
When we count 483 solar years from the year 445 BC, we end up with AD 29/30, which brings us to the time of Christ’s ministry on earth.īut this Anointed One, the Christ, would not be permitted to rule for His people would cry out, “We do not want this man to be our king” (Luke 19:14 NIV). Gabriel affirmed that 483 years are involved from the giving of the decree to the coming of “the Anointed One,” the ruler (7 x 7 = 49, 7 x 62 = 434 total = 483). The decree of Daniel 9:25 is probably that of Artaxerxes in 445 BC authorizing Nehemiah to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls and restore the gates (Nehemiah 2:5-8). While some scholars opt for the decree of Artaxerxes in 457 BC, sending Ezra to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12-26), that decree also emphasized the Temple and its ministry. This is not the decree of Cyrus in 538 BC permitting the Jews to return to their land and rebuild their Temple (Ezra 1 Isaiah 44:28) because the emphasis of this decree is on the city of Jerusalem.

The key issue here is the date of the decree. Period 1 – 49 years (Daniel 9:25)ĭuring this period, the Jews would rebuild the city of Jerusalem in troubled times. All of these wonderful accomplishments would be fulfilled during seventy weeks – 490 years – that Gabriel divided into three significant periods: 49 years, 434 years and 7 years. When Jesus returns, He will establish His righteous kingdom (Jeremiah 23:5-6 31:31-34) and rule in righteousness (Isaiah 4:2-6).

The last three divine purposes focus on righteousness and the future kingdom of the Messiah. The Lord would “finish their rebellion,” that is, the transgression of the Jewish people, and “put an end to their sin” – Israel’s national sins (Zechariah 12:10–13:1). The first three have to do with sin and the last three with righteousness. In answer to Daniel’s prayer, the angel Gabriel explained that during a period of “Seventy Weeks” or “seventy sets of seven” (Daniel 9:24), the Lord would accomplish six specific purposes for the Jewish people.

It begins with Daniel praying for Israel, acknowledging they have sinned against God and asking for God’s forgiveness.

Daniel 9 which contains the “Seventy Weeks” prophecy is no doubt one of the most significant and detailed prophetic passages in the Bible.
