The Seventy Weeks Prophecy

When Queen Elizabeth was a little girl, she threw a tantrum. Her nanny said, “Do you know who you are?’ “Of course, “ she replied, “ I am Elizabeth.” “No,” scolded her nanny, “you are the heir apparent to the throne of the British Empir … More

Future

While Daniel was praying the answer came. Gabriel came about the time of the evening sacrifice which was near 3 p.m (vv. 20-22). It is interesting to note that even though the temple had been destroyed for 66 years and sacrifices could not be offered there Daniel still recalled the hour and prayed at that time.

Daniel is concerned about God’s program for Israel in the future. So Gabriel was sent by God to reveal His plan for Israel until the end (v. 23). He explains how God’s program will be completed in 70 “sevens”. Bible scholars interpret this time period as a literal 70 weeks or 490 years and that Christ’s death came at the end of the 69 weeks. He explains that these seventy weeks cover the period when the Jews will be dwelling in their own land. The purpose of the seventy weeks is sixfold (v. 24):

  1. “To finish the transgression” - has reference against rebellion against God.
  2. “To make an end of sins” - refers to sin being put away during the Messiah’s reign.
  3. “To make reconciliation for iniquity” - speaks of an atonement on the basis of sacrifice.
  4. “To bring in everlasting righteousness” - predicting the righteous government of the Messiah.
  5. “To seal up the vision and prophecy” - a time to come when all prophecies will be fulfilled.
  6. “To anoint the most Holy” - when Messiah’s reign will be inaugurated with righteousness.

Sixty-nine weeks mark the time from the death of Christ until the Antichrist decree. The seventieth week is yet future. Jerusalem will be rebuilt as a complete fully functioning city (v. 25) and the Messiah was to be killed by His own people (v. 26). He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘week.’ In the middle of the ‘week’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering (v. 27).

Application

I need to be as faithful in my prayer life as Daniel was?

Daniel 9:20-27 (English Standard Version)


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