The prophecy of the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24-27 is one of the most profound and detailed prophecies in the Bible, laying out God's plan for Israel and the unfolding of world events, including the coming of the Messiah and the end times. Within this prophecy, the 70th week holds special significance as it refers to the final seven-year period of world history before the return of Christ. This blog will explore the meaning of the 70th week of Daniel through a thorough exegesis, focusing on the text itself, without speculation or external theological views.

The Prophecy of the 70 Weeks Explained

In Daniel 9:24-27, the angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel the timeline for the future of Israel and Jerusalem, saying:

"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." (Daniel 9:24, ESV)

The term "weeks" here in Hebrew is שָׁבוּעַ (shavua), meaning "sevens"—units of seven years. Therefore, 70 weeks refers to 70 sets of seven years, or 490 years in total. This time period is divided into three parts:

1. Seven weeks (49 years): The time from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the completion of the city.

2. Sixty-two weeks (434 years): The time from the completion of Jerusalem until the coming of the Anointed One (the Messiah).

3. One final week (7 years): This is the 70th week, which is our focus, involving key end-time events.

The 70th Week as a Literal Seven-Year Period

The 70th week is understood as a literal seven-year period, based on how the first 69 weeks were fulfilled in actual years. Just as the earlier parts of the prophecy (483 years) led to historical events like the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the coming of the Messiah, the final week must also be interpreted as a literal timeframe.

The details of this final week are given in Daniel 9:27:

"And 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. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator." (Daniel 9:27, ESV)

This verse indicates several key events within the 70th week:

1. A Strong Covenant with Many: The seven-year period begins with a covenant made by a powerful figure—often identified as the Antichrist—with "many," possibly including Israel and other nations. This covenant is likely a peace agreement, allowing for the restoration of Jewish sacrifices, possibly in a rebuilt Temple.

2. Breaking of the Covenant at Midpoint: In the middle of the week—after 3 1/2 years—the covenant will be broken. This figure will put an end to sacrifices and commit what is called the abomination of desolation, a desecration of the holy place. The phrase "abomination of desolation" in Hebrew (שִׁקּוּץ מְשֹׁמֵם / shikkuts meshomem) refers to something abominable that causes desolation or devastation. Jesus refers to this event in Matthew 24:15 as a key sign of the Great Tribulation:

   "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place... then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be." (Matthew 24:15, 21)

3. The Great Tribulation: The second half of the 70th week, after the covenant is broken, is marked by intense persecution and suffering, known as the Great Tribulation. This period lasts for 3 1/2 years and is referenced in both Daniel and Revelation in various forms:

   • 1,260 days (Revelation 12:6)

   • 42 months (Revelation 13:5)

   • Time, times, and half a time (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:14)

This consistent description of 3 1/2 years confirms that the final week of Daniel's prophecy is divided into two literal halves.

Biblical Consistency with the 70th Week

The interpretation of the 70th week as a literal seven-year period is further reinforced by comparing the events in Daniel with other prophetic scriptures, especially in the Book of Revelation. For example, the Antichrist's rise, the breaking of the covenant, and the ensuing tribulation are mirrored in Revelation 13, where the beast (Antichrist) is given authority to act for 42 months (3 1/2 years):

"And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months." (Revelation 13:5)

The clear and consistent timeframe of 3 1/2 years for the Great Tribulation further supports the literal interpretation of the 70th week.

Why the 70th Week is Important

The 70th week of Daniel is crucial because it marks the final chapter in God's plan for Israel and the world before the second coming of Christ. This week will usher in the Great Tribulation, followed by Christ’s defeat of the Antichrist, the establishment of His kingdom, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

For Christians today, understanding the 70th week provides a roadmap of the end times, revealing the events that will lead up to Christ’s return and the need to be prepared spiritually for what is to come.

Application for Today

While the events of the 70th week are still future, there are important lessons that believers can apply in their lives:

1. Watchfulness and Readiness: Jesus calls His followers to be alert and ready for His return, as the events of the 70th week will come unexpectedly for many. As Jesus warned in Matthew 24:42, "Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." This means living a life marked by holiness and obedience, knowing that Christ’s return is imminent.

2. Strengthened Faith: The knowledge of the Great Tribulation and the hardships to come should not bring fear but strengthen our faith. We know that God’s plans will be fulfilled perfectly, and Christ’s victory is assured. This understanding can motivate us to endure trials, knowing that the outcome is certain. In times of personal difficulty, we can find encouragement that God is in control, and every event will lead to His ultimate purpose.

3. Urgency in Evangelism: The reality of the coming tribulation and judgment should fuel our passion for sharing the gospel with others. As we see the prophetic timeline unfold, there’s an urgency to proclaim the Good News to those who have not yet accepted Christ. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

4. God’s Sovereignty Over History: The fulfillment of the first 69 weeks of Daniel’s prophecy gives us confidence that the 70th week will also unfold exactly as foretold. This reminds us that God is sovereign over history, and His purposes will prevail. As believers, we can rest in His promises and trust in His timing.

Conclusion

The 70th week of Daniel represents a literal seven-year period in the future, involving a covenant made and broken by the Antichrist, followed by the Great Tribulation. It is an essential part of the prophetic timeline, leading to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. For believers, this prophecy encourages us to remain vigilant, to trust in God’s sovereignty, and to live in light of the imminent return of our Lord. The 70th week is not just a prophetic detail—it is a key part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.

By understanding this prophecy through the lens of sound biblical exegesis, we can stand firm in the faith, assured that God's promises will be fulfilled in their due time. Let this knowledge drive us to deeper faith, active evangelism, and a holy life as we await Christ’s return.