We are presently involved in the study of Daniel’s Seventy Weeks Prophecy. In previous studies we have come to understand that this prophecy points to the latter days of the Jews, which were prophesied by Moses (Deuteronomy 31:29), wherein his song in chapter 32 shows they would be in a state of rebellion during these days. The latter days are also described as the time of the end (Daniel 8:17; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9). Nevertheless, however we understand these days, they must end in the first century AD, because all the prophecies or visions in the Book of Daniel come to their conclusion during the time of the four kingdoms referred to in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter two. Each and every vision or prophecy in Daniel refers to and expands upon Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image. Therefore, everything that Daniel records later must be understood in the context of, and is limited by, the vision of Nebuchadnezzar’s image!
So, after the first division of 7 weeks (49 years) and the second division of 62 weeks (434 years) are complete, which total 69 weeks (483 years), the final division of one week (7 years) begins immediately afterward (Daniel 9:27). While many, today, believe the seventieth week was cut off from the previous 69 prophetic weeks and represents the final 7 years at the end of this age, just prior to Jesus’ return, this is impossible, if context means anything. These are the latter days Moses mentioned (Deuteronomy 31:29), which are the same as the last days that Jacob referred to when prophesying about his family (Genesis 49:1), and they incorporate the time of the end referred to by Gabriel (Daniel 8:17; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9). Finally, all of these things concern Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter two, expanded upon by the rest of Daniel’s visions throughout the book, and in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the Kingdom that is set up (Daniel 2:44), which can be none other than the Kingdom of God that Jesus referred to—that Kingdom will never end according to Daniel 2:44! So, how can the latter days (Deuteronomy 31:29) or the last days (Genesis 49:1) or the time of the end (Daniel 8:17; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9) refer to our days or beyond our day? There simply are no last days, latter day or time of the end in our future as that pertains to the Gospel age. It is the age that never ends (Ephesians 3:21)!
Therefore, Gabriel’s mention of the Messiah being cut off (Daniel 9:26) refers to the crucifixion of Christ (Messiah), as recorded in the Gospels. This occurred 3 ½ years into the ministry of Jesus, which answers to the midst of the week of Daniel 9:27. Gabriel elaborates saying he is cut off, “but not for himself” (Daniel 9:26). The meaning of this phrase has led to much controversy among the scholars. How I take it is that in his death he has lost his power or authority, namely his office as the anointed Prince, over the Jews, as a covenant people. He had no successors, and, therefore any reign he might have had as King of the Jews, and reigning upon a physical throne in physical Jerusalem, ended with his crucifixion. Therefore, and in light of this unexpected event (i.e. that the Jewish Messiah would die, cp. John 12:34), the prince that shall come (later) will destroy the city and the sanctuary in the ensuing flood of war. Thus, the judgement of God upon the Jewish nation that is determined in the prophecy will occur.
Nevertheless, Gabriel told Daniel that before the destruction, the Messiah would confirm the covenant for one week (7 years). What covenant? The Old Covenant ends with the destruction of the Temple in AD 70. The Messiah confirms the New Covenant with many (cp. Jeremiah 31:31). However, In the middle of the week (3 ½ years) Gabriel says, “my Sacrifice and Drink Offering shall be taken away” (Septuagint; verse-27), referring to the crucifixion. Jesus is the Offering made to God.
There is yet 3 ½ years to fulfill (Daniel 9:27), and this was fulfilled by Jesus’ disciples from the time of Pentecost in AD 31 to the stoning of Stephen in AD 34 on or about the time of the Day of Atonement (which will be discussed further, when we come to the 1290 days of Daniel 12:11). The stoning of Stephen represents the first time that blood was shed since Christ’s crucifixion. The time of comparative peace was 3 ½ years.
After these things, the crucifixion of Jesus and the stoning of Stephen, there would be no forgiveness for the nation or prolonging of the Old Covenant. While the Gospel would go out to draw believing Jews into a relationship with their God, the nation was destined to be destroyed, fulfilled in AD 70, and the Old Covenant ended with the destruction of the Temple, which, in so far as I am able to see in the scriptures, would never be rebuilt again.
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