One of the most astonishing prophecies in the Bible is hidden in a simple phrase—Daniel’s Seventy Weeks. Let’s unpack this divine timeline that spans Israel’s past, present, and future.
Daniel 9 contains one of the most detailed and far-reaching prophecies in the entire Bible.
Known as the “Seventy Weeks” prophecy, this revelation offers a profound timeline for Israel and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. It’s one of the clearest Messianic prophecies in Scripture and forms the foundation for understanding end-time events, the Tribulation period, and the Second Coming of Christ.
This prophecy begins with the faithful prayer of Daniel, a man deeply burdened for his people. In Daniel 9, we find him confessing Israel’s national sin, pleading for mercy, and seeking God’s face concerning the future of Jerusalem.
In response to this heartfelt intercession, God sent the angel Gabriel to deliver a remarkable message: a prophetic timeline of “seventy weeks” or “seventy sevens” (Daniel 9:24). These seventy sets of seven years (totaling 490 years) would mark the unfolding of God’s plan for the Jewish people and the holy city of Jerusalem.
What Is the Purpose of the Seventy Weeks?
Gabriel revealed that God would use this 490-year period to accomplish six divine objectives, as listed in Daniel 9:24:
- To finish the transgression
- To put an end to sin
- To atone for wickedness
- To bring in everlasting righteousness
- To seal up vision and prophecy
- To anoint the Most Holy Place
The first three purposes relate to the problem of sin—Israel’s rebellion and humanity’s estrangement from God. The final three points to the solution: a righteous kingdom established by the Messiah.
This prophecy not only speaks to Israel’s past and present but also stretches into the future, unveiling the key events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His millennial kingdom.
Let’s walk through this prophetic timeline and break it down into the three distinct periods Gabriel revealed to Daniel.
Period 1 – 49 Years: Jerusalem Rebuilt (Daniel 9:25)
“Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’…” – Daniel 9:25
The first segment of the prophecy spans 7 weeks, or 49 years, during which Jerusalem would be rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. The key detail here is the issuing of the decree to rebuild the city—not the temple.
Which Decree Marks the Beginning?
While some scholars suggest other decrees (like Cyrus’s decree in 538 BC), the decree by Artaxerxes in 445 BC (Nehemiah 2:1-8) best fits the timeline leading to Christ’s first coming.
Unlike earlier decrees by Cyrus or Artaxerxes in 457 BC, which emphasized the temple’s restoration, the 445 BC decree specifically commissioned Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and infrastructure. This marked the start of the prophetic clock.
During those 49 years, under heavy opposition, Jerusalem was restored—just as Daniel was told it would be done “in times of trouble.”
Period 2 – 434 Years: Messiah’s Arrival and Crucifixion (Daniel 9:26)
“…After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing…” – Daniel 9:26
The second phase covers 62 weeks, or 434 years, bringing the total to 483 years (49 + 434). This period stretches from the rebuilding of Jerusalem to the arrival of “the Anointed One”—the Messiah.
When we count 483 prophetic years (360-day years) from 445 BC, we arrive around AD 29/30—the very time Jesus began His public ministry.
The Anointed One Cut Off
Shockingly, the prophecy foretells that the Messiah would be “cut off,” not for His own sins, but for the sins of others. This points unmistakably to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who was rejected by His people and executed by Roman hands.
“He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him.” – John 1:11
“We do not want this man to be our king.” – Luke 19:14
Though the Messiah appeared to have accomplished nothing in the eyes of men, in reality, He accomplished the greatest act of redemption in history. His atoning death opened the door of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles.
The Aftermath: Destruction of Jerusalem
Daniel’s prophecy continues by predicting a devastating event: the destruction of the city and the sanctuary. In AD 70, this came to pass when the Roman army, under Titus, razed Jerusalem and the Second Temple. The Jewish people were scattered, and this dispersion continues in many ways to this day.
The passage mentions a coming “ruler” from the same people who destroyed the city—this refers to a future leader, commonly understood as the Antichrist, who will play a central role in the final week of Daniel’s prophecy.
