Daniel’s Seventieth Week and the Puzzling Gap
This article explores the prophecy of Daniel’s 70 weeks and critically examines the gap theory.
In the intricate tapestry of biblical prophecy, few passages captivate the curiosity of scholars and believers alike as much as Daniel 9. Among its verses lies a prophetic timeline, a sequence of events that has sparked intense debates and divergent interpretations over the centuries. Yet, one particular point of contention stands out—the elusive seventieth week.
Background of Daniel's Prophecy
Daniel’s 70-week prophecy is a crucial biblical forecast concerning the timetable of significant events, interpreted variably across eras; and is thought to be one of the most important and enigmatic prophesies in biblical literature.
Daniel’s 70-week prophecy is a crucial biblical forecast, offering insights into significant events and timelines that have intrigued scholars and believers across different eras. This prophecy, believed to have originated during the Babylonian exile, a period of great turmoil and uncertainty for the Jewish people, holds a profound enigma that has sparked debates and varied interpretations over time.
“Preachers often claim Daniel’s seventieth week awaits us, separated from the sixty-nine by over 2,500 years—a view rooted in dispensationalism. They see Daniel 9:27’s ‘he’ as a future Antichrist, distinct from the Messiah ‘cut off’ in 9:26, citing Revelation 11:1-2’s temple as evidence. While this interprets the text’s shift in tone, Daniel’s narrative flows without hinting at such a gap. The covenant of 9:27 aligns with Christ’s New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8), suggesting a first-century fulfillment. The gap theory isn’t baseless, but a sequential reading fits Scripture’s context better.”
To substantiate our arguments, decoding key events from the book of Daniel becomes imperative. This approach ensures the validity of our interpretations and dispels misconceptions that have persisted within the church community for years. The prevailing belief often linked these passages to the anti-Christ, his reign, and the construction of a third temple. However, with deeper insights, it becomes evident that the time of Jesus intricately encompasses these prophecies, debunking assumptions about a future figure.
Throughout history, scholars and Christians have explored this prophecy, resulting in a range of opinions and theories. The seventieth week holds profound significance in the timeline of future events, impacting our understanding of the end times, prophecy fulfillment, and God’s divine plan for humanity.
Alternative interpretations view the seventieth week symbolically, representing a broader period or a spiritual fulfillment rather than a literal week. By critically assessing these viewpoints, a nuanced understanding emerges, enhancing our grasp of this prophetic narrative.
While debates persist on whether the seventieth week is yet to come or has already transpired, a thorough analysis is essential. This scrutiny unveils the complexity of interpretations and sheds light on questions surrounding timelines and prophecy fulfillment in the book of Daniel.
Interpretations of the Prophecy
The interpretation of the prophecy varies among scholars and believers. Some argue that the events described in the prophecy were fulfilled during the time of Jesus Christ, while others believe that the seventieth week is yet to come in the future. These differing viewpoints underscore the complexity and diversity of interpretations surrounding this prophecy, leading to ongoing debates and discussions within scholarly circles.
While certain interpretations suggest a future fulfillment of the seventieth week, it is essential to scrutinize the evidence and reasoning supporting these claims. One weakness of the future interpretation is the lack of explicit biblical support for a prolonged gap between the sixty-ninth and seventieth weeks. Furthermore, contemplating a future seventieth week raises questions about the timeline and fulfillment of other prophecies found in the book of Daniel.
These considerations emphasize the necessity for a comprehensive analysis and critical evaluation of the various interpretations. Such scrutiny is vital for obtaining a thorough understanding of the implications and significance of the seventieth week within the context of the book of Daniel.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the implications and significance of the seventieth week in Daniel’s prophecy necessitates meticulous analysis and critical evaluation across diverse interpretations.
Interpretations of the Prophecy
One thing I still don’t understand is how people came up with the idea of a third temple being constructed in Jerusalem with the assistance of the anti-Christ. I admit, that I also held this belief until the Lord helped me gain clarity.
A temple can only be deemed as such if the Lord commands its construction; otherwise, it is merely a man-made structure. Only when a building is built according to God’s instructions and His glory descends to dwell within it, can it be truly called a temple.
The Spiritual Temple in Christ
The Old Testament temples were designed according to the plan of God but those temples were a foreshadow of things to come. Since Christ was the anti-type and those were types and shadows, the idea of the temple was consummated in Christ. And He’s erected a better one, having established upon better promises.
