered in His name (Mat 18:20) and would be the true church (Col 1:18,24, 2:17‑19, 3:15, Eph 1:23, 2:16, 4:12‑16, Eph 5:23,30, 1 Cor 12:12‑27) which is also referred to as a house (John 14:2, 2 John 10, 1 Cor 16:15‑19, 2 Tim 2:20, Eph 2:19, Heb 3:6, 1 Pet 2:5, 4:17, Ro 16:5). But, this gathering may easily be infiltrated with those who are not truly saved. For example, we find in 2 Thess 2:4, that the man of sin takes his seat in the temple of God. The true temple of God is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph 2:20-22,) and are built up for a holy habitation of God through the Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-17, 2 Cor 6:16). But, we find that often this house of God is built not only with gold, silver and precious stones (which are types for true Christians), but also with wood, hay and stubble, which represent the unsaved within the churches (1 Cor 3:12, see also 2 Tim 2:14-26, especially verses 20-21).

We find that the prince ‘destroys’ Jerusalem and the sanctuary, which are representations for the physical location of true Christians (i.e., the church). The word destroy (H7843) occurs more than 140 times in the Old Testament and means to ruin, decay, corrupt, destroy. We find in Ps 53:1, that people are corrupted due to abominable iniquity. Also, in Pr 6:32, we find that a man destroys his soul by committing adultery with a woman (can also be used symbolically to represent the whoredoms of idolatry).

There are several occurrences of this word (destroy) in the prophets that describe the ruin of Judah due to sin:

Jer 13;7-9, 14 in context of Jeremiah 13 is due to worshiping and serving other gods
Eze 9:8 in context of Eze 9 is due to iniquity and perverseness
Eze 16:47, Eze 20:44, Eze 23:11 in context of Eze 16, 20, 23 is for whoredoms and abominations

We also find that people are to be destroyed due to idolatry (Deut 4:16, 25). The people before the Great Flood were destroyed because they were corrupt and filled with violence (Gen 6:11-12).

Prince that shall come summary:

… 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 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 … (Dan 9:26-27)
Parallel passages to the Antichrist / Abomination of Desolation:
- Little Horn of Dan 8
- King of the North of Dan 11
Little Horn of Dan 8
- … he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression … (Dan 8:11-12)
King of the North
- And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries … (Dan 11:31-32)
Parallel Passages (Abomination of Desolation)
- Dan 8, 9, Dan 11-12, Mat 24, Mk 13, Lk 21

Daniel 8 and Daniel 9 Parallel Passages (Abomination of Desolation):

… the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … (Dan 9:26)
- Daily removed – Dan 8:11-14
  - … cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease … (Dan 9:27)
- Transgression of Desolation set up in holy place – Dan 8:11-14
  - … unto the end of the war, desolations are determined … (Dan 9:26)
  - for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:27)

City and Sanctuary ‘Destroyed’:

… the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … (Dan 9:26)
- City – Holy City, Jerusalem (See Dan 9:2, 9:24)
  - Symbol of the location of the nominal church
- Sanctuary – literally, the holy
  - Symbol of where God’s people are
  - Temple / house of God – eph
- Destroy – literally, to ruin, decay, corrupt
  - … The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psa 53:1)
- … the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … (Dan 9:26)
  - … cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease … (Dan 9:27)
  - … and unto the end of the war, desolations are determined … (Dan 9:26)
  - for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:27)

Sacrifices and Oblations Cease:

… the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease … (Dan 9:26-27)
- Sacrifice – giving of life / shedding of blood
- Oblation – literally, an offering
Sacrifices and Offerings are equivalent to ‘Removal of the Daily’ in other Abomination of Desolation passages
- … by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression … (Dan 8:12)
- … they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. (Dan 11:31)

New Testament Sacrifices and Offerings:

Christians are to be Sacrifices and Offerings
… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world …(Rom 12:1-2)
Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices … (1Pe 2:5)
… let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Heb 13:15)
… if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. (Phil 2:17)
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. (2Ti 4:6)

Daily Activities of a Christian:

Daily Sacrifices and Offerings of the True Christian
- Word of God – give us this day our daily bread – Mat 4:4, Mat 6:11, Ps 1:1-2, Ps 119:97-99
- Jesus and disciples taught and learned daily – Mk 14:49, Lk 19:47, Acts 2:46, 5:42, 6:1, 17:17, 19:9
- Preached Gospel daily – 1 Thess 2:9
- Pray without ceasing – 1 Thess 5:17, Ps 88:1
  - Prayer of incense (Ps 141:2) was daily
- Daily sacrifice – Die daily, take up cross daily – 1 Cor 15:31, Lk 9:23

Spiritual War during the Great Tribulation:

… the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … and unto the end of the war, desolations are determined … (Dan 9:26)
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you … be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. (Mat 24:9)
… Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? … And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them … (Rev 13:4,7)
… the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them … and shall wear out the saints of the most High … (Dan 7:21,25)
See also Dan 8:23-25 (little horn) and Dan 11:31-36 (King of the North)

