Daniel 9
We are walking in today: Men Of Torah--Yahweh's Program To Wrap Up History!!!
Teaching from the book:
Teaching and Preaching from the Old Testament: A guide to the church, by Walter C. Kaiser Jr.
Witness wars throughout the Bible: H4421
milchamah (mil-ka-mah) battle in the sense of fighting, engaging an enemy as in warfare.
Judges 3:1; 1 Kings 5:17; Psalm 46:10
Daniel 9:26-27 Then, after the sixty-two weeks, Mashiach will be cut off and have nothing. The people of a prince yet to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary, but his end will come with a flood, and desolations are decreed until the war is over. He will make a strong covenant with leaders for one week [of years]. For half of the week he will put a stop to the sacrifice and the grain offering. On the wing of detestable things the desolator will come and continue until the already decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator.” -CJB
Verse 24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and for your holy city for putting an end to the transgression, for making an end of sin, for forgiving iniquity, for bringing in everlasting justice, for setting the seal on vision and prophet, and for anointing the Especially Holy Place. -CJB
Six reasons to understanding this passage--the importance of breaking down numerically the times and interpretation.
1. To finish the transgression, a long series of apostasy against the laws of Yahweh's Kingdom.
2. To make a end of sin.
3. Reconciliation for iniquities (generational curses).
4. Years needed to bring in everlasting righteousness, which is only possible by Yeshua's death.
5. At the end of those days visions and prophecy would be sealed. All prophecies of Israel and the temple are completed at the end of this period.
6. To anoint the most holy one or place meaning everything holy.
Contrary to what we have been taught about the obscurity of the prophecies in Daniel 9, he made sure to carefully write the apocalyptic narratives with studious and prayerful comprehension. The mysteries were never meant to be understood only by a chosen few. Nehemiah's prophecy tied into Jeremiah 2:10-14, 25:12-14
God will oversee the wrap-up of history. The end will come like a flood--wars and rumors of wars will continue. Just as Yeshua spoke of the signs of the coming of heaven on earth. Whereas the end of life on earth as we know it. Shall be changed forever.
To understand this chapter we must begin with an explanation of the term “weeks.” Daniel chapter 9 uses the Hebrew word (שבעים ~ Shavuim) to represents a period of time multiplied by seven. For various reasons this word is translated as “weeks” and means a multiple of seven years rather than a multiple of seven days. We see a similar use in the verse, “You shall count~ שבע שבתת השנים) seven Sabbaths of years), seven years, seven times…forty-nine years.” Leviticus 25:8
A Sabbath is a period of seven days and shares the same Hebrew root for the word (שבועה~She-vuah) that means “week”. Normally the plural of week would be (שבעות ~ Shavuot) in Daniel it uses the masculine