Seventy weeks are decreed as to your people, and as to your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make atonement for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.
Daniel 9:24
Daniel 9:1-2 In the first year of Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans, in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood the number of the years by books, which came as the word of YHWH to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.
Darius the Mede had conquered Babylon, and Daniel realized that the seventy years the prophet Jeremiah had foretold for Judah’s Babylonian captivity were nearly over.
Jeremiah 29:10 For so says YHWH, When according to My mouth seventy years have been fulfilled for Babylon, I will visit you and confirm My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.
As Daniel prayed earnestly to YHWH—acknowledging their wickedness and pleading for mercy—YHWH sent the angel Gabriel to reveal His future plan for Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
Daniel 9:20-27 Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before YHWH my God for the holy mountain of my God, 21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:
24Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined.
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. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.”
Prophecy is meant to work in such a way that it is fully understood only after the events prophesied have already taken place. This confirms for us that what YHWH declares will happen truly will happen. Prophecy can be used to anticipate future events, but only in a vague or partial sense.
This particular prophecy is, at least in part, already in our past. We know this because it begins with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem after the Jews were allowed to return to the Land, and it mentions the Messiah’s crucifixion—both events that have already occurred. Therefore, we should be able to understand its meaning clearly, at least in part; yet it remains a confusing prophecy, with hundreds of differing interpretations proposed by Bible scholars.
There are many different English translations of the Bible, even though most of them are based on the same Hebrew Masoretic Text. So, how can it be translated so many different ways? Because there are different English words that can be used to replace each Hebrew word, and sometimes they have slightly different connotations in our modern language. The English word chosen by the translator depends on their interpretation of the scriptures, since different translators interpret scripture differently they choose different words. Because of this, some passages of scripture can be difficult to understand in English.
Another reason that scripture can be confusing sometimes is because written Hebrew only has consonants, no vowels. The vowel markings in the Masoretic Text were invented in AD 750-950 by the Masoretes of Tiberias, in Galilee. At this time, they were translating the Tanakh (Old Testament) into Hebrew, likely from the Greek Septuagint, which became the Masoretic Text most English translations are based on today. Many different Hebrew words have the same consonants but different vowel sounds and before the diacritics were invented, readers relied on context to determine which vowel sounds to use. Consequently, the accuracy of the translation would depend on the interpretation of the translator, and not all translators always agree, despite all being fluent in the languages.
What’s the point to saying all this? First, we need to check out more than one translation to understand difficult passages. Second, sometimes we need to look at the words in their Hebrew form for ourselves, with the help of internet resources, and see if there are different English words that fit the text, based on our interpretation of scripture, that are better than the words chosen by the translations we’ve looked at. And third, we need to look at different Hebrew words with the same consonants but different vowel markings to see if there is a different Hebrew word that makes more sense in the passage we’re studying. And we need to understand that doing these three things is not wrong, and we don’t need to be fluent in Hebrew to do it, thanks to the amazing modern resources at our disposal.
With that all being said, we should be able to understand Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy. The fact that it is still confusing, despite being about events in our past, tells us that the way it’s translated may not be completely accurate. So let’s see if there’s a different way of translating it that would make its meaning more clear.
Gabriel said there are 70 weeks that have been decreed for Daniel’s people (the Jews) and for Daniel’s holy city (Jerusalem). As we’ve explained in our studies, Who is Biblical Israel and Israel and the Promised Land, the Israelites were given the responsibility of caring for the Land until Abraham’s Offspring (Jesus Christ) came.
Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
Romans 9:6-8 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
The Land was given to Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), who would come into the world through the Israelite people. However, when He came, the Jewish leaders murdered Him and thought they could keep His Land for themselves. The Land was not given to all of Israel, nor was it given to only the Jews, it was given to Jesus Christ. Once Jesus came into the world through them, YHWH no longer had a need for them to be in the Land. So, Gabriel is telling Daniel that there are seventy weeks that are marked for specific events during the time the Jews are in the Land.