Period 3 – 7 Years: Tribulation and Antichrist’s Reign (Daniel 9:27)
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering…” – Daniel 9:27
The final week—the last 7 years—has not yet occurred. It is separated from the first 69 weeks by what we now understand as the Church Age, a mystery hidden in the Old Testament but revealed in the New.
This seven-year period, commonly known as the Tribulation or the Seventieth Week of Daniel, is the focus of many end-time prophecies.
The Covenant with Israel
At the start of this final week, the Antichrist—described in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13—will make a peace treaty with Israel. This act will allow the Jewish people to rebuild their Temple and resume sacrifices.
But after three and a half years, he will break the covenant, desecrate the Temple, and declare himself to be God. This is what Jesus referred to as the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), and it will trigger the second half of the Tribulation—a time of unparalleled distress.
“He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god… He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:4
This final ruler will be empowered by Satan, deceive the world, and bring brutal persecution upon believers and the Jewish people. Yet, his reign will be short-lived.
The Return of Christ and the End of the Seventy Weeks
Just as surely as the first 483 years were fulfilled precisely, the final seven years will also unfold exactly as foretold. At the close of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return in power and glory, destroy the Antichrist (Revelation 19:11-21), and establish His millennial kingdom—fulfilling the last three divine purposes listed in Daniel 9:24:
- Everlasting righteousness will be brought in.
- Vision and prophecy will be sealed and completed.
- The Most Holy Place (likely the Millennial Temple) will be anointed.
Why This Prophecy Still Matters Today
We are currently living in the Church Age, a time when God’s redemptive focus has shifted to the Gentile nations, yet His promises to Israel remain. Romans 9–11 makes it clear that Israel has been temporarily blinded, but a future day of restoration awaits.
As believers, we must keep our eyes on Israel and the Middle East, not only because they play a central role in prophecy, but also because we owe a great debt to the Jewish people.
“Salvation is from the Jews.” – John 4:22
“They are beloved for the sake of the fathers.” – Romans 11:28
Let us pray for Israel, support the sharing of the Gospel among the Jewish people, and eagerly anticipate the return of our King.
Final Thoughts
Daniel’s Seventy Weeks prophecy offers a breathtaking glimpse into God’s sovereign plan for history. It reminds us that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings—it is the living Word of God, full of promises that are being fulfilled right before our eyes.
As we study Bible prophecy and end-time timelines, let’s remember that the goal is not just to satisfy curiosity, but to strengthen our faith, sharpen our witness, and live in eager expectation of our Savior’s return.
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy… for the time is near.” – Revelation 1:3
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Recommended Resource for deeper study:
Perhaps no Old Testament book is as far-reaching in envisioning historical events as the Book of Daniel. In this revised edition of his classic work on premillennial prophecy, Walvoord addresses alleged historical inaccuracies, considers past and future fulfillments of specific prophecies, explores different approaches to interpretation, and examines textual and doctrinal issues. Based on the ESV. 256 pages, hardcover from Moody.
➡️ Buy Now on Christianbook
If you think a man [Isaiah 46:11] can uniquely reveal Prophecy, please test this – my Rabbi confirmed it as truth! Becoming a mighty Messianic Jew.
Which is the most ant-Semitic nation on earth in the 21st Century, hating, terrorizing more semetic children of Abraham crying hypocritically anti-semitism – Judah – fake Israel that does Prophetic Works to fool the Elect [Christians] who believe they are Israel returned but are just 1/12th!
‘the BEAST out of the SEA’ literally-yes Gazans & Lebanese are just as Semitic as the Jews [my family].
Prophecy as you have not heard it ….Blessings ….a little of that given…
..Daniel 2; The feet & toes of iron & miry clay, of the statue, the divided nation under Rome from which the ‘stone is cut’- Jesus; the rock of your salvation.
