The 70 weeks prophecy found in Daniel 9:24-27 is one of the most profound and detailed predictions in Scripture. As I’ve studied this passage, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible way it lays out God’s timeline for Israel and the coming of the Messiah. This prophecy not only looks back at significant events but also offers a window into the future, reminding us of God’s sovereign control over history.
In this post, I want to walk through the meaning of this prophecy, exploring its historical fulfillment and future implications. Along the way, I’ll draw on insights from respected Bible teachers like Harry Ironside and J. Vernon McGee, whose commentaries have enriched my understanding of this text.
The Background of the 70 Weeks Prophecy
This prophecy comes in response to Daniel’s heartfelt prayer for his people during their exile. Daniel wasn’t just praying for their immediate return to Jerusalem but for the full restoration of Israel according to God’s promises. As Harry Ironside puts it, “Daniel wasn’t simply concerned with their return to the land; he sought the full fulfillment of the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Lectures on Daniel). This sets the stage for the revelation Daniel receives—God’s plan for His people over the span of 70 weeks.
Understanding the “Weeks”
When Gabriel speaks of 70 “weeks” (Daniel 9:24), the term used in Hebrew is “shabu’im,” which means “sevens.” In this context, the “weeks” refer to periods of seven years, not days, which means the entire prophecy spans 490 years.
As J. Vernon McGee explains, “Seventy times seven years are determined for the nation Israel and the city of Jerusalem… That’s 490 years of Jewish history that God has laid out here” (Thru the Bible). Understanding this is key because it helps us interpret the historical significance of the prophecy and what’s still to come.
The First 69 Weeks (483 Years)
1. The First 7 Weeks (49 Years)
This period begins with a decree to rebuild Jerusalem, often associated with the decree given by Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1-8). These 49 years saw the rebuilding of the city, including its walls and streets, as described in the prophecy.
2. The Next 62 Weeks (434 Years)
Following the rebuilding of Jerusalem, another 434 years pass, leading up to the arrival of “the Anointed One”—the Messiah (Daniel 9:25). This period culminates in the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. McGee explains that “the 483 years fall right in line, showing that God’s timetable is precise. Jesus Christ was born at the exact time God predicted.”
The Messiah’s “Cutting Off”
Daniel 9:26 reveals that after the 69 weeks (or 483 years), the Messiah will be “cut off, but not for Himself.” This is a clear reference to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross—an event that brought redemption not for His own sins, but for ours.
Harry Ironside, in his commentary, emphasizes the significance of this moment: “Here we see that the cutting off of the Messiah was necessary to complete the redemption of mankind. Jesus was rejected by His people and crucified, just as Daniel had been told” (Lectures on Daniel). This fulfillment of prophecy is a powerful reminder of God’s plan to offer salvation to the world through Christ’s sacrifice.
The Final Week (7 Years)
What remains is the final “week” of the prophecy—the 70th week, which is still yet to be fulfilled. Many Bible scholars, including Ironside and McGee, see this final week as referring to a future seven-year period of tribulation, when the Antichrist will rise to power, make a covenant with Israel, and ultimately betray them (Daniel 9:27).
McGee explains that the 70th week is separated from the first 69 by a “gap”—the Church Age. “We are living in the interim period between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel’s prophecy. When the Church is taken away in the Rapture, the 70th week will begin,” he says. This is a time when God’s focus will once again shift to Israel, leading to the events described in Revelation, including Christ’s return.
The Importance of the 70 Weeks Prophecy for Us Today
The 70 weeks prophecy is not just a timeline for Israel, but a powerful testimony of God’s sovereign control over history. It shows us that He is faithful to fulfill His promises—right down to the year! The coming of the Messiah, as foretold by Daniel, gives us confidence that the remaining events of the prophecy will also come to pass.
In his commentary, McGee encourages believers not to be anxious about the future but to trust in God’s plan. “The 70th week is coming, but so is the return of Christ. The King will come and establish His kingdom. It’s just a matter of time,” he writes.
This prophecy serves as a reminder that God is not finished with His people or His world. As Ironside wisely notes, “The 70 weeks of Daniel give us an outline of God’s dealings with His earthly people, and we see that He has everything in perfect control.”
Conclusion: A Call to Study and Watchfulness
As we reflect on the 70 weeks prophecy, it’s important to remember that we are living in a unique time—between the 69th and 70th weeks. This is a time of grace, where the gospel is being spread across the world. But the prophecy also encourages us to live expectantly, knowing that Christ will return and that God’s plan is unfolding.
Let us remain diligent in studying Scripture and staying watchful for the fulfillment of these promises. As McGee reminds us, “God’s clock is ticking, and His plan is right on schedule.”
I hope this study on the 70 weeks of Daniel has encouraged you as it has me. Understanding this prophecy reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Jesus Christ—both in His first coming and in His glorious return.
