Daniel The Key To Prophetic Understanding
The book of Daniel is a record of life and prophetic revelation given to Daniel, a captive Jew carried off by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon after the first conquest of Jerusalem in 600 b.c. We wish to focus on the prophecy pertaining only to Daniel’s people and the city of Jerusalem and to Jesus crucifixion linking Him with the time period of His death. We wish to prove that the “Seventy Weeks” prophetic picture has no reference to the Rapture Theory.
Many theologians use the text from Daniel 9:27 to prove their theory on the Rapture that will be a seven year deal between the Anti-Christ and the Jewish nation, and after the three and half years that the Anti-Christ will try to put an idol in the temple and they will refuse to accept the idol and that is when the Anti-Christ will declare war on the nation of Israel.
.
The prominence of the Messiah in the Old Testament prophecy and the mention of Him in both verses 25 and 26 make the cutting off of the Messiah is one of the most important events in the prophetic enfoldment of God’s plan for Israel and the world; how tragic is that when the promised King came, He had to die.
The true Messiah came at the set time according to what Daniel had spoken in His book written by the prophet Daniel regarding their return, ordered by Darius for Israel to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple until the appearing of Jesus and His crucifixion.
The Babylonian captivity came to pass as Jeremiah prophesied (2 Chronicles 36:13-20) “To fulfill the words of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed the Sabbath: for as long as she lay desolate she kept the Sabbath to fulfill three score and ten (70 years) verse 21.
Daniel knew that the captivity of Israel was about to come to the end and he knew that there was to be a rebuilding of Jerusalem and restoration of the true worship there and Gabriel heard his prayers and revealed to him the future history of his people.
Daniel in chapter 9, having learned from the book of Jeremiah’s prophecy of the doom of the seventy years desolation for the Holy City, a term that was now naturally drawing to the end, set himself to pray for the forgiveness of his people’s sins and the promised deliverance. The angel Gabriel appeared to him, and interprets the year as weeks, with details of the distant future and of the crowning age of divine purpose.
Now comes the interpretation of Daniel’s prophecy regarding the seventy years. Seventy weeks: 490 years are assigned as the time for the ushering in of the age of peace and the consecration of the Holy Place. From the time Cyrus the Great signed a decree for the restoration of Jerusalem, was the date of the formal close of the exile by the king. The seventy times seven is therefore 490 years, with the beginning at the time of “The command to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem” found in verse 25 and culmination 490 years later in verse 27. Before detailing the event to be founded in the first 483 years (69 times 7), the event between the sixty-ninth and the seventieth week we will find the final seven years in verse 24.
The prophetic period of time in question is declared to “Be Determined.” This involves the assumption of a comprehensive plan of God in which future events are certain and conceived of as a part of an overall plan which is being executed by God. A very important aspect of this prophecy given at the start is that the period of time in question relates to “Thy People” and “Thy Holy City.” Even in ruins, Jerusalem remains the city set apart in the heart of God.
Chapter 9 contains one of the most important prophecies in the Old Testament and is presented as a whole in verse 24. The first sixty-nine weeks is described in verse 25. The event between the sixty-nine weeks and the seventieth week are detailed in verse 26. The final period of the seventieth week is described in verse 27.
Once it has been established that the prophecy relates to the people of Israel and the Holy City Jerusalem, six important purposes of God are clearly discerned in verse 24: “to finish the transgression;” “to make an end of sin;” “to make reconciliation for iniquity;” “to bring in everlasting righteousness;” “to seal up the vision and prophecy;” “to anoint the most Holy.”
Daniel introduces three periods of time in verse 25, which are immediately consecutive; first, a period of seven sevens, or 49 years, and then a period of sixty-two sevens, or 434 years, one seven, or 7 years. The continuous fulfillment holds that the seventieth immediately follows the sixty-ninth, and immediately after that, the seventieth week, the sacrifices cease.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the Babylonian Empire, reigned from 605 B.C. to 562 B.C.; it was he who carried away Judah in the 70-year Babylonian captivity. The date of Jerusalem’s captivity, March 16, 597 B.C. was destroyed on a wholesale scale; the temple was destroyed, and it is estimated that 60,000 citizens were carried away to Babylon at this time. The temple was also removed to Babylon but restored again in the days of Ezra (2 Kings 24:1-25; 2 Chronicles 36:1-21; Jeremiah chapter 52). Daniel was one of many young men taken captive.
