The 70 weeks in Daniel 9 are 70 weeks of years, totaling 490 years, determined specifically for the nation of Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem, with 69 weeks fulfilled at the crucifixion and the final 7 years (the 70th week) yet to come.
Les Feldick explains that the 70 weeks represent 490 years (70 times 7) set aside for Israel and Jerusalem to accomplish specific purposes, including finishing transgression and making reconciliation for iniquity. He notes that 483 years (69 weeks) were fulfilled up to the crucifixion, and the remaining 7 years (Daniel's 70th week) are still future, often called the Tribulation.
Daniel 9:24 — This verse defines the 70 weeks as 490 years determined for Israel and Jerusalem, directly answering the question.
In Daniel 9:24, God tells the prophet Daniel that 'seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,' which is a period of 490 years (as 70 weeks of years). The verse lists six purposes for this period: '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.' The prophecy specifically concerns Daniel's people (Israel) and the holy city (Jerusalem).
Les Feldick teaches that the 70 weeks are literally 70 weeks of years, totaling 490 years, and they are determined specifically for the nation of Israel and Jerusalem, not for the Church. He emphasizes that this is a prime example of prophecy directed to Israel within a specific time frame. Les explains that the first 69 weeks (483 years) were fulfilled from the decree of Nehemiah 2 (dated March 14, 445 B.C.) up to the crucifixion, which he equates with Palm Sunday. After the 69th week, God's clock for Israel stopped, leaving the 70th week (7 years) unfulfilled. This final week, often called Daniel's 70th week or the Tribulation, is still future and will be resumed after the Rapture of the Church. Les also clarifies that the purposes listed in Daniel 9:24, such as finishing transgression and making reconciliation for iniquity, were accomplished at the cross, while the remaining purposes are yet future.
Les Feldick explains that 'thy people' refers to Daniel's people, which is Israel, the Jewish nation. The holy city is Jerusalem. This shows the prophecy is directed specifically to Israel, not to the Church. In the context, Israel was in Babylon because of rebellion, so God calls them Daniel's people rather than His people, but this does not mean God has abandoned His covenant promises.
Les Feldick teaches that 69 of the 70 weeks were fulfilled at the cross. The 70th week, a final 7-year period, remains unfulfilled and is referred to as Daniel's 70th week. This period is often identified with the Tribulation. God's clock stopped for Israel after the 69th week, and the last 7 years are still ahead of us.
The purposes listed in Daniel 9:24 include finishing transgression, making an end of sins, and making reconciliation for iniquity. Les Feldick points out that these were fulfilled when Christ died on the cross. The other purposes—bringing in everlasting righteousness, sealing up vision and prophecy, and anointing the most Holy—remain future.
Les Feldick explains that Old Testament prophecy, like Daniel 9, is directed to the nation of Israel, usually within a time frame. While all Scripture is inspired and profitable for us, we must recognize who a passage is addressed to. Daniel 9 specifically concerns Israel and Jerusalem, not the Church.
70 Weeks of Years for Israel and Jerusalem
Les introduces Daniel 9:24, explaining that '70 weeks' means 70 weeks of years (490 years) determined for Israel and Jerusalem.
Directed to the Nation of Israel
Les stresses that the prophecy is for Daniel's people, Israel, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing to whom Scripture is addressed.
Purposes Fulfilled at the Cross
Les explains that the purposes of finishing transgression and making reconciliation for iniquity were fulfilled at the crucifixion.
Work of the Cross
Les reiterates that reconciliation is the work of the cross, and notes the breakdown of the time elements is covered elsewhere.
69 Weeks Fulfilled, 7 Left
Les explains that 483 years were fulfilled by the crucifixion, leaving 7 years (Daniel's 70th week) still future.
The 70th Week Is Future
Les confirms that 69 weeks were fulfilled at the cross, and the 70th week is still unfulfilled, pushed into the future.
Who Holds Back the Antichrist? The Restrainer Removed.
Like some of you have complained, it's a long time between programs, but that's just the way it is, and we can't help that. And maybe this is a good time to interject for any of you interested out in television, in our classes around the area.
Daniel's 70th Week and the Rapture
Les explains that after the Rapture, God will resume with Israel, fulfilling Daniel's 70th week, the final 7 years of the 490-year prophecy.
Daniel 9:24: 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.
This verse defines the 70 weeks and its purposes for Israel and Jerusalem.
Daniel 9:26: And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
This verse references the crucifixion ('Messiah cut off') and the coming prince, indicating the timing within the weeks.
The 70 weeks are 70 weeks of years, totaling 490 years. Les Feldick explains that this is a literal period determined for Israel and Jerusalem.
Because 69 of the 70 weeks were fulfilled by the time of Christ's crucifixion, leaving the final 7 years unfulfilled. This period is referred to as Daniel's 70th week and is often identified with the Tribulation.
The 69 weeks (483 years) took Israel from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2) up to the crucifixion of the Messiah. Les Feldick notes that chronologists have calculated this exactly.
No, Les Feldick teaches that the 70 weeks are determined for Daniel's people, Israel, and the holy city, Jerusalem, not for the Church.
Watch the Teaching: Daniel's 70 Weeks Explained — The 490-Year Prophecy Unpacked