SEVENTY WEEKS

Near the end of that historical period known as the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Daniel received a marvelous revelation that involved the unveiling of future events relative to the coming of Christ. The narrative is recorded in Daniel 9:24-27. The prophecy may be studied from three viewpoints. (a) It describes certain things to be accomplished by the coming of the "anointed one," (the Messiah). The Christ will: finish transgression, make an end of sins, and effect reconciliation for iniquity. Further, he will usher in a plan for everlasting righteousness, he will seal up vision and prophecy, terminate animal sacrifices, and make firm a new covenant. These descriptives detail the redemptive mission of Jesus. (b) A specific chronology is set forth, under the symbolism of "seventy weeks," literally, 490 years. The starting point is with "command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem" (457 B.C.), and the terminal point is that time when the "anointed one" is "cut off," (i.e., the death of Christ - A.D. 30). Ancient Jerusalem would be rebuilt within the first "week" (49 years). The second division (434 years) would end with the commencement of Jesus' ministry. In the "midst" if the final week (after a ministry of three and one-half years), the Messiah would be "cut off" (die). (c) Finally, the consequences of the Jews rejection of their Messiah are detailed. The Roman "prince" (Titus) would come and assault Jerusalem. The city would be desolated by this abominable force, and the Jewish temple would be destroyed. Jesus referred to this prophecy in his Olivet discourse (see Mt. 24:15). See ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.