HE -the potter of miry clay – was cut from Judah which was to the south; Israel was to the north – both were ruled over by their own kings but paid taxes to Rome. Jesus [Matthew 27:37] was king of the Jews & during the time of Daniel 2 was hailed as such then betrayed by them when they demanded & got from Rome God’s Messiah Son’s [sent to redeem them], crucifixion/murder making them the 1st Beast unrepentant, deniers of Christ that for almost 2000 years caused God to turn HIS Face from them until they recognize HIS Messiah Son[ [Diaspora & the Holocaust just some of the outcome].
Daniel 7; The re-emergence of the 1st Beast ‘out of the [Mediterranean] SEA’ – 1947 official 1948. …..the lion[United Kingdom] with the eagle wings [USA] as one after their WW2 alliance was torn apart when the USA against the lion’s [UK’s] wishes sided with the bear [USSR] with 3 ribs torn out [Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania] talking the 4 wings of the [Arabic] leopard [Lebanon, Jordan, Syria & Egypt] – into allowing the annexation/partition of Palestine for the nation State of [fake] Israel in the United nations 1947.
The lion [UK] voting against the motion was made to walk on its own two feet as a policeman 1947-48 when it became official being repeatedly bombed by the Jewish STERN Gang who were the forerunners of modern terrorism.
Daniel 7:24 ‘ten kings of a [one] kingdom then another -1996- 11th king [male Prime Minister] who was the 8th Head [of Government] / horn [male] as 3 repeat office twice – 7thhead of the 1st Beast was fatally wounded – Rabin.
This one man fulfills ALL Prophecy by magnifying himself equal to Jesus by:
* changing his name to who Jesus is: ‘the right-hand son’ [Hebrew; Benjamin] & ‘God’s Gift’ [Heb. Again- Netanyahu] ..adding as Jesus counts-OLD Hebrew Gematria to 666……was Ben Natalie Miliekowsky.
* making himself ‘king of the Jews’ in modern terms P.M. a king without a hereditary kingdom & diverse from ALL before him as native-born king…’ out of the land’…..
* known as the ‘little horn ‘[son] i.e. the Bibi [baby] son.
* comes to power 1996- like a leopard- native born in Palestine in the Arabic quarter of Jerusalem…feet like a Bear; parents from Lithuania/USSR …roars like a lion; Hebrew & English.
* WAS 1996, WAS NOT 1999 subdues 3 kings- Barak prepared to give the woman [Jerusalem] as combined Capitol -removed …Sharon ‘goes to the coastland to war against the Palestinians -Stroke & falls within 3 days….then ‘the collecter of taxes’ comes to power -Olmert, the treasurer. …removed.
* so returns the ‘man of sin /antiChrist / son of perdition/ false prophet/son of satan magnified then removed by mid-June 2021 but within that time he had minus 12 months as only a powerless caretaker king until coalition with B.Gantz
..so in total his time, times & a half a time was 14 years.- time revealed [Daniel 12:9]- the Last Week in 2 halves [3.5 years] which I believe we are in NOW!
Time [3.5yrs] Times [x3.5yrs] & a half a time [+ 1’75yrs] = 14 years Total as most popular king revealed at ‘time of the END’ -NOW!
* his return as unpopular king through unHoly Alliances -30th Dec 2022 -for his final 42-month Authority[ removed 30th June 2026??]
Then I believe we will see Daniel fulfilled ‘1290 days. Blessed are they that attain the 1335th day’- making the year 2030a.d. very interesting in my view. – but Jesus said [pay attention!] -of this time’ no man shall know the day or hour!’ which rules in? The year & month – on purpose I believe as nothing is written by accident!
Also when asked HE said ‘Of this time no man shall know, not the son only the father in Heaven’ [HE is saying HE is NOT God! or else HE is a liar which HE is NOT – just for those who think HE is GOD; which is not Biblical.]
The Last Two Prophets as revealed through mighty Isaiah 44;1-8 …two chosen, named & called MY WITNESSES….there is only one place I believe 2 together are so revealed…they are Messianic Jews as they are Prophets & are only dressed in ‘sackcloth’ for mourning unlike All before Christ’s sacrifice for redemption. Who were also in Ashes for forgiveness- rules out ALL others!