The Hebrew word translated “weeks” is Strong’s h7620 שבוע shabuwa: literally, sevened, i.e. a week (specifically, of years):–seven, week.
Therefore, this time period is seventy weeks of years, not seventy weeks of days.
There are 6 things that Gabriel said would be accomplished over these seventy weeks of years:
- to finish the transgression
- to make an end of sins
- to make atonement for iniquity
- to bring in everlasting righteousness
- to seal up the vision and prophecy
- to anoint the Most Holy
We can recognize that all six of these things are accomplished through Yeshua Messiah, therefore His coming is the main focus of this prophecy.
There are a couple of points we need to establish before we continue with the prophecy.
First, the decree that Gabriel is referring to (to restore and rebuild Jerusalem) was made by Darius II, King of Persia, in 401 BC, as given in chapter 7 of the book of Ezra. To understand the Kings Lists of Media and Persia, please see our study on them here. The generally accepted list and timeline are incorrect, as they contradict scripture, but we explain the correct kings list based on scripture and eye witness accounts, among other tools.
Second, the year that these events took place is dependent on the timeline of history that a person is using. We have a study on the chronology of history from creation to present day, where we describe in detail how we match the dates in historical documents, with the biblical account of years from creation, and with our modern way of reconning time (AD/BC). We highly recommend that you read or watch that study, and even double check our dates yourself based on the methods that we describe for you. You can find that study here.
The third and final point is that Yeshua Messiah’s crucifixion was Friday, April 3, AD 33. Let’s explore the evidence that proves this date. We are not seeking evidence for the crucifixion nor for the three hours of darkness that occurred at Yeshua’s death. These are described in the synoptic gospels, which are the inspired word of YHWH, and therefore we know they are accurate.
Luke 23:44-45 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
We are looking for evidence in historical writings that show the year of Yeshua Messiah’s crucifixion, as scripture does not give us the exact year. A Greek chronicler and historian from the early 2nd century, Phlegon of Tralles, talks about the eclipse and gives us some years that we can use to calculate the year of the crucifixion.
The Testimony of Phlegon Vindicated: or, an Account of the great Darkness and Earthquake at our Savior’s Passion, described by Phlegon. Including all the Testimonies, both Heathen and Christian, in the very Words of the original Authors, during the first Six Centuries of Christianity. With proper Observations on those Testimonies. By William Whiston. From the year 1732.
We will read from pages 25 and 26, and will type out the text as the original uses an old font that can be difficult to read.
Written by Philoponus of the Creation AD 600:
Phlegon also in his Olympiads makes mention of this darkness, or rather of this night: for he says, that In the second year of the 202nd Olympiad, there was the greatest eclipse of the sun which had been known before: and night came on at the sixth hour of the day; insomuch that the stars appeared in the sky. Now that Phlegon also makes mention of that eclipse of the sun which happened at the crucifixion of Christ, and not of any other, is manifest. First, because he says no such eclipse had been known in former times; for there is but one natural way of every eclipse of the sun: for the usual eclipses of the sun… (continued on next page).
…sun happens only at the conjunction of the two luminaries: but that at [the death of] Christ happened at the full moon; which in a natural way is impossible. And in other eclipses of the sun, although the whole sun be eclipsed, it continues without light but a very small portion of time: and at the same time begins presently to clear itself again. But at [the death of] Christ the air continued entirely without light from the sixth hour to the ninth.
The same thing is proved also from the history of [Tiberius] Caesar: For Phlegon says, he began to reign on the 11th year of the 118th Olympiad, and 16 of the other four. That year was the 19th of the reign of Tiberius Caesar; wherein the crucifixion of Christ, for the salvation of the world, happened; as also that surprising eclipse of the sun which happened thereupon in this so unwonted and unnatural a manner.
Tiberius Caesar began his reign in AD 14, therefore, according to Phlegon of Tralles, the 19th year of his reign was AD 33.