When Darius, the king of the Mede-Persia, having routed the Chaldean armies occupied the city of Babylon he was made King of Babylon by King Cyrus. It was in this same first year of Darius, as the seventy years of Babylonian’s exile draws to a close, that the Angel Gabriel answered Daniel’s prayers and confession with a revelation of the “Seventy Weeks of Seven (490 years), from the decree for rebuilding Jerusalem under Ezra (Ezra 7:18, 25; 4:12-16) to the Messiah, His death, and the confirming of the gospel to Israel (458 B.C. through A.D.33).
All of the prophecy and all events have been fulfilled to the very letter of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70 years of captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. “And these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12), and after the seventy years, I will visit you causing you to return to this place” (Jeremiah 29:10-14).
Daniel, understanding from the prophesy of Jeremiah that the 70 years captivity was now determined, pours out his soul in fervent prayers to God, and earnestly supplicates pardon and restoration for his captive people. When in supplication of God in behalf of Israel; the Angel Gabriel is sent to inform him of the 70 prophetic weeks, or 490 years which should elapse from the date of the edict to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple to the death of the Messiah.
This great prophecy pertaining to Daniel, the people and the city of Jerusalem linked with a time period of seventy "weeks". Bible students recognize that these seventy weeks or 490 days are symbolic of years-each day representing a year-that is 490 years.” While Christian are generally united in the belief that the “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,” that is 69 weeks (490 years), measure from time the command to go and rebuild both the city and the temple at Jerusalem by Cyrus (Ezra chapter 1) measure unto the "Messiah-the Lord Jesus" and the 70th week following the 69th week.
We believe the fulfilled interpretation is the correct view, that the 69 weeks measure "unto the Messiah," that in the midst of the 70th week-after three and half years of His ministry-He was cut off in death. That this sacrifice being the perfect sacrifice caused other sacrifices to cease. There cannot be a 2000 years gap between the 69th week and the 70th week to fulfill this prophecy of the crucified Christ as they teach.
From going forth of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem unto the Messiah was to be 483 years. When this time was fulfilled, those who knew this prophecy was expecting the appearing of the Messiah that is the Christ. This when John came baptizing, “the people were in expectation, and all men pondered in their heart of John, whether He were the Christ or not,” (Luke 3:15). John plainly told them that he was not the Christ–he was only the forerunner (John 3:28). When Jesus appeared on the scene, John cried: “Behold the Lamb of God!” the time had now come that Jesus should be “made manifest to Israel,” (John 1:29).
Daniel’s prophecy revealed that the time period into the Messiah would be 69 weeks (483 years). This measure to the time when Jesus was baptized and anointed to begin His ministry as the Messiah, the Christ, and the “Anointed One.” The 69 weeks were to measure unto the Messiah, “and after” 69 weeks “shall the Messiah be cut off” (Daniel 9:27). Now after 69 weeks (483 years) does not and cannot mean “in” or “during” the 69 weeks, there is only one-week (7 years) left in which He could have been “cut off” implies that the messiah would not die a natural death. He would be murdered! So also had Isaiah prophesied using an equivalent word: “He was cut off out of the land of the living,” (Isaiah 53:8). The 70 weeks, or 490 years, are divided into three distinct periods, to each of which particular event are assigned. The three periods are—Seven weeks that is King Cyrus gave 49 years to restoration and repairing of Jerusalem after the commission.
The second period of the 62 weeks or 434 years more, commences, the restoring the “Sacred and Civil” establishment of the Jews. At the end of this period is to be dated, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 years). When this time was fulfilled, those who knew this prophecy were expecting the appearance of the Messiah that is the Christ. When Jesus appeared on the scene, John cried” “Behold the Lamb of God!” He had appeared to Israel just at the right time. Daniel’s prophecy revealed that the time period unto the Messiah would be 69 weeks (483 years). This measures to the time when Jesus was baptized and anointed to begin His ministry as the Messiah, the Christ, and the Anointed One.
