Israel in Bible Prophecy - NetBibleStudy.com

the transgression – (2) to put an end to sin – (3) to atone for wickedness – (4) to bring ineverlasting righteousness – (5) to seal up the vision and prophecy – and – (6) to anoint the mostholy.”Since Daniel was a Jew, and the Jew’s holy city was Jerusalem, we must of necessityapply that which follows to Israel. This does not have reference to the Church.Keeping in mind that these predictions concern Israel, let’s analyze the significance andthe real meaning of some of the key phrases in verse 24. Note that they all point forward to somewonderful blessings awaiting God’s chosen people. There are six statements in this verse thatforetell some of the glory awaiting them.The King James translation states, “seventy WEEKS,” however, there is universalagreement that the Hebrew word translated “weeks” (or “sevens” in some translations) in verse24 actually means “SEVEN YEARS.” The Hebrews reckoned 7 years as “a week,” as well as 7days. Daniel’s seventy weeks – or 70 7’s – would add up to 490 years. According to this it willbe after a period of 490 years of God’s special dealings with the Jewish people and the city ofJerusalem that the six-fold blessings enumerated in verse 24 will become a reality.1. First, we need to understand that the declaration that “Seventy ‘WEEKS’ [70 7’s – or– 490 years] are decreed…to finish the transgression.” This means precisely what itsays in our English versions. The Hebrew word “kala” that is translated as, “finish”means “to complete.” For that reason it would be erroneous to render this phase, “toatone for transgressions,” as some render it. Daniel had been confessing the sins ofIsrael, and is assured by God that the time will come when they will no longer live indisobedience to Him2. The phrase “to make an end of sin,” declares that sin will be brought under completecontrol. In Job 37:7 this Hebrew word translated “make an end of,” found here inDaniel 9:24, is rendered as “He (God) seals up.” Here in Daniel 9:24 it refers to thefact that sin will be brought under full restraint by Christ’s Divine government.3. The expression, “to make reconciliation for iniquity,” refers to the effectiverealization of the reconciliation the Lord Jesus wrought at Calvary. This will takeplace when Israel, as a nation, turns to Jesus Christ in faith.4. “To bring in everlasting righteousness,” also expresses a promise that awaits Israel’sconversion and will be experienced under the righteous rule of the Messiah.5. The assertion that “seventy sevens are determined to seal up the vision andprophecy,” obviously points to something still future. Many of the propheticannouncements are yet unfulfilled, but their absolute authenticity will be establishedwhen Christ returns in power and great glory.6. “To anoint the most Holy,” definitely refers to the Holy of Holies in a reconstructedTemple. The Jews will have a new Temple that God will anoint and acknowledge atthe beginning of the millennial Age, as He did the Tabernacle, and also the Templebuilt by Solomon.All of these things were promised by God through Daniel to Israel and are yet future, forHe declared that they would follow the period of “seventy sevens” – or 490 years!Let’s continue studying in verses 25 and 26: