Randy Kluth
Well-Known Member
Great! We're there!
MANY versions present Daniel's "seven" and "sixty-two" as though it were one number (i.e., "sixty-nine"). Newton said it does "VIOLENCE" to Scripture, as there is no Scriptural or Societal precedent for summing numbers in that fashion. I.e., a pair of shoes does not cost "seven and sixty-two dollars (plus tax), -- they cost SIXTY-NINE dollars.
But the RSV correctly presents what Scripture demands:
Dan. 9:25 Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off, and shall have nothing
... and so we find TWO separate durations, with TWO separate "anointed ones". -- AGREED?
And please recall that these prophecies are not ancient. They're preserved (Dan. 12:4 & 9) for the era approximate to 1948.
Bobby Jo
I don't think that a long period of time depicted metaphorically as "weeks" has to be described as a single line, and not broken up into segments. I can easily conceive of going through a history book of the world, and then breaking the book up into chapters or into time eras.
So that isn't really the stumbling block for me, even though like you it did give me pause. I do believe we are being given 3 segments of this line, the 7, the 62, and the last 7 (which is think is fulfilled as 3.5). And why are they divided up like this?
1st, they are given as a single period, 70 Weeks, because they have an end goal. All events within this period are directed towards accomplishing the 6 things listed. Secondly, the period as a single unit represents 70 periods of "sevens," which calls us back to the concept of "rest" or Sabbath. These things are to extend beyond the Persian restoration a long period of continuing trouble for Israel until Messiah comes, and a yet greater period of trouble ensues--the fall of the temple and of Jerusalem.
They are divided up into 3 periods because the 1st period has to do with the era of restoration under Persia, following the Babylonian Captivity. The decree of Cyrus was renewed by following Persian kings, beginning with the restoration of the temple. There followed, eventually, the call of Artaxerxes to restore proper worship in Jerusalem, and later, a restoration of the city, beginning with the walls. This took place under Nehemiah and following for a period of 49 years.
The 2nd period had to do with a long 400 year period in which Israel faced various troubles, mentioned in other places in Daniel's book. Antiochus 4 arose and caused Israel trouble, and eventually Rome came to rule over Israel. The 6 things the prophecy directs us to are fulfilled at the Coming of Messiah, who brings Israel's sin to its maturity in his death and rejection. Ultimately, the temple is destroyed in the generation of his apostles.
The 3rd period has to do with the final Week, in which the Messiah is cut off in the midst of the Week. Thus, the 70th Week is fulfilled in only 3.5 years. This does not deal with endtimes prophecy, but was historically fulfilled. And the Church Fathers seemed to favor this view. Indeed, I don't know how they could fail to see it as such, as they witnessed the collapse of Judaism in their time?
And this was the major focus of the prophecy--the destruction of Jewish worship. It changed God's Law from the Law of Moses to the Law of Christ. Temporary redemption had been available under the Law. But eternal Redemption is available only in Christ, and that is what God ultimately turned to.
No, I don't see there being 2 distinct Anointed Ones, although I'm familiar with this position. It's a difficult prophecy, and I try not to be too dogmatic about it. Indeed, I'm not even willing to say I'm certain! ;)