In Daniel 9:26 the Messiah would be cut off, and the city and the sanctuary will be destroyed. After three and a half years of ministry as the Christ-the Anointed one-Jesus was cut off in death, in the middle of the 70th week of seven years. Understanding this, we can now see real significance in certain New Testament statements, which also speak of a definite time at which Jesus would die.
Within this prophecy we see no connection with the Rapture, the Anti-Christ and the 7-year covenant with the Jewish nation. This great prophecy is linked with a time period of “Seventy Weeks” or 490 years, or symbolic years-each day representing a year-that is 490. While Christians are generally untied in the belief that “seven weeks, and three score and two weeks,” that 69 weeks (483 years) measure from the time the command to rebuild both the city and the temple at Jerusalem by Cyrus (Ezra chapter 1) measure unto the “Messiah-the Lord Jesus, and the 70th week followed the 69 week.
This fulfilled that interpretation and can only be the correct view; that the 69th week measured “Unto the Messiah,” that in the midst of the 70th week-after three and half years of His ministry-He was cut off in death; crucified, hung on the cross; that sacrifice, being the perfect sacrifice, caused other sacrifices to cease; the animal sacrifices done under the Old Testament Laws.
Daniel 9:27 states that, “in the middle of the week, (Wednesday), He shall cause the sacrifice to cease." According to the prophecy, in the middle of the seven-year period (three and one half years), the one who confirms the covenant “shall cause the sacrifices and oblation to cease,” that is all the bloody and non-bloody sacrifices.
This confirmation of the covenant must take in the ministry of John the Baptist with that of our Lord, comprehending the term of 7 years, during the whole time of which He might be well said to confirm or ratify the new covenant with mankind. Our Lord said “the law was until John;” but from His first public preaching the Kingdom of God, or gospel dispensation commenced. In the first half of the week (3 ½ years), in which He exercised Himself in the public ministry, He caused, by the sacrifice of Himself, all other sacrifices and oblations to cease, which were instituted to signify His covenant of the New Testament.
The perfect sacrifice was Jesus Christ. The old system of repeated sacrifices could only end at Calvary-when Christ became the perfect, eternal, and final sacrifice. In addition to Calvary’s sacrifice, “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:18; 26). Further proof that this was fulfilled in Christ is seen in the time element, for the prophecy said that sacrificing would cease in the middle (Wednesday) of the week-70th week. This was when Christ died, for the 69 weeks measured unto the Messiah and His death came after His ministry of three and one half years. And so, after three and one half years of His ministry, the anointed one-Jesus was cut off in death, in the middle of the 70th week of the seventh year.
The first half of the week, “the time of our Lord’s ministry, was definitely directed toward Israel. The final three and one half years that pertained also to Israel. John introduced Him as “The one that should be made manifested to Israel” (John 1:31). Jesus said: “I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). And when He first sent out His apostles, they were directed: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles-go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6), which finished the last 3 ½ years of His prophecy.
The first half of (3 1/2 years) the “week,” the time of our Lord ministry, (He had to be 30 years old before He could start His ministry), was definitely directed towards Israel But what about the second half-of the final three and one half years of the prophecy-was it also linked with Israel? Did the disciples continue to preach for the duration of the remaining three and one half years to Israel? Yes! No 2000 years gap here. Jesus told them to “go not to visit the Gentiles or Samaritan towns, but go instead after the lost sheep of the ten tribes of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).
Then, after the three and one half years had expired, Peter and later Paul turned to the Gentile nation to spread the Gospel of eternal life. Peter was sent to Cornelius' house, a Gentile, to preach Jesus to them. The Gentiles were converted and God approved all by sending the Holy Spirit upon them (Acts 11:13-17).
In our study of the 70 weeks, we have seen that the Anti-Christ is nowhere mentioned of, or referred to; nothing is said about him making and breaking a covenant with the Jews after seven years, or the Jews building a temple for the Anti-Christ to occupy. And after three and one half years, he would pollute the sanctuary by putting in an idol there, then the Jews would rebel and that would start the third world war. Here are some of the scriptures that tell us about the Anti-Christ being in the temple……… Sorry, I have none.
