Praise God, Jesus is truly the promised Messiah.
The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary… the end shall be desolations (Daniel 9:26)
We need to identify the ‘prince that shall come’, and there are two possibilities:
It could be (a) Titus; it could be (b) Messiah.
The identity could change in v26 from the Messiah giving Himself as a sacrifice, to the Roman General Titus, who did “destroy the city and the sanctuary”. But it is also possible the text is speaking of the Messiah both times.
Notice that verse says “the people of the prince that shall come”. Would the Jewish people destroy their own city?
Daniel 9:11.14 states that the Lord cursed the Jewish people because of sin. Amos 2:4.5 and Jeremiah 32:31-33 both say Jerusalem was destroyed because of sin.
Psalm 118:26 says “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord”, and these words were repeated when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as king. Luke 19:38.
Identifying the prince as the Messiah enables both verses (26 and 27) to remain the Messiah throughout, rather than change to an unidentified ‘he’ in verse 26 and then back to the Messiah in verse 27, and even back to the other ‘he’ again.
For the overspreading of abominations He shall make it desolate, even unto the consummation, and that determnined shall be poured out upon the desolate. (desolator) (Daniel 9:27)
The above part of the verse is definitely Christ pouring His vengeance upon the desolator for abominations committed. It refers to the final destruction when pagan-papal Rome is destroyed for its abominations, in the consummation of all things. (We will study this further in Revelation)
Now I must mention something very important.
There are many Christians who believe the final week of the seventy-week-prophecy has been completely separated (cut off) from the other sixty nine weeks and carried down to the end of time, where it is believed to be a seven-year Tribulation. It follows the ‘rapture’ of Christians to heaven, leaving the Jewish nation to teach the world’s remaining inhabitants the truth about salvation.
Part of this understanding involves the rebuilding of the third temple in Jerusalem (after removing the Islamic Dome of the Rock !) and the re-instating of sanctuary services.
There are a number of variations, but all believe a future Antichrist will arrive – either at the beginning of the Tribulation, half way through, or at the end. This Antichrist will claim to be God and will corrupt the sanctuary. Then he will persecute the Jewish nation.
Dear Reader, this is totally false from beginning to end.
There is nothing anywhere in Daniel 9, or the rest of Scripture, that even implies that the last week of the 490-year prophecy is literally removed and brought down to the end of time.
The 70-week prophecy of Daniel 9 is one unit with two purposes.
(a) It gives the date for the first Advent of the Messiah.
(b)It gives the end of the 2300 years when the truth of the sanctuary and Christ’s daily ministration is revealed.
Note carefully. The dispensational doctrine of a future Antichrist in Jerusalem is a false doctrine to take the limelight from the Papacy’s false doctrine of a counterfeit sanctuary and salvation.
Let me ask you – Who has the most to gain from perverting this prophecy?
There is only one power on earth – papal Rome.
Of course the devil is working behind the scenes and he has a lot to gain. The more souls lost, the better he likes it. Every lost soul will mean less suffering for the devil. And when men and women are deceived by error, it is a cruel thrust into the heart of Christ. The majority will never recover from the corruptions of false doctrine.
But the Papacy is the devil’s agent, as you will see in Revelation, for “the dragon gave him his power, and his seat and great authority.” Revelation 13:2. (Remember, the dragon is a symbol for Satan. Revelation 12:9)
Again I must make it clear – the Bible is not speaking of individual Catholic people in the pews. Nor am I. Most have no idea of these prophecies, and many have hearts that are dedicated to Christ, at times beyond other churches. God calls them ‘My people’, and one day they will come out of that communion.
When Martin Luther received the Papal Bull against him and his writings, the prophecies of Daniel became clear. As he consigned it to the flames he cried out, “Now I know that the pope is indeed the very Antichrist.” History of the Reformation. D’Aubigne. (All the Reformers believed this truth)
Church leaders were angered by his stand against corruptions in the church, both of dogma and morality, but his strong words about the pope being the Antichrist angered them even more.
