Daniel 9:24-27 Questions and Answers
A. Two Topics in Cycles (JM ... JM)
B. Questions and Answers
C. Daniel 8:14 and 9:24-27, Timeline
Message Dissected
Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression," (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:24b "and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25a "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25c "shall be seven weeks,"(about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:25d "and threescore and two weeks: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:26a "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:26b "and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." (about what happened to Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:27a "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease," (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:27b "and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (about Jerusalem/Israel and about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:24b "and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25a "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25c "shall be seven weeks,"(about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:25d "and threescore and two weeks: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:26a "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:26b "and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." (about what happened to Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:27a "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease," (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:27b "and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (about Jerusalem/Israel and about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:24-27 Questions and Answers
* Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression," (about Jerusalem / Israel)
Q1: What is the "seventy weeks" ?
A: Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks" (70x7= 490 days) become 490 years by applying "each day for a year" (Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34). 490 years period of extended mercy is more than 4 centuries!
Jesus said about forgiving others: "... I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven." Matthew 18:22. Notice that 70x7 = 490 times.
Q2: What does Daniel 9:24 "determined" mean?
A: Hebrew chathak, meaning "to cut-off" (from a larger Bible prophecy i.e., Daniel 8:14 prophecy).
Q3: Who is "upon thy people"?
A: The Jews, Daniel 9: 5, 10.
Q4: What does "upon thy holy city" mean?
A: Upon Israel/Jerusalem, Daniel 9: 11, 16.
Q5: What is transgression? What is sin?
A: 1 John 3:4 says "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". To transgress is to rebel/disobey/disregard God's law.
Q6: How long extended mercy (probation) "to finish transgression" was given to the Jews?
A: 490 years. Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks" (70 weeks x 7 days per week = 490 days). Then apply Ezekiel 4:6 "each day for a year", hence final answer is 490 years.
Q1: What is the "seventy weeks" ?
A: Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks" (70x7= 490 days) become 490 years by applying "each day for a year" (Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34). 490 years period of extended mercy is more than 4 centuries!
Jesus said about forgiving others: "... I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven." Matthew 18:22. Notice that 70x7 = 490 times.
Q2: What does Daniel 9:24 "determined" mean?
A: Hebrew chathak, meaning "to cut-off" (from a larger Bible prophecy i.e., Daniel 8:14 prophecy).
Q3: Who is "upon thy people"?
A: The Jews, Daniel 9: 5, 10.
Q4: What does "upon thy holy city" mean?
A: Upon Israel/Jerusalem, Daniel 9: 11, 16.
Q5: What is transgression? What is sin?
A: 1 John 3:4 says "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". To transgress is to rebel/disobey/disregard God's law.
Q6: How long extended mercy (probation) "to finish transgression" was given to the Jews?
A: 490 years. Daniel 9:24a "Seventy weeks" (70 weeks x 7 days per week = 490 days). Then apply Ezekiel 4:6 "each day for a year", hence final answer is 490 years.
* Daniel 9:24b "and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. (about Messiah the Prince)
Q7: How can "to make an end of sins" be possible?
A: Jesus/God made it possible. The Bible says:
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29;
"...he had by himself purged our sins ..." Hebrews 1:3; and
"... to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself ..." Hebrews 9:26.
Q8: What is "to make reconciliation for iniquity"?
A: Jesus reconciled man to God by His sacrifice-- Isaiah 53, Romans 5:10, and "... God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ..." 2 Corinthians 5:19.
Q9: Who can "bring in everlasting righteousness"?
A: Lord Jesus/God is fallen humanity's only hope and everlasting righteousness. "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS", Jeremiah 23:6; Isaiah 53:11, Romans 3-4.
Q10: What is "to seal up"? "the vision and prophecy"?
A: To seal up (Hebrew chatham) means "to close up" or "to make an end", of the "vision and prophecy" for the Jewish nation, Daniel 9:24a. Jesus taught in His parables (Matthew 21:33-45; Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 23:32-39) that when the kingdom should be taken from the Jews, it would be given to the Gentiles.
Q11: What is "to anoint the most Holy"?
A: Jesus is the Anointed One, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me ..." Luke 4:18. The sanctuary in heaven including its most holy place becomes anointed because of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God sacrifice, John 1:29, 36. Then when he ascended to heaven, as the high priest in the heavenly sanctuary, Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11).
Q7: How can "to make an end of sins" be possible?
A: Jesus/God made it possible. The Bible says:
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29;
"...he had by himself purged our sins ..." Hebrews 1:3; and
"... to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself ..." Hebrews 9:26.
Q8: What is "to make reconciliation for iniquity"?
A: Jesus reconciled man to God by His sacrifice-- Isaiah 53, Romans 5:10, and "... God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ..." 2 Corinthians 5:19.