The Old Testament temples were designed according to God’s plan, but they were just a foreshadowing; Christ, as the anti-type, fulfilled the types and shadows represented by those temples and the concept of the temple being ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who has established a better one based on superior promises.
The Lord Himself hath come down, having redeemed us made He a one new man tearing down the enmity wall between a Jew and Gentile; removing any distinction before God and through the Spirit of God, He’s compacted each of us as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5; built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit – Ephesians 2:22.
The Lord Himself came down, redeemed us, and made us into a new man, tearing down the wall of enmity between Jew and Gentile – Ephesians 1:10/2:15,16; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13. He removed any distinction before God and, through the Spirit of God, compacted each of us as lively stones, building up a spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5; built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit – Ephesians 2:22; 1 Corinthians 3:17.
The most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Acts 7:48-49/17:24
Jesus came to dismantle the earthly temple and raise the spiritual one. In three days – Matthew 26:61, he established the foundation for the New Jerusalem – Isaiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6, the mother of all of us – Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22.
Historical Events in AD 70
“AD 70’s temple destruction fulfills Daniel 9:27’s ‘abomination of desolation,’ with Roman horrors—Josephus writes, ‘The flames consumed the sanctuary as blood flowed like rivers’ (Wars 6.4.1)—matching Jesus’ warning (Matthew 24:15). Antiochus IV’s desecration (167 BC, Daniel 11:31) prefigures it, but AD 70 surpasses as the climax, ending the Old Covenant. Futurists expect another desolation, yet Christ’s spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:22) suggests no future reprise is needed—AD 70 seals the prophecy’s core.”
Many see this as proof to back up their arguments, as Jesus stated, “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place” – Matthew 24:15. This “abomination of desolation” which Jesus reiterated from Daniel 9:27, was poured upon the desolate in AD 70. And all that’s been spoken in that verse has been fulfilled if you study the church history. This advice was given in the context of a prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
Historically, during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in AD 70, Christians and other residents of Jerusalem who remembered Jesus’ warning about fleeing to the mountains did indeed flee to Pella and other locations outside Jerusalem before the city was destroyed. This act of fleeing to the mountains saved many lives as they escaped the devastation that befell Jerusalem during that time.
Returning to the matter, and in light of what I’ve just mentioned, if the seventieth week has already occurred, it may indicate that certain prophecies have been fulfilled and that we are, living in a different era. If the seventieth week is yet to come, it may indicate future events to watch for, but this may not happen as it contradicts Scripture and has already been fulfilled in Christ.
Therefore, understanding the interpretation of the seventieth week is crucial to gaining insight into the broader scope of biblical prophecy and its relevance to our world today.
Prophecies and Fulfillment "The Seventieth Week’s Span"
“When was the seventieth week? It likely spans AD 27-34: Jesus’ ministry (AD 27-30) confirms the New Covenant, ending sacrifices spiritually midweek (Daniel 9:27), with the gospel’s spread culminating in Stephen’s death (AD 34). This fulfills Daniel 9:24’s goals—like ‘to make an end of sins’ through Christ’s atonement—anchoring the prophecy in his era.”
While some argue that the seventieth week is yet to come, it is important to consider alternative interpretations that suggest it has already occurred or represents a symbolic period. These interpretations point to historical events, such as the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of the seventieth week. We shall learn that the events described in Daniel’s prophecy, such as the establishment of a new covenant and the end of sacrificial offerings, align with the teachings and actions of Jesus and not that of anti-Christ.
The historical event refers to the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC. Antiochus IV erected a statue of Zeus in the temple, sacrificed a pig on the altar, and attempted to force the Jewish people to abandon their religious practices.
Didn’t Jesus say, “I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands”? Mark 14:58/John 2:19 The end of that age did come, in AD 70 as Daniel foretold – Matt 24:15. According to Matthew 24:16, the Christians who understood Jesus’ teaching did indeed, run into Judaea’s highlands. The year AD 70 is significant in Christianity, which, was meticulously documented by Titus Flavius Josephus (a first-century Romano-Jewish historian and apologist).
The Books of Maccabees also records this and is often associated with the fulfillment of prophecies related to the abomination of desolation. The actions of Antiochus IV are seen as a foreshadowing or a partial fulfillment of the prophecies about a future figure, such as the Antichrist, who would similarly desecrate the holy place in the end times.
“The ‘man of sin’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) isn’t just a future figure. Paul says iniquity was already at work (2:7), seen in AD 70’s temple profaners and today’s false teachers (1 John 2:18). This spirit of Antichrist desecrates God’s church, the true temple (1 Corinthians 3:17). A final revelation may come, but its roots lie in the first century, fulfilled through Christ’s victory.”
