The 70th Week of Daniel
The phrase "seventy weeks" literally means "seventy sevens" (Hebrew: for "week" is shabuwa` (HSN-<H7620>), seven).
Seventy Sevens of Years
(1) Daniel's prayer, to which this vision was an answer, did not concern days, but years (Dan. 9:2).
(2) The last "week" is one and is divided into 2 parts, the last half explained to be 3 1/2 years, as proved in the following notes.
(3) If the last half of the 70th week is 3 1/2 years, then the first half is also 3 1/2 years, making the one seven of Dan. 9:27 to be 7 years.
(4) If the last or one "week" is a period of 7 years, the other "weeks" are also 7 years each. The whole period, therefore, is 70 x 7 = 490 years.
2. Division of the Seventy Weeks:
They are divided into three main periods:
(1) The 1st division -- 7 weeks, 49 years for the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:25)
(2) The 2nd division -- 62 weeks, 434 years from the completion of the city at the end of the 49 years to the time the Messiah is cut off or crucified for men (Dan. 9:25-26)
(3) The 3rd division -- one week, 7 years, the last 7 years of this age, ending with the 2nd advent of Christ to fulfill the 6 events of Dan. 9:24
Whom Do The Seventy Weeks Pertain?
The whole 490 years are determined (Hebrew: chathak (HSN-<H2852>), cut off; marked off; decreed) to be fulfilled concerning thy people (Daniel's people) and thy holy city (Daniel's native city, Jerusalem) to fulfill the 6 events of Dan. 9:24. They do not concern the church in any sense. In fact, the church was not begun until after the 69th week, and it will be raptured before the 70th week begins (notes, 2Th. 2:7-8; Rev. 4:1).
When Do They Concern Israel and Jerusalem?
Not during any time that she has been scattered among the nations. The 70 weeks concern Israel as a nation at Jerusalem. Since Israel was scattered and her city and temple destroyed in 70 A.D., since the 6 events of Dan. 9:24 have not yet been fulfilled, and since the 69th week ended at the crucifixion of Christ, the 70th week is the only part left to be fulfilled. During this time, the 6 events of Dan. 9:24 will be fulfilled. Still in the future, it will be fulfilled when Israel as a nation gets control of Jerusalem again.
Six Purposes Of The 70th Week – The Great Tribulation (Dan. 9:24):
(1) "To finish (put an end to) the transgression." The Hebrew word pesha` (HSN-<H6588>) means revolt; rebel; sin against lawful authority. It is often translated "transgression" (Ps. 51:1; Isa. 43:25; etc.). This transgression has reference to the sins of Israel at Jerusalem, the culmination of their sins when they will be saved from all sin at the return of their Messiah who will turn ungodliness from Jacob and convert the nation in a day (Rom. 11:25-29; Isa. 66:7-10; Ezek. 36:24-30).
(2) "To make an end of sins" concerning Israel and Jerusalem. This has never been done, but will be accomplished at the second coming of Christ (Ezek. 36:24-30; 37:24-27; 43:7; Zech. 14). The Spirit of repentance will be poured out upon Israel just before the second coming, and a fountain for sin and uncleanness will be opened to the whole nation at that time (Zech. 12:10 -- Zech. 13:1; Rom. 11:25-29).
(3) "To make reconciliation (atonement; Hebrew: kaphar (HSN-<H3722>), to cover; make atonement) for iniquity." This was done for Israel and all others on the cross (Isa. 53; Col. 1:20; 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24), but Israel as a nation has not yet experienced this covering for sin. They will be fully reconciled to God at the second coming of Christ (Isa. 1:18-20; 66:7-8; Zech. 12:10 -- Zech. 13:1; Mt. 23:37-39; Rom. 11:25-29).
(4) "To bring in everlasting righteousness." When transgression comes to an end, when an end of sins is made, and when full atonement for all sin is experienced by Israel, then everlasting righteousness concerning Israel and Jerusalem will be ushered in (Isa. 9:6-7; 12:1-6; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14,18,27; Ezek. 43:7; Zech. 14; Lk. 1:32-33; Rom. 11:25-29; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11 -- Rev. 20:10; Rev. 21:1 -- Rev. 22:5).
(5) "To seal up the vision and prophecy." The prophecies concerning Israel and Jerusalem and their eternal restoration under their Messiah will be fulfilled. The word for "prophecy" here should have been translated "prophet." It could also mean that there will be no more need for inspired men to rebuke Israel at Jerusalem in the attempt to lead them to God and righteousness when the Messiah comes, "for all shall know the Lord from the least unto the greatest of them" (Isa. 11:9; 66:7-10; Jer. 31:31-40; Rom. 11:25-29).