Q9: Who can "bring in everlasting righteousness"?
A: Lord Jesus/God is fallen humanity's only hope and everlasting righteousness. "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS", Jeremiah 23:6; Isaiah 53:11, Romans 3-4.
Q10: What is "to seal up"? "the vision and prophecy"?
A: To seal up (Hebrew chatham) means "to close up" or "to make an end", of the "vision and prophecy" for the Jewish nation, Daniel 9:24a. Jesus taught in His parables (Matthew 21:33-45; Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 23:32-39) that when the kingdom should be taken from the Jews, it would be given to the Gentiles.
Q11: What is "to anoint the most Holy"?
A: Jesus is the Anointed One, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me ..." Luke 4:18. The sanctuary in heaven including its most holy place becomes anointed because of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God sacrifice, John 1:29, 36. Then when he ascended to heaven, as the high priest in the heavenly sanctuary, Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11).
Daniel 9:25a "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (about Jerusalem / Israel)
Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince (about Messiah the Prince)
Q12: Why is angel Gabriel helping Daniel understand?
A: Because Christ (Jesus) told him to do so, Daniel 8:16 and Daniel 9:23.
Q13: What is so important about "from the going forth of the commandment"?
A: It refers to when the commandment/decree was issued. It is important because it is the starting point of significant Bible prophecies that was eventually fulfilled and is already in the past, for quite a long time now.
Q14: What commandment/decree issued?
A: The commandment "to restore and to build Jerusalem", Daniel 9:25a (last part)
Q15: Who gave that decree?
A: As originated and reaffirmed by all three Persian kings -- Cyrus, Darius, and in its completest form issued by Artaxerxes, Ezra 6:14 and Ezra 7:11-26.
Q16: When did king Artaxerxes' decree went into effect?
A: In the autumn of 457 BC, his 7th year of reign (Ezra 7:7 last part).
Q17: In secular history, when was Artaxerxes first year of reign?
A: 464 BC was the first (1st) year of king Artaxerxes' (a.k.a. Artexerxes Longimanus) reign. See "Persian Kings", from "Daniel's Calendar Decoded from Elephantine Papyri" by Randall Sawyer.
Q18: Can I verify when the seventh year of king Artaxerxes' reign was if I only know his 1st year of reign?
A: Yes, by simply counting seven years from 464 BC (his 1st year of reign). For example: 463, 462, 461, 460, 459, 458, and 457 BC (the seventh year of king Artexerxes Longimanus' reign).
Q19: In Daniel 9:25b, what is "unto"?
A: Unto means to or until.
Q20: What does "the Messiah" mean and who is He?
A: The Messiah means the Anointed One = Christ. He is Jesus ("The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me ..." Isaiah 61:1, "... the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19, and Act 10:38).
Q21: Who is "the Prince"?
A: Daniel 9:25b says he is "the Messiah" which means Christ (Jesus).
Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince (about Messiah the Prince)
Q12: Why is angel Gabriel helping Daniel understand?
A: Because Christ (Jesus) told him to do so, Daniel 8:16 and Daniel 9:23.
Q13: What is so important about "from the going forth of the commandment"?
A: It refers to when the commandment/decree was issued. It is important because it is the starting point of significant Bible prophecies that was eventually fulfilled and is already in the past, for quite a long time now.
Q14: What commandment/decree issued?
A: The commandment "to restore and to build Jerusalem", Daniel 9:25a (last part)
Q15: Who gave that decree?
A: As originated and reaffirmed by all three Persian kings -- Cyrus, Darius, and in its completest form issued by Artaxerxes, Ezra 6:14 and Ezra 7:11-26.
Q16: When did king Artaxerxes' decree went into effect?
A: In the autumn of 457 BC, his 7th year of reign (Ezra 7:7 last part).
Q17: In secular history, when was Artaxerxes first year of reign?
A: 464 BC was the first (1st) year of king Artaxerxes' (a.k.a. Artexerxes Longimanus) reign. See "Persian Kings", from "Daniel's Calendar Decoded from Elephantine Papyri" by Randall Sawyer.
Q18: Can I verify when the seventh year of king Artaxerxes' reign was if I only know his 1st year of reign?
A: Yes, by simply counting seven years from 464 BC (his 1st year of reign). For example: 463, 462, 461, 460, 459, 458, and 457 BC (the seventh year of king Artexerxes Longimanus' reign).
Q19: In Daniel 9:25b, what is "unto"?
A: Unto means to or until.
Q20: What does "the Messiah" mean and who is He?
A: The Messiah means the Anointed One = Christ. He is Jesus ("The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me ..." Isaiah 61:1, "... the acceptable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19, and Act 10:38).
Q21: Who is "the Prince"?
A: Daniel 9:25b says he is "the Messiah" which means Christ (Jesus).
