Was Daniel's 70-week prophecy of 490 years for Israel or for the church?
Daniel's 70-week prophecy of 490 years was determined upon Daniel's people, the nation of Israel, and upon the holy city Jerusalem, not the church. The passage is directed to Israel, and the 490 years culminate in the work of the cross, bringing reconciliation for iniquity.
Les teaches that Daniel 9:24 is addressed to the nation of Israel, not the church. He notes that 70 weeks, or 490 years, are determined upon "thy people," which he identifies as the Jew, Israel, the nation, and upon "thy holy city," Jerusalem. The passage says the 490 years were to finish transgression, make an end of sins, and make reconciliation for iniquity, which Les says took place at the cross. Yet he also observes that some time continues after the cross, leading to everlasting righteousness and the sealing up of the vision. Les emphasizes that while all Scripture is profitable, we must be aware to whom a particular passage is directed, and here Daniel makes it plain that this prophecy concerns Israel.
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
More Questions
Whom is Daniel's seventy-week prophecy about?
Daniel's seventy-week prophecy in Daniel 9 concerns the nation of Israel.
How many years do the 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24 represent?
In Daniel 9:24, the 70 weeks are 70 weeks of years, so they total 490 years.
What does 'seventy weeks' mean in Daniel 9:24?
In Daniel 9:24, the '70 weeks' are 70 weeks of years—490 years.
Why do Bible teachers expect a final seven-year period from Daniel's prophecy?
Out of Daniel's 490 years for Israel, 483 years were fulfilled at Christ's first coming at the cross, leaving the remaining seven years never completed.