The 70th Week (Part 5 of 6)
Look again at Daniel 9:
26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
The 62 weeks comes after the 7 weeks in verse 25. 69 weeks have passed leaving the 70th week to be fulfilled after Messiah arrives. Let’s take some time to look at the significance of the last week. Those who believe that Jesus’ triumphant entry is the fulfillment usually believe that the final week is the tribulation period spoken of in the book of Revelation. This viewpoint believes that verse 27 above refers to the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ will make a firm covenant with Israel as a sign that the Tribulation Period has begun. During the middle of the week (or 3 ½ years), he will break the covenant by ending Israel’s sacrifices. The abomination will be a polluted sacrifice (probably a pig) in the temple and then will be rejected by the people. He will then make all-out war against Israel marking the second half of the Tribulation Period. This requires a temple in Israel; therefore many believe that the temple will be rebuilt. Add to this Amos 9:11 which says that the tabernacle will be rebuilt as in the days of old.
The second view takes Jesus’ baptism as the starting point. Jesus served for 3 ½ years and was cut off. In Daniel 9:26 we are told that after 62 weeks, Messiah shall be cut off. Instead of meaning that Messiah was cut off immediately after 62 weeks, this viewpoint claims that it could refer to the following week which would be Jesus’ ministry. The second half of the verse foretells of the destruction of Jerusalem and then verse 27 goes back to subject of Messiah. Instead of ‘he’ referring to the anti-Christ, ‘he’ refers back to the Messiah. After 3 ½ years Messiah will be cut off and He will bring an end to sacrifices and offerings. Jesus’ was the perfect sacrifice and once He made atonement for sin with His own blood, there was no longer a need for sacrifices. Therefore it is argued that it was Christ that made an end to sacrifices through redemption and not the anti-Christ through betrayal. Historically both points have been argued. Earlier we looked at this quote from Julius Africanus in 190b.c.
It is by calculating from Artaxerxes, therefore, up to the time of Christ that the seventy weeks are made up, according to the numeration of the Jews. For from Nehemiah, who was despatched by Artaxerxes to build Jerusalem in the 115th year of the Persian empire, and the 4th year of the 83rd Olympiad, and the 20th year of the reign of Artaxerxes himself.
After giving what he thought to be an accurate calculation for the 490 years he stated:
…[these] make up in all the 70 weeks.
Eusebius made this statement in the 4th century:
Now the whole period of our Savior’s teaching and working of miracles is said to have been three and a half years, which is half a week. John the evangelist, in his Gospel makes this clear to the attentive.
Of course John does not spell this out. Eusebius draws this conclusion based on what he is expecting. That does not mean he is wrong, however, there are early church fathers who disagree. Irenaeus, who is earlier than both of these and only one generation separated from the Apostle John who wrote the gospel of John states a different view:
…in which [temple] the enemy shall sit, endeavoring to show himself as Christ, as the Lord also declares: “But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, which has been spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place...
But when this Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem
Which also he shall do in the time of his kingdom: he shall remove his kingdom into that city, and shall sit in the temple of God, leading astray those who worship him, as if he were Christ. To this purpose Daniel says again: “And he shall desolate the holy place; and sin has been given for a sacrifice, and righteousness been cast away in the earth, and he has been active, and gone on prosperously.” ... And then he points out the time that his tyranny shall last, during which the saints shall be put to flight, they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: And in the midst of the week, he says, the sacrifice and the libation shall be taken away, and the abomination of desolation shall be brought into the temple: even unto the consummation of the time shall the desolation be complete. Now three years and six months constitute the half-week."
[Against Heresies Book V]
Some argue that Pre-Tribulation view of Daniel did not arise until the 1800s, however we can see that it was taught and accepted in the church before the 200s. The foundational principle to biblical interpretation is to interpret scripture by scripture. Understanding prophecy and the Book of Revelation is not dependent on one verse in Daniel. We know for certain that Jesus did end the sacrifice by becoming the perfect sacrifice for sin. We know that Jesus was cut off, but not for Himself. He died for the sins of the world. We also know that there will be a final judgment here on earth and there will be an anti-Christ. Regardless of which side you view as the most credible, it does not change anything as far as doctrine. As we move through end-times prophecy, we will see that Daniel only supplies a piece to this great mystery.