Daniel 9:25c "shall be seven weeks," (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Daniel 9:25d "and threescore and two weeks: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Q22: In Daniel 9:25 c-d, what is the total of "seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks"?
A: 7+60+2 = 69 weeks. (Note: score = 20, threescore = 60)
Q23: How many years are in the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:25 c-d?
A: 483 years. Steps below:
Step 1: Multiply 69 by 7 because there are 7 days in a week. Total = 483 days.
Step 2: Apply unit conversion-- "each day for a year", Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34.
Step 3: Final result is 483 years.
Q24: Will the Bible guide me as to when Jesus (Messiah the Prince) will be anointed?
A: With humble, teachable, and prayerful reading of the Bible, a resounding yes! Psalm 119:105, John 16:13.
Q25: How do I know exactly when?
A: Daniel 9:25a gave the starting point-- from 457 BC, progress in time by 483 years (the calculated total of 69 "weeks" in Daniel 9:25 c-d).
You will arrive at AD 27, the exact year Jesus (Messiah the Prince in Daniel 9:25) was anointed by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:22, John 1:32.
Also, the Bible plainly mentioned when -- "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" Luke 3:1. That year was AD 27, the exact year when Jesus was anointed.
Also, Jesus Himself announced: "the time is fulfilled", Mark 1:14-15. Three important truths Jesus proclaimed:
Q26: How come my calculation is 1 year off?
A: Because there is no year 0 (zero) in the calendar. To illustrate, click link. 1 BC is immediately followed by AD 1.
Q27: In Daniel 9:25 c-d, how come the "seven weeks" and "threescore and two weeks" were mentioned separately?
A: Because the first "seven weeks" pertains to Jerusalem's restoration and rebuilding, while the next "threescore and two weeks" pertains to the Messiah the Prince. The message is structured in cycles of these two topics, alternatingly unfolded (like a swinging clock pendulum), and not in strict chronological order.
Q28: What is Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times." talking about?
A: About the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem while other people are opposing it, Nehemiah 2: 10, 19; 4:1-14. Restoration includes the right to appoint judges and to decide cases brought to them in harmony with God's laws, Ezra 7:25-26.
In the end of the Babylonian captivity after the 1st destruction of Jerusalem, the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem is also the fulfillment of God's word. (Jeremiah 25:12; 27:22; 29:10; Daniel 9:2).
Daniel 9:25d "and threescore and two weeks: (about Messiah the Prince)
Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. (about Jerusalem/Israel)
Q22: In Daniel 9:25 c-d, what is the total of "seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks"?
A: 7+60+2 = 69 weeks. (Note: score = 20, threescore = 60)
Q23: How many years are in the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:25 c-d?
A: 483 years. Steps below:
Step 1: Multiply 69 by 7 because there are 7 days in a week. Total = 483 days.
Step 2: Apply unit conversion-- "each day for a year", Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34.
Step 3: Final result is 483 years.
Q24: Will the Bible guide me as to when Jesus (Messiah the Prince) will be anointed?
A: With humble, teachable, and prayerful reading of the Bible, a resounding yes! Psalm 119:105, John 16:13.
Q25: How do I know exactly when?
A: Daniel 9:25a gave the starting point-- from 457 BC, progress in time by 483 years (the calculated total of 69 "weeks" in Daniel 9:25 c-d).
You will arrive at AD 27, the exact year Jesus (Messiah the Prince in Daniel 9:25) was anointed by the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:22, John 1:32.
Also, the Bible plainly mentioned when -- "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar" Luke 3:1. That year was AD 27, the exact year when Jesus was anointed.
Also, Jesus Himself announced: "the time is fulfilled", Mark 1:14-15. Three important truths Jesus proclaimed:
- the climax of Daniel 9:25 prophetic 69 weeks-- exactly on AD 27 upon His anointing,
- the commencement of Daniel 9:24 prophetic "one week", and
- the accuracy and importance of Daniel 8:14 prophetic 2,300 days.
Q26: How come my calculation is 1 year off?
A: Because there is no year 0 (zero) in the calendar. To illustrate, click link. 1 BC is immediately followed by AD 1.
Q27: In Daniel 9:25 c-d, how come the "seven weeks" and "threescore and two weeks" were mentioned separately?
A: Because the first "seven weeks" pertains to Jerusalem's restoration and rebuilding, while the next "threescore and two weeks" pertains to the Messiah the Prince. The message is structured in cycles of these two topics, alternatingly unfolded (like a swinging clock pendulum), and not in strict chronological order.
Q28: What is Daniel 9:25e "the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times." talking about?
A: About the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem while other people are opposing it, Nehemiah 2: 10, 19; 4:1-14. Restoration includes the right to appoint judges and to decide cases brought to them in harmony with God's laws, Ezra 7:25-26.
In the end of the Babylonian captivity after the 1st destruction of Jerusalem, the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem is also the fulfillment of God's word. (Jeremiah 25:12; 27:22; 29:10; Daniel 9:2).
Daniel 9:26a "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (about Messiah the Prince)
Q29: In Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince", the Messiah was anointed. But in Daniel 9:26a it says "shall Messiah be cut off". Was the Messiah anointed or cut off?
A: The Messiah was anointed by the Holy Spirit and was later cut off. Details below:
Q30: What does the last part of Daniel 9:26a "but not for himself" mean?
A: God/Jesus suffered/died for us (fallen humanity). "But he (Jesus/God) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Q29: In Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince", the Messiah was anointed. But in Daniel 9:26a it says "shall Messiah be cut off". Was the Messiah anointed or cut off?
A: The Messiah was anointed by the Holy Spirit and was later cut off. Details below:
- Daniel 9:25b "unto the Messiah the Prince" was when Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:22, and John 1:32). Furthermore, "the Messiah" means "the Anointed One" = "Christ" (Jesus), Luke 4:18 and Act 10:38.
- Daniel 9:26a (the next verse) says "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off". Shall ("will" in some translations), not immediately after anointing but later. Isaiah 53:8 says "... He (Jesus) was cut off out of the land of the living ...".
Q30: What does the last part of Daniel 9:26a "but not for himself" mean?
A: God/Jesus suffered/died for us (fallen humanity). "But he (Jesus/God) was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Daniel 9:26b "and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." (about what happened to Jerusalem/Israel)
Q31: In Daniel 9:26b, who are "the people"?
A: Daniel 9: 11, 14, 15, 20, 24, identifies who "the people" are (the Jews, primarily) and why as God's privileged/chosen people they are mentioned. Just as in the 1st destruction of Jerusalem, when God "brought upon them" Babylon's armies (the Chaldees), 2 Chronicles 36:16-20. So in the 2nd destruction of Jerusalem, "the people" secondarily applies to Rome's armies. Jesus saw it in Luke 19:42-44. Also described in His inspired commentary by Ellen White.
Q32: What does "prince" mean? Who is he?
A: Prince means leader/commander (Isaiah 55:4), captain (Joshua 5:13-15). Primarily, He is Jesus Christ/Messiah the Prince (Daniel 9:25b). He is also called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Prince of life (Acts 3:15), Prince and Saviour (Acts 5:31). Secondarily, "prince" applies to Satan and his human agents -- Rome's Titus and his armies. Satan instigated all the horrible cruelties the Roman armies had done to Jerusalem (the Jews).
Furthermore, the "Prince" Hebrew word used in this verse (Daniel 9:26) is H5057 nagiyd, and is the same Hebrew word found in Daniel 9:25 "Messiah the Prince". See Strong's Concordance for "Prince" words used in the book of Daniel (Daniel 1-12). The same word was used in Daniel 11:22 "the Prince of the covenant" (God's everlasting covenant). In all these verses, the word Prince refers to no other but the Messiah (Christ); He is Jesus. Equivalently, in the Greek New Testament, the "Prince" word used is Greek G747 archegos. It refers to Jesus Christ (Messiah): "Prince of life" (Acts 3:15) and "a Prince and a Saviour" (Acts 5:31). See Strong's Concordance for prince words used in the New Testament.
Q33: Why did Daniel 9:26b say "the prince that shall come"?
A: The Bible says: "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 118:26). Jesus also applied that description to Himself in Matthew 23:39 "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" Luke 13:35.
Q34: Who "shall destroy the city and the sanctuary"?
A: "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself;" Hosea 13:9; "for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity." Hosea 14:1; "they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." Job 4:8. (For some info. on the Jews' role in the death of the Messiah, see Acts 2:22-23, 3:14-15, and 7:52).
"By stubborn rejection of divine love and mercy, the Jews had caused the protection of God to be withdrawn from them, and Satan was permitted to rule them according to his will. The horrible cruelties enacted in the destruction of Jerusalem are a demonstration of Satan's vindictive power over those who yield to his control.” (The Great Controversy, Chapter 1, pp. 35-36)
Q35: What is the flood in Daniel 9:26?
A: In the Bible, a military invasion/war is occasionally compared to an overflowing flood -- Jeremiah 46:7-8; Daniel 11:22, 40; Revelation 12:15-17. Hence, the "flood" describes the invasion of Rome's armies during the (2nd) destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. (Also recorded in secular history e.g. "Wars of the Jews" by Flavius Josephus).
Q36: In the last part of Daniel 9:26, what is meant by "desolations are determined."?
A: desolation = devastation, lay to waste, destruction; and verse 26 "determined" = decided.
Hence, Daniel 9:26 "desolations are determined" is concise wording to say-- the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple was decided prior to or before it occured.
