We know from history that the command to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” was given by King Artaxerxes of Persia c. From the date of that decree to the time of the Messiah would be 483 years. Gabriel said the prophetic clock would start at the time that a decree was issued to rebuild Jerusalem. Of special note is the third in the list of results: “to atone for wickedness.” Jesus accomplished the atonement for sin by His death on the cross (Romans 3:25 Hebrews 2:17). The prophecy of the 70 weeks summarizes what happens before Jesus sets up His millennial kingdom. Notice that these results concern the total eradication of sin and the establishing of righteousness. Verse 24 says this purpose is 1) “to finish transgression,” 2) “to put an end to sin,” 3) “to atone for wickedness,” 4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness,” 5) “to seal up vision and prophecy,” and 6) “to anoint the most holy.” The prophecy contains a statement concerning God’s six-fold purpose in bringing these events to pass. Verse 25 says, “From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’” Seven “sevens” is 49 years, and sixty-two “sevens” is another 434 years: The final “week” of 7 years is further divided in half. The prophecy goes on to divide the 490 years into three smaller units: one of 49 years, one of 434 years, and one 7 years. These verses provide a sort of “clock” that gives an idea of when the Messiah would come and some of the events that would accompany His appearance. In verse 24, Gabriel says, “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city.” Almost all commentators agree that the seventy “sevens” should be understood as seventy “weeks” of years, in other words, a period of 490 years. As Daniel prayed, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and gave him a vision of Israel’s future. The chapter begins with Daniel praying for Israel, acknowledging the nation’s sins against God and asking for God’s mercy. The “seventy weeks” prophecy is one of the most significant and detailed Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.
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