THE MYSTERY OF DANIEL'S SEVENTY WEEKS OF YEARS
From this prophecy, the last seven years of this age are determined; this "last week of years" is often called "the seven year tribulation."
Whether one holds the pre, mid or post tribulation rapture viewpoint, almost all agree on one thing: there are "seven years set aside by God" for prophetic events. These "last seven years of this age" are commonly called "the tribulation" or "seven years of tribulation." This concept is derived from a prophecy in the book of Daniel. The angel Gabriel came to Daniel and gave him the prophecy.
First, the verses from which the prophecy comes.
Understanding of the prophecy.
PART 1. Gabriel referenced 7 weeks and 62 weeks which means "weeks of years." There are 70 weeks of years total, which means 490 years are involved in this prophecy. These weeks of years are divided into sections.
The 1st is: 7 weeks of years = 49 years (until the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem).
The 2nd is: 62 weeks of years = 434 years (from then until Messiah is cut off and Jerusalem and the temple destroyed/trampled).
7 weeks of years, 49 years
+ 62 weeks of years, 434 years
= 69 weeks of years, 483 years (completed of the "490 years total years" of the prophecy).
So we can see that 69 weeks of years, of the 70 weeks of years prophesied, have been fulfilled. This leaves a third section yet to be fulfilled, which is 1 week of years, 7 years.
From the time Daniel was given the prophecy, there were 7 weeks of years, which are 49 years, from “the command" to restore and build Jerusalem. Afterward, there were 62 weeks of years, which are 434 years, to the completion of the ministry of the Messiah (who was cut-off) and eventually to the destruction of the temple and trampling of Jerusalem (70 AD). From this, we can see that 69 weeks of the 70 years have come into fruition!
The prophetic clock went on “pause" and it became "the time of the Gentiles,” which has also been called "the church age." ***
But seventy weeks (of years) are determined! What about the 1 week of years left, the last 7 years?
PART 2. There is one last prophetic week left: When "the prophetic clock starts ticking again" and the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled (the church age) and the last week will happen. A covenant/treaty will be made for one week of years (7 years) which the evil one will confirm and break mid-week (3 1/2 years into it) (He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering - followed with setting up the abomination of desolation) according to Daniel 9:27,11:31 and also referenced by the Lord in Matthew 24:15/Mark 13:14. Much more will be shared on this later.
At the conclusion of these 70 weeks, it will virtually be: "the end of this current age." After the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will be bound for a thousand years and it will be a whole new era. Jesus will revive this earth and set up a millennial kingdom. After the completion of the thousand years, the devil will be loosed for a short season of testing; ending with the last battle between the devil and God. After which will come the Great White Throne of Judgment and the end of this earth and universe (which in itself is an end of an age also). There will be a new heavens and a new earth and sin will be no more! The glory of the Lord will be the light of it, as there will be no more need for a sun.
*** some of the verses that coordinate with this part of the prophecy are: Jeremiah 25:8-11,29:10; Zechariah 1:12; Ezra 1:1-4.
First, the verses from which the prophecy comes.
- Daniel 9:22b-23 "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:"
- Daniel 9:24-27 "Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. 25 "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command “to restore and build Jerusalem” until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. 26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."
Understanding of the prophecy.
PART 1. Gabriel referenced 7 weeks and 62 weeks which means "weeks of years." There are 70 weeks of years total, which means 490 years are involved in this prophecy. These weeks of years are divided into sections.
The 1st is: 7 weeks of years = 49 years (until the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem).
The 2nd is: 62 weeks of years = 434 years (from then until Messiah is cut off and Jerusalem and the temple destroyed/trampled).
7 weeks of years, 49 years
+ 62 weeks of years, 434 years
= 69 weeks of years, 483 years (completed of the "490 years total years" of the prophecy).
So we can see that 69 weeks of years, of the 70 weeks of years prophesied, have been fulfilled. This leaves a third section yet to be fulfilled, which is 1 week of years, 7 years.
From the time Daniel was given the prophecy, there were 7 weeks of years, which are 49 years, from “the command" to restore and build Jerusalem. Afterward, there were 62 weeks of years, which are 434 years, to the completion of the ministry of the Messiah (who was cut-off) and eventually to the destruction of the temple and trampling of Jerusalem (70 AD). From this, we can see that 69 weeks of the 70 years have come into fruition!
The prophetic clock went on “pause" and it became "the time of the Gentiles,” which has also been called "the church age." ***
- Luke 21:24 "And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."
But seventy weeks (of years) are determined! What about the 1 week of years left, the last 7 years?
PART 2. There is one last prophetic week left: When "the prophetic clock starts ticking again" and the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled (the church age) and the last week will happen. A covenant/treaty will be made for one week of years (7 years) which the evil one will confirm and break mid-week (3 1/2 years into it) (He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering - followed with setting up the abomination of desolation) according to Daniel 9:27,11:31 and also referenced by the Lord in Matthew 24:15/Mark 13:14. Much more will be shared on this later.
At the conclusion of these 70 weeks, it will virtually be: "the end of this current age." After the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will be bound for a thousand years and it will be a whole new era. Jesus will revive this earth and set up a millennial kingdom. After the completion of the thousand years, the devil will be loosed for a short season of testing; ending with the last battle between the devil and God. After which will come the Great White Throne of Judgment and the end of this earth and universe (which in itself is an end of an age also). There will be a new heavens and a new earth and sin will be no more! The glory of the Lord will be the light of it, as there will be no more need for a sun.
*** some of the verses that coordinate with this part of the prophecy are: Jeremiah 25:8-11,29:10; Zechariah 1:12; Ezra 1:1-4.
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT BASIC RAPTURE CONCEPTS
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A scriptural introduction to understanding the rapture concept.
IS THE WORD "RAPTURE" IN THE BIBLE?
Understanding "harpázō" and the Bible verses where it is used.
THE TRIBULATION AND THE WRATH OF GOD
Understanding that mid tribulation rapture is pre-God's wrath. Taking a closer look at what "wrath and tribulation" really mean and what really happens during the last 7 years of this age.
TRIBULATION AND WRATH, BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS AND USAGE
Understanding the biblical usage of these words in their original context.
UNDERSTANDING THE RAPTURE AND VARIOUS VIEWS ABOUT IT
Pre, mid and post tribulation definitions, understanding the millennial views, preterism and more.
THE BEST BIBLICAL MINDSET FOR LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
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"MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE" ARTICLES
MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE
Understanding how the rapture happens in the middle of the last week of years and its magnitude. This is a pre-God's wrath viewpoint.
MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE, WHY 3 1/2 YEARS?
The Bible actually says how long the terms of the Antichrist and Two Witnesses are, which reveal the timing of the rapture.
MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE BIBLE VERSES, CHRONOLOGICALLY, WITH LIGHT COMMENTARY
The mid tribulation rapture as shown with Bible verses chronologically & light commentary.
MID TRIBULATION RAPTURE TIMELINE CHART
An easy to understand timeline with important events from the beginning of the 7 years through the Millennium.
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But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6
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While we do believe in a mid tribulation rapture, we are not saying we know the day or the hour. The Lord makes it very clear that no one but the Father knows that. While we do believe it is at or near the middle of the last 7 years of this age, the Lord says that He has to cut the time short for the elect's sake in Matthew 24:22 and who knows the amount of time that will be?
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