DANIEL 9: MESSIAH THE PRINCE

“I Daniel understood by books”

I was studying the sacred books and thinking about the seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the Lord had told the prophet Jeremiah. (Daniel 9:2 TEV)

Daniel was learning the way all God’s children must do, by searching the Scriptures with prayer and seeking understanding from God.

“Word of the Lord came to Jeremiah”

And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. (Jeremiah 25:11–12)

For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. (Jeremiah 29:10)

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.

And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia. To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long a she had lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. (2 Chronicles 36:14, 17, 20–21)

Daniel 9:3

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.

“To seek by prayer”

The key themes of Daniel’s prayer:

• Confessing Israel’s sinfulness

• Acknowledging God’s justice and righteousness in punishing Israel

• Pleading God’s mercy and love as the basis for restoration and forgiveness

“With fasting”

And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. (1 Samuel 7:6)

And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword. (2 Samuel 1:12)

Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, while the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. (2 Samuel 12:21–23)

Fasting was practiced to show humility, sorrow, and dependence on God. It reflected a spirit of willing self-denial, humility, and sincerity before God, and was often accompanied by prayer for specific requests. Daniel’s fast was not for outward show but one that demonstrated his earnestness and humility before the Lord.

“And sackcloth”

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (Matthew 11:21)

And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. (Genesis 37:34)

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel. And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his house. (1 Kings 21:20–21, 27–29)

So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. (Jonah 3:5–10)

Sackcloth was worn over the majority of the body, or just over the loins. It could be worn over other clothes or directly against the skin. It was made of dark cloth woven from goat or camel’s hair. It was worn as a symbol of deep sorrow and mourning. These garments, lacking both comfort and beauty, were a fit representation of the sorrow or mortification of spirit experienced by the wearer.

“And ashes”

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:6)

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry. (Esther 4:1)

And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes. (Genesis 18:27)

To sprinkle ashes on the head was a sign of grief and mourning, whereas to sit in ashes was a sign of penitence. Ashes were a symbol of fragility. Daniel knew his frailty and that of the Jewish nation, and he expressed grief and sorrow for their sins and rebellion. He earnestly desired knowledge and understanding of the vision that was sealed regarding the 2,300 days, so he made his requests to God with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Outward forms of penitence or worship do not recommend us to God or cause Him to favor us more highly. The heart and attitude must be correct. “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil” (Joel 2:12–13).

Daniel 9:4

And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments.

Daniel’s confession begins with an acknowledgement of God’s character and faithfulness in contrast to the sinfulness and unfaithfulness of God’s professed people.

“Dreadful God”

But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen. (Malachi 1:14)

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. (Genesis 28:17)

When men realize, to some degree, the mighty power of God, that knowledge leads them to confess their own insignificance. Though God is dreadful, and a being we could be afraid of, yet He repeatedly shows Himself merciful to the children of men. God condescends to come near to those who follow Him in love, and a knowledge of Him should inspire reverence or godly fear or awe.

“Great God”

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. (Nehemiah 9:32)

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:3)

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. (Psalm 104:1)

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)

God is great in power, wisdom, and might, yet His greatness extends to taking notice of frail mankind, even though “man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away” (Psalm 144:4). The psalmist, as he looked at the handiwork of creation, saw the power of the great and dreadful God revealed and was amazed at His condescension to pity and help mankind. He wrote, “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3–4). Daniel knew this dreadful but great God as his Savior and Friend, and thus he trusted in Him and prayed to Him in faith, hope, and assurance.

“Keeping the covenant”

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments. (Nehemiah 1:5)

God’s covenant and promises are sure and steadfast, for “He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). The knowledge that God keeps His promises gave Daniel the assurance to make his requests. We can also put our trust in this as well, for God has not changed. Daniel knew the unfaithfulness of Israel and indeed all mankind, but he was not shaken by this. His faith was focused on the fact that “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

“To them that love him”

And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 10:12)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. (John 14:21–24)

“And to them that keep his commandments”

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (1 John 2:3)

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (1 John 3:22)

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. (Deuteronomy 13:4)

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (Psalm 103:17–18)

Keeping God’s commandments has never been the basis of salvation, but it is the fruit of true faith and is an evidence of our love for God. While God loves all mankind and extends His mercy to the just and unjust, His promises are especially for those who love Him. Sadly, the people of Israel did not love God and seldom obeyed Him, and for this reason they were left without protection subject to marauding armies and now in captivity.

