After
the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined.
Daniel 9:26
Daniel 9 [25.] Know therefore and discern, that from the going out of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times. After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined. He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out on the desolate.
Meaning:
- Timeline of Prophecy:
The prophecy in Daniel 9:26 is part of the larger context of Daniel's seventy weeks prophecy, which outlines a period of time during which specific events will unfold. Scholars interpret the "seventy weeks" as representing a period of 490 years, with each week representing seven years. The sixty-two weeks mentioned in this verse refer to a period of 434 years.
- The Anointed One:
This phrase, translated from the Hebrew "Mashiach," refers to the Messiah, the promised deliverer and king. The prophecy states that after the completion of the sixty-two weeks, the Anointed One will be "cut off" or killed. This is a clear reference to the death of Jesus Christ, who was crucified during the time of the Roman occupation of Judea.
- Destruction of Jerusalem:
The verse also speaks of the destruction of the city and the sanctuary by the "people of the prince who come." This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Roman armies in AD 70. The Roman prince referenced here is understood to be Titus, the Roman general who led the siege against Jerusalem.
- Desolations Determined:
The verse concludes with the statement that "desolations are determined." This indicates that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple is a predetermined event, ordained by God as a consequence of Israel's disobedience and rejection of the Messiah.
The significance of Daniel 9:26 for us today lies in its confirmation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the promised Messiah. Through his death on the cross, Jesus atoned for sin and provided salvation for all who believe in him. Additionally, the destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.
In Ephesians 1:7-8, we read, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished on us, in all wisdom and insight."
As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises and the importance of placing our trust in the Anointed One, Jesus Christ. His sacrificial death and resurrection offer hope and redemption to all who turn to him in faith.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible