A decree of “seventy sevens/weeks” probably meant 490 years (70 × 7). 9:2), it is reasonable to assume the “sevens/weeks” played on the years of Daniel 9:2 as well. Gabriel’s message played upon the “seventy” and promised “seventy sevens” or “seventy weeks.” And if the “seventy” in Gabriel’s message played on the “seventy” from Jeremiah 25:11–12 (cf. The number “seventy” appeared earlier in chapter 9 when the prophet was reading in the book of Jeremiah about the desolations of Jerusalem ending after “seventy years” of captivity (v. The number “seventy” is essential for the remaining verses, which divide it threefold, so understanding the source of this number is vital to a proper interpretation. Gabriel announced, “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city.” The objects of God’s decree are the Jews and Jerusalem. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” 27And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. 26And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 25Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Listen to the Passage Read the PassageĢ4“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. This article is part of the Tough Passages series.

Timeline graph in the book of daniel