Daniel 9:24
Summary for Dan 9:24-27: 9:24-27 a Gabriel further explained the meaning of Daniel’s vision (9:22-23 b). Because the vision of ch 8 c culminated with Antiochus IV (see 8:23-25 d; cp. 11:21-39 e), many interpreters understand this explanation as also pointing to Antiochus. Others understand it as culminating in the death of Christ, followed by the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the coming of the antichrist. 9:24 f Many understand the period of seventy sets of seven as seventy “weeks of years”—i.e., 490 years. However, they are not called “years” in the Hebrew text, and it has proven difficult to assign this period to an actual historical period of 490 years. Therefore, many interpreters believe that the numbers are not intended as calendar years but as symbolic periods of time to fulfill the visions. Just as Jerusalem suffered a lifetime of desolation (9:2 g; see study note on Jer 25:11), the city would experience many lifetimes of restoration.• The period of time was for your people (the Jews) and your holy city (Jerusalem). The six purposes listed here appear to refer to the restoration of the Jews and the city of Jerusalem. Other interpreters see these six purposes as representing God’s universal work of redemption in the world.
• God would finish the rebellion of the Israelites, and he would also finish the rebellions of human rulers who defy the Lord and attack the holy people (Dan 7:8 h, 22 i, 25-26 j; 8:13-14 k; 11:29-45 l).
• To confirm the prophetic vision means to fulfill the content of the visionary answer to Daniel’s prayer.
• the Most Holy Place (Or the Most Holy One; literally a most holy): Some interpreters see this as referring to the restored Most Holy Place in the Temple in 164 BC. Others see it as referring to the anointing of Christ and his church as God’s own temple (Matt 12:6 m; Eph 2:19-22 n).
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