The Council of Trent was launched as a Counter Reformation to crush Lutheranism, and all who would follow his footsteps in studying the Bible for themselves. During its sixteen years, every aspect of Luther’s doctrines was discussed, including the charge that the Pope was the Antichrist of Bible prophecy. Rome could not tolerate men and women believing the Scriptural identification of the Papal Office as the little horn, the man of sin, the first beast of Revelation 13, or the whore of Revelation 17.
At least six Jesuits were chosen to re-interpret the Scriptures regarding this evil leader. They would formulate a counter doctrine to deceive minds of his true identity.
One of these men was Spanish Jesuit Luis de Alcazar. He wrote a 900-page commentary in which he proposed that the whole book of Revelation applied to the era of pagan Rome and the first six centuries of Christianity. It purported to show the ultimate triumph of the Roman Catholic Church symbolised by the New Jerusalem. This theory has been called Preterism. The Prophetic Faith of our Fathers. L Froom p506.7.
Another Jesuit was Spanish doctor of theology Francisco Ribera. He wrote a 500-page book on Revelation, in which he proposed that the first few chapters applied to pagan Rome, but the rest were just prior to the second coming of Christ. He said the Antichrist would be a World Dictator to appear in the middle of a seven-year Tribulation, and would declare himself to be God in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. This theory of Ribera’s has been called Futurism. Ibid. p438.9. Jesuits Introduce Futurist Counter-interpretation.
It did not matter if the interpretations differed widely, so long as the Catholic Church was not identified.
Some accepted the Preterist theory, but most have accepted the Futurist theory. It has captured the imagination of millions, especially Evangelical Christians. Even Messianic Jews have fallen for it, believing that God still has a work for the Jewish nation. It is a false hope.
Orthodox Jews, Messianic Jews and Evangelicals believe prophecy is being fulfilled in the State of Israel, but it is a totally wrong interpretation of Scripture. We certainly wish the Jewish people peace and happiness, but the nation’s rejection of Christ and the close of the 490 years brought about the fulfilment of Moses’ words.
“And among these nations (into which they were scattered at the destruction of Jerusalem) shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life.” Deuteronomy 28:65.66.
The Old Testament must be interpreted in the light of the gospel, not of a reinstated Jewish nation. (Individual Jews can have salvation if they will accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Let us pray for the Jewish people. Many are seeing that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, but must remain obscure to win their families and friends)
When speaking of the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus said, “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Luke 21:24.
The meaning of this verse has nothing to do with the State of Israel as such today. The once-holy city would no longer belong to the Jews as a divine right to worship God in peace, to keep the Sabbath in all their gates, and to operate their religious services in the temple.
Instead, Jerusalem would be trodden down by the Gentiles, “until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled”. Before we speak of this further, let us look at the last clause in the prophecy of Daniel 9 under study.
And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (Daniel 9:27)
Again, this has nothing to do with a Futuristic Antichrist confirming a covenant with the Jews for seven years or three and a half years. It relates to Christ and the Jewish people at the time of His crucifixion.
We have already studied that Christ would be crucified in the midst of the final week of the 490-year prophecy. The three and a half years prior to His death relate to the period of His ministry.
But what of the three and a half years after He died?
At Pentecost, Christ came to His disciples as the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to give them power to spread the message of the cross throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world. They were to begin in Jerusalem and reap the harvest of souls prepared by Christ’s own ministry. For three and a half years they continued under the Spirit’s power.
In AD 34, the Jewish leaders heard the testimony of Stephen, but in rage “cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord. And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.” Acts 7:57.58.
God’s timing is perfect.
The year AD 34 is the end of the 490 years. Stephen was the very first Christian martyr, and the Bible says he was “full of the Holy Ghost”. The Jewish leaders were not angry with the man so much as with God and Christ. When they took up stones, they were trying to kill the convicting power of God’s Holy Spirit. Acts 7:55.