Q37: On what basis was it decided?
A: Based on the events which transpired in the last week (Daniel 9:27) of the Bible's prophetic "seventy weeks" (Daniel 9:24).
Q31: In Daniel 9:26b, who are "the people"?
A: Daniel 9: 11, 14, 15, 20, 24, identifies who "the people" are (the Jews, primarily) and why as God's privileged/chosen people they are mentioned. Just as in the 1st destruction of Jerusalem, when God "brought upon them" Babylon's armies (the Chaldees), 2 Chronicles 36:16-20. So in the 2nd destruction of Jerusalem, "the people" secondarily applies to Rome's armies. Jesus saw it in Luke 19:42-44. Also described in His inspired commentary by Ellen White.
Q32: What does "prince" mean? Who is he?
A: Prince means leader/commander (Isaiah 55:4), captain (Joshua 5:13-15). Primarily, He is Jesus Christ/Messiah the Prince (Daniel 9:25b). He is also called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), Prince of life (Acts 3:15), Prince and Saviour (Acts 5:31). Secondarily, "prince" applies to Satan and his human agents -- Rome's Titus and his armies. Satan instigated all the horrible cruelties the Roman armies had done to Jerusalem (the Jews).
Furthermore, the "Prince" Hebrew word used in this verse (Daniel 9:26) is H5057 nagiyd, and is the same Hebrew word found in Daniel 9:25 "Messiah the Prince". See Strong's Concordance for "Prince" words used in the book of Daniel (Daniel 1-12). The same word was used in Daniel 11:22 "the Prince of the covenant" (God's everlasting covenant). In all these verses, the word Prince refers to no other but the Messiah (Christ); He is Jesus. Equivalently, in the Greek New Testament, the "Prince" word used is Greek G747 archegos. It refers to Jesus Christ (Messiah): "Prince of life" (Acts 3:15) and "a Prince and a Saviour" (Acts 5:31). See Strong's Concordance for prince words used in the New Testament.
Q33: Why did Daniel 9:26b say "the prince that shall come"?
A: The Bible says: "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD" (Psalm 118:26). Jesus also applied that description to Himself in Matthew 23:39 "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" Luke 13:35.
Q34: Who "shall destroy the city and the sanctuary"?
A: "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself;" Hosea 13:9; "for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity." Hosea 14:1; "they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." Job 4:8. (For some info. on the Jews' role in the death of the Messiah, see Acts 2:22-23, 3:14-15, and 7:52).
"By stubborn rejection of divine love and mercy, the Jews had caused the protection of God to be withdrawn from them, and Satan was permitted to rule them according to his will. The horrible cruelties enacted in the destruction of Jerusalem are a demonstration of Satan's vindictive power over those who yield to his control.” (The Great Controversy, Chapter 1, pp. 35-36)
Q35: What is the flood in Daniel 9:26?
A: In the Bible, a military invasion/war is occasionally compared to an overflowing flood -- Jeremiah 46:7-8; Daniel 11:22, 40; Revelation 12:15-17. Hence, the "flood" describes the invasion of Rome's armies during the (2nd) destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. (Also recorded in secular history e.g. "Wars of the Jews" by Flavius Josephus).
Q36: In the last part of Daniel 9:26, what is meant by "desolations are determined."?
A: desolation = devastation, lay to waste, destruction; and verse 26 "determined" = decided.
- Note: The KJV English word "determined" in verse 24 came from the Hebrew word chathak meaning to cut off (from the Bible's larger prophetic whole). Whereas the word "determined" in verses 26 and 27, both came from the Hebrew word charats which means decided.
Hence, Daniel 9:26 "desolations are determined" is concise wording to say-- the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple was decided prior to or before it occured.
Q37: On what basis was it decided?
A: Based on the events which transpired in the last week (Daniel 9:27) of the Bible's prophetic "seventy weeks" (Daniel 9:24).
Daniel 9:27a "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease," (About Messiah the Prince)
A commentary from Mrs. Ellen G. White:
The "one week" here is the last of the "seventy weeks" in Daniel 9:24 which was allotted especially to the Jews. "During this time, extending from A.D. 27 to A.D. 34, Christ, at first in person and afterward by His disciples, extended the gospel invitation especially to the Jews. As the apostles went forth with the good tidings of the kingdom, the Saviour's direction was: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Matthew 10:5, 6." {GC 327.2}
"In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." In A .D. 31, three and a half years after His baptism, our Lord was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings which for four thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. Type had met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease." {GC 327.3}
"The seventy weeks, or 490 years, especially allotted to the Jews, ended, as we have seen, in A.D. 34. At that time, through the action of the Jewish Sanhedrin (official council of the Jewish nation under Roman rule), the nation sealed its rejection of the gospel by the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the followers of Christ. Then the message of salvation, no longer restricted to the chosen people, was given to the world. The disciples, forced by persecution to flee from Jerusalem, "went everywhere preaching the word." "Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." Peter, divinely guided, opened the gospel to the centurion of Caesarea, the God-fearing Cornelius; and the ardent Paul, won to the faith of Christ, was commissioned to carry the glad tidings "far hence unto the Gentiles." Acts 8:4, 5; 22:21." {GC 328.1}
Q38: In Daniel 9:27a, what does "confirm" mean?