Daniel 9:5

We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments.

“We have sinned”

Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned. (Nehemiah 1:6)

And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. (Ezra 9:5–7)

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Exodus 32:31–33)

O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against thee. Then said the Lord unto me, Pray not for this people for their good. (Jeremiah 14:7, 11)

God’s servants were moved with a spirit of intercessory prayer for their people who, in general, had departed from God. While these men were righteous before God and had not participated in the sins committed, they recognized their own human frailty and prayed for the rebellious as if they too were guilty. But, as noted in the last reference from Jeremiah 14, there can come a time when rebellion has gone so far that it is best to leave the people to themselves. Jesus Himself noted this when He warned His disciples of the Pharisees: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Matthew 15:14; see also Hosea 4:17).

Daniel 9:6

Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

“Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets”

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. (Nehemiah 9:30)

Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the Lord; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. (2 Chronicles 24:19)

And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. (2 Chronicles 36:15–16)

Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord. (Zechariah 1:4)

Rebellion and apostasy often begin with the leaders (political and religious) of earlier generations, then spreads to the whole group. As compromise of the truth and rejection of God’s counsel through His messengers continues with succeeding generations, they become entrenched and institutionalized. The prophets and messengers of God seem to have little influence upon the people, it is only a direct judgment of God that may have an effect to awaken the people. Even then, as in Daniel’s day, when God has done everything He can, only a minority will awake, repent, and turn to the Lord. We need to be willing to learn from the mistakes of others, we should take heed to these words: “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21).

Daniel 9:7

O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee.

“Because of their trespass that they have trespassed”

As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets. Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the Lord. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. (Jeremiah 2:26–29, 35)

And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also. And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks. And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not turned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly [in sheer hypocrisy], saith the Lord. And the Lord said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah. (Jeremiah 3:8–11)

Listen to me, you leaders of Israel who hate justice and love unfairness, and fill Jerusalem with murder and sin of every kind—you leaders who take bribes; you priests and prophets who won’t preach and prophesy until you’re paid. (And yet you fawn upon the Lord and say, “All is well— the Lord is here among us. No harm can come to us.” (Micah 3:9–11 TLB)

Israel had sinned against the Lord. As a result, God allowed the Philistines, the Assyrians, other nations, and finally Babylon to smite Israel. God’s purpose in this was redemption. Out of great love, He employed desperate measures to cause Israel to see their need to return to Him.

The sin of Israel was knowing the right but choosing the wrong. Furthermore, it was claiming to serve and love God while rebelling against Him. The deceitfulness of sin is such that they thought they could engage in their sinful idolatry and still claim the favor of God.

This double-mindedness and hypocrisy was so abhorrent to the Lord that it led to Israel’s utter confusion and shame. Jesus reveals in the book of Revelation that this same attitude will be prevalent among professed Christians at the end of time.

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:14–17). This treachery led Israel into Babylonian captivity, and this same sin will lead the greater portion of professed Christians now living into spiritual Babylon, and eventually to accept the mark of the beast.

Daniel 9:8–9

O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him.

• God is righteous; mankind is confused because of his sin.

• God is merciful and willing to forgive; mankind is rebellious.

“To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses”

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. (Nehemiah 9:16–17)

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15)

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. (Psalm 130:4)

There is hope for the sinner, and that hope is based on the long-suffering of God and His willingness to forgive. It was this knowledge that moved Daniel to pray.

Daniel 9:10–11

Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

“Therefore the curse is poured upon us”

And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you, to hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened; then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth. (Jeremiah 26:4–6)

The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the Lord remember them, and came it not into his mind? So that the Lord could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.

Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day. (Jeremiah 44:21–23)

Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. (Deuteronomy 27:15)

The curse for rebellion, though long delayed, and in times past tempered with mercy, was finally poured out full strength upon Israel, resulting in the Babylonian captivity. All who continue in rebellion will experience the sorrow sin brings.

