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In Daniel 9:24-27 what is meant by the seventy sevens?

In Daniel 9:24-27 what is meant by the seventy sevens?
Redemption The Bible Things in the Bible

TL;DR:

The seventy sevens in Daniel 9:24–27 mark amazing fulfillments and yet-to-be fulfilled prophecies. The seventy sevens call us to know God’s Word and to trust in the One who is sovereign over today, the seventy sevens, and the future.

what does the bible say?

The seventy sevens refers to 490 years, 483 of which have been fulfilled, with a future seven-year period of prophecy yet to take place in the future. We believe this will occur after the rapture during the seven-year tribulation described in Revelation.

At the time Daniel wrote the prophecy in Daniel 9:24–27, Jerusalem had been destroyed and its citizens killed or deported to Babylon. The prophecy includes both fulfilled and future events, predicting the coming of an "Anointed One" (Christ) and future tribulations involving a ruler who will desecrate the temple. Comparing Daniel with Revelation, it appears the Antichrist will destroy Jerusalem and the sanctuary during the tribulation. It seems the Antichrist will confirm a covenant for seven years and desecrate the temple at the midpoint of that timeframe. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans, encouraging us to trust in His Word and to remain steadfast in our faith.

from the old testament

  • At the time Daniel wrote the prophecy in Daniel 9:24–27, Jerusalem had been destroyed and its citizens killed or deported to Babylon. The prophecies in this section vary in near and future fulfillment, meaning some of the prophecy has been fulfilled and some will be fulfilled in the future.
  • In Daniel 9, Daniel prayed for his nation and then Gabriel came to him and gave him the prophecy in Daniel 9:24–27.
  • Daniel 9:24 begins with seventy "sevens" (NIV) (or "weeks" in ESV and some other translations) until the restoration of Jerusalem. "Sevens" or "weeks" is a reference to a period of seven years. So seventy weeks means 490 years.
  • Daniel 9:25 describes a period of seven sevens and sixty-two sevens from the issuing of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of an "anointed one" who would be "put to death" (Daniel 9:26 NIV). The Anointed One is referring to Jesus Christ who was put to death to die on a cross for our sins. This period of time (7 times 7 years, plus 62 times 7 years) equals 483 years. Jewish years were 360 days each; 483 years would equal 173,880 days. This is equal to 476 years and 25 days using today's Western calendar system.
  • Daniel 9:26 then speaks of a future prophecy. Though some try to connect these events with events that occurred in the first century, specifically AD 70, it appears these events are not yet fulfilled. Verses 26–27 note: "The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him" (NIV).

from the new testament

  • Comparing Daniel 9:24–27 with prophecies in Revelation, it appears a coming Antichrist ("the ruler who will come") will destroy Jerusalem and the sanctuary during the middle of the tribulation period. There will be a flood, war, desolations, and a covenant for one "seven" (seven years). He will desecrate the temple at the midpoint of the tribulation and ultimately be defeated at his "decreed" end.

implications for today

The prophecy in Daniel 9:24–27 provides a profound reminder of God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans over time. Daniel's prayer for his nation and the subsequent revelation through Gabriel offer us a model of intercessory prayer and reliance on divine guidance amidst challenging circumstances. We can find assurance in the accuracy and reliability of God’s Word. The historical fulfillment of these prophecies encourages us to trust in the yet-to-be-fulfilled aspects of Daniel’s vision, reminding us that God’s plans unfold according to His perfect timeline. In our contemporary context, this prophecy calls us to remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, recognizing the ongoing spiritual battles and the ultimate victory promised in Scripture. It challenges us to maintain hope and perseverance, knowing that despite current tribulations, God is at work and will bring about His decreed end. This passage also encourages us to pray fervently for our communities and nations, seeking God’s intervention and wisdom in the face of uncertainty and turmoil.

understand

  • The seventy sevens represent 490 years, divided into segments that include the restoration of Jerusalem and significant future events.
  • After 483 years, the seventy sevens prophecy predicts the coming and death of the Anointed One, Jesus Christ, which already occurred.
  • The final seven years involve a future ruler (the Antichrist) who will desecrate the temple, leading to a period of tribulation before his ultimate defeat.

reflect

  • How does the fulfillment of the first 483 years of the seventy sevens prophecy strengthen your faith in the accuracy of God's Word?
  • What is the importance of prayer in the midst of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled? In what ways can you apply the example of Daniel's intercessory prayer for his nation in your own prayer life today?
  • How does understanding the future fulfillment of the final seven years of prophecy impact your perspective on current events and the future? How does it impact your personal life and how does it impact your urgency in sharing the gospel with others?

engage

  • Most who study Daniel note the starting point of the seventy sevens prophecy as 445 BC. The decree issued in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, in the Hebrew month of Nisan (Nehemiah 2:1–8), is seen as the starting point for the seventy sevens. This decree specifically addresses the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and city infrastructure. The calculation is: 445 BC + 483 years = AD 39 (since there is no year 0, the actual count is 483 - 1 years). However, adjusting for the Jewish lunar calendar (360-day years), the calculation results in AD 33. This date closely aligns with the crucifixion of Jesus, traditionally dated around AD 30—33. (In particular, Harold Hoehner's Chronological Aspects of the Life of Jesus Christ persuasively argues the exact number lands in AD 33 on Palm Sunday when Jesus arrives as the Anointed One and is soon killed or "cut off" (Daniel 9:26).
  • How does the prophecy of the seventy sevens enhance our understanding of God's sovereignty and His plans for the world?
  • How should the knowledge of a future tribulation period influence the way we live our lives and engage with our communities?

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