A: Confirm means strengthen. The new covenant is stronger/better because we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, Hebrews 7:22; 8:6, 13. And it renews our hearts to become obedient to God's law, Hebrews 8:10, 10:16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Psalms 37:31, 40:8.
Q39: What is "the covenant"?
A: God's covenant. It is written:
"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God (Jesus), and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Heb 10:29
"... Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments". Daniel 9:4
In Daniel 11:22, Jesus is called the "Prince of the covenant".
In Daniel 11: 28, 30, the covenant is called "the holy covenant".
Daniel 11:32 describes those who "do wickedly against the covenant".
For a commentary about the law and the covenants, click covenants. Below is a paragraph extract with my annotations in parentheses:
"As the Bible presents two laws (moral and ceremonial), one changeless and eternal (the moral law), the other provisional and temporary (the ceremonial law of animal sacrifice and oblation/offering), so there are two covenants (new and old). The covenant of grace (called "new covenant" when Jesus ratified it, Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 12:24) was first made with man in Eden, when after the Fall there was given a divine promise that the seed (Jesus/Christ, Galatians 3:16) of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. (Genesis 3:15). To all men this covenant offered pardon and the assisting grace of God for future obedience through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal life on condition of fidelity to God's law. Thus the patriarchs received the hope of salvation." {PP 370.2}
Q40: What is Daniel 9:27 "many"?
A: Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins" and in Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many".
"Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" Heb 9:28.
"... the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Rom 5:15.
"... by the obedience of one (Jesus) many shall be made righteous." Rom 5:19.
Q41: In Daniel 9:27 "one week", how did it become equal to 7 years? A: Steps below:
Step 1: One week = 7 days.
Step 2: Apply "each day for a year" Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34.
Step 3: The final result is = 7 years.
Q42: What is Daniel 9:27 prophetic "midst of the week"?
A: Middle of Daniel 9:27 "week". By applying the three steps above, it means the middle of 7 years or simply 3.5 years.
Q43: Does the Bible prove the truth about "he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease"?
A: Yes. The Bible says:
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, the earthly sacrifice and offering (oblation) thou wouldest not ..." Hebrews 10:5, 10:1-18.
"And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst." Luke 23:45, Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38. Showing that the sacredness and significance of the animal sacrifice and oblation (offering) in the earthly sanctuary, ceased.
Since then and until now, Messiah the Prince (Jesus) became the once and for all sacrifice and high priest, of the sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11).
He is coming very soon, no longer as high priest but as "King of kings and Lord of lords" 1 Timothy 6:15.
A commentary from Mrs. Ellen G. White:
The "one week" here is the last of the "seventy weeks" in Daniel 9:24 which was allotted especially to the Jews. "During this time, extending from A.D. 27 to A.D. 34, Christ, at first in person and afterward by His disciples, extended the gospel invitation especially to the Jews. As the apostles went forth with the good tidings of the kingdom, the Saviour's direction was: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Matthew 10:5, 6." {GC 327.2}
"In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease." In A .D. 31, three and a half years after His baptism, our Lord was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings which for four thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. Type had met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease." {GC 327.3}
"The seventy weeks, or 490 years, especially allotted to the Jews, ended, as we have seen, in A.D. 34. At that time, through the action of the Jewish Sanhedrin (official council of the Jewish nation under Roman rule), the nation sealed its rejection of the gospel by the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the followers of Christ. Then the message of salvation, no longer restricted to the chosen people, was given to the world. The disciples, forced by persecution to flee from Jerusalem, "went everywhere preaching the word." "Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." Peter, divinely guided, opened the gospel to the centurion of Caesarea, the God-fearing Cornelius; and the ardent Paul, won to the faith of Christ, was commissioned to carry the glad tidings "far hence unto the Gentiles." Acts 8:4, 5; 22:21." {GC 328.1}
Q38: In Daniel 9:27a, what does "confirm" mean?
A: Confirm means strengthen. The new covenant is stronger/better because we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, Hebrews 7:22; 8:6, 13. And it renews our hearts to become obedient to God's law, Hebrews 8:10, 10:16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Psalms 37:31, 40:8.
Q39: What is "the covenant"?