For though “sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, and therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil … it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God” (Ecclesiastes 8:11, 13).

“The oath that is written in the law of Moses”

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. The Lord shall bring thee, and thy king which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation which neither thou nor thy fathers have known; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone. And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee. (Deuteronomy 28:15, 36–37)

The “deceitfulness of sin” blinds the minds of individuals and nations so that the way of the Lord seems burdensome and the way of transgression a delight. The prophet Jeremiah complained to the Lord, “Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with Thee: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?” (Jeremiah 12:1).

A careful look at the history of Israel does not show a nation under the blessing of God, but one that experienced one curse or calamity after another. It is the same with nations and individuals today. God uses the consequences of our sins to lead us to repentance. Even if the judgment is delayed, we “shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36) for every sinful act committed. Daniel understood this need for accountability, but he also knew God’s abundant mercy. Thus he pled for Israel to be restored to their own country and to the favor of God.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

“He hath confirmed His words, by bringing upon us a great evil”

The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand; a nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young. (Deuteronomy 28:49–50)

The Lord hath done that which he had devised; he hath fulfilled his word that he had commanded in the days of old: he hath thrown down, and hath not pitied: and he hath caused thine enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the horn of thine adversaries. (Lamentations 2:17)

Centuries passed between the days of Moses and Israel’s final captivity in Babylon. Prophet after prophet warned Israel and pled with the people to return to the Lord. Lesser calamities, as warning signs, came upon Israel in the form of drought, war, and subjugation by the nations around them. Judgments were mixed with mercy as God sought to draw Israel back from ruin. However, when men’s hearts were steeled in rebellion, the final judgment came. The result was the complete overthrow of the nation. The temple and the city were left in ruins; the people were scattered as refugees in many countries.

In our age, calamities are coming upon the earth with increasing frequency. The sins of individuals and nations are coming before God, and in mercy, He allows judgments as warning signals to arouse us from our sinful stupor. However, as in days of old, the warnings fall largely on deaf ears, and the call awakens no more than a casual concern from a few.

The history of Israel stands as a testament to God’s mercy and justice. Just as their final judgment came, though long delayed, so the wrath of God will soon be poured out full strength on a world that will have filled up its cup of iniquity.

Daniel 9:13

As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

Just as it is written in the Law of Moses as to all this evil [that would surely come upon transgressors], so it has come upon us. Yet we have not earnestly begged for forgiveness and entreated the favor of the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and have understanding and become wise in Your truth. (Daniel 9:13 AMP)

“As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us”

I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. (Deuteronomy 4:26–28)

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

And so the Lord deliberately crushed us with the calamity he prepared; he is fair in everything he does, but we would not obey. (Daniel 9:14 TLB)

Therefore the Lord has kept ready the calamity [evil] and has brought it upon us, for the Lord our God is [uncompromisingly] righteous and rigidly just in all His works which He does [keeping His word]; and we have not obeyed His voice. (Daniel 9:14 AMP)

“God is righteous in all his works which he doeth”

And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. (Revelation 16:4–5)

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. (Revelation 19:1–2)

The Lord hath trodden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me: he hath called an assembly against me to crush my young men: the Lord hath trodden the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. Zion spreadeth forth her hands, and there is none to comfort her: the Lord hath commanded concerning Jacob, that his adversaries should be round about him: Jerusalem is as a menstruous woman among them. The Lord is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. (Lamentations 1:15, 17–18)

Justice, as well as grace and mercy, is a part of the righteous character of God. There come times when grace is so neglected and despised that God must punish. Often this is by the withdrawal of His protecting hand, yet in most cases, the punishment is with the hope of redemption. For the Lord says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7).

Even while we feel the chastening of the Lord, His Spirit still speaks to us so that we might choose in our hearts to “come, and … return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up” (Hosea 6:1). This was the hope and prayer of Daniel.