The young man by the name of Saul, at whose feet Stephen’s garments were laid, became the apostle Paul. Of him Christ said, “he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15.
Paul began his ministry to the Jews, but it was not long before he realised his work was over with them. Together with Barnabus he said, “It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourself unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46. 18:6.
So the covenant was confirmed for the last prophetic week by Christ, first in His physical person, and then by His Spirit.
Today we are living in ‘the times of the Gentiles’. It will close just before the return of Christ, when there will be an awakening of the Jewish nation. By faith, “they shall look upon me (Christ) whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son…” Zechariah 12:10.
(If the Jewish nation had accepted Christ, they would have mourned to see Him pierced on the cross, but in studying the Scriptures they would have realised prophecy had been fulfilled. At His resurrection, the fountain of salvation would have been opened and they would have rejoiced)
This prophecy will be fulfilled, but the conviction will be based on the testimony of Christians under the power of the Spirit of God and not on the visible presence of Christ. Those who accept Him as their Saviour will see Christ come in the clouds of glory, and they will rejoice with joy unspeakable.
This is what the Jewish leaders tried to avoid, but the curse is powerless. Instead, God gives a blessing to all who calculate Daniel 9 to the end.
70 prophetic weeks – 490 years
457BC AD 27 AD 34
!_____________________________________!_______ !
AD 31
69 prophetic weeks or 483 years Last week - 7 yrs
The Bible is a precious Book.
Let us all be like the Bereans, for “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11.
The next booklet will bring Daniel 8 and 9 together by combining the prophecies. Then we will see what did take place at the end of the 2300 days.
No.7.
This chapter is one of the most important in the Bible, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. The Jewish leaders realised its importance and placed a curse on anyone who understood it. “Blasted be the bones of those who calculate the end.” Talmud Sanhedrin 97b. Translated in ‘The Babylonian Talmud’. Article by Isidore Epstein p63. The Sonccino Press 1935-1952.
What were they trying to hide?
Now for the setting.
Daniel is still in captivity, but instead of Babylon ruling the world, Medo-Persia is in power. (Daniel 9:1)
The prophet Jeremiah had written his messages to Israel in books and these had come into Daniel’s hands. Daniel said, “In the first year of his reign (Darius the Mede), I Daniel understood by books the number of the years whereof the Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He (God) would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” Daniel 9:2.
This is wonderful news – the captivity would not last forever, just seventy years.
Of course it was not unexpected. The Hebrew people knew God was fair, and although He must punish for disobedience, it was never beyond true justice. Nehemiah 9:33. (This is an important point to remember when it comes to the punishment of the lost. We will study this in Revelation)
The chronicler had also written that while Israel was in captivity, the land would have its Sabbath rest, “for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil three score and ten years.” 2 Chronicles 36:21. (God had said the land must rest every seven years. Leviticus 25:1-7. 20-22. The 70-year period had been given by God to fulfil the Sabbatic rests of the land that had not been obeyed for many years. The count began after the death of Solomon and the separation of the kingdom under Jeroboam and Rehoboam)
Realising the sinfulness of his own nation, Daniel humbles himself and begins to pray that God will forgive. It is a beautiful prayer.
‘O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him…. Yea, all Israel have transgressed Thy law… As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us….
Now therefore O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake… O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer no, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” Daniel 9:8.9.11.13.17.19.
While Daniel is praying, the angel Gabriel returns and says to him, “O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding… thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” Daniel 9:22.23.
You will remember the prophet had been left without full understanding of the previous vision, especially relating to the daily (tamid), the sanctuary and the prophetic time. Gabriel immediately begins an explanation.
“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 the vision and prophecy and to anoint the most Holy.” Daniel 9:24.
We will take each part separately.
Seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24) In Hebrew, this is seventy weeks of years, the same as calculating 70 x 7. This equals 490 days, and as it is Bible prophecy, it becomes 490 years. (This means that for 70 consecutive years the land would rest, making up for the 70 Sabbatical years they did not keep during the 490 years)
This 490-year period would be a probationary time for Daniel’s ‘people’ and Daniel’s ‘holy city’. If they did not turn from their wicked ways, their probation would close. The nation would be rejected and the city destroyed.
(When Peter asked how often he should forgive his brother, he was being generous when he said ‘seven times’. Matthew 18:21.22. The Pharisees thought three times was generous. Jesus replied, ‘Seventy times seven’. Of course no one would count 490 times to forgive someone. Our forgiveness must be like that because we are forgiven over and over. But although God is merciful, there is a limit. One day probation will close for all of us, and in His reply, Jesus was speaking of the close of probation for Israel. He hoped the disciples might see a connection and study the prophecy. If they had done so, they would have been spared much heartache and disappointment when Jesus died)
Determined (Daniel 9:24) The word ‘determined’ is chathak in Hebrew. It is a primary root that is not used elsewhere else in Scripture. It means ‘to cut off, i.e. (fig) decree’. (2852 in Strongs) It shows clearly that the decree had gone forth from God that Israel’s probation was ‘determined’, after which they would be cut off.
To finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins (Daniel 9:24) These two phrases counsel Israel to stop sinning, however, the following two phrases make it clear that their main message is Messianic.
To make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24) Although Israel’s true repentance and subsequent obedience might in a sense make reconciliation for iniquity, in reality, only the death of Christ could truly make reconciliation. And certainly, no matter how obedient Israel was after their forgiveness, they could never of themselves bring in everlasting righteousness.
The life and death of Jesus Christ would fulfil all four phrases, and indeed, this is the message God was giving to Israel in this prophecy -- the Messiah was coming.
To seal the vision and prophecy (Daniel 9:24) This section is very important, but it must be seen in the light of the total prophecy. Remember, Daniel 9 is an explanation of the unclear sections of Daniel 8 regarding the daily (tamid), the sanctuary and the prophetic time.
How would the seventy weeks seal the vision and prophecy?
The only way is by linking the two prophecies together. You see, in Daniel 8 God has said the sanctuary would be tsadaq (restored, vindicated, cleansed) at the end of the 2300 days, but we have no idea when that would be. But if the timing of both prophecies relate to each other, there is a way for us to calculate the end.
If the prophetic periods are not linked together, there is nothing in all Scripture that gives the beginning of the time period of Daniel 8.
After all, 2300 years is a long prophecy, the longest in the Bible, and with such a long wait for its fulfilment, Bible students could grow weary and doubt it would ever be fulfilled. So God made provision for this possibility. By bringing the ‘seventy weeks’ to its culmination, the end of the 2300 is secure or sealed.
To anoint the most holy (Daniel 9:24) This last phrase has three meanings. The word anoint in Hebrew is meshach, which means ‘to anoint, to rub with oil, to consecrate. (Strongs 4886) (This is where the word Messiah [Meshiach] comes from, meaning ‘the Anointed One’. Christos in Greek means the same)
(a) The anointing of the Messiah to begin His earthly ministry. (Acts 4:27. Luke 4:18. Acts 10:38. Hebrews 1:9) Certainly Christ was anointed by God’s Spirit when He was baptised in the Jordan, but it was not His first anointing. He came as the Anointed One -- the Meshiach -- already anointed in eternity. However, the prophecy can refer to the beginning of His earthly ministry.
(b) As the prophecy relates to the sanctuary, it also refers to the anointing of the heavenly sanctuary at the beginning of Christ’s ministration. (The same word meshach is used to anoint the tabernacle [sanctuary, temple], the altar, the laver, the priests, a king. Exodus 30:26; 30:30; 40:10.11. Judges 9:8. Strongs 4886)
(c) The anointing of the ark of the covenant still hidden in a cave in Jerusalem. Why would this need to be anointed?
Although we now know a number of things about the 490 years, we still do not have any dates.
“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.” Daniel 9:25.
Again, there are a number of points to consider.