The scripture verse that was once seen as a future event is now unfolding before our eyes. We are witnessing a spiritual decline in churches, marked by depravity and a significant shift in values. This shift has led to a widespread rejection of Christianity, a demoralization of Christian culture, and a takeover of pulpits by those promoting carnal worship and diluted, compromised preaching. The falling away has either occurred or is currently ongoing, reflecting the challenges faced within the realm of faith and spirituality.
The prophesied “falling away first,” as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, has already occurred. We are now at the threshold of witnessing the translation of the saints of God before the revelation of the man of sin, the son of perdition. This individual will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or worshipped. He will even go as far as to sit in the temple of God, presenting himself as God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
The Bible warns us about false apostles and deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light, and his followers also masquerade as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). These charlatans have found their place within the churches, indicating a desecration of the holy place by the presence of deceptive individuals whose actions align with the prophetic warnings.
This interpretation of the prophecy is unfolding before us, rather than understanding the verse as a prediction of Israel building a third temple where the Antichrist will sit. The man of sin will indeed exalt himself before the world and blasphemes God.
I am puzzled by preachers who assert that Daniel’s seventieth week is still pending. The logic behind the 70-week prophecy is straightforward: the 70th week follows the 69th, making a 2500-year gap illogical. A sequential order of events indicates that the long break is unnecessary. Further investigation is warranted.
70 Weeks are determined - Daniel 9:24 (Isn't this a glimpse of the gospel?)
– It is the disannulling of the Old Covenant (no more Temple) – Heb 7:18/Mark 13:1,2; it is the disannulling of their (Israel’s) covenant with death and the rescinding of their agreement with hell; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through (The fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the dreadful trials that ensued), then ye shall be trodden down by it – Isaiah 28:15,18.
– Did Jesus not also defeat sin and death? He abolished death – 2 Tim 1:10/1Cor 15:55,56/Hebrews 2:9,14,15/ 1 John 3:14/Rom 6:4,9,14;8:3.
– He stripped Israel of all distinction and privileges – Col 3:11/Gal 3:28;
– He established a new and better Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31/Hebrews 8:8,13;12:24;
– It is the utter ruin of the kingdom of the house of Israel – Hosea 1:4,6/Amos 9:8.
– To finish transgression – Isaiah 53:5-8/Rom 5:14.
– To make and end of sin – Rom 8:3/6:14/Isaiah 53:10,12 (abolished death & brought life and immortality – Rom 6:23/2Tim 1:10)
– To make reconciliation for iniquity – 2Cor 5:18,19/Col 1:21/Rom 5:10/Heb 2:17/Matt 8:17.
– To bring in everlasting righteousness – Jeremiah 23:6/1Pet 2:24/Rom 5:21/James 2:23/Heb 1:8/Phil 1:11;3:9/2Cor 5:21;3:9/Rom 1:17;3:21,22 (righteousness of God in Christ Jesus/ awake to righteousness/ Christ our righteousness – 1Cor 1:30;15:34)
– To seal up the vision & prophesy – (until John) – Luke 16:16 – Because our Lord is the one to whom they were pointing, the prophecy and vision are sealed – 1Pet 1:10/Gal 3:24,25.
– To anoint the most Holy – Acts 3:14;10:38/Isaiah 61:1/Luke 4:18.
– He shall confirm the covenant for one week – Heb 8:6-10,13;9:1,4;10:16,29;12:24;13:20/Gal 3:17 – He made the covenant firm/established it – Rom 11:27
– In the midst of the week, he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease – Numbers 18:9 – Isaiah 1:13 (Hasn’t Christ put an end to it? When the great anti-type, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the entire world, has come, the types are no longer necessary – 1 John 2:2/John 1:29) Did not the offering and sacrifice come to an end, and Israel remains without a temple up to this day?
– For the overspreading of abomination he shall make it desolate even until consummation – Malachi 2:11/Daniel 11:31;12:11/Ezekiel 33:26;22:11/ Jeremiah 2:7;6:5;8:12;14:12-16;32:35/1Kings 11:5,7/Acts 3:14;13:46. Even until consummation – AD 70 – Mark 13:12/Luke 23:28,29/Matt 23:35/Luke 19:41-44.
