In each blog, I often reference many different topics that I've already covered (or will soon cover), and maybe you've missed. Please review my blogs to read more...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
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In Daniel 9 - Part 2 my intent is to focus on what Scripture actually says and leave any preconceived theories behind for the sake of this study. I'm also trying to not draw any conclusions at this point. I don't want to inflect any of my current beliefs into this beginning studies. We will break every down and examine it in Daniel 9 - My Conclusions later.
We can't possibly understand how an engine works without first understanding how the nuts and bolts work, so... I have dug into the Hebrew and Greek (LXX) languages for these next four verses (Dan 9:24-27) and posted detailed notes on the original languages in separate blogs for each of these four verses.
For example, if you want to see the nuts and bolts of Dan 9:24, see my blog entitled: Daniel 9:24 - Notes. The remaining three have similar titles and you can find them all at my blog index via the link at the top of this page.
________________
Let's get started... unless otherwise noted, I will be using the KJV translation.
Again, below will only be a summary based on the findings from my detailed word study (as mentioned above). If you want to see what my comments below are based on, you will need to review the detailed, original language blogs such as: Daniel 9:24 - Notes
________________
Seventy Weeks
Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to [1] finish the transgression, and to [2] make an end of sins, and to [3] make reconciliation for iniquity, and to [4] bring in everlasting righteousness, and to [5] seal up the vision [6] and prophecy, and to [7] anoint the most Holy.
The seven requirements:
[1] finish the transgression
[2] make an end of sins
[3] make atonement for iniquity
[4] bring in everlasting righteousness
[5] seal up vision
[6] seal up prophecy
[7] anoint the most holy
"Seventy weeks are determined"
Daniel’s initial prayer concerned seventy literal years of captivity, because of 490 literal years of the neglect of God's command.
The "seventy weeks" above, or "seventy" "periods of seven" as the text dictates cannot relate to the seventy years of their exile.
70 periods of seven days = 490 days (almost 1.4 years).
70 periods of seven weeks = 490 weeks (almost 9.5 years).
70 periods of seven months = 490 months (almost 41 years).
None of which speak to the 70 years of their exile so we can rule that out.
The "seventy weeks are decreed" to complete the seven requirements above.
Seventy "weeks" [H7620 - shabua] basically means "unit of seven".
In the case of Gen 29:27-28 the unit of seven referred to years.
We also see this in the LXX:
[LXX] Gen 29:27-28 You complete then the sevenths [εβδομα = "period of seven"] and I will give to you also this woman for the work of which you will work for me, yet seven years another did and Jacob so, and fulfilled these [her] sevenths [εβδομα = "period of seven"] and gave to him Laban, Rachel his daughter, to him as wife.
It's also referred to in Lev 25:8 concerning the Jubilee year:
[LXX] Lev 25:8 And you shall count out to yourself seven rests of years, seven years seven times. And they will be to you seven εβδομάδες [periods of seven] of years, nine and forty years.
The KJV translates it as "seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years".
There are a few who consider this seventy sets as indefinite periods of time.
These segments of time are specifically referred to in Scripture as "forty-two months" (Rev 11:2, Rev 13:5), "twelve hundred and sixty days" (Rev 11:3), "one thousand, two hundred and sixty days" (Rev 12:6), and elsewhere by Daniel as "a time, times, and half a time" (Dan 12:7).
My belief is that all of these different expressions above were intentional for the express reason of letting us know, that these are specific, literal time periods of years.
The "periods of seven" in Daniel 9 are said to be "years" because of the descriptions above concerning the last "period of seven" and it's attachment to Dan 9:27.
[LXX] Dan 9:27 And he shall strengthen covenant with many εβδομάς [period of seven] one; and in the half of the εβδομάδος [period of seven] shall be lifted away sacrifice and libation offering, and upon the temple an abomination of the desolations will be; and until the completion of time, completion shall be given unto the desolation.
We can safely assume the final εβδομάδος ["period of seven"] is, in fact, a "period of seven" years.
So, the argument follows that all three segments must be "periods of seven" years also.
7 "periods of seven" years = 49 years.
62 "periods of seven" years = 434 years.
1 "period of seven" years = 7 years.
Total = 490 years.
Almost everyone else is unanimous that this is referring to seventy sets of seven years which is 490 years total.
As to the remaining arguments against "years" we will looks at later.
"upon thy people and upon thy holy city"
Gabriel is declaring to Daniel that these weeks were decreed for the Jewish people and Jerusalem. This prophecy is focused on those two things, specifically the "holy city" which we'll see in the coming verses.
Seven Requirements
[1] finish the transgression
The first of the seven requirements deal with the complete finishing of sin.
Some will argue that after Christ's death and resurrection, rebellion was indeed restrained.
First, the Hebrew verb rendered "finish" deviates from the standard English meaning of the word as seen in the original language.
It can also be rendered as to confine (as in prison, Jer 32:2), or restrain (Num 11:28), but the rendering informs us that it is restrained so that it could no longer spread or continue to be active.
I can't think of anyone that would argue that the rebellion of national Israel is currently "restrained" in the Hebrew sense of the word.
Secondly, this argument is also easily dismissed by Scripture again:
2 Tim 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Does it sound to you like Paul thought rebellion was restrained after the death and resurrection of Jesus?
He wrote this after Jesus' resurrection. In fact "in the last days" it seems to me, rebellion is anything but restrained. It's off the hook, so to speak.
Jesus' Holy Spirit may restrain in part for a believer while we're here in this life, but rebellion still exists in us if even to the smallest of degrees, until we exit these carnal bodies into our glorified bodies.
To this day, Daniel's people (the Jewish people) still reject Jesus as their Messiah... not all, but the majority of national Israel do reject our King.
It's clear to me that number [1] on this list has not been fulfilled no matter how you look at it.
One day, it will be fulfilled, but not until Jesus returns:
Zec 12:10 I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me [Jesus] whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.
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[2] make an end [H2856 - chatham] of sins [H2403 - chattah]
So far, we can see the clear intent. Sin will be [1] stopped, and then [2] sealed.
This statement is in full agreement with the "restraining". It makes the activity of sin impossible.
Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up [H2856 – chatham] in a bag, and You wrap up my iniquity.
Note that Gabriel is not talking about the consequences of sin, but of sin itself. Transgression (or rebellion if you'd rather) and sin will come to a complete end.
Has that occurred within Christianity? Has that occurred within the Jewish community (of whom we're specifically speaking)?
Once again, the answer is clear: obviously not.
Daniel draws heavily from Ezekial and this is a direct prophecy concerning the Messianic (Millennium) age:
[NASB] Eze 37:21-23 "Say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols, or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. And they will be My people, and I will be their God.
This is a clear prophecy concerning the end of Israel's sin and when it would occur. When Christ rules on earth, they will then be freed from all idolatry, rebellion, and sin.
Also note that Satan is not bound yet during this age (1 Pet 5:8), but he will be during the Millennial age (Rev 20:1-3).
___________________
[3] to make reconciliation [H3722 - kaphar] for iniquity [H5771 - avon]
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
________________
In Daniel 9 - Part 2 my intent is to focus on what Scripture actually says and leave any preconceived theories behind for the sake of this study. I'm also trying to not draw any conclusions at this point. I don't want to inflect any of my current beliefs into this beginning studies. We will break every down and examine it in Daniel 9 - My Conclusions later.
We can't possibly understand how an engine works without first understanding how the nuts and bolts work, so... I have dug into the Hebrew and Greek (LXX) languages for these next four verses (Dan 9:24-27) and posted detailed notes on the original languages in separate blogs for each of these four verses.
For example, if you want to see the nuts and bolts of Dan 9:24, see my blog entitled: Daniel 9:24 - Notes. The remaining three have similar titles and you can find them all at my blog index via the link at the top of this page.
________________
Let's get started... unless otherwise noted, I will be using the KJV translation.