The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple was not dated within the framework of the 70 weeks prophecy, as was the time of the appearance of the Messiah to Israel, the time of His death. We know that the prophecy of the destruction found fulfillment in 70 A.D. when the armies of Titus brought the city to destruction (Daniel 9:26). God marks the Judgment plainly as from Him. Titus himself recognized this: “we fought with God on our side, it is God who pulled the Jews out of those strongholds, for what could the hands of men or machines have availed against these towers.” The infatuation and division of the Jews “shortened those days” in order that “the elect” the seed of future Israel, “might be saved” (Matthew 24:22). The city and temple were totally burnt and destroyed, excepting of the west wall of the upper city. Their place of wailing begins then as now by the wailing wall of the temple; the Jews every Friday at three o’clock wail over their desecration temple.
So we can see that those who advocate the pre-tribulation rapture by using Daniel chapter 9 verse 27, is bogus and a myth. However, untold thousand believe in the secret rapture of the church prior to the tribulation period. This is because the lack of faith of untold thousands don’t want to have to think of suffering through a tribulation time frame. In any case the rapture is a myth, a legend of Protestantism’s own sorcery and has no base in the Holy Scriptures.
Bible study reveals the fulfilling interpretation is the correct view; that the 69 weeks measured “unto the Messiah;” and in the midst of the 70th week-after three and one half years of His ministry- He was cut off in death; that this sacrifice, having been the perfect sacrifice, caused other sacrifices to cease in God's plan. Let us now notice step by step-all of the basic parts of the 70 weeks prophecy and how these things were fulfilled:
(1) Jerusalem was to be restored.
(2) The streets and walls were to be rebuilt in troubled times, under Artaxerexes.
(3) The most Holy was to be anointed.
(4) To finish the transgression.
(5) To make an end of sin.
(6) To make reconciliation for iniquity.
(7) To ring in everlasting righteousness.
(8) To seal up the vision and prophecy.
(9) Messiah was to be cut off.
(10) He shall confirm the covenant
(11) He shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, why not do it now, and escape the things that is about to come upon the earth, He is standing at the door just waiting for you to open the door.
The book of Daniel is a record of life and prophetic revelation given to Daniel, a captive Jew carried off by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon after the first conquest of Jerusalem in 600 b.c. We wish to focus on the prophecy pertaining only to Daniel’s people and the city of Jerusalem and to Jesus crucifixion linking Him with the time period of His death. We wish to prove that the “Seventy Weeks” prophetic picture has no reference to the Rapture Theory.
Many theologians use the text from Daniel 9:27 to prove their theory on the Rapture that will be a seven year deal between the Anti-Christ and the Jewish nation, and after the three and half years that the Anti-Christ will try to put an idol in the temple and they will refuse to accept the idol and that is when the Anti-Christ will declare war on the nation of Israel.
.
The prominence of the Messiah in the Old Testament prophecy and the mention of Him in both verses 25 and 26 make the cutting off of the Messiah is one of the most important events in the prophetic enfoldment of God’s plan for Israel and the world; how tragic is that when the promised King came, He had to die.
The true Messiah came at the set time according to what Daniel had spoken in His book written by the prophet Daniel regarding their return, ordered by Darius for Israel to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple until the appearing of Jesus and His crucifixion.
The Babylonian captivity came to pass as Jeremiah prophesied (2 Chronicles 36:13-20) “To fulfill the words of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed the Sabbath: for as long as she lay desolate she kept the Sabbath to fulfill three score and ten (70 years) verse 21.
Daniel knew that the captivity of Israel was about to come to the end and he knew that there was to be a rebuilding of Jerusalem and restoration of the true worship there and Gabriel heard his prayers and revealed to him the future history of his people.
Daniel in chapter 9, having learned from the book of Jeremiah’s prophecy of the doom of the seventy years desolation for the Holy City, a term that was now naturally drawing to the end, set himself to pray for the forgiveness of his people’s sins and the promised deliverance. The angel Gabriel appeared to him, and interprets the year as weeks, with details of the distant future and of the crowning age of divine purpose.