Unto Messiah the Prince (Daniel 9:25) In this phrase is given the possibility of knowing the time of the coming of the Messiah. Obviously this is what the Jewish leaders did not want the people to understand.
Seven weeks and three score and two weeks (Daniel 9:25) This section actually gives two events.
(a) The rebuilding of the wall and streets of Jerusalem. This was completed at the end of the first time period, the seven weeks or 49 years. The work began with ‘troublous times’, obviously it ended this way too..
(b) The arrival of the Messiah would be at the end of the total of both periods – the seven weeks and the three score and two (62) weeks, a period of 483 weeks/years. (49 + [62 x 7 = 434 weeks] = 483 weeks or years)
490 weeks-years
!___________________________________________________________!
Wall and street rebuilt Arrival-Messiah
!_______49____________________________! 483
But what about the starting time?
From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25) Remember that Israel is still a captured nation. This part of the prophecy says there will be a decree to give permission to return home.
When did the command go forth to rebuild Jerusalem?
It is an interesting fact that Cyrus the king of Persia wrote a decree for the children of Israel to return to their own city and to rebuild it.
Why would a Persian king want to rebuild Jerusalem?
Josephus the historian wrote, “This [that he was to return the Jews to Jerusalem] was known to Cyrus by his reading the book which Isaiah left behind him of his prophecies; for this prophet said that God had spoken thus to him in a secret vision: ‘My will is, that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, send back my people to their own land, and build my temple’. This was foretold by Isaiah one hundred and forty years before the temple was demolished.
Accordingly, when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfil what was so written; so he called for the most eminent Jews that were in Babylon, and said to them, that he gave them leave to go back to their own country, and to rebuilt their city Jerusalem, and the temple of God, for that he would be their assistant….” Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews. Whiston’s translation Bk ii, chap I par 2. Philadelphia: The John C. Whiston Company.
Isaiah had written the words of God regarding 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.” Isaiah 44:28.
Cyrus wrote, “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. ” Ezra 1:2.3. (Bracket in quote)
In response to this decree, forty two thousand three hundred and sixty chose to return, plus seven thousand three hundred and thirty seven servants and two hundred singers. Ezra 2:64.65.
Although it sounds like a great number, it really was not a good response. Most of the people found it too difficult to uproot their homes and families and travel to the desolate area of Judah. Some needed more time; others were called to go later. Many had given up their faith and were Babylonians in heart, if not in practice.
And for those who did travel, it was difficult. When the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were beginning to build the temple, they volunteered to assist them. Zerubabel refused to allow it, saying they would build the temple “as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.” Ezra 4:3.
Then the true spirit of the adversaries was shown, for “then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building. And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.” Ezra 4:4.5. (This is not Darius the Mede who conquered Babylon. After Cyrus came Cambyses, then a usurper (a false king) for a short time, then Darius I)
Finally it became too difficult for the work to continue and a delegation was sent to king Darius to ask that a search be made for the decree of Cyrus. Darius had the archives searched and the decree was found. (Ezra 5) He then issued a decree in which he confirmed the decree of Cyrus, giving his own permission for the work to continue.
To the adversaries he wrote, “Let the work of this house of God alone: let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place…. Whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon….” Ezra 6:7.11.
Again the work continued, and finally the temple was completed. The city wall and the streets were still to be built. Eventually Darius I died. Xerxes I (Ahaseurus) next ruled the kingdom, and after him came Artaxerxes I.
While Artaxerxes I (Longimanus) was ruling, Ezra the Jewish scribe requested of him a letter to take to Jerusalem. The king responded with a decree.
“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 free will to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee…. 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…
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?…
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 law 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…” Ezra 7:13.21.23.25.26..
This decree gave permission for Israel to become a nation in its own right, having its own king and laws of government, something the previous decrees had not included.
By now you are probably wondering which decree would fulfil the prophecy. Was it the first one of Cyrus? The second one of Darius? Or the third one of Artaxerxes?