Again, below will only be a summary based on the findings from my detailed word study (as mentioned above). If you want to see what my comments below are based on, you will need to review the detailed, original language blogs such as: Daniel 9:24 - Notes
________________
Seventy Weeks
Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to [1] finish the transgression, and to [2] make an end of sins, and to [3] make reconciliation for iniquity, and to [4] bring in everlasting righteousness, and to [5] seal up the vision [6] and prophecy, and to [7] anoint the most Holy.
The seven requirements:
[1] finish the transgression
[2] make an end of sins
[3] make atonement for iniquity
[4] bring in everlasting righteousness
[5] seal up vision
[6] seal up prophecy
[7] anoint the most holy
"Seventy weeks are determined"
Daniel’s initial prayer concerned seventy literal years of captivity, because of 490 literal years of the neglect of God's command.
The "seventy weeks" above, or "seventy" "periods of seven" as the text dictates cannot relate to the seventy years of their exile.
70 periods of seven days = 490 days (almost 1.4 years).
70 periods of seven weeks = 490 weeks (almost 9.5 years).
70 periods of seven months = 490 months (almost 41 years).
None of which speak to the 70 years of their exile so we can rule that out.
The "seventy weeks are decreed" to complete the seven requirements above.
Seventy "weeks" [H7620 - shabua] basically means "unit of seven".
In the case of Gen 29:27-28 the unit of seven referred to years.
We also see this in the LXX:
[LXX] Gen 29:27-28 You complete then the sevenths [εβδομα = "period of seven"] and I will give to you also this woman for the work of which you will work for me, yet seven years another did and Jacob so, and fulfilled these [her] sevenths [εβδομα = "period of seven"] and gave to him Laban, Rachel his daughter, to him as wife.
It's also referred to in Lev 25:8 concerning the Jubilee year:
[LXX] Lev 25:8 And you shall count out to yourself seven rests of years, seven years seven times. And they will be to you seven εβδομάδες [periods of seven] of years, nine and forty years.
The KJV translates it as "seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years".
These segments of time are specifically referred to in Scripture as "forty-two months" (Rev 11:2, Rev 13:5), "twelve hundred and sixty days" (Rev 11:3), "one thousand, two hundred and sixty days" (Rev 12:6), and elsewhere by Daniel as "a time, times, and half a time" (Dan 12:7).
My belief is that all of these different expressions above were intentional for the express reason of letting us know, that these are specific, literal time periods of years.
The "periods of seven" in Daniel 9 are said to be "years" because of the descriptions above concerning the last "period of seven" and it's attachment to Dan 9:27.
[LXX] Dan 9:27 And he shall strengthen covenant with many εβδομάς [period of seven] one; and in the half of the εβδομάδος [period of seven] shall be lifted away sacrifice and libation offering, and upon the temple an abomination of the desolations will be; and until the completion of time, completion shall be given unto the desolation.
We can safely assume the final εβδομάδος ["period of seven"] is, in fact, a "period of seven" years.
So, the argument follows that all three segments must be "periods of seven" years also.
7 "periods of seven" years = 49 years.
62 "periods of seven" years = 434 years.
1 "period of seven" years = 7 years.
Total = 490 years.
Almost everyone else is unanimous that this is referring to seventy sets of seven years which is 490 years total.
As to the remaining arguments against "years" we will looks at later.
"upon thy people and upon thy holy city"
Gabriel is declaring to Daniel that these weeks were decreed for the Jewish people and Jerusalem. This prophecy is focused on those two things, specifically the "holy city" which we'll see in the coming verses.
Seven Requirements
[1] finish the transgression
The first of the seven requirements deal with the complete finishing of sin.
Some will argue that after Christ's death and resurrection, rebellion was indeed restrained.
First, the Hebrew verb rendered "finish" deviates from the standard English meaning of the word as seen in the original language.
It can also be rendered as to confine (as in prison, Jer 32:2), or restrain (Num 11:28), but the rendering informs us that it is restrained so that it could no longer spread or continue to be active.
I can't think of anyone that would argue that the rebellion of national Israel is currently "restrained" in the Hebrew sense of the word.
Secondly, this argument is also easily dismissed by Scripture again:
2 Tim 3:1-5 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Does it sound to you like Paul thought rebellion was restrained after the death and resurrection of Jesus?