“For we obeyed not his voice”

For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice. Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not. (Jeremiah 11:7–8)

And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey; and they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them. (Jeremiah 32:22–23)

Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God. (Zephaniah 3:1–2)

God’s justice required that Israel be dealt with, for even in wrath God is righteous. God was not yet finished with Israel however, for He still desired to use her as His instrument to enlighten the world with the knowledge of the truth. Therefore, the prophet pleaded, “O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2).

The knowledge of God’s mercy is what Daniel was drawn to. He had seen and experienced the effects of God’s wrath as a captive, but now he sought for a special revelation of God’s abundant mercy.

Daniel 9:15–19

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

God’s Faithfulness and Character

God delivered Israel out of the bondage of Egypt. (See verse 15.)

Israel’s Unfaithfulness and Sinfulness

Israel had sinned, turning away from God and pursued wickedness. (See verse 15.)

God’s Faithfulness and Character

According to God’s righteousness, Daniel sought the Lord to turn His anger and fury away from Jerusalem. (See verse 16.)

Israel’s Unfaithfulness and Sinfulness

It was for the Israel’s sins, and the iniquities of past generations that Jerusalem and the people had become a reproach to all the nations around them. (See verse 16.)

God’s Faithfulness and Character

Daniel prayed for the Lord’s glory and honor to be magnified by restoring the temple. (See verse 17.)

Daniel did not pray for God’s favor because of any goodness or merit to be found in Israel, rather he claimed God’s righteousness, and great mercies. (See verse 18.)

Daniel prayed for the Lord to forgive and restore His people, without delay. By this, God would be glorified in reestablishing a nation that had be desolated and forsaken. (See verse 19.)

Daniel knew Israel would not be restored because of the goodness of its people but because of the abundant mercy and faithfulness of God. This was the motivation for Daniel’s prayer. Realizing the depth of the rebellion and sinfulness into which Israel had fallen, Daniel’s prayer gives us an even greater appreciation for the second part of this chapter, in which the angel Gabriel tells us what God wanted to do for Israel—and for the world—through the Messiah.

Daniel 9:20–21

And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

At the time of the evening sacrifice, when the prayers of God’s people and the smoke of the slain lamb were ascending to heaven, the angel Gabriel came to Daniel to give him understanding. Gabriel’s arrival coincided with the evening burnt offering for a reason. Christ, the great center of the sanctuary service, was to be uplifted in this prophecy, and the events dealing with the cleansing of the sanctuary of Daniel 8:14 were to be explained.

Daniel 9:22

And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

He instructed me and made me understand; he talked with me and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and wisdom and understanding. (Daniel 9:22 AMP)

God had blessed Daniel by giving him “knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). God gave Daniel the ability to be a wise counselor and to interpret the dreams of the heathen leaders to whom Daniel and his people were subject. However, at this time, Daniel needed wisdom for himself and for his people, and for this he sought the Lord. The wisdom Gabriel revealed to Daniel reaches down to our own day.

Daniel did not understand the vision of the 2,300 evenings and mornings shown him in chapter 8. Therefore Gabriel was sent to give Him greater understanding of what was to transpire for Israel and the world.

Daniel 9:23

At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

The moment you began praying, a command was given. I am here to tell you what it was, for God loves you very much. Listen, and try to understand the meaning of the vision you saw! (Daniel 9:23 TLB)

When you began to plead with God, he answered you. He loves you, and so I have come to tell you the answer. Now pay attention while I explain the vision. (Daniel 9:23 TEV)

“Consider the vision”

And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. (Daniel 8:26–27)

The explanation and narration following deals with the vision of Daniel 8 that was left unexplained: the 2,300 days and the cleansing of the sanctuary. Gabriel revealed what was to happen to Daniel’s people after the captivity.

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, 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.

