There are 2 tribulation periods, the “first” is to the Jews

[Spiritual Israelite]

For example, we need to understand that the crucifixion and the destruction of the city and temple took place outside of the 70 weeks prophetic time frame.

This is a baseless claim. And, again, you are trying to make claims about the prophecy when you clearly currently have no understanding of Daniel 9:24, as you have admitted. Why should we take you seriously about anything related to the prophecy when you have no idea of how to interpret Daniel 9:24? I don't understand that. It says Jesus would be cut off (crucified) after the 69th week ended. That places His death within the 70th week. That should be obvious. There is no basis whatsoever for putting a gap between the fulfillment of the 69th and 70th weeks. It makes no sense to not have His death in the 70th week when His death is crucial to the fulfillment of Daniel 9:24.

Jesus linked this prophecy in Daniel to the time just before His coming.


“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ... For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:15-21

No, that is not related to His second coming. The prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 relates to the destruction of the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (temple) and that occurred in 70 AD. So, Matthew 24:15-21 relates to what happened in 70 AD. That was Jesus's answer to the disciples question of when the temple buildings would be destroyed after He had just told them they would be destroyed.

Question:

Matthew 24:1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Answer:

Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: ) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

 

[Earburner]

For example, we need to understand that the crucifixion and the destruction of the city and temple took place outside of the 70 weeks prophetic time frame.

Thank you for appreciating my understanding.
Yes! We all only know in part of all things. But as for the fundamentals of what actually took place IN THE MIDST of the 70th week, for that we are given to KNOW.

Hopefully, I can present it to you in more detail in the following.
But before that, first and foremost I need to establish this one scriptural fact: John the Baptist and Jesus, were a Joint ministry.
John was for 6 mos., and Jesus was for 3 years. In my opinion, they are the fulfilment of the "two anointed ones" of Zech. 4:14.
So, when I describe when Messiah is "cut off in the midst of the week" (3.5 years), I am including John.

By the Truth of Christ's mind within me, I am convinced to know that the crucifixion (cutting off) of Christ took place AFTER the 69 weeks, being that of in the midst of the 7 years of the 70th week.
However, the destruction of the temple/city, took place long after the midst [first 3.5 yrs] of the 7 yrs. in the 70th week, with 3.5 years of the 70th week to still account for.

With those 3.5 years remaining, we can see the fulness of Christ's ministry, of Him "confirming" the New covenant. The first half, being 3.5 years, was in the flesh, and then His ministry of 3.5 years following, by His Spirit, to the Early Church. In that, all of the 7 years of the 70th week was fulfilled in the year of 3.5 AD.

Now, going forward from the date of 3.5 AD to 70 AD., reveals a total of 66.5 literal years. But, we must convert that 66.5 years into prophetic "weeks of years", to be in step with what a "prophetic week" is equal to, which is 7 years.

Thus we divide 66.5 years by 7 years = 9.5 prophetic weeks. Therefore 9.5 weeks added to 70 weeks = 79.5 prophetic weeks, which is when the Roman Titus destroyed the temple/city, being the literal year of 70AD.

So then, the point here is God "determined" only 70 weeks (490 years) upon Israel and their city, not 79.5 weeks.
Therefore the oddity of 9.5 weeks (the year of 3.5 AD to 70 AD) is outside the total of the prophesied 70 weeks.
We both know that the counting of the 69 weeks began when the commandment was given in 483 BC., to rebuild the streets and the city. Those 69 weeks ("unto the Messiah", were fulfilled when Jesus was baptized. From that point, Jesus began "confirming" the New C. for 3.5 yrs. through His flesh, before death, and then continued confirming the New C. after His death, for 3.5 more yrs. by His Spirit (totalling 7 years).

But, there is more than meets the eye here. The Jews continued their vain sacrificing of animals for 40+/- years, after the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. God called their defiant act "....the overspreading of abominations". It is at that point, that the destruction was allowed to be brought on by the Roman Titus in 70 AD. Israel was now void of God and under NO protecting cover by God.
The KoG was taken from them, and their house was left unto them desolate [void of God], as Dan. 9:27 describes for them.

Dan. 9[27] And he [Jesus] shall confirm the [New] covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week [by His Sacrifice] he [Jesus] shall cause the [temple] sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it [the temple] desolate [destroyed and void of God], even until the consummation [the end of time], and that "determined" [Dan. 9:24] shall be POURED upon the desolate [those who are unsaved, being void of God].
See  Acts 10:45 for the latter fulfilment of Dan. 9:27 and what was "determined" in verse 24.

Jesus linked this prophecy in Daniel to the time just before His coming.

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ... For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matthew 24:15-21

The original words in Daniel describe the "abomination" more effectively:
Dan. 12
[11] And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that MAKETH desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
Though that prophecy was literally fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes lV, Jesus used it in typology (John 2:18-21), just as He did with Jonah and the Whale.

Who was it that was "set up", that would be literally SEEN as an abomination unto God? See Prov. 6:17, and then find out whose "hands" it was that "set up" the abomination, and God's "hatred" towards those who shed innocent blood.
Clue: Mat. 27:17-25. Specifically verse 25.

Edit:
Historical background of when Pontius Pilate ruled as Governor.

5th Prefect of Judaea
In office c. 26 AD – 36 AD
Appointed by	Tiberius
Preceded by	Valerius Gratus
Succeeded by	Marcellus

Pontius Pilate - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Earburner]

Number 1 - The prophetic time period is 70 weeks; 70 weeks of years. 490 years

Number 2 - The 70 weeks time frame concerns "your people" which refers to the Jews.

Number 3 - The 70 weeks times frame deals with "your holy city" which pertains to the literal city of Jerusalem.


The first three things have nothing to do with Jesus‘ sacrifice.


The first 69 weeks have nothing to do with Jesus’ sacrifice.

• “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;

John 5
[39] Search the [OT] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

There are many prophecies in the OT about Jesus' first coming, all of which are clouded by words for secrecy, making it to be a "mystery".
Rom. 16
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Cor. 2
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

My point here is that God knows how to confound those who are wise BY "the wisdom of men" (Bible scholars and Bible Colleges, etc.).

One such mystery that confounds, are the words: "And after 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off [crucified], but not for himself;"
Most Christians start counting the prophetic time for Jesus being "cut off" in the 63 week, when in reality the words do not directly specify for such a conclusion.

However the words do say that AFTER 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off [crucified], which is meaning ANY week, after the 62nd week, but in reality, it truly is that which follows the 69th week, being that of the 70th week, wherein Jesus was crucified.

Get back to 1 Cor. 2:5, and learn where your faith should NOT STAND.

 

[IndianaRob]

John 5
[39] Search the [OT] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

There are many prophecies in the OT about Jesus' first coming, all of which are clouded by words for secrecy, making it to be a "mystery".
Rom. 16
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Cor. 2
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

My point here is that God knows how to confound those who are wise BY "the wisdom of men" (Bible scholars and Bible Colleges, etc.).

One such mystery that confounds, are the words: "And after 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself;"
Most Christians start counting the prophetic time for Jesus being "cut off" in the 63 week, when in reality the words do not directly specify for such a conclusion.

However the words do say that AFTER 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off [crucified], which is meaning ANY week, after the 62nd week, but in reality, it truly is that which follows the 69th week, being that of the 70th week, wherein Jesus was crucified.

Get back to 1 Cor. 2:5, and learn where your faith should NOT STAND.

Don't you know Daniel's 70 weeks are actually Daniel's 70 weeks plus one day lol.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

John 5
[39] Search the [OT] scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

There are many prophecies in the OT about Jesus' first coming, all of which are clouded by words for secrecy, making it to be a "mystery".
Rom. 16
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

1 Cor. 2
[7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
[8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

My point here is that God knows how to confound those who are wise BY "the wisdom of men" (Bible scholars and Bible Colleges, etc.).