The Bible gives the answer. “And the elders of the Jews builded, and the 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.” Ezra 6:14.
In this verse, God has shown that all three decrees are one command, with the final one giving full autonomy to Israel. The date for the going forth of the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem was the “seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.” Ezra 7:7.
This year is shown in Ptolemy’s Canon, a record of the reign of kings from Nabonassar, February 26, 747 BC. It is expressed in Egyptian years, and includes the Accession year, the Olympiads and the eclipses.
Speaking of Ptolemy’s Canon, H. Grattan Guinness wrote, “The value of it is that it interweaves a series of ancient dates with a series of celestial positions. It contains a complete catalogue of the succession of Babylon, Persia, Grecian, and Roman monarchs, from Nabonassar to Hadrian and Antoninus, together with the dates of their accession and the duration of their reigns. Its astronomic events are referred to definite historic dates and by this connection there is conferred on the latter the character of scientific certainty.” Light for the Last Days. H. Grattan Guinness. Appendix A p295.296. London. 1898.
It was written in Greek and translated into Arabic, Persian, Hebrew and Latin, becoming the textbook of astronomic knowledge both in the East and in Europe. It retained that high post for almost fourteen centuries or till the time of Copernicus, the birth of modern astronomy.
Artaxerxes’ Accession year was 465 BC, making the first year of his reign 464 BC.
His seventh year was in 457 BC. (Artaxerxes’ details below)
Why is this so important?
Because its consequences are vital for the vindication of Christ and His ministration in the heavenly sanctuary, not to mention the judgment of the redeemed -- the last work in the plan of redemption before the coming of Christ.
Continuing the prophecy.
“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.” Daniel 9:26.27. (For the last word in the text, the margin gives the alternate word ‘desolator’, which gives the correct meaning to the text)
Again we will take each section separately.
After threescore and two (62) weeks shall Messiah shall be cut off (Daniel 9:26) This is not another time of the same length. The 49 weeks is omitted because the emphasis is on the coming of the Messiah.
The word for ‘cut off’ in Hebrew is karah. (Strongs 3772) It is a frequently used primary root meaning ‘to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication to destroy or consume etc’. It is used for a number of things, such as cutting off / down idols, groves, garments, nations, heads and feet, cutting animals in sacrifice, including a death threat to Jeremiah. “… let us cut him off from the land of the living..” Jeremiah 11:19.
Note the same terminology in another chapter when speaking of the Messiah. “For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.” Isaiah 53:8. This text used an infrequent Hebrew word – gazar. (Strongs 1504) It is a primary root that means ‘to cut down or off, (fig) to destroy, divide, exclude or decide.’ It can be used to cut down wood or to cut off a flock from the field, but in the above text it definitely means to put to death.
So from this phrase of Daniel 9:26 we learn that the Messiah will be killed after 483 years of the prophecy.
After 69 prophetic weeks = 483 years
457BC AD 27
!__________________________________________!______!
(Note: 457BC from 483 = AD26, but when transferring from BC to AD, there are two years 1: BC1 - 1AD. One must be added to the final date, making it AD27)
But not for Himself (Daniel 9::26) Jesus would die a sacrifice, but not for Himself. “For the transgression of my people was He stricken.” Isaiah 53:8.
Jesus was without sin. He was a perfect sacrifice, and He died for your sins and mine. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6.
In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation (something offered to God) to cease (Daniel 9::27) You will remember that the sacrificial system was designed to teach the true sacrifice for sins and the death of the Messiah. Once Christ had died, the sacrifices were of no value.
The sanctuary services were “a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” Hebrews 9:9.10. The ‘time of reformation’ was the death of Christ.
So when Christ died, all sacrifices, oblations, meats, drinks, feasts, washings, ceremonial cleansings, carnal ordinances of the sanctuary were to cease.
The prophecy has one ‘week’ remaining, and in Daniel 9:27 we are told that Christ would die “in the midst of the week”.
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