Seventy weeks [of years, or 490 years] are decreed upon your people and upon your holy city [Jerusalem]. (Daniel 9:24 AMP)

Events Transpiring  During the Seventy Weeks Concerning the Messiah:

• The Messiah would arrive—verse 25

• The Messiah would be cut off or die for the people—verse 26

• The Messiah would confirm the covenant with Israel by extending grace in the seventieth and last prophetic week—verse 27

• The Messiah would cause sacrifice and offering to cease by His own sacrifice—verse 27

Events Transpiring Concerning Israel During the Seventy Weeks and Beyond:

• 490 years were set apart for Israel and Jerusalem—verse 24

• The city and sanctuary would be restored in troubled times—verse 25

• The people of the prince (Satan) would come against Jerusalem to destroy it—verse 26

• Because of continued transgression, the city would be made desolate and destroyed. This took place in A.D. 70—verse 27

• The sanctuary was to remain desolate, without the presence of God, until the consummation, or the end of the ages—verse 27

• Punishment will be poured out upon Satan, the desolater prince—verse 27

Seventy prophetic weeks (or 490 literal years) were cut off or set aside from the vision of the 2,300 days (years) as a time of mercy and opportunity for the Jews. This is the vision Gabriel came to explain.

“To finish the transgression”

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. (Matthew 23:29–38)

Fill up, then, the measure of your father’s sins to the brim [so that nothing may be wanting to a full measure]. (Matthew 23:32 AMP)

The finishing of the transgression means the Jews’ cup of iniquity would be filled, as the allotted period of grace during the seventy-week prophecy came to an end, because of the continual rejection of the truth of God. This also serves as a warning to us not to go on in unbelief, following the doctrines and commandments of men instead of God’s word.

“To make an end of sins”

Jesus’ life and death fulfilled the types of the sacrificial system, making them no longer applicable. God dramatically testified to this fact when the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple was torn in two when Christ died.

“Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matthew 27:50–51). By Jesus’ death on the cross, the offerings and sacrifices for sin came to an end, for “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7).

“To make reconciliation for iniquity”

And the priests killed them, and they made reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to make an atonement for all Israel: for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. (2 Chronicles 29:24)

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. (Colossians 1:20–22)

With the death of Christ, the sacrificial slaying of animals for sin was done away with, as Christ by His death has reconciled mankind. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

“And to bring in everlasting righteousness”

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:21–22, 25–26)

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Everlasting righteousness was brought to mankind when the Savior came to earth, taking upon Himself the nature of man and living the righteous life demanded by the law of God. Therefore, we can be made righteous through “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:9). The apostle Paul tells us, that Christ “is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

“Seal up the vision and the prophecy”

The beginning for the time period of the seventy weeks also marks the beginning of the 2,300-day prophecy of which it is a part. The word seal here is used in the sense of to ratify or certify, just as a seal is used today to show the authority and authenticity of a document. Christ, by His death, proved the certainty and validity of the vision of the seventy-week prophecy and thereby the whole of the 2,300-day prophecy. Christ, by His life, death, and resurrection, accomplished all that the angel Gabriel declared He would, and thus the whole prophecy is made sure.

“Anoint the most holy”

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him. … And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1: 9–10, 15)

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22)

At His baptism in the Jordan River the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, anointing Him as the Messiah, this took place in A.D. 27.

Secondary application:

    Anoint—by implication to consecrate¹

    Most Holy—a sacred place or thing²

The term most holy usually refers to holy or sacred places or ceremonies, such as the temple service, Jerusalem, God’s holy mountain, the sanctuary, God’s name, the temple, its vessels, or a gathering of God’s people. In this Scripture, holy applies to the anointing of Christ. Though the word is rarely used to describe people, Christ was the embodiment of the whole sacrificial service.

“If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?” (Hebrews 7:11). The anointing described in Daniel 9:24 refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit when Jesus entered His public ministry, but secondarily to the anointing of the heavenly sanctuary when Jesus began His work as our intercessor and High Priest.

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. (Hebrews 8:1–5)

God’s purpose in the judgment, when His truth and His people are vindicated as seen in Daniel 7, is seen in Daniel 8 and is called the cleansing of the sanctuary. The explanation of the vision by Gabriel stretches from Daniel’s day to the punishment of the desolating powers of evil in the last days.

Daniel chapters 7–9 deal with a judgment that will end with the demise of the world’s system of evil, described as the beast and its little horn in Daniel 7, the little horn in Daniel 8, and the desolater in Daniel 9.