This picture of Daniels 70 weeks was not intended to draw a conclusion other than the accuracy of prophecy. Both starting points fulfill exactly as God said. The purpose of revealing both sides of this argument is to inform and examine scripture. I lean toward the triumphant entry as being the fulfillment of the 69 weeks, but I also see validity in both positions. In the minor issues there is room for disagreement. In the foundational issues there can be no compromise. I presented two disagreeing viewpoints to hopefully show that this fascinating subject can be examined and debated without undermining anyone’s faith. The exception would be that some people base their entire biblical foundation on 1 or 2 scriptures. For those who are rattled by a challenging passage, the focus should not be on the prophecy of the 70 weeks, but on establishing a firm, biblical foundation. We know that God promised that the Messiah the King would arrive in Israel in 483 years. This was fulfilled exactly. Scripture tells us that He would present Himself and be cut off, indicating His death. Who Jesus is and the accuracy of scripture is a foundational issue. The remaining details offer meaningful discussions.
Preterist verses Futurists
Preterism is the belief that all prophecies in scripture have been fulfilled with the exception of Jesus’ 1000 reign. Some even go as far as to say that we are in the 1000 year reign. This doctrine has been credited to a Spanish Jesuit Priest named Alcasar in 1614. However, if you ask any Preterist, they will tell you that John the Apostle founded the Preterist viewpoint. Let me state up front that I don’t believe the Preterist position is correct, but we will still examine this doctrine. Since they believe that everything has been fulfilled, by default, they must force events into prophecy whether it fits or not. Let me provide some examples. I read a book called, ‘Great Prophecies of the Bible’ by Robert Woodruff. He made a very good argument for the Preterist position and I was forced to stop and re-evaluate the scriptures that formed my belief. As I did, several situations he stated did not fit. I wrote Woodruff and complemented him on the points he made in his book, but I wanted to know what the Preterist views were on two main issues that he did not address.
1. In Revelation 11 the Bible says that two witnesses would be hated by the entire world. The beast would make war and kill them and they would lie in the streets for 3 days without being allowed a burial. The whole world will see, rejoice and give gifts to each other because the hated prophets were dead. Then a voice from heaven would call and they will stand up and ascend into heaven while being watched by their enemies. The same hour a great earthquake will destroy one tenth of the city and kill 7,000 people.
This is a significant event in history; therefore it is hard to believe that it would go unnoticed by the church and history. There is nothing in Roman history that shows any part of this prophecy. If this has come to pass, what event do you believe fulfilled this?
Woodruff answered by saying that one of the witnesses was most likely James, the brother of Jesus. He did not know who the second witness might have been. I have to disagree with this. If the world rejoiced and made a ‘Christmas-like’ holiday to celebrate the deaths of these two witnesses, it would have hardly gone unnoticed. No one in history or in the church or the enemies of the church claimed that James rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Also, there was no earthquake recorded at any of the apostle’s deaths nor did 1/10th of Rome fall killing 7,000 people.
2. Revelation 13 tells us that the world will be required to worship the beast and receive his mark on their hand or forehead. Without the mark, no one can buy or sell. Anyone who refuses the mark will be killed. I can’t find anywhere in history where buying and selling was impossible without a mark. What event fulfills this prophecy?
Woodruff said that he believes that this was Roman citizenship. Certain privileges were given to Romans that non-citizens did not have. Once again I have to disagree. The Bible does not say anything about special privileges. The prophecy says that no one can buy or sell without the mark. Non-citizens in Rome were allowed to buy, sell and participate in the economy. There are events that somewhat resemble this prophecy but none fulfill it. There were times when Emperor’s required certificates to prove that they were worshipped. Decius in 250 AD required that all of Rome worship him or be killed. The temple priests provided certificates to prove compliance. However, many purchased certificates without worshipping (which contradicts Revelation) and not even the Preterist believe that Decius was the beast. Most Preterists believe that Nero was the beast and that certain letters of his name can be converted into the numbers 666. If we look honestly we can see that none of the Emperors fit the prophecy. I believe that the proper interpretation of prophecy is to allow history to unfold into prophecy instead of forcing prophecy into history.