– Poured upon the desolate – Matt 23:38/Luke 13:35. Did Jesus not speak of the destruction when he said, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down”? Did his prophecy come true in AD 70, leading to the desolation of Jerusalem? The events of that era, when examined, reveal unimaginable horrors. Every evil imaginable occurred in that place.
Here’s a report of the significant events and atrocities that took place in Jerusalem during AD 70:
– Siege of Jerusalem: The Roman army, led by General Titus, laid siege to Jerusalem, cutting off supplies and trapping the residents inside the city.
– Starvation: Severe famine set in due to the siege, leading to extreme hunger and desperation. People resorted to eating leather, hay, and even their own children.
– Infighting: Internal conflict among Jewish factions, including the Zealots and other groups, further exacerbated the situation. This infighting led to murders and destruction within the city walls.
– Destruction of the Temple: The Second Temple, a central place of worship and cultural identity for the Jewish people, was destroyed by Roman forces. This act was both a cultural and spiritual blow.
– Massacres: The Romans slaughtered thousands of inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many were killed during the fighting, while others were executed after the city was captured.
– Burning of the City: Large parts of Jerusalem were set ablaze by the Romans. The fires consumed homes, businesses, and significant historical and religious sites.
– Crucifixions: Romans crucified thousands of Jews around the city. The sight of so many crosses was intended as a psychological weapon to instill fear and ensure submission.
– Rape: There were numerous reports of Roman soldiers committing sexual violence against women and girls in the city. Rape was used as a tool of terror and domination.
– Infanticide: The extreme conditions of the siege led to reports of infanticide, both as a result of desperation and starvation, and as a consequence of the violence and chaos within the city.
– Looting and Plundering: The Roman soldiers looted the city, taking valuable items, treasures from the Temple, and personal belongings of the residents.
– Enslavement and Deportation: Surviving residents, including women and children, were taken as slaves and sold in the Roman Empire. Others were deported to different regions.
– End of Jewish Self-Governance: The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple marked the end of Jewish self-governance and the beginning of the Jewish diaspora.
– Cultural and Religious Impact: The destruction had a profound impact on Jewish cultural and religious life. The loss of the Temple changed the practice of Judaism, leading to the rise of Rabbinic Judaism.
Why was Israel required to endure intense trials or undergo a baptism of fire?
Firstly, both Israel and Judah committed horrible abominations for which they were responsible (they burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and the moon, and the planets, and all the host of heaven); as a result, they produced ALIEN CHILDREN who were born of the spirit of harlotry (a wind has wrapped them – Hosea 4:19; Jesus referred to this group as “the synagogue of Satan, which claim to be Jews, but are lying” – Rev 2:9/3:9 – whom, in the year 70 AD, God utterly destroyed along with their idols – God said, I will lay the dead carcasses of the children of Israel before their idols, and I will scatter their bones round about their altars – Ezekiel 6:5,9,13/ 14:3/36:18; Apostle Stephen was slain after revealing their vileness – he said, the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, images which ye created to worship them – Acts 7:43; upon hearing this, they were slashed to the core and gnashed on Stephen with their teeth – Acts 7:54).
Secondly, they denied the Holy One and the Just and killed the Prince of life – Acts 3:14,15; Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children – Matthew 27:25.
Jesus, their Messiah, came to save, yet the majority did not have faith in him.
On Calvary’s slope, a spring to cleanse sins and uncleanness has been opened.
The Way into the holiest of all is made manifest – Hebrews 9:8.
The sins are atoned – Romans 5:11.
Remission of sins – Luke 1:77.
Reconciled – 2 Cor 5:19.
The hour has come, as Jesus said, when we will not worship the Father, neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem – John 4:21. The human heart has now become A TEMPLE dedicated to God.
Significance of Christ's Fulfillment
Raised up the Tabernacle of David THAT IS FALLEN – Amos 9:11/Rev 22:16/Zechariah 12:10/Acts 2:30 (David a descendant of Judah’s son Perez–whom Judah had with Tamar)
All of these are FULFILLED BY CHRIST (This occurred 600 years after Daniel wrote) – Matt 5:17/Acts 13:33/Luke 21:32.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the article challenges the traditional interpretation of the Seventieth Week of Daniel by proposing that its fulfillment may have occurred in Christ, rather than awaiting a future event. By re-evaluating the timeline of prophecy fulfillment and emphasizing Christ as the cornerstone of faith and salvation, it offers a fresh perspective on the spiritual significance of temples and prophecies. This reinterpretation encourages a deeper exploration of faith, interpretation, and the transformative impact of Christ’s redemptive work.