One such mystery that confounds, are the words: "And after 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off, but not for himself;"
Most Christians start counting the prophetic time for Jesus being "cut off" in the 63 week, when in reality the words do not directly specify for such a conclusion.

However the words do say that AFTER 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off [crucified], which is meaning ANY week, after the 62nd week, but in reality, it truly is that which follows the 69th week, being that of the 70th week, wherein Jesus was crucified.

Get back to 1 Cor. 2:5, and learn where your faith should NOT STAND.

The 62 weeks clearly follow the first 7 weeks. No one denies that. So, it's not a mystery that He is cut off after the end of the 69th week. This is actually quite obvious. And that places His death within the 70th week, which dispensationalists foolishly deny. His death is necessary for the fulfillment of the six things listed in Daniel 9:24 and dispensationalists don't even have His death occurring within any of the 70 weeks.

 

[Earburner]

Don't you know Daniel's 70 weeks are actually Daniel's 70 weeks plus one day lol.

I suppose that depends on how one perceives what "one day" is. The Jews think it to be equivalent to each 24 hour day of creation, being that of 7 ages, each 1000 years long.
Edit:
It appears that many of the visible churches are also following along with that false concept.
I strongly disagree with "that spirit of antichrist".

 

[Earburner]

The 62 weeks clearly follow the first 7 weeks. No one denies that. So, it's not a mystery that He is cut off after the end of the 69th week. This is actually quite obvious. And that places His death within the 70th week, which dispensationalists foolishly deny. His death is necessary for the fulfillment of the six things listed in Daniel 9:24 and dispensationalists don't even have His death occurring within any of the 70 weeks.

It's "not a mystery" to those of us who have been "given" to know, by the power [authority] of God's Holy Spirit within us. Many are NOT "hearing His Voice" within them, but rather are trading Him off for "the wisdom of men". Rev. 3:20; 1 Cor. 2:5.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

It's "not a mystery" to those of us who have been "given" to know, by the power [authority] of God's Holy Spirit within us. Many are NOT "hearing His Voice" within them, but rather are trading Him off for "the wisdom of men". Rev. 3:20; 1 Cor. 2:5.

Who tries to claim that Jesus is not cut off after the 69th week, though? Isn't that what you were saying is a mystery to some? But, even dispensationalists can see that He was cut off after the 69th week, but they still deny that He was cut off during the 70th week. So, if there is a mystery that they are missing then it's that Jesus was cut off during the 70th week. And maybe that's what you're intending to say?

 

[Earburner]

The 62 weeks clearly follow the first 7 weeks. No one denies that. So, it's not a mystery that He is cut off after the end of the 69th week. This is actually quite obvious. And that places His death within the 70th week, which dispensationalists foolishly deny. His death is necessary for the fulfillment of the six things listed in Daniel 9:24 and dispensationalists don't even have His death occurring within any of the 70 weeks.

I like what you said, but I'm not understanding the arrangement of your words. You said: "The 62 weeks clearly follow the 7 weeks."

 

[IndianaRob]

I suppose that depends on how one perceives what "one day" is. The Jews think it to be equivalent to each 24 hour day of creation, being that of 7 ages, each 1000 years long.

According to the Bible the two time periods, one day and 1000 years are the identical amount of time, one is symbolic and the other literal.

 

[Earburner]

Who tries to claim that Jesus is not cut off after the 69th week, though? Isn't that what you were saying is a mystery to some? But, even dispensationalists can see that He was cut off after the 69th week, but they still deny that He was cut off during the 70th week. So, if there is a mystery that they are missing then it's that Jesus was cut off during the 70th week. And maybe that's what you're intending to say?

I think you mis-read what I said in post #203, that Jesus was crucified in the 70th week.
However, I did also say that many try to view Jesus being "cut off" [crucified] after the 62nd week, being in the 63rd week.