(6) "To anoint the most holy." This refers to the cleansing of the holy of holies, the temple, and the city of Jerusalem from the abomination of desolation, the sacrilege of Gentiles; and to the anointing of the Millennial temple of Ezek. 40-43; Zech. 6:12-13. "The most holy" is never used of a person, nor would the Jews ever associate this term with their Messiah who is always distinguished by the simple title, Messiah. Therefore, to teach that this refers to man crowning Christ is out of harmony with Scripture. Man is not to anoint and crown Christ. This has already been done by God the Father (Lk. 22:29; Acts 1:7; 2:36; Php. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21; Dan. 7:13-14).
When Did The Seventy Weeks Begin/End
With the commandment "to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince" (Dan. 9:25). There were three decrees for the restoration of Jerusalem:
(1) The first decree was given during the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (Ezra 1:1-4; 3:8; Isa. 44:28; 45:1-4; 46:11). Cyrus reigned 9 years; then Cambyses, his son, reigned 7 years. In the son's reign the work on the temple ceased (Ezra 4:1-24).
(2) Darius I of profane history reigned 35 years. In the second year of his reign he confirmed the decree made by Cyrus 18 years before. The temple was finished in the sixth year of his reign, but the city was not restored. Xerxes reigned 21 years (Dan. 11:1-3) during which time the city was not yet completed.
(3) Artaxerxes reigned for 40 years. In the 20th year of his reign (444 B.C.) he gave Nehemiah the 3rd decree "to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince" (Dan. 9:25-26; Neh. 2:1 -- Neh. 6:19). From this point the 70 weeks or 490 years are counted. At this point the first division of the 490 years (the 7 weeks or 49 years for the restoration of Jerusalem with streets and the wall) began (Dan. 9:25). Nehemiah restored the walls in 52 days after he reached Jerusalem, but this was by no means the full restoration. That took place during the next 49 years. Thus the 3rd decree to restore Jerusalem was 84 years after the first decree by Cyrus.
The Crucifixion of Messiah – The Second Part of 434 Years
The crucifixion of the Messiah. This was to be after the 62 weeks or 434 years, and was to follow the 7 weeks or 49 years of the restoration of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:25-26). Christ was crucified at the end of the 69th week, not in the middle of the 70th week. The 70th week did not end when Stephen was stoned, for the 6 events of point 5, above, were not fulfilled then, nor have they been fulfilled since then. They cannot be fulfilled with Israel and Jerusalem until the rapture of the church and the revelation of the future Antichrist 2Th. 2:7-8; Rev. 4:1).
The Prince That Shall Come 9:26-27
The people of the prince that shall come (Dan. 9:26). This refers to the Romans who fulfilled this prophecy of the destruction of the city and temple and brought the desolations of Dan. 9:26. This was fulfilled in 70 A.D. (see notes, Lk. 19:41-44; 21:20).
The prince that shall come (Dan. 9:26). This refers to Antichrist who will come from the Roman Empire territory, that is, the Grecian portion, and from the people who destroyed the city and temple of Israel in A.D. 70 (Dan. 9:26; Lk. 21:20-24). He will come from among the 10 kingdoms yet to be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Dan. 7:23-24).
The Church Age- Between The 69th and 70th Week
This period was not seen by the prophets, but it is clear here that certain things were to happen between the crucifixion of the Messiah and the Antichrist who makes the 7-year covenant with Israel in the latter days (Dan. 9:26-27).
Twelve Events Between The 69th and 70th weeks:
(1) Christ was to be crucified at the end of the 69th week (Dan. 9:26).
(2) The Romans were to destroy Jerusalem and the temple between the crucifixion at the end of the 69th week and the 70th week (Dan. 9:26-27).
(3) There was to be a war between the Romans and Israel between the 69th and 70th weeks (Dan. 9:26-27).
(4) Israel was to be defeated by the Romans between the 69th and 70th weeks, or their city and temple could not be destroyed (Dan. 9:26-27).
(5) Israel was to be scattered among the nations by the Romans between the 69th and 70th weeks, or the end of this war would not be as a flood to carry them away (Dan. 9:26-27; Lk. 21:20-24).
(6) Desolations of Israel and their city and temple were to follow the end of the war between Israel and the Romans (Dan. 9:26; Lk. 21:20-24). When Christ comes to defend Israel from Antichrist, Jerusalem and the temple will be rebuilt, not destroyed (Zech. 6:12-13; 14:1-21; Mt. 25:31-46; Rev. 11:15; 19:11-21). Historically, all the above events were fulfilled by the Romans. They crucified Christ about 31 A.D. and destroyed Jerusalem about 70 A.D. These events did not happen in either the 69th or the 70th week. Jerusalem was destroyed about 39 years after the crucifixion of Christ which ended the 69th week.
(7) "The prince that shall come" was to come after the destruction and desolations of Jerusalem (Dan. 9:26-27). Since the Jews were led away captive among all nations in 70 A.D. "the prince that shall come" could not confirm a covenant with Jews to fulfill Dan. 9:27. This remains to be done in the future.
(8) Jerusalem must be restored as the capital of Israel and a temple rebuilt before Antichrist can come and confirm the 7-year covenant with many Jews to fulfill Dan. 9:27.
(9) The city and sanctuary were to be destroyed by the Romans, as in Dan. 9:26. They must be restored before the 7-year covenant of Dan. 9:27 can be made, for the temple is to be made desolate again in the midst of the 7 years. If it was destroyed in 70 A.D. then it could not possibly be made desolate again until its restoration first. Since it has never been restored from 70 A.D. until now, the fulfillment of Dan. 9:27 must be future.
(10) Israel, being broken off because of unbelief at the crucifixion of Christ, must be restored again to their own land and get control of Jerusalem before the 6 events above, can be fulfilled.
Just before the crucifixion Jesus wept over Jerusalem saying, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate . . . . ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Mt. 21:43; 23:37-39; 24:2; Lk. 21:20-24).This is the official rejection of Israel as a nation until the second coming of Christ. God could not have fulfilled the 70th week with them immediately following the crucifixion because of cutting them off at this time. The 70th week remains to be fulfilled when God deals with them as a nation again (Ezek. 37). He cannot do this until the new nation of Israel gets control of Jerusalem again, for the whole 70 weeks concern Israel and Jerusalem (Dan. 9:24). Neither can the 70th week be fulfilled until the temple is built again in Jerusalem (Dan. 9:26-27).
(11) The prince that shall come from the Roman Empire territory is the one referred to in Dan. 9:27 that shall confirm the covenant with many Jews for 7 years. He does not come until after the future 10 kingdoms are formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Dan. 7:23-24), and until after the rapture of the church
Therefore, the 70th week is after these 2 events. The 70th week will be the last 7 years of this age, between the rapture and the second coming (Dan. 9:27). It will be the future tribulation period ending with the second coming. All of Mt. 24-25; Rev. 4-19; Rev. 21; Dan. 7:19-27; 8:9-14,22-25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:1-13, and many other passages will be fulfilled during these 7 years. The great tribulation will be during the last 3 1/2 years (Jer. 30:4-9; Dan. 12:1; Mt. 24:15-24; Rev. 11:1 -- Rev. 19:21). The first 3 1/2 years will be a lesser tribulation due to the fact that Antichrist will be only rising to power (Dan. 7:23-24; Mt. 24:4-14; Rev. 6:1 -- Rev. 9:21).
The present church age rightfully comes in between the 69th and 70th weeks, during which time Israel is rejected by God and scattered among the nations. There is a postponement of the fulfillment of the 70th week immediately following the end of the 69th week due to Israel's rejection and her house being left desolate until God restores it again in the days of the coming of Christ. "When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory" (Ps. 102:16).
The Covenant Between Antichrist and Israel (Dan. 9:27).
The terms of this covenant are not listed, but it is clear it will be a non-aggression pact, perhaps even a military alliance that will enable the Antichrist to gain power over the 10 kingdoms during the first 3 1/2 years of the 70th week (Dan. 7:23-24; 8:23-25; Rev. 17:8-17). It will include the protection of Israel in their national establishment and restoration and assure them at least temporary peace (Dan. 8:25; 9:27; 11:36-45). The length of the covenant is to be 7 years (Dan. 9:27).
The Middle of The Week (Dan. 9:27).
The Antichrist in 3 1/2 years gets power over the 10 kingdoms (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 17:8-17). He then breaks his covenant with Israel, enters and takes over Palestine, and makes the Jewish temple his capital building (Dan. 7:21-25; 8:9-14,22-25; 9:27; 11:36-45; Mt. 24:15-24; 2Th. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:1-18; 17:8-17). He will then do away with all Jewish sacrifices in the temple and set himself and his image in the temple to be worshiped as God. This will continue 2,300 evenings and mornings, or 3 years, 2 months, and 10 days of the 1,260 days of the last 3 1/2 years of the 70th week (Dan. 8:9-14; 9:27; 11:45; Mt. 24:15-22; 2Th. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:1-18).