Daniel 9:24 deals with the results of the Messiah’s work. But in addition to explaining the 2,300-day prophecy and the cleansing of the sanctuary, this narrative also points to the antitypical Day of Atonement, when Christ will finish His mediatory work for His people. It describes the work accomplished by our great High Priest for His children who have yielded heart and mind to Him.

“To finish the transgression,” the sanctuary is cleansed, the work of our High Priest ends, and God’s people are sealed. “To make an end of sins” points to the time when Christ’s offering and mediation for sin will stop as the door of mercy shuts and Jesus seals His people into an experience of righteousness and holiness and makes them ready for translation at the coming of the Lord.

“To make reconciliation for iniquity” describes the time when all the sins the saints have ever committed will be blotted out of heaven’s book of records. In addition, as depicted in Leviticus 16, the responsibility for those sins will be placed upon the scapegoat, or Satan, who is sent into the wilderness or is bound as described in Revelation chapter 20.

Christ longs to “bring in everlasting righteousness” when He comes, and sin and sinners will be no more. “We, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:13–14).

The work of Christ, our great High Priest, is to make us blameless and without spot, ready for His coming in the clouds of heaven. For “behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:5, 7).

Daniel 9:25

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

The beginning of the 490-year or seventy-week prophecy is counted from the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. The rebuilding process took forty-nine years (seven prophetic weeks), which left sixty-two prophetic weeks, or 434 years, until the appearance of the Messiah.

“Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem”

And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. (Ezra 6:14)

Under the first decree, made by Cyrus, the Jews were permitted to leave Babylon and resettle in their native land. The utensils from the sanctuary, carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, were returned. (See Ezra 1:1–11.)

Due to opposition, the work of rebuilding slowed to a standstill. An appeal was made to Darius, and after investigating the original decree, he issued a second decree, which not only instructed the enemies of Israel to leave them in peace, but also provided funds from the king’s treasury to assist in the work. (See Ezra 6:1–11.)

The third decree was issue by Artaxerxes in the year 457 B.C. This decree, which provides the beginning date for the seventy-week prophecy, not only allowed the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem, but also provided for the restoration of civil power. The prophecy specified restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem which includes reestablishing the nation and its worship.

Included in the decree of Artaxerxes were the following points:

• The people, priests, and Levites were to return to Jerusalem—Ezra 7:13

• The people were to take offerings for the building of Jerusalem—Ezra 7:16

• The king opened the treasury for the house of God—Ezra 7:20

• The treasurers beyond the river were to help Ezra—Ezra 7:21, 23

• The Levites and priests of the temple were not to be taxed—Ezra 7:24

• Judges and magistrates were to be set up from among the Jews to administer the laws—Ezra 7:25

The sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years, started in 457 B.C. In A.D. 27 Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit and began His ministry as the Messiah—“the anointed one.” The baptism or anointing of Jesus marks the beginning of the seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy.

“Wall [breach] built even in troublous times”

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:4–5)

Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort. Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time. The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.

And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. (Ezra 4:8, 17–21)

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. (Nehemiah 4:1, 21)

Forty-nine troublous years passed as Jerusalem and the temple were rebuilt amidst opposition and apathy, just as the angel had foretold.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: 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.

And after the sixty-two weeks [of years] shall the Anointed One be cut off [or killed] and shall have nothing [and no one] belonging to [and defending] Him. And the people of the [other] prince who will come, will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood; and even to the end there shall be war, and desolations are decreed. (Daniel 9:26 AMP)

“Shall Messiah be cut off ”

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. (Isaiah 53:8)

The wicked will be cut off for disobedience to God’s law.

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. (Psalm 37:38)

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. (Proverbs 2:21–22)

Christ was “made sin for us” when “He was wounded for our transgressions, [and] He was bruised for our iniquities: [and] the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Christ experienced the death of the cross for all men and was cut off or separated from the Father because of our sins.

“Not for himself”

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. (Galatians 3:13)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)

“People of the prince”

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 2:2)

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. (Colossians 3:6)

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (John 14:30)

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (John 12:31)

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

This prince is the desolating prince of this world, the destroyer, or Satan. His people, the idolatrous and immoral Roman armies, destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.

“Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary”

And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:20, 24)

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation. (Luke 19:43–44)

Continual transgression, and the rejecting of God’s word for the religion and commandments of men, led to the rejection of the Messiah. Therefore, God’s protecting hand was removed from Israel, allowing the despised Romans, under the control of Satan (the “prince” mentioned here), to come against the city to destroy it and its sanctuary. Though Israel is once again a nation, the sanctuary still lies desolate as a testimony to the consequences of the Jews’ rejection of the Son of God, and a lesson to all, of the terrible result of sin and rebellion.  

“End thereof shall be with a flood”

Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers? Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof. (Jeremiah 46:7–8)

Thus saith the Lord; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. (Jeremiah 47:2)

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (Revelation 12:15–16)

The “flood” mentioned here refers to the persecution and destruction brought about by the people of the prince of this world, who came upon Israel to destroy both the city and the sanctuary.

At the end of sixty-nine prophetic weeks, at the start of the seventieth and final week, or the last seven years of this prophecy, Jesus began His work as the Messiah or anointed one. In the middle of the seventieth week, the Messiah was to be cut off. This was fulfilled when Christ’s earthly ministry ended after just three and a half years with His crucifixion in A.D. 31.

This prophecy was perfectly fulfilled by the life and death of Christ, and it clearly describes the destruction of Jerusalem (which the Jews suffered as a result of the continual rejection of God’s word, culminating in the crucifixion of Christ). However, many people today try to remove this seventieth week from the context of the prophecy and teach that it applies instead to the Antichrist, whom they claim is to arise in the future. This interpretation, in spite of its popularity, has no basis in Gabriel’s explanation to Daniel and destroys the continuity of the prophecy. Its adherents take the liberty to apply a prophecy, centered on our dear Savior’s anointing and death, and apply it to the Antichrist at some undetermined time in the future.

When studied in its context, this is clearly a Christ-centered prophecy that comes as an explanatory response to the vision of Daniel 8 and the cleansing of the sanctuary. It is intended to focus our attention upon Christ, our great High Priest, who is in the heavenly sanctuary as our intercessor.

Besides describing the rise and fall of the principalities and powers of prophecy, and a timeline stretching from Daniel’s day to the coming of Christ, two other themes run through chapters 7 to 9. First, the vindication of a people made ready for the coming of the Lord, and second, the eventual defeat of the little horn and all the desolating powers of evil.

“Unto the end of the war desolations are determined”

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:7–12)

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of Lords. And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:11–21)

The desolations mentioned in Daniel 9:26 have been fulfilled through the ages in the persecutions and tribulations the Jews have borne because of rejecting the Word of God, the prophets, and their Messiah. As Jesus declared, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:37–38). God’s setting aside of Israel as His chosen people is the greatest desolation of all. “Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves” (Isaiah 50:1).

Further, the desolation and judgments that the people of this world continually suffer, is also the result of disregarding or perverting the Word of God and choosing sin. Sadly most of humanity has “[refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12 AMP). Most of humanity in choosing to follow the desolating prince of this world will see increasing troubles and ruin until the end of the war between truth and error, which will only end at the second coming of Christ.

Daniel 9:27

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, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

“And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week”

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20–21)

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:1–3)

God’s covenant of peace and salvation and His desire to be Israel’s God was manifest in abundant measure when Emmanuel (literally, “God with us”) walked the earth among men. (See Matthew 1:23.) “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for He was before me. And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water” (John 1:29–31).

Israel’s Messiah had come, and His work of salvation for the Jews and all mankind commenced in earnest at His baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit. Jesus, after He came forth from His fasting and temptation in the wilderness, proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, [the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week], and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

God’s covenant was demonstrated in a living representation. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16–17).

However, “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19–20). After just three and a half years, the darkness of men’s hearts could stand the light no longer, and “they slew and hanged [Him] on a tree” (Acts 10:39).

“In thee midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease”

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:5–12)

After the death of Christ, the sacrificial system was no longer valid because the new covenant, ratified by the blood of Christ, had been established. The types and shadows of the ceremonial system, “the sacrifice and the oblation,” were fulfilled and, in the words of Paul, nailed “to His cross.” (See Colossians 2:14–17.)