Edit:
And then there are those who fabricate and speculate that Jesus' ministry was "cut off", being that the 70th week was amputated from the 69 weeks, and moved out into the far future, waiting to be "sewn" back onto the 69 weeks, for a prophetic 7 year tribulation.
In this scenario, they don't even consider that Jesus being "cut off", was His crucifixion.

 

[Earburner]

According to the Bible the two time periods, one day and 1000 years are the identical amount of time, one is symbolic and the other literal.

That seems to be the typical claim, but where is your scripture to back that up?

Edit:
I'm assuming that you are of the belief that the 70th week itself was "cut off", and then pasted into the far future.

 

[IndianaRob]

That seems to be the typical claim, but where is your scripture to back that up?

I’m sure you know the scripture “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years”.

If I said 4 quarters is with the Lord as 1 dollar would you assume that I meant or could mean anything other than 4 quarters is the same amount of money as 1 dollar?

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

I like what you said, but I'm not understanding the arrangement of your words: "The 62 weeks clearly follow the 7 weeks."

Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

It first mentions the 7 weeks and then the 62 weeks. So, that's why I said the 62 weeks clearly follow the 7 weeks. And we know from historical accounts that it took 49 years (7 weeks) to rebuild Jerusalem which was completed 434 years (62 weeks) before the revealing of Jesus Christ as Messiah the Prince.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

I think you mis-read what I said in post #203, that Jesus was crucified in the 70th week.

I didn't say that you didn't say that He was crucified in the 70th week, if that's what you mean. I think you're misreading what I'm saying.

What exactly are you saying was a mystery in relation to Jesus being cut off after the 69th week? I am saying there shouldn't be any mystery to that at all because I think it's obvious that it says He would be cut off after the 69th week.

However, I did also say that many try to view Jesus being cut off [crucified] after the 62nd week, being in the 63rd week.

Who are these people who claim that? I've never seen anyone try to claim that. What is their understanding of the 64th through 70th weeks?

 

[Earburner]

I didn't say that you didn't say that He was crucified in the 70th week, if that's what you mean. I think you're misreading what I'm saying.

What exactly are you saying was a mystery in relation to Jesus being cut off after the 69th week? I am saying there shouldn't be any mystery to that at all because I think it's obvious that it says He would be cut off after the 69th week.

Who are these people who claim that? I've never seen anyone try to claim that. What is their understanding of the 64th through 70th weeks?

I tagged your post #205 a "like".
However, in that post, you said: "The 62 weeks clearly follow the first 7 weeks."
I replied to that, saying that I didn't understand your word arrangement.
So, my question is: how DOES the 62 weeks FOLLOW the FIRST 7 weeks?

I gave the scriptures in post #203 of how the first coming of Christ was kept a secret, a mystery.

It's the claim of after the 62nd week (not that of the 64th week) of when Jesus was actually cut off. Dan. 9[26] And after threescore and two [62] weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince [Titus] that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

I can't say anything to know about that belief, except that it is being taken literally of when Jesus was cut off: after 62 weeks.
From there, the attempt is to follow the 8 remaining weeks (56 yrs.) historically, through the Roman Empire. All of that form of belief to me is far off track.

 

[Spiritual Israelite]

I tagged your post #205 a "like".
However, in that post, you said: "The 62 weeks clearly follow the first 7 weeks."
I replied to that, saying that I didn't understand your word arrangement.
So, my question is: how DOES the 62 weeks FOLLOW the FIRST 7 weeks?

I already addressed this. It references the 7 weeks first and then the 62 weeks. Why make something simple complicated?

I gave the scriptures in post #203 of how the first coming of Christ was kept a secret, a mystery.