Desolation by Abominations:

… the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary … for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:26-27)
- Overspreading – widespread extent of abominations
  - City and sanctuary – nominal false churches and parachurches (Babylon) overrun God’s people
  - Babylon engulfed with spiritual fornication (worship of other gods and idols)
  - And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (Rev 17:5)

What is an Abomination:

Abomination = worshiping / serving other gods and idols
- Occurs ~160 times (Old Testament)
- And ye have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them. (Deu 29:17)
- They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. (Deu 32:16)
Abomination – a morally detestable thing
- Everything honored above or instead of God is an idol
- Babylon (spiritual fornication) – false churches and parachurches

Abominations cause Church Desolations:

… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate … (Dan 9:26-27)
… the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day. (Jer 44:22)
Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. (Eze 33:29)
Babylon (false churches and parachurches) becomes desolate

End with a Flood, War, Desolations

We find in this phrase that there will be wars and desolations and at the end there will be a flood. We have already studied ‘desolations’ earlier, which means the scattering of the church due to abominable sin. The desolation occurs due to captivity, scattering and killing by sword (spiritual battle), famine (lack of the word of God) and evil beasts (false teaching). Dan 9:26 tells us that there will be a war until the end of time on this earth:

Battle of the kingdoms ‑ spiritual battle, not physical (Mat 10:34‑36, Lk 12:51‑53)
Killing by words / tongue ‑ 1 John 3:15, Mat 5:21‑22, Pr 11:9, Ro 3:13‑15, Jer 9:3, 18:18, Ps 140:3, Ro 3:13, James 3:8, Pr 18:21, Ps 52:4, 57:4, 59:7, 64:3, 120:2
Weapons are not of the flesh, but spiritual (not a political battle) ‑ Eph 6:11‑12, Phil 3:20, Mat 24:7, Is 42:6‑7, Eph 2:6, 1 Pet 2:5‑11,20ff, Mat :15‑19, Lk 2:14, Hos 1:7, 2 Tim 2:4, 2 Cor 10:3f, Eph 2:19, Mk 8:31‑33, 1 Pet 1:1, Rev 1:6, Heb 13:14, Col 1:13, John 18:36‑37, Col 3:1‑4, Lk 12:14, Mat 10:34, 2 Tim 2:16, Mk 12:17, Ps 73:25, Zech 9:9, Lk 22:36, Ro 12:1‑2, Lk 12:13ff, Mat 5:38f, 1 Cor 6:1‑8, Hos 8:9, 7:11, Ro 13
war by faith and a good conscience – 1 Tim 1:18-19
Fight the good fight of faith – 1 Tim 6:12
Fleshly lusts wage war ‑ 1 Pet 2:11, James 4:11, Ro 7:23

War, in the Bible, as we see above represents the grand spiritual battle between good and evil, the kingdom of God versus the kingdom of Satan. The ultimate fulfillment of the war between these kingdoms will be on Judgment Day (a.k.a., battle of Armageddon – see Rev 16:12-16):

Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (Zec 14:1-4)

Right at the end time, there will be a flood. We know that this is not a physical flood, since God has promised to not destroy the world’s population with a flood again (Gen 9:11). When we look at the Hebrew word used in Dan 9:6 for flood (H7858, H7857, sheteph / shataph), we find that it occurs 31 times and it literally means a gushing of water or a deluge. Most of the occurrences of this word in the Old Testament have to do with God’s judgment (Ps 69:2, 15, Is 28:2, Is 28:15, Is 28:18, Ps 124:4). However, we find that armies running to war are likened unto a ‘flood’ (Dan 11:10, Dan 11:22, Dan 11:40, Jer 8:6). Once again, the final flood of Dan 9:6 is most likely pointing to that final battle of Judgment Day (Battle of Armageddon) where Christ is seen riding on His white horse (Rev 19:11). The armies which are in heaven followed Him for the final battle (Rev 19:14). Out of His mouth will go a sharp sword, where He will smite the nations at the final battle of Judgment Day (Rev 19:15).

Finally, the word ‘determined’ also points to the fact that the desolation will occur right up until the last day. The Hebrew word for ‘determined’ (H2782) literally means to point sharply / wound. It is used in Dan 11:36, where it also points to the ‘determined’ end day (Judgment Day). Judgment Day is also in view in the following verses where the same Hebrew word is used: Is 28:22, Is 10:23, Job 14:5.

Abomination of Desolation

In this phrase, we find the cause of the cessation of the sacrifice and offering: the overspreading of abominations. The word ‘overspreading’ (Hebrew: kanaph, H3671) literally means the spreading of wings. It occurs a little more than 100 times in the Old Testament and is often used in conjunction with birds spreading their wings. In the context of Dan 9:24-27, the overspreading would indicate the widespread extent of abominations (i.e., worship of other gods and idols).