The Last 3 ½ Weeks
The Preterist view agrees with the timeline of Daniel’s prophecy that shows fulfillment at His baptism. The 69 weeks ended when Jesus began His earthly ministry. The first half of the 70th week was Jesus’ 3 ½ years of ministry and then He was cut off. What about the last 3 ½ years? The Preterist view teaches that the disciples (which are now apostles) continued to reach out to the Jews for the next 3 ½ years until they fulfilled all 70 weeks. The apostles said repeatedly that they must first go to the house of Israel. Only after rejection did they turn to the Gentiles.
The book of Acts covers a time period from the ascension of Jesus Christ until just before the Apostle Paul’s death by the hand of Nero in 68 AD. It is argued that the apostles remained focused on Israel until 3 ½ years into the book of Acts. Acts 18 is said to be the turning point. This passage says:
6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
There is no clear evidence that this was 3 ½ years after Christ died, but one of the passages used to set the timing for the Preterist theory is Acts 12:1
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
Herod is a common name for the kings over Israel. The Preterist view is that this is Herod Antiapas whose reign ended in 40 AD. Because his reign ended in 40 AD, Acts 21 must have been before that time which allows the final 3 ½ years to be during the time the apostles were ministers to the Jews only. However, there is no indication that Acts 12 refers to Antiapas. Herod the Great died in 4 BC. He had three sons who ruled in his place over different jurisdictions. These sons were Antiapas, Phillip, and Archelaus. The reign of Archelaus ended in 5 AD and Phillip ended between 34 and 35 AD. Antiapas was succeeded by Herod of Chalcis in 41 AD. Herod of Chalcis was most likely the ruler during Acts 12 because this passage about Herod afflicting the church has to take place before the reign of Claudius Ceaser spoken of in Acts 11:
28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Claudius reigned from 41-54 AD and only Herod of Chalcis was a contemporary of this emperor. It is possible that Acts 11:28 could have been referencing an event far enough into the future to work the Preterist view into it, but this is reading into the text rather than drawing from the text. Squeezing this 3 ½ years between these two passages leaves more questions than answers. Only the apostle Paul was called the apostle to the Gentiles. Even after the scattering of the church, most of the apostles remained in Jerusalem reaching out to the Jews. Why didn’t they all go to the Gentiles after the 3 ½ years were fulfilled? Paul even publicly confronted Peter for being caught up on the Jewish traditions which demanded that Gentiles be circumcised according to the Law of Moses.
I believe that the argument that Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilled the first 3 ½ years of the 70th week has merit, but I don’t see the evidence for the last 3 ½ years.
Futurist / Dispensationalist
The dispensational view teaches that the last week of Jacob’s troubles taught in Daniel will have a future fulfillment. This is known as the Great Tribulation period. Look again at Daniel 9:
26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
Most dispensationalists believe in a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. The futurist view takes this passage in Daniel and compares it to 2 Thessalonians 2
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
...
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
Now look at Revelation 11:
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
2 "But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
3 "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
And Revelation 13
4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"
5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.
6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
The futurist view takes these two passages from Revelation, the passage from Thessalonians and compares them to Daniel. The beast begins his reign of power by killing these two witnesses. The witnesses are given 1,260 days or 3 ½ years to preach against the coming lawless one. Once their testimony has been finished, God allows the beast to kill the prophets and then he rules the earth for 42 months or 3 ½ years. The total of these two events is 7 years. Since the Bible tells us in 2 Thessalonians that there will be a falling away first and then the ‘restrainer’ will be taken out of the way before the lawless one is revealed, it is assumed that the one who restrains in the Holy Spirit. There are more passages that point to the removal of the church before the wrath of God is poured out and these will be covered in more detail later.
Let’s look back to our passage in Daniel. After 62 weeks (which is after the first 7 weeks), Messiah will be cut off. Then the city will be destroyed, war and desolations are determined, and then ‘he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week’. The big question is “who is the ‘he’ in this passage”? Either we are being taken back to the Messiah again, or we are continuing on the topic of the prince just mentioned. The Preterist view says this has to be the Messiah who ended sacrifices by becoming our sacrifice. The futurist says that ‘he’ is referring to the lawless one who pollutes the sanctuary. It is obvious and both sides agree that the prince who destroys is not the Messiah. The second prince is the ruler who destroys the city and the temple and brings desolation. Both sides also agree that passage predicts the destruction of Jerusalem. The burden of proof for the Dispensational view is to show that this prophecy alludes to more than one event.
