Greetings, friends! We have received a very intriguing question on our Telegram channel about the seventy weeks of Daniel, specifically, when will the final week begin or has it already started?
If any of you have ever attempted to delve into this topic and found it too complex, today we have good news for you! So, what exactly is a “seventy week”? It’s a period of time consisting of 7 years.
Chapter 9 of the Book of Daniel
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 9:27
At some point in the past, by someone highly authoritative, it was said: “Folks, this refers to the ‘man of sin’ or ‘beast’ from Revelation chapter 13.” Subsequently, theories have emerged about this beast taking a seat in the temple and claiming to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4). (The topic of the temple is not being addressed at the moment.)
In the middle of his reign, he will disrupt the established peace, and then a great tribulation will unfold for 42 months (which is an additional 3.5 years).
Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to this question: where is there even a mention of this beast in verse 27 of Daniel chapter 9? Well, it states that “in the midst of the week, the sacrifice will cease” (that’s the first point), and that “destruction will come upon the desolator” (that’s the second point).
What do I constantly remind you of? When studying the Bible, it’s essential to rely on direct texts, without embellishment or speculation. If the text isn’t explicit, one should consider the entire context.
If we take into account the entire context of the seventy weeks, starting from verse 24, we find no mention of the man of sin. Instead, it speaks of Christ as the Lord! It is precisely Christ who is the centerpiece of this prophecy!
Daniel 9:24-26:
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.
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.
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.
Starting Point and Prophecies
We need to clarify the starting point. There were a total of four decrees for the restoration of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. Let’s consider the third decree issued to Ezra, which speaks of the return of the exiles, the renovation of the temple, and the offering of sacrifices on behalf of King Artaxerxes (Ezra 3). The other three decrees do not have clear historical dates.
So, 69 weeks correspond to the year 26 AD. This year was marked by the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and His anointing with the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, the 70th week began. For 3.5 years, Jesus walked the Earth and taught people. Don’t be confused by the phrase “after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off.” How is this possible?
The 26th verse provides general information, while the 27th verse provides more detailed insights. In the 26th verse, we learn that Christ will be betrayed and crucified. However, it also mentions that the city and the sanctuary will be destroyed.
This ultimately happened in the year 70 when the Roman army invaded and devastated Jerusalem. This event also does not fit within the completion of the 62 weeks. Therefore, the 26th verse does not provide absolutely precise information but rather indicates that certain events will occur after the 62nd week.
Let’s Return to Verse 27
“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering…” — this refers to our Savior (Matthew 26:26-28). In the middle of the week, when Christ is crucified, firstly, God the Father accepts His death as a sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-18), and secondly, the temple veil is torn in two, symbolizing the end of temple worship (Matthew 27:51). Continuing: “…on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.”
In Matthew 24:15, the Lord Himself quotes Daniel and reminds us of the “abomination of desolation.” What does this mean? Evangelist Luke conveys Jesus’ words more clearly:
“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.” Luke 21:20
This is a direct reference to how the Roman legions will surround and destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD. It’s quite straightforward.
When does the second half of the week occur?
The second half begins with the coming of the beast. A period of 42 months (3.5 years) marks his rule and ends with the second coming of Jesus Christ on the Mount of Olives (as He promised), the destruction of his army in the Valley of Megiddo (Armageddon), and the casting of the beast and his false prophet alive into the lake of fire!
After all 70 weeks have concluded (Daniel 9:24), transgression will indeed be finished, the end of sins will truly occur, reconciliation will come because of iniquity, and everlasting righteousness will be brought for God’s children. Then, the salvation of ALL Israel will come.
Friends, the Lord’s coming is near!
In God’s peace, goodbye!
For those who want to delve deeper, here is a link to a more detailed analysis (we may not share all the views of this author).