From a positive viewpoint, we find that the spreading of wings can represent the salvation that God provides us (Ps 17:8, Ps 36:7, Ps 57:1, Ps 61;4, Ps 63;7, Ps 91:4, Is 8:8, Ex 19:4, Ruth 2:11-12, Eze 5;3, Eze 16:8, Hag 2:12, Zech 8:23, Mal 4:2) an that God rides on the wings of the spirit (Ps 18:10, Ps 104:3, Hos 4:19). The seraphims in the representation of God had wings (Is 6:2). The four living creatures in Ezekiel had wings (Eze 1:6-11, 23-25, Eze 3:13, Eze 10:5-2, 16-19, etc.). The cherubims that were above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies had overspreading wings (1 Ki 6:24-27, 2 Chr 3:11-13, Ex 25:20, etc.). Below is an example Scripture reference that underscores the ‘overspreading’ of wings being a portrait of God’s salvation:

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Mal 4:2)

However, we also find that overspreading wings of a bird was also used as an idol (Deut 4:17). It is also used in a negative manner regarding Judah seeking refuge in the great wings of Egypt (Eze 17:3-7).

In the context of Dan 9:27, we find that trusting in abominations rather than the overspreading wings of God, shall make Jerusalem desolate. As we previously examine in this study, abominations in the Bible typically represent worship and service to false gods and idols. This results in captivity, scattering and death, as we have previously studied.

In Dan 9:26-27, the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ is the tool that is used to destroy the city and sanctuary (the visible church). As used in the Bible, we find that abominations point to worshiping and serving other gods and idols. It is this abomination (worldliness) that overspreads the church and ultimately is what those unsaved persons in the church are trusting in. Because of these abominations, there is desolation. Desolation is caused by being taken captivity (to sin), being scattered (divisions in the church) and being put to death spiritually by famine (lack of Word of God), evil beasts (false teachers) and sword (spiritual battle by those in the church). This occurs in the second half of the 70^th week of Gabriel’s prophecy, which is the period of Great Tribulation. Finally, as Babylon was judged for her evil behavior, so too will the visible church that is over run by Satan, his demons and unsaved people.

The Consummation

The abomination of worshiping and serving other gods and idols instead of the true God will continue until the consummation (literally, the end). The word consummation (H3617) literally means the utter end (see Nah 1:8-9, Zeph 1:18). The word determined is the same word studied in Dan 9:26 which points to Judgment Day (see Is 28:22, Is 10:23). The word ‘poured’ (H5413) is the Hebrew word nathak, which literally means to ‘flow forth’. This is typically a picture of God’s judgment (e.g., Dan 9:11, Eze 22:20-22, Eze 24:10, Jer 44:6, Jer 42:18, Jer 7:20. We find in 2 Chr 34:21-25 that God’s wrath was poured out on Judah due to idolatry (se also 2 Chr 12:7). We also find the same word again ‘determined’ used in Dan 9:26, which refers to Judgment day.

It is interesting that the wrath of God will be poured out on the desolate, which would refer to the holy city, Jerusalem. As we have previously studied the holy city Jerusalem is where God’s people reside physically. It is that locality where God’s people meet together. But, just as what occurred with Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, we find the same events to transpire again. That is, even though there were godly people living in Jerusalem / Judea (e.g., Jeremiah, Baruch, Ebed-Melech, Ezekiel, etc.), we find that in the church today there are godly people. But, in Jerusalem, the control of the city was in the hands of ungodly leaders and the majority of the people were not godly. So it will be in the last days. The visible church will become desolate because of abominable sins of worshiping other gods and idols.

We find in Revelation chapters 17 and 18 that Babylon is a representation of the false end-times church and parachurches. We find in Rev 18:5 that God has remembered her iniquities and has rewarded her with the cup of God’s wrath (Rev 18:6). We find in Rev 18:19 that in 1 hour, she is made desolate.

70 Weeks Prophecy (Dan 9)

Summary Meaning of the 70 Weeks Prophecy

Daniel 9:24-27 – Bible Passage

Background to 70 Weeks Prophecy

Events of the 70 Weeks – Dan 9:24

70 Weeks Determined

Upon the People and the Holy City

Finish Transgression, End sins, Make Reconciliation

Events of the First 69 Weeks – Dan 9:25

Restore and Build Jerusalem

The Spiritual Significance of Bringing Back and Building Jerusalem

King Cyrus’ Decree (c. 536 B.C.)

The Decree of Artaxerxes to Ezra (458 B.C.)

The Decree of Artaxerxes to Nehemiah (445 B.C.)

Messiah the Prince

Street and Wall Built in Troublesome Times

7 Weeks and 62 Weeks (69) – Symbolic Meaning

7 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

62 Weeks Symbolic Meaning

69 Symbolic Meaning

Events of the 70th Week – Dan 9:26-27

Outline of 70th Week

Messiah Cut off, Not for Himself

Covenant Confirmed for 1 week

Middle of Week – Sacrifice / Oblation Cease

People of the Prince Destroy City and Sanctuary

End with a Flood, War, Desolations

Abomination of Desolation

The Consummation

Events of the 70^th Week – Dan 9:26-27

Outline of 70^th Week