Three and a half years after Christ began His ministry, in the middle of the seventieth week, He was cut off for the sins of the people, becoming the sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. The temple veil was ripped in half, showing the end of this system of types, for the new and living way had been established.

It is widely accepted that Daniel 9:27 applies to the Antichrist who will rule for three and a half years (Daniel’s seventieth week lifted into the future) at the end of time. It is taught by many writers and teachers that the temple services in Jerusalem will be reestablished and then the evil Antichrist will end them and persecute the Jews. But in prophecies dealing with time, there are no gaps. God, in His mercy, does not leave us in the dark to piece together gaps in time prophecies. Rather, all biblical time prophecies run continuously from the start to the finish, and thus it is with the seventy-week prophecy of Daniel 9.

Covenant fulfilled during the final three and a half years of the seventieth week

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:25–26)

Despite the Jews’ cry, “His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25), God was merciful. The apostles spent most of their time after Christ’s ascension preaching the saving name of the Redeemer among the Jews and at Jerusalem. Thousands were saved; even many of the priests and leaders believed on Him. God still longs for the salvation of the Jews and indeed all men.

No event is mentioned in these verses to mark the end of the seventy weeks in A.D. 34. But at the stoning of Stephen, a great persecution broke out against the believers, and they were scattered throughout the region, preaching Christ. (See Acts 8:1–2.) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea” (Acts 1:8a). The disciples’ witness was largely confined to the Jews until the stoning of Stephen. Then their witness expanded, as Jesus declared, “[You] shall be witnesses unto Me … in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).

“For the overspreading of abominations”

Then shall they know that I am the Lord, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. (Ezekiel 33:29)

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. (Ezekiel 36:31)

The Lord could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day. Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the Lord, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day. (Jeremiah 44:22–23)

“He shall make it desolate”

Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. (Isaiah 1:7)

We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men. (Isaiah 59:10)

Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day. (Jeremiah 44:6)

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (Luke 13:35)

For rebellion and sin, God made Israel desolate under the judgment of Babylon. “And I will make Jerusalem heaps, and a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant” (Jeremiah 9:11). Further, because sin and rebellion continued even after 490 years, or seventy prophetic weeks, of extended mercy, the presence of God departed and Jerusalem was left to experience the destruction of the Roman armies in A.D. 70. This desolation will continue until the originator of all evil and rebellion, the desolater prince of this world, Satan himself, is destroyed. Until that day Israel remains desolate, void of the presence of God as a nation, and Jerusalem is no longer a holy city, the delight of the Lord.
 
The desolation of Israel is but a type of the desolating work of Satan upon the world, as the world and its inhabitants continue to reject the light of heaven, as ancient Israel did.

The world will end as Jerusalem ended in A.D. 70, desolate and forsaken of God. Why? “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward” (Isaiah 1:4).

Yet God has promised this earth will be made new and righteousness, and peace will rule throughout the world. The New Jerusalem will be “beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, … the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2; see also Revelation 21:2, 22–23). However, until that time, Jerusalem remains desolate, devoid of the presence of God as a city and no longer representative of the God of glory.

Jesus referred to Daniel 9:27 in Matthew 24:15. Jesus’ decree in Matthew 23:35–38, and the oath of the Jewish leaders in Matthew 27:25, were fulfilled when the desolating Roman armies destroyed both the sanctuary and the city. In fact, because of the absence of God, the city had no protection from the desolating armies of Rome. For nearly forty years prior to her destruction, Jerusalem was desolate of God’s presence, yet God’s mercy lingered on until the overspreading of abominations demanded justice.

The earthly sanctuary destroyed in A.D. 70 was to remain desolate. Even if it is rebuilt, as some believe it will be, it will still be devoid of God’s favor and presence, even unto the consummation or completion of the destruction of this earth and until God’s fury shall be finally poured out upon Satan, the desolater of God’s truth, character, and people. As children of God we look for a new heaven and a new earth, and a New Jerusalem, where John the Revelator declared, “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (Revelation 21:22).


Endnotes

1. James Strong, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1987).

2. Ibid.