He wrote this after Jesus' resurrection. In fact "in the last days" it seems to me, rebellion is anything but restrained. It's off the hook, so to speak.
Jesus' Holy Spirit may restrain in part for a believer while we're here in this life, but rebellion still exists in us if even to the smallest of degrees, until we exit these carnal bodies into our glorified bodies.
To this day, Daniel's people (the Jewish people) still reject Jesus as their Messiah... not all, but the majority of national Israel do reject our King.
It's clear to me that number [1] on this list has not been fulfilled no matter how you look at it.
One day, it will be fulfilled, but not until Jesus returns:
Zec 12:10 I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me [Jesus] whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.
___________________
[2] make an end [H2856 - chatham] of sins [H2403 - chattah]
So far, we can see the clear intent. Sin will be [1] stopped, and then [2] sealed.
This statement is in full agreement with the "restraining". It makes the activity of sin impossible.
Job 14:17 My transgression is sealed up [H2856 – chatham] in a bag, and You wrap up my iniquity.
Note that Gabriel is not talking about the consequences of sin, but of sin itself. Transgression (or rebellion if you'd rather) and sin will come to a complete end.
Has that occurred within Christianity? Has that occurred within the Jewish community (of whom we're specifically speaking)?
Once again, the answer is clear: obviously not.
Daniel draws heavily from Ezekial and this is a direct prophecy concerning the Messianic (Millennium) age:
[NASB] Eze 37:21-23 "Say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols, or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. And they will be My people, and I will be their God.
This is a clear prophecy concerning the end of Israel's sin and when it would occur. When Christ rules on earth, they will then be freed from all idolatry, rebellion, and sin.
Also note that Satan is not bound yet during this age (1 Pet 5:8), but he will be during the Millennial age (Rev 20:1-3).
___________________
[3] to make reconciliation [H3722 - kaphar] for iniquity [H5771 - avon]
The reconciliation of iniquity has occurred on the Cross. Number [3] is a done deal for believers in Christ. The down payment has been made, and we will fully realize that when we see Him face to face (2 Cor 1:20-22).
[NASB] 2 Cor 5:18-19 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
However... within the context of Daniel, we're not talking about believers. We're discussing unbelieving Jewish people.
The verb kipper originally means to cover as seen in the Arabic. However, in the Hebrew it is never used in the sense of a literal covering. It is always used in a moral application. For example, covering the face of (appeasing) an offended person (Gen 32:20; Pro 16:14), or of screening an offence or offender.
When dealing with sin, or the sinner (as in this case) the meaning is (usually) to cover by means of a propitiatory sacrifice and it is then rendered as make atonement or reconciliation (Lev 4:20-31). Occasionally, this is done without sacrifice (Exo 30:15-16; Num 16:46; Num 25:13).
In this case, as no subject is mentioned, the subject is Jehovah. The meaning changes again, and we arrive at treat as covered, to pardon or cancel without any reference to a propitiatory rite (Jer 18:23; Psa 65:3; Psa 78:38; Psa 79:9).
In this case, rather than "atone for iniquity" it would better read: "to cancel iniquity", or "to purge away", which is in agreement with the LXX – "to wipe out the lawless deeds".
One day this reconciliation will be realized by the Jewish people as Paul described:
Rom 11:25-27 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. (see Isa 59:20; Isa 27:9)
Paul, after Jesus' death and resurrection, tells us of a future time in which national Israel will be saved. They will turn from ungodliness and He will take away their sin. He also instructs us to not be "ignorant" or "conceited" concerning this matter.
This will not happen until after the "fullness of the Gentiles" comes in.
I also noticed an additional phrase in the LXX that is not included in our English translations.
We read "make reconciliation for iniquity" as above, but then the following three words are seen in addition to this phrase in the Septuagint version:
The LXX reads:
τοῦ
|
ἐξιλάσασθαι
|
ἀδικίας
|
to
|
atone for
|
iniquities
|
This phrase (and word) is interesting in that it wasn’t included in the English translation and that this Greek word [ἐξιλάσασθαι] isn’t included in any concordance.
The translators may have felt that the passage was redundant, and decided to leave it out [?].
It seems to go hand-in–hand with the previous phrase. Jehovah will "wipe out [cancel] the lawless deeds" to "make atonement for unrighteousness".
Elsewhere in the LXX this word is almost always translated as "to make an atonement".
This word is used to refer to an individual person or people. It is the unrighteousness of an individual or nation.
We end up with the full phrase: "wipe out [cancel] the lawless deeds to make an atonement for their iniquities [unrighteousness] to bring in...".
Once this is a completed act, it will bring in: "everlasting righteousness" (see [4] below) as a result.
___________________Once this is a completed act, it will bring in: "everlasting righteousness" (see [4] below) as a result.
[4] to bring in everlasting [H5769 - olam] righteousness [H6664 - tsedeq]
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
1 Pet 2:24 Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
God promises righteousness to them one day:
Isa 62:1-2 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will designate.
The new name?
Eze 48:35 "The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, 'The LORD is there.'"
The future righteousness of Israel will depend on the end of their blindness, rebellion, and sin. The brightness of their righteousness will be "like a torch that is burning", the nations and kings will see it, and they will be called a new name.
For anyone to claim that this requirement has already been accomplished is beyond me.
This phrase "olam tsedeq", "everlasting righteousness" does not occur anywhere else in the Hebrew OT. A sense of this phrase is given as "everlasting salvation" (Isa 45:17; Isa 60:21) but notice it’s reference to the Messianic age:
Isa 45:17 Israel is saved in Jehovah with everlasting salvation. You shall not be ashamed nor disgraced to the forevers of eternity.
Isa 60:21 And your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the earth forever, a branch of My planting, a work of My hands, to beautify Myself.
The general sense is that the Messianic age (Millennium) is to be marked by the abolition and forgiveness of sin, and by perpetual righteousness. This is the mark of Israel’s ideal future (Isa 4:3; Isa 32:16-17; Isa 33:24; Isa 45:17; Isa 60:21; Eze 36:25-27).
___________________The general sense is that the Messianic age (Millennium) is to be marked by the abolition and forgiveness of sin, and by perpetual righteousness. This is the mark of Israel’s ideal future (Isa 4:3; Isa 32:16-17; Isa 33:24; Isa 45:17; Isa 60:21; Eze 36:25-27).
[5] to seal up [H2856 - chatham] the vision [H2377 - chazon]
Daniel is given multiple visions concerning these activities surrounding end time events. The conclusion of these visions are to be understood (on the basis of fulfillment) and consummated. These eschatological promises to Israel must see fulfillment.
This Greek word [ὅρασιν] is used throughout Scripture, but most often within the Book of Daniel.
The Hebrew word [H2377 – chazon] is used almost exclusively in reference to a "prophet" (i.e., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, Daniel, etc.) and these visions are given from Jehovah.
To "set a seal upon" these visions is to ratify and confirm them (Joh 3:33; Joh 6:27). It is derived from the custom of setting a seal to a document in order to guarantee its authenticity, or genuineness (Jer 32:10-11; Jer 32:44).
___________________To "set a seal upon" these visions is to ratify and confirm them (Joh 3:33; Joh 6:27). It is derived from the custom of setting a seal to a document in order to guarantee its authenticity, or genuineness (Jer 32:10-11; Jer 32:44).
[6] prophecy [H5030 - nabi]
Technically, this should be translated "prophet", not "prophecy".
The Old Testament prophets spoke more about Jesus second coming and the Day of the Lord than any other topic.
These prophecies concerning Jerusalem and it's future judgment, restoration, and reconciliation are themselves the completion of all Biblical prophecy.
All one needs to do is turn to the very last pages of your Bible and you'll see in Revelation these prophecies conclude our Bibles. Revelation is the end-all prophecy itself:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
The very last recorded Words of Jesus are found in the final chapter of the Revelation, and when Jesus says that He is the "root and the offspring", He is referring to a prophecy from Isaiah 11. He is the root of Jesse.
[NASB] Isa 11:1 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.