The Elect [Christians] are fooled following after the 1st Beast thinking it is Israel returned – wondering after it – just 1/12th- fake Israel- true Israel will return when their Lord comes!
Only a remnant will survive !!. We ARE in the Last WEEK I believe. Pray for a large remnant of Judah to repent & be saved!
YESHU ha MOSHIACH …HE Lives…Maranatha, Shalom ….servant of Jacob.
So, you believe that the people living in Israel today are not the “true Israel?” I completely understand because you’re not the only one who believes this is the case,
You could be right, but what if you’re wrong? 😊
My duckduckgo search asked the question “in scripture, is it noted when the first 49 years (or the 1st set) of the 70 weeks ended?” That is how I found your site.
It is good to see Amir’s book and the mention of Warren Wiersbe. And I have followed Walvoord for several years and grateful for all Bible Scholars that talk about Bible prophecy. Those I study after say it was the decree in Nehemiah 2 that started the rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem was issued.
My question is about the end of the 49 years, and is this noted in scripture. Nehemiah 6:15-16 mentions 51 days.
Thank you.
Yes, the end of 49 years, also referred to as a period of “Seventy Weeks” or “seventy sets of seven” is noted in Scripture (Daniel 9:24-27).
Ezekiel 21: 25 is the antichrist.
Indeed, the entire chapter 21 concerns Jerusalem and God’s wrath upon it.
The antichrist is a Jew, a son of David. The Jews would never accept a foreigner, Deuteronomy 17:15. Why would a non Jew build the temple and offer sacrifices?
The antichrist’s side kick, the false prophet, must be a Levite to offer sacrifices, a type of false Elijah.
Hi Lee,
I appreciate your input.
Like you, some scholars believe that the Antichrist would be a Jew while others say he’d be a Gentile. We’ll have to find out when the time comes for him to show up.
Shalom and God bless!
The prince or ruler who is to come ( the antichrist) is supposed to be from Rome according to the prophecy. And he will be a big player in world politics and religion. Who do you think considering other biblical prophecies and scriptures concerning this matter is this man of sin. A big religious and political power broker from Rome.
Some scholars believe the Antichrist (the first beast) would be both a man and a political system who will be working together with the false prophet (second beast).
The false prophet is believed to be a defective pope who will merge with other religious leaders to establish the “one world” religion.
Daniel 9:27 “and he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week”
What is the “covenant”, and is the whole “week” the Tribulation, or just the last half of the week?
The signing of a seven-year covenant between the Antichrist and the nation of Israel will mark the beginning of the Tribulation which is the last 7 years in God’s prophetic time clock. But what is the covenant? We know from Scriptures that the Jews are still waiting for a Messiah who will bring peace to the Middle East. It is also said that one of the provision of that covenant might permit the Jews to rebuild their Temple. The Temple must be rebuilt in Jerusalem because we read in Revelation that there will be a Temple where the unbelieving Jews will once again resume their sacrifices.
And to answer your second question, yes, the concluding week of years (seven years) corresponds to the Tribulation. Again, as Daniel 9:27 says, the tribulation begins with the signing of a peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel, intended to be for one “seven,” that is, a set of seven years. But the “seven” is divided into halves: midway through the seven years, the Antichrist breaks the treaty and sets up in the temple a sacrilegious object (the “abomination that causes desolation”).
The phrase “in the middle” indicates that the first half of the tribulation lasts for 3½ years (1,260 days, using a “prophetic year” of 360 days). Likewise, the second half of the tribulation, known as the ‘Great Tribulation” lasts another 1,260 days (another 3½ years), for a total of seven years. It is important to emphasize that the “Great Tribulation” and the “Tribulation” are not synonymous terms. Within eschatology, the Tribulation refers to the full seven-year period while the “Great Tribulation” refers to the second half of the Tribulation.