Next, we’ll look at a paper by Colin J. Humphreys and W.G. Waddington, from the website Tyndalebulletin.org. We’re only going to highlight the initial summary here, but you can follow the link given to read the entire paper, which explains the thorough process of investigation that led them to their conclusions.
Now that we’ve taken care of that bit of housekeeping, lets pick up from where we left off.
Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times.
The periods of time given as seven weeks of years (49 years) and sixty-two weeks of years (434 years) will start from a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and end with the coming of Yeshua Messiah.
And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;
Now we are looking at only one of those two time periods, only the sixty-two weeks of years (434 years). The decree to rebuild Jerusalem was in 401BC, if we add 434 years to that, we come to AD 33—the year of Messiah’s crucifixion.
the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary
The Roman army laid siege to Jerusalem in AD 70, and completely destroyed the city and burned the temple. Even though many people that made up the army were not Romans, they were still acting on the orders of the Roman emperor, who is the “prince who is to come”.
The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem (1867) by Francesco Hayez, oil on canvas
By Didier Descouens – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132796743
I have heard that the total number of the besieged, of every age and both sexes, amounted to six hundred thousand. All who were able bore arms, and a number, more than proportionate to the population, had the courage to do so. Men and women showed equal resolution, and life seemed more terrible than death, if they were to be forced to leave their country. Such was this city and nation.
Tacitus, Histories, 5.13 (Translated by Alfred John Church)
The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined.
The flood is referring to the immense number of soldiers that flooded the land, not to a water flood. From Wikipedia:
In winter 69/70, Titus arrived from Alexandria and made Caesarea his main base. His forces included several legions, including V Macedonica, X Fretensis, and XV Apollinaris, along with XII Fulminata, which had suffered defeat in 66 CE. […] Additional troops came from detachments of the Legio III Cyrenaica and the Legio XXII Deiotariana from Egypt, twenty infantry cohortes, eight cavalry alae, Syrian irregulars, and auxiliaries supplied by allied vassal kings. According to Tacitus, “a strong force of Arabs”, driven by longstanding enmity toward the Jews, also joined the campaign. This combined force, estimated at a minimum of 48,200 soldiers, was significantly larger than the one deployed for the invasion of Britain in 43 CE.
For the remainder of this passage, we need to consult the original Hebrew to determine which English words best convey the meaning of the text. Hebrew is read from right to left, the opposite of English. There are five Hebrew words in this passage, and we will examine each one separately, underlining our chosen English word or phrase. However, you are encouraged to read this passage in other translations as well, to gain a sense of the many different ways this prophecy can be rendered.
and tillh5704 the endh7093 of the warh4421 desolationsh8074 are determinedh2782.
Strong’s h5704 עַד ad: as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with):—against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-as much as), (hither-) to, how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
In the Hebrew text, h5704 has the prefix waw, which means and; therefore, the translation is and until.
Strong’s h7093 קֵץ kates: an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after:— after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, × process.
The translation of h7093 is the end.
Strong’s h4421 מִלְחָמָה mil-khaw-maw’: a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. war-fare):—battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior).
The translation of h4421 is there will be war.
Strong’s h8074 שָׁמֵם shaw-mame’: a primitive root; to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense):—make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder.
In the Hebrew text, h8074 has two suffixes, waw and tav, together they indicate a plural noun; therefore, the translation is desolations.
Strong’s h2782 חָרַץ khaw-rats’: a primitive root; properly, to point sharply, i.e. (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide:—bestir self, decide, decree, determine, maim, move.
In the Hebrew text, h2782 has one prefix and one suffix. The prefix nun indicates we will and the suffix tav means of.
Therefore, the translation is We will decree (of). The of does not need to be said in English for this sentence.
The word order needs to be changed slightly from the translation so that the full passage reads:
We will decree desolations, and its end will be with a flood; and until the end, there will be war.
Continuing on to the next part of the passage:
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
Many scholars interpret this “he” to be the “prince who is to come,” referring to the so-called Antichrist. They believe that he, the Antichrist, will appear in the end times and make a peace covenant lasting seven years. However, the passage says “confirm” a covenant, not “make” a covenant, implying that it is a covenant already in existence. The word confirm could also be translated as “strengthen.”
This covenant is the one Yeshua made with His bride; He strengthened that covenant by delivering His bride to safety before the flood of soldiers swept through Jerusalem.
There are several historical accounts of the Christians leaving Jerusalem before the flood of Roman soldiers came. We find one in the writing of Eusebius:
This is also the event described twice in Revelation 12:
Revelation 12:5-6 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.
Revelation 12:13-17 And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with a flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
Shortly before the siege of Jerusalem, the Christians recognized the signs that had been given to them of the impending destruction and fled to the desert, out of the land of Judea. We have a record of those signs in the eyewitness account of Josephus. From Wikipedia, we read a bit about who he was:
Flavius Josephus (born Yosef ben Mattityahu; c. AD 37 – c. 100) was a Roman–Jewish historian and military leader. Best known for writing The Jewish War, he was born in Jerusalem—then part of the Roman province of Judea—to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed Hasmonean royal ancestry.
He initially fought against the Roman Empire during the First Jewish–Roman War as general of the Jewish forces in Galilee, until surrendering in AD 67 to the Roman army led by Vespasian after the six-week siege of Yodfat. Josephus claimed the Jewish messianic prophecies that initiated the First Jewish–Roman War made reference to Vespasian becoming Roman emperor. In response, Vespasian decided to keep him as a slave and presumably interpreter. After Vespasian became emperor in AD 69, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the Emperor’s family name of Flavius.
These are the 7 signs that Josephus recorded, we found them on Patheos.com:
Ezekiel 10:3-5, 18-19 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house, when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court. 4 And the glory of YHWH went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of YHWH. 5 And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks. […] 18 Then the glory of YHWH went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim. 19 And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of YHWH, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.
Based on the eyewitness accounts, we understand that many Christians took refuge in Pella, across the Jordan River from the province of Judea.
All of Judea was violently destroyed by the Roman armies and by the civil war between various Jewish factions, so there was no safe place within Judea for the Christians to hide.
The red dot on the map indicates the location of the city of Pella, in the wilderness (or desert), where YHWH had prepared a place for them for 1,260 days.
Historical records show that Rome completely destroyed all of the cities of Judea, not just Jerusalem, and the last city fell in AD 73. From Wikipedia:
…during the winter of 72/73 (or possibly 73/74 CE), led 8,000 troops—including Legio X Fretensis and auxiliaries—to besiege Masada, the last rebel stronghold. When its Sicarii defenders refused to surrender, he established siege camps and a circumvallation wall around the fort, along with a siege ramp, features that remain among the best-preserved examples of Roman siegecraft. The siege lasted between two and six months.
According to Josephus, when it became evident that the last fortification would fall, Eleazar ben Yair, the leader of the rebels, delivered a speech advocating for collective suicide. He argued that this act would preserve their freedom, spare them from slavery, and deny their enemies a final victory. The rebels carried out the plan, with each man killing his own family before taking his own life. When the Romans entered the fortress, they found that 960 of the 967 inhabitants had committed suicide. Only two women and five children survived, having concealed themselves in a cistern. Archaeological work at Masada uncovered eleven ostraca (one of which contained the name of Ben Yair, possibly used to determine the order of suicide), twenty-five skeletons of the defenders, ritual baths and a synagogue. Findings at the site support Josephus’ account of the siege, though the mass suicide’s historicity remains debated.
After the Romans had finished crushing the Jewish nation, it was safe for the Christians to return and the 1260 days of Revelation 12 came to a conclusion.
Continuing with the prophecy:
but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.
The one week of years (7 years) is from AD 66 through AD 73. In the middle of the week, AD 70, the Romans laid siege to Jerusalem and ultimately destroyed the entire city, including the second temple. The complete destruction of the temple put an end to the animal sacrifices and offerings. This was all done by YHWH’s will and plan, therefore, He is the one who put an end to the sacrifices and offerings.
We need to look at the original Hebrew words to better understand the meaning of the rest of this prophecy, because it is confusing with the English words the translators have chosen.
but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrificeh2077 and offeringh4503
Strong’s h2077 זֶבַח zeh’-bakh: properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act):—offer(-ing), sacrifice.
This word means all animal sacrifices and is not the same word used in other prophecies that talk about a regular or continual sacrifice being stopped.
Strong’s h4503 מִנְחָה min-khaw’: from an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary):—gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice.
Matthew 24:1-2 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
When YHWH brought the Roman army on Jerusalem, he ensured that they destroyed the Temple completely, which was the fulfillment of Yeshua’s prophecy. Because of this, the Jews no longer had a place to conduct animal sacrifices and bring their donations.
And onh5921 the wingh3671 of abominationsh8251 shall be one who makes desolate8074, even untilh5704 the consummationh3617, which is determinedh2782, is poured out5413 on5921 the desolateh8074.
There are ten Hebrew words in this passage, and we will look at each one separately and underline our English word or phrase choices. However, you are encouraged to read this passage in other translations as well to get an idea of just how many different ways this prophecy can be translated.
Strong’s h5921 עַל al: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications:—above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, × as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, × both and, by (reason of), × had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off)1, (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to2, touching, × with.
The word h5921occurs twice in the passage.
The first time it has the letter waw as a prefix, which indicates the word and; therefore, the translation is And from off.
The second occurrence has no prefix and is translated to.
Strong’s h3671 כָּנָף kaw-nawf’: an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle:— bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), × flying, (one an-) other, overspreading, × quarters, skirt, × sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed).
The translation of h3671 is the pinnacle of the Temple.
Strong’s h8251 שִׁקּוּץ shik-koots’: disgusting, i.e. filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol:—abominable filth (idol, -ation), detestable (thing).
In the Hebrew text, h8251 has two suffixes, yod and mem, together they indicate a plural noun; therefore, the translation is detestable things.
Strong’s h8074 שָׁמֵם shaw-mame’: a primitive root; to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e. devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense):—make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute1, destroy (self)2, (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder.
The word h8074 occurs twice in the passage.
The first time it has the prefix mem, which indicates from/of/out of/than, and both occurrences of the word have the suffix mem, which indicates third person, plural, possessive (their).
A synonym for destitution is depravity, and we like the strength of that word better; therefore, the translation of the first occurrence is out of their depravity.
The translation of the second occurrence is their destruction.
Strong’s h5704 עַד ad: as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with):—against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
In the Hebrew text, h5704 has the prefix waw, which means and; therefore, the translation is and until.
Strong’s h3617 כָּלָה kaw-law’: a completion; adverb, completely; also destruction:—altogether, (be, utterly) consume(-d), consummation(-ption), was determined, (full, utter) end, riddance.
A more modern way of saying full or utter is very, therefore, the translation is the very end.
Strong’s h2782 חָרַץ khaw-rats’: a primitive root; properly, to point sharply, i.e. (literally) to wound; figuratively, to be alert, to decide:—bestir self, decide, decree, determine, maim, move.
In the Hebrew text, h2782 has two prefixes and one suffix. The prefix waw means and, and the prefix nun means we will, and the suffix hey indicates past tense; therefore, the translation is and that which we have decreed.
Strong’s 5413 נָתַךְ naw-thak’: a primitive root; to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify:—drop, gather (together), melt, pour (forth, out).
The translation of h5413 is is poured out.
When we put all of this together, we get this translation:
And from off of the pinnacle of the Temple, detestable things out of their depravity. And until the very end, and that which we have decreed is poured out to their destruction.