Now comes the interpretation of Daniel’s prophecy regarding the seventy years. Seventy weeks: 490 years are assigned as the time for the ushering in of the age of peace and the consecration of the Holy Place. From the time Cyrus the Great signed a decree for the restoration of Jerusalem, was the date of the formal close of the exile by the king. The seventy times seven is therefore 490 years, with the beginning at the time of “The command to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem” found in verse 25 and culmination 490 years later in verse 27. Before detailing the event to be founded in the first 483 years (69 times 7), the event between the sixty-ninth and the seventieth week we will find the final seven years in verse 24.
The prophetic period of time in question is declared to “Be Determined.” This involves the assumption of a comprehensive plan of God in which future events are certain and conceived of as a part of an overall plan which is being executed by God. A very important aspect of this prophecy given at the start is that the period of time in question relates to “Thy People” and “Thy Holy City.” Even in ruins, Jerusalem remains the city set apart in the heart of God.
Chapter 9 contains one of the most important prophecies in the Old Testament and is presented as a whole in verse 24. The first sixty-nine weeks is described in verse 25. The event between the sixty-nine weeks and the seventieth week are detailed in verse 26. The final period of the seventieth week is described in verse 27.
Once it has been established that the prophecy relates to the people of Israel and the Holy City Jerusalem, six important purposes of God are clearly discerned in verse 24: “to finish the transgression;” “to make an end of sin;” “to make reconciliation for iniquity;” “to bring in everlasting righteousness;” “to seal up the vision and prophecy;” “to anoint the most Holy.”
Daniel introduces three periods of time in verse 25, which are immediately consecutive; first, a period of seven sevens, or 49 years, and then a period of sixty-two sevens, or 434 years, one seven, or 7 years. The continuous fulfillment holds that the seventieth immediately follows the sixty-ninth, and immediately after that, the seventieth week, the sacrifices cease.
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the Babylonian Empire, reigned from 605 B.C. to 562 B.C.; it was he who carried away Judah in the 70-year Babylonian captivity. The date of Jerusalem’s captivity, March 16, 597 B.C. was destroyed on a wholesale scale; the temple was destroyed, and it is estimated that 60,000 citizens were carried away to Babylon at this time. The temple was also removed to Babylon but restored again in the days of Ezra (2 Kings 24:1-25; 2 Chronicles 36:1-21; Jeremiah chapter 52). Daniel was one of many young men taken captive.
When Darius, the king of the Mede-Persia, having routed the Chaldean armies occupied the city of Babylon he was made King of Babylon by King Cyrus. It was in this same first year of Darius, as the seventy years of Babylonian’s exile draws to a close, that the Angel Gabriel answered Daniel’s prayers and confession with a revelation of the “Seventy Weeks of Seven (490 years), from the decree for rebuilding Jerusalem under Ezra (Ezra 7:18, 25; 4:12-16) to the Messiah, His death, and the confirming of the gospel to Israel (458 B.C. through A.D.33).
All of the prophecy and all events have been fulfilled to the very letter of Jeremiah's prophecy about the 70 years of captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. “And these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11-12), and after the seventy years, I will visit you causing you to return to this place” (Jeremiah 29:10-14).
Daniel, understanding from the prophesy of Jeremiah that the 70 years captivity was now determined, pours out his soul in fervent prayers to God, and earnestly supplicates pardon and restoration for his captive people. When in supplication of God in behalf of Israel; the Angel Gabriel is sent to inform him of the 70 prophetic weeks, or 490 years which should elapse from the date of the edict to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple to the death of the Messiah.
This great prophecy pertaining to Daniel, the people and the city of Jerusalem linked with a time period of seventy "weeks". Bible students recognize that these seventy weeks or 490 days are symbolic of years-each day representing a year-that is 490 years.” While Christian are generally united in the belief that the “seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,” that is 69 weeks (490 years), measure from time the command to go and rebuild both the city and the temple at Jerusalem by Cyrus (Ezra chapter 1) measure unto the "Messiah-the Lord Jesus" and the 70th week following the 69th week.
We believe the fulfilled interpretation is the correct view, that the 69 weeks measure "unto the Messiah," that in the midst of the 70th week-after three and half years of His ministry-He was cut off in death. That this sacrifice being the perfect sacrifice caused other sacrifices to cease. There cannot be a 2000 years gap between the 69th week and the 70th week to fulfill this prophecy of the crucified Christ as they teach.