A: God's covenant. It is written:
"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God (Jesus), and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Heb 10:29
"... Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments". Daniel 9:4
In Daniel 11:22, Jesus is called the "Prince of the covenant".
In Daniel 11: 28, 30, the covenant is called "the holy covenant".
Daniel 11:32 describes those who "do wickedly against the covenant".
For a commentary about the law and the covenants, click covenants. Below is a paragraph extract with my annotations in parentheses:
"As the Bible presents two laws (moral and ceremonial), one changeless and eternal (the moral law), the other provisional and temporary (the ceremonial law of animal sacrifice and oblation/offering), so there are two covenants (new and old). The covenant of grace (called "new covenant" when Jesus ratified it, Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 12:24) was first made with man in Eden, when after the Fall there was given a divine promise that the seed (Jesus/Christ, Galatians 3:16) of the woman should bruise the serpent's head. (Genesis 3:15). To all men this covenant offered pardon and the assisting grace of God for future obedience through faith in Christ. It also promised them eternal life on condition of fidelity to God's law. Thus the patriarchs received the hope of salvation." {PP 370.2}
Q40: What is Daniel 9:27 "many"?
A: Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 "For this is my blood of the new testament (covenant), which is shed for many for the remission of sins" and in Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many".
"Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" Heb 9:28.
"... the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Rom 5:15.
"... by the obedience of one (Jesus) many shall be made righteous." Rom 5:19.
Q41: In Daniel 9:27 "one week", how did it become equal to 7 years? A: Steps below:
Step 1: One week = 7 days.
Step 2: Apply "each day for a year" Ezekiel 4:6, Numbers 14:34.
Step 3: The final result is = 7 years.
Q42: What is Daniel 9:27 prophetic "midst of the week"?
A: Middle of Daniel 9:27 "week". By applying the three steps above, it means the middle of 7 years or simply 3.5 years.
Q43: Does the Bible prove the truth about "he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease"?
A: Yes. The Bible says:
"Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, the earthly sacrifice and offering (oblation) thou wouldest not ..." Hebrews 10:5, 10:1-18.
"And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst." Luke 23:45, Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38. Showing that the sacredness and significance of the animal sacrifice and oblation (offering) in the earthly sanctuary, ceased.
Since then and until now, Messiah the Prince (Jesus) became the once and for all sacrifice and high priest, of the sanctuary in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11).
He is coming very soon, no longer as high priest but as "King of kings and Lord of lords" 1 Timothy 6:15.
,Daniel 9:27b "and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate." (About Jerusalem and Messiah the Prince -- what happened, why it happened, who started it, why determined, when it happened, and how come another did and completed it.)
Q44: What does "overspreading" mean?
A: The Hebrew word used in Daniel 9:27 for overspreading is "kanaph" which means wing or edge/extremity. Like spreading or growing wings, or river (at flood stage) overflowing its banks (edges/extremity). In the Bible, this represents invasion by armies (Isaiah 8:7-8, Nahum 1:8, Daniel 11:10, 40).
Q45: What is the "abomination" referred to by Daniel?
A: Sungod/Sunday "sol invictus" idolatrous standard of the Roman armies set up in the holy ground some distance away outside Jerusalem's city walls. Jesus said "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14. And "when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." Luke 21:20.
Q46: What then is the "abomination of desolation"?
A: The Sungod/Sunday-worshipping Roman armies (Satan behind the scene) will bring about destruction. The Jews started the course of desolation (devastation, lay to waste, destruction) by rejecting the Messiah and crucifying Him. That happened in AD 27 -- in the midst the "week", the Messiah was cut off, Daniel 9:26-27.
After they crucified Him, the merciful Messiah (Jesus/God) still offered His saving grace, for three and a half more years through His disciples' ministry to the Jewish nation. However, they persecuted and killed them them too (Matthew 23:34-36). Finally, the Prince (Jesus/God) stood up (Acts 7:56) and decided (determined) --
(1.) His "seventy weeks" (Daniel 9:24) grace period granted the Jewish nation for repentance ended (although not on individual Jews),
(2.) the Jewish nation's favored status ended, and
(3.) the desolation of Jerusalem determined (decided) beforehand. All these decisions were made in AD 31 -- at the very end of the "seventy weeks", see timeline. Since then, the salvation message is given to all the world.
Regarding the desolation of Jerusalem, merciful Messiah the Prince (God/Christ/Jesus) did not allow the innocent children to suffer that desolation because of their parents' sin. More grace period for them was given that they may be able choose to obey God. Several years passed by (about 40 years), then the destruction of Jerusalem finally occured (in AD 70). NOT one Christian perished that obeyed Jesus' warning/message for their time (Mark 13:14, Luke 21:21).
Q46 continued: What happened then? Did Messiah the Prince destroy Jerusalem?
A: Spurned by the Jewish nation, God leaves them. Then, the Roman armies (fomented by Satan) destroys Jerusalem.