The first coming of Christ was not a mystery. It is taught in the Old Testament. It wasn't a mystery to those who understood the Old Testament prophecies. Read Acts 2:25-38 where it talks about Simeon and Anna the prophetess who were expecting the Messiah to come around that time when He came. No one knew exactly when He was coming because the prophecy is not entirely clear about that. It doesn't specify exactly which command to restore and rebuilt Jerusalem that it's talking about. There is debate about that. So, people who read the prophecy definitely could have predicted a range of time at which point the Messiah would come based on starting with the command to rebuild and restore Jerusalem, but when exactly that command was issued is not entirely clear.

It's the claim of after the 62nd week (not that of the 64th week) of when Jesus was actually cut off. Dan. 9[26] And after threescore and two [62] weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince [Titus] that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Yeah, and it indicates that the 62 weeks follow the first 7 weeks. If you think that isn't clear, so be it. I think it is.

I can't say anything to know about that belief, except that it is being taken literally of when Jesus was cut off: after 62 weeks.
From there, the attempt is to follow the 8 remaining weeks (56 yrs.) historically, through the Roman Empire. All of that form of belief to me is far off track.

You claim that there's people who believe (or believed) it's talking about Jesus being cut off during the 63rd week but can't provide any examples of anyone believing that. I don't understand this. Where are you getting that idea from if you can't even provide any evidence of anyone actually believing that?

 

[Earburner]

I looked it up ….”Essential Definition: Amillennialism means no millennium. This position does not believe in any literal physical reign of Christ on this earth, in any Messianic Age on this earth.(end quote)

This screams FALSE DOCTRINE!

John 8[23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 18
[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Either you understand Jesus or you don't.
The Jews had that problem then, and still have that problem!

 

[Stewardofthemystery]

John 8[23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 18
[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Either you understand Jesus or you don't.
The Jews had that problem then, and still have that problem!

His Kingdom in heaven is coming on earth…

Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Revelation 11:15
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Daniel 7:11-27

King James Version

​

11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.(Revelation 19:20)
12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.(a thousand years)
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.
17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.
18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.
19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet;
20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

 

[rwb]

The first coming of Christ was not a mystery. It is taught in the Old Testament. It wasn't a mystery to those who understood the Old Testament prophecies. Read Acts 2:25-38 where it talks about Simeon and Anna the prophetess who were expecting the Messiah to come around that time when He came. No one knew exactly when He was coming because the prophecy is not entirely clear about that. It doesn't specify exactly which command to restore and rebuilt Jerusalem that it's talking about. There is debate about that. So, people who read the prophecy definitely could have predicted a range of time at which point the Messiah would come based on starting with the command to rebuild and restore Jerusalem, but when exactly that command was issued is not entirely clear.

Christian Gedge gave us a very good study of Daniel's prophesy before he died. The following comes mostly from his study 'Daniel's 70-week Timeline' a worthy study to consider.

Daniel 9:24-27 (KJV) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

BC 538 Cyrus decree, BC 520 Darius re-issued, BC 457 Artaxerxes

One decree that was issued and re-issued: Ezra 6:14 (KJV) And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

I believe it was inexcusable for the nation (prophets & priests) to deny Jesus was the promised Messiah who was to come. The denial must be attributed to hardness or heart.

Nearly sixty years elapsed from Darius during which time the temple was completed, but rebuilding of Jerusalem’s infrastructure had to wait until Artaxerxes ratified the decree again in his seventh year. According to the Hebrew calendar, this date was 457 BC, and Ezra says it happened on the “first day of the first month in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.” Now, when we count forward 483 years from 1 Nisan 457 BC, it comes out at 1 Nisan AD 27 - the time Jesus began his public ministry. When one considers how Daniel first predicts the decree nearly a century before it happened, then proceeds to telescope another 69 weeks further, we find a supernatural fulfilment of the ‘times’ in Jesus of Nazareth. Add that to the unlikely chance of a decree occurring on the cusp of a grand Jubilee cycle, and it cannot be brushed aside. These ‘coincidences’ defy the odds and provide powerful testimony to the identity of the Christ.