What is it that the Jews did, out of their depravity, that was the detestable thing from off of the pinnacle of the Temple? Eusebius gives us an account of events that took place in AD 66.
An alternate translation of Daniel 9:25-27 is:
Know and understand, from the issuing of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem to Messiah the Prince will be seven weeks of years [49 years] and sixty-two weeks of years [434 years]. In times of affliction, the street and the wall shall be built again. And after sixty-two weeks of years [434 years] the Messiah will be cut-off, but not for Himself.
The people of a coming prince will destroy the city and the sanctuary. We will decree desolations, and its end will be with a flood; and until the end, there will be war.
For one week of years [7 years] He will confirm the covenant with many. And in the middle of the week He will make animal sacrifices and offerings cease. And from off of the pinnacle of the Temple, detestable things out of their depravity. And until the very end, and that which we have decreed is poured out to their destruction.
There are three time periods given: 49 years, 434 years, and 7 years. We have shown how the 434 years and the 7 years have been fulfilled, but there is no historical time period of 49 years that matches the prophecy. This leads us to the conclusion that it is heralding Christ’s second coming, still in our future, and after the Jews have put themselves back in the Land.
The Jerusalem Law was passed by the Knesset on the 30th of July, 1980. The text of the law states:
Basic Law: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel
Jerusalem, Capital of Israel:
1. Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.
Seat of the President, the Knesset, the Government and the Supreme Court:
2. Jerusalem is the seat of the President of the State, the Knesset, the Government and the Supreme Court.
Protection of Holy Places:
3. The Holy Places shall be protected from desecration and any other violation and from anything likely to violate the freedom of access of the members of the different religions to the places sacred to them or their feelings towards those places.
Development of Jerusalem:
4. (a) The Government shall provide for the development and prosperity of Jerusalem and the well-being of its inhabitants by allocating special funds, including a special annual grant to the Municipality of Jerusalem (Capital City Grant) with the approval of the Finance Committee of the Knesset. (b) Jerusalem shall be given special priority in the activities of the authorities of the State so as to further its development in economic and other matters. (c) The Government shall set up a special body or special bodies for the implementation of this section.
Daniel 9:25 Know and understand, from the issuing of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem to Messiah the Prince will be seven weeks of years [49 years] and sixty-two weeks of years [434 years]. In times of affliction, the street and the wall shall be built again.
How many times is Jesus Christ going to come? Twice. And how many time periods are given for his return? Two. Both times are heralded the same way: The street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. However, only His first coming would end in Him being cut-off.
Daniel 9:26 And after sixty-two weeks of years [434 years] the Messiah will be cut-off, but not for Himself…
This shows us clearly that the 7 weeks of years (49 year) is a completely different time period, that will end in the coming of the Messiah, but not in Him being cut off.
If we count forty-nine years from 1980 (the year of the Jerusalem Law), we come to 2029, exactly two thousand years from the year Yeshua began His earthly ministry. Could it mark the year of His return? Will it mark the destruction of the Jews and Jerusalem for a second time?
This timing is significant as it is also supported by the theory that we have to wander for forty jubilee periods in the wilderness, just as the Israelites wandered for forty years. Forty jubilee periods is two thousand years (40×50=2000); which would be AD 2033 when calculated from Yeshua’s crucifixion, or AD 2029 when calculated from when He began his ministry. Perhaps He will return in 2029, spend 3 1/2 years with His bride, then destroy the armies of the nations at the Battle of Armageddon in 2033?
We are not saying that Christ is coming for sure at this time, as the Jerusalem Law may not be the decree to restore and build Jerusalem that the prophecy is referring to. Prophecy is not for us to know in advance the exact time of prophetic events, but so that we know after their fulfillment, that YHWH fulfills all of His promises. Whenever these 49 years occur, though, they are the herald of the second coming of our Messiah!
May you be blessed by this study. Shalom.