Q47: In one sentence, what is Daniel 9:27b "the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate"?
A: The overspreading of the Roman-armies with their idolatrous standard, into the holy ground around Jerusalem that is then left without Messiah the Prince's protection, shall desolate (devastate, lay to waste, destroy) Jerusalem (the Jews/Israel).
Q48: What is "until the consummation"?
A: Until completion, to the uttermost, or until the very end.
Q49: What is "determined"?
A: decided; "that determined" means the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple was decided prior to or before it finally occured. In other words, the door of mercy closed some time before destruction falls. For example:
Q50: Why does the Bible use the word "poured"?
A: It is the figure of a cup, filling with unrepented sins, the sinner justly deserving the wrath of God. But anyone need not experience the pouring of His wrath, because loving and gracious as He always is, still offers His pardoning mercy, to whosoever will accept Him as Saviour and Lord of their life. Jesus as Lord of your life means following His will even if it seems to be this difficult; can be obeyed because of His enabling grace and love.
Jesus (Messiah the Prince) said: "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering ... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
God/Christ(Jesus) is always good and love!
Q44: What does "overspreading" mean?
A: The Hebrew word used in Daniel 9:27 for overspreading is "kanaph" which means wing or edge/extremity. Like spreading or growing wings, or river (at flood stage) overflowing its banks (edges/extremity). In the Bible, this represents invasion by armies (Isaiah 8:7-8, Nahum 1:8, Daniel 11:10, 40).
Q45: What is the "abomination" referred to by Daniel?
A: Sungod/Sunday "sol invictus" idolatrous standard of the Roman armies set up in the holy ground some distance away outside Jerusalem's city walls. Jesus said "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14. And "when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh." Luke 21:20.
Q46: What then is the "abomination of desolation"?
A: The Sungod/Sunday-worshipping Roman armies (Satan behind the scene) will bring about destruction. The Jews started the course of desolation (devastation, lay to waste, destruction) by rejecting the Messiah and crucifying Him. That happened in AD 27 -- in the midst the "week", the Messiah was cut off, Daniel 9:26-27.
After they crucified Him, the merciful Messiah (Jesus/God) still offered His saving grace, for three and a half more years through His disciples' ministry to the Jewish nation. However, they persecuted and killed them them too (Matthew 23:34-36). Finally, the Prince (Jesus/God) stood up (Acts 7:56) and decided (determined) --
(1.) His "seventy weeks" (Daniel 9:24) grace period granted the Jewish nation for repentance ended (although not on individual Jews),
(2.) the Jewish nation's favored status ended, and
(3.) the desolation of Jerusalem determined (decided) beforehand. All these decisions were made in AD 31 -- at the very end of the "seventy weeks", see timeline. Since then, the salvation message is given to all the world.
Regarding the desolation of Jerusalem, merciful Messiah the Prince (God/Christ/Jesus) did not allow the innocent children to suffer that desolation because of their parents' sin. More grace period for them was given that they may be able choose to obey God. Several years passed by (about 40 years), then the destruction of Jerusalem finally occured (in AD 70). NOT one Christian perished that obeyed Jesus' warning/message for their time (Mark 13:14, Luke 21:21).
Q46 continued: What happened then? Did Messiah the Prince destroy Jerusalem?
A: Spurned by the Jewish nation, God leaves them. Then, the Roman armies (fomented by Satan) destroys Jerusalem.
Q47: In one sentence, what is Daniel 9:27b "the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate"?
A: The overspreading of the Roman-armies with their idolatrous standard, into the holy ground around Jerusalem that is then left without Messiah the Prince's protection, shall desolate (devastate, lay to waste, destroy) Jerusalem (the Jews/Israel).
Q48: What is "until the consummation"?
A: Until completion, to the uttermost, or until the very end.
Q49: What is "determined"?
A: decided; "that determined" means the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple was decided prior to or before it finally occured. In other words, the door of mercy closed some time before destruction falls. For example:
- Noah's flood - the rain/flood did not start/happen immediately, but only 7 days after the door of the ark was closed (Genesis 7:4).
- End of the world (Matthew 28:20) - the door of mercy will close some time before Jesus' second coming (Revelation 22:11-12).
Q50: Why does the Bible use the word "poured"?
A: It is the figure of a cup, filling with unrepented sins, the sinner justly deserving the wrath of God. But anyone need not experience the pouring of His wrath, because loving and gracious as He always is, still offers His pardoning mercy, to whosoever will accept Him as Saviour and Lord of their life. Jesus as Lord of your life means following His will even if it seems to be this difficult; can be obeyed because of His enabling grace and love.
Jesus (Messiah the Prince) said: "... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering ... not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
God/Christ(Jesus) is always good and love!