When all of these requirements are completed, then vision and prophecy can be fulfilled and sealed. Again, this cannot happen until:
Rom 11:25-27 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
If Paul is telling us these things have not happened, after the resurrection of Christ, then how can we let anyone else tell us these things have been fulfilled at all?
In addition to the visions, the "prophet" is also to be confirmed at the conclusion of the seventy weeks.
In other words, the visions that were given, and the prophets to whom they were given will both be confirmed at the conclusion of the seventy weeks. These visions and prophets will be seen to be true and those prophecies fulfilled at that time therefore, as the text reads "to seal up vision and prophet".
When these prophecies have been fulfilled, vision and prophet will no longer be needed.
Again... it's beyond me how anyone can believe that this has been completed.
________________________
[7] to anoint [H4886 - mashach] the most Holy [H6944 - qodesh].
The translation should read as "and to anoint the holy of holies" or literally as: holiness of holiness.
The final requirement will see Ezekial's holy of holies anointed. There is no use of this phrase in Scripture referring to any person... it always refers to a "thing" which is why you see this phrase often translated as "holy place".
No matter how hard one tries, they will not find any Scriptural evidence of this passage, or this phrase being used in reference to Jesus.
The Temple that Ezekial goes into great detail about at the end of his book has obviously not been built. It will be built one day, and Daniel is referring to the anointing of that Temple at it's dedication of the Millennium.
This phrase is used of: the altar of burn-offering (Exo 29:37), "and the altar shall be most holy" (Exo 40:10), of the altar of incense (Exo 30:10), or the Tent of meeting with the vessels belonging to it (Exo 30:26-29; Num 4:4-19; Eze 44:13), of the sacred incense (Exo 30:36), of the shew bread (Lev 24:9), the meal-offering (Lev 2:3-10; Lev 6:17; Lev 10:12), the flesh of the sin and guilt offering (Lev 6:17-25; Lev 7:1-6; Lev 10:17; Lev 14:13; Num 18:9; Lev 21:22; Eze 42:13; Ezr 2:63; 2Ch 31:14), things devoted to Jehovah (Lev 27:28), the entire Temple and the territory belonging to it in Ezekial’s vision (Eze 43:12; Eze 45:3; Eze 48:12).
It is also the name of the innermost part of the Temple in which the ark dwelt (Exo 26:33, etc).
As no object in Scripture is called "a most holy (thing)", general considerations, in view of the context of this passage determine what is intended… that is - a material object and not a person.
In this case, it would be most probably the altar of burnt-offering, or the Temple itself (including all the vessels). The term "anoint" is used with both in Scripture.
The consecration of the Millennial Temple is no doubt referred to in this passage (Isa 60:7; Ezekial 40).
_________________
That's it for the seven requirements._________________
"The angel himself gives a literal explanation and it would be nonsensical to insist on giving a symbolical interpretation of a literal explanation. If the exegetes had always obeyed the angel’s interpretation as is evident from practically every word he speaks, then this text would never have been so obscured by all kinds of human conjectures and imagined "deep" insights." (Harry Bultema, Commentary on Daniel)
The climax of redemptive history will conclude specifically in concern to the city of Jerusalem, the land of Israel, and with the Jewish people. Because the redemption of all creation is actually the outworking of the Abrahamic Covenant (the everlasting covenant), by necessity, it must conclude in the specific land which that covenant promised.
Eze 36:23-38 I will vindicate the Holiness of My great name... when I prove Myself Holy among you in their sight. For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land.
Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.
Some interpreters seek to argue that through the Cross, not only have these seven purposes been provided for, but actually fulfilled historically. There is a difference.
Because the Jewish people are not now corporately serving Messiah and fully holy as a people, and because the Messianic capital is not reigning from the land God promised, it is impossible to say that these seven purposes have already been fulfilled or have been fully realized in the Cross.
The seventy weeks will end with the seven items above completed at the end of this age, when Christ sets up His Millennial Kingdom here on earth.
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Daniel 9 - Part 3 will bring us to more in-depth study, including that of Sir Robert Anderson as I mentioned above.
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
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