The End Of The Week
The beast worship and the abomination will continue from the middle of the 70th week through the judgments that will be poured out upon the one making the temple desolate (Dan. 9:27). These judgments will consist of the plagues caused by the 2 witnesses (Rev. 11:3-11) and the vial judgments (Rev. 15 -- Rev. 16) ending with Antichrist's defeat and destruction at Armageddon
68 Post-Rapture Events
These events are from Revelation only. Others could be added from the prophets, as well as Mt. 24 and Lk. 21, etc., but these are enough to serve as an outline of post-rapture events:
1. The 1st seal: rise of Antichrist (Rev. 6:1)
2. The 2nd seal: war (Rev. 6:3-4)
3. The 3rd seal: famine (Rev. 6:5-6)
4. The 4th seal: death and hell (Rev. 6:7-8)
5. The 5th seal: first martyrs (Rev. 6:9-11)
6. The 6th seal: wrath of God (Rev. 6:12-17)
7. The 144,000 Jews sealed (Rev. 7:1-8)
8. The Tribulation martyrs worship (Rev. 7:9-17)
9. The 7th seal: silence in heaven (Rev. 8:1)
10. The 7 angels given 7 trumpets (Rev. 8:2)
11. Priestly angel ministers (Rev. 8:3-5)
12. The 7 angels prepare to sound (Rev. 8:6)
13. The 1st trumpet: hail, fire, blood (Rev. 8:7)
14. The 2nd trumpet: sea to blood (Rev. 8:8-9)
15. The 3rd trumpet: waters poisoned (Rev. 8:10-11)
16. The 4th trumpet: planets darkened (Rev. 8:12)
17. Angel announces 3 woes (Rev. 8:13)
18. The 5th trumpet: the first woe -- loosing of demons to torment people (Rev. 9:1-12)
19. The 6th trumpet: the second woe -- loosing of 200,000,000 demons to slay 1/3 of mankind (Rev. 9:13-21)
20. Temple and city defiled (Rev. 11:1-2)
21. The 2 witnesses appear on earth (Rev. 11:3-12)
22. Great earthquake in Jerusalem (Rev. 11:13)
23. The 7th trumpet: announcements (Rev. 11:15-18)
24. Heavenly temple opened (Rev. 11:19)
25. Sun-clothed woman travails (Rev. 12:1-2)
26. Dragon attacks the man-child (Rev. 12:3-4)
27. Man-child caught up to heaven (Rev. 12:5)
28. The woman flees for 3 1/2 years (Rev. 12:6)
29.War in heaven (Rev. 12:7-12)
30. Satan attacks the woman (Rev. 12:13-16)
31. Satan attacks the remnant (Rev. 12:17)
32. Beast out of sea; Antichrist given power over nations (Rev. 13:1-10,18)
33. Beast out of earth: false prophet begins beast worship (Rev. 13:11-17)
34. The 144,000 Jews, the man-child, presented to God (Rev. 14:1-5)
35. Everlasting gospel preached by an angel (Rev. 14:6-7)
36. Fall of Babylon announced by angel (Rev. 14:8)
37. Doom of beast worshipers announced by an angel (Rev. 14:9-12)
38. Blessing to martyrs announced (Rev. 14:13)
39. Harvest: Armageddon (Rev. 14:14-16)
40. Vintage: Armageddon (Rev. 14:17-20)
42. Tribulation martyrs worship (Rev. 15:2-4)
44. The 1st vial: sores on people (Rev. 16:2)
45. The 2nd vial: sea to blood (Rev. 16:3)
46. The 3rd vial: rivers to blood (Rev. 16:4-7)
47. The 4th vial: great heat (Rev. 16:8-9)
48. The 5th vial: darkness (Rev. 16:10-11)
49. The 6th vial: Euphrates dried up (Rev. 16:12)
50. The 3 unclean spirits: mobilization of nations to Armageddon (Rev. 16:13-16)
51. The 7th vial: great earthquake -- literal Babylon and other cities destroyed (Rev. 16:17-21; 18:1-24)
52. Kings of earth commit fornication with the great whore (Rev. 17:1-5)
53. The great whore martyrs saints (Rev. 17:6-7)
54. The 8th kingdom formed (Rev. 17:8-13)
55. War on the Lamb (Rev. 17:14)
56. War on the great whore (Rev. 17:15-18)
57. Marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:1-10)
58. The 2nd coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-16)
59. Angel invitation to birds (Rev. 19:17-18)
60. Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:19-21)
61. Binding of Satan (Rev. 20:1-3)
62. The first resurrection completed: Millennial reign of Christ begins (Rev. 20:4-6)
63. Satan loosed on earth (Rev. 20:7)
64. The last rebellion on earth (Rev. 20:8-9)
65. Satan sent to hell (Rev. 20:10)
66. The 2nd resurrection: judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15)
67. New heaven and earth: curse removed and paradise restored as before the fall of man (Rev. 21:1 -- Rev. 22:5)
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