From going forth of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem unto the Messiah was to be 483 years. When this time was fulfilled, those who knew this prophecy was expecting the appearing of the Messiah that is the Christ. This when John came baptizing, “the people were in expectation, and all men pondered in their heart of John, whether He were the Christ or not,” (Luke 3:15). John plainly told them that he was not the Christ–he was only the forerunner (John 3:28). When Jesus appeared on the scene, John cried: “Behold the Lamb of God!” the time had now come that Jesus should be “made manifest to Israel,” (John 1:29).
Daniel’s prophecy revealed that the time period into the Messiah would be 69 weeks (483 years). This measure to the time when Jesus was baptized and anointed to begin His ministry as the Messiah, the Christ, and the “Anointed One.” The 69 weeks were to measure unto the Messiah, “and after” 69 weeks “shall the Messiah be cut off” (Daniel 9:27). Now after 69 weeks (483 years) does not and cannot mean “in” or “during” the 69 weeks, there is only one-week (7 years) left in which He could have been “cut off” implies that the messiah would not die a natural death. He would be murdered! So also had Isaiah prophesied using an equivalent word: “He was cut off out of the land of the living,” (Isaiah 53:8). The 70 weeks, or 490 years, are divided into three distinct periods, to each of which particular event are assigned. The three periods are—Seven weeks that is King Cyrus gave 49 years to restoration and repairing of Jerusalem after the commission.
The second period of the 62 weeks or 434 years more, commences, the restoring the “Sacred and Civil” establishment of the Jews. At the end of this period is to be dated, “He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 years). When this time was fulfilled, those who knew this prophecy were expecting the appearance of the Messiah that is the Christ. When Jesus appeared on the scene, John cried” “Behold the Lamb of God!” He had appeared to Israel just at the right time. Daniel’s prophecy revealed that the time period unto the Messiah would be 69 weeks (483 years). This measures to the time when Jesus was baptized and anointed to begin His ministry as the Messiah, the Christ, and the Anointed One.
In Daniel 9:26 the Messiah would be cut off, and the city and the sanctuary will be destroyed. After three and a half years of ministry as the Christ-the Anointed one-Jesus was cut off in death, in the middle of the 70th week of seven years. Understanding this, we can now see real significance in certain New Testament statements, which also speak of a definite time at which Jesus would die.
Within this prophecy we see no connection with the Rapture, the Anti-Christ and the 7-year covenant with the Jewish nation. This great prophecy is linked with a time period of “Seventy Weeks” or 490 years, or symbolic years-each day representing a year-that is 490. While Christians are generally untied in the belief that “seven weeks, and three score and two weeks,” that 69 weeks (483 years) measure from the time the command to rebuild both the city and the temple at Jerusalem by Cyrus (Ezra chapter 1) measure unto the “Messiah-the Lord Jesus, and the 70th week followed the 69 week.
This fulfilled that interpretation and can only be the correct view; that the 69th week measured “Unto the Messiah,” that in the midst of the 70th week-after three and half years of His ministry-He was cut off in death; crucified, hung on the cross; that sacrifice, being the perfect sacrifice, caused other sacrifices to cease; the animal sacrifices done under the Old Testament Laws.
Daniel 9:27 states that, “in the middle of the week, (Wednesday), He shall cause the sacrifice to cease." According to the prophecy, in the middle of the seven-year period (three and one half years), the one who confirms the covenant “shall cause the sacrifices and oblation to cease,” that is all the bloody and non-bloody sacrifices.
This confirmation of the covenant must take in the ministry of John the Baptist with that of our Lord, comprehending the term of 7 years, during the whole time of which He might be well said to confirm or ratify the new covenant with mankind. Our Lord said “the law was until John;” but from His first public preaching the Kingdom of God, or gospel dispensation commenced. In the first half of the week (3 ½ years), in which He exercised Himself in the public ministry, He caused, by the sacrifice of Himself, all other sacrifices and oblations to cease, which were instituted to signify His covenant of the New Testament.
The perfect sacrifice was Jesus Christ. The old system of repeated sacrifices could only end at Calvary-when Christ became the perfect, eternal, and final sacrifice. In addition to Calvary’s sacrifice, “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:18; 26). Further proof that this was fulfilled in Christ is seen in the time element, for the prophecy said that sacrificing would cease in the middle (Wednesday) of the week-70th week. This was when Christ died, for the 69 weeks measured unto the Messiah and His death came after His ministry of three and one half years. And so, after three and one half years of His ministry, the anointed one-Jesus was cut off in death, in the middle of the 70th week of the seventh year.
The first half of the week, “the time of our Lord’s ministry, was definitely directed toward Israel. The final three and one half years that pertained also to Israel. John introduced Him as “The one that should be made manifested to Israel” (John 1:31). Jesus said: “I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). And when He first sent out His apostles, they were directed: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles-go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6), which finished the last 3 ½ years of His prophecy.
The first half of (3 1/2 years) the “week,” the time of our Lord ministry, (He had to be 30 years old before He could start His ministry), was definitely directed towards Israel But what about the second half-of the final three and one half years of the prophecy-was it also linked with Israel? Did the disciples continue to preach for the duration of the remaining three and one half years to Israel? Yes! No 2000 years gap here. Jesus told them to “go not to visit the Gentiles or Samaritan towns, but go instead after the lost sheep of the ten tribes of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).
Then, after the three and one half years had expired, Peter and later Paul turned to the Gentile nation to spread the Gospel of eternal life. Peter was sent to Cornelius' house, a Gentile, to preach Jesus to them. The Gentiles were converted and God approved all by sending the Holy Spirit upon them (Acts 11:13-17).
In our study of the 70 weeks, we have seen that the Anti-Christ is nowhere mentioned of, or referred to; nothing is said about him making and breaking a covenant with the Jews after seven years, or the Jews building a temple for the Anti-Christ to occupy. And after three and one half years, he would pollute the sanctuary by putting in an idol there, then the Jews would rebel and that would start the third world war. Here are some of the scriptures that tell us about the Anti-Christ being in the temple……… Sorry, I have none.
The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple was not dated within the framework of the 70 weeks prophecy, as was the time of the appearance of the Messiah to Israel, the time of His death. We know that the prophecy of the destruction found fulfillment in 70 A.D. when the armies of Titus brought the city to destruction (Daniel 9:26). God marks the Judgment plainly as from Him. Titus himself recognized this: “we fought with God on our side, it is God who pulled the Jews out of those strongholds, for what could the hands of men or machines have availed against these towers.” The infatuation and division of the Jews “shortened those days” in order that “the elect” the seed of future Israel, “might be saved” (Matthew 24:22). The city and temple were totally burnt and destroyed, excepting of the west wall of the upper city. Their place of wailing begins then as now by the wailing wall of the temple; the Jews every Friday at three o’clock wail over their desecration temple.
So we can see that those who advocate the pre-tribulation rapture by using Daniel chapter 9 verse 27, is bogus and a myth. However, untold thousand believe in the secret rapture of the church prior to the tribulation period. This is because the lack of faith of untold thousands don’t want to have to think of suffering through a tribulation time frame. In any case the rapture is a myth, a legend of Protestantism’s own sorcery and has no base in the Holy Scriptures.
Bible study reveals the fulfilling interpretation is the correct view; that the 69 weeks measured “unto the Messiah;” and in the midst of the 70th week-after three and one half years of His ministry- He was cut off in death; that this sacrifice, having been the perfect sacrifice, caused other sacrifices to cease in God's plan. Let us now notice step by step-all of the basic parts of the 70 weeks prophecy and how these things were fulfilled:
(1) Jerusalem was to be restored.
(2) The streets and walls were to be rebuilt in troubled times, under Artaxerexes.
(3) The most Holy was to be anointed.
(4) To finish the transgression.
(5) To make an end of sin.
(6) To make reconciliation for iniquity.
(7) To ring in everlasting righteousness.
(8) To seal up the vision and prophecy.
(9) Messiah was to be cut off.
(10) He shall confirm the covenant
(11) He shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.
If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, why not do it now, and escape the things that is about to come upon the earth, He is standing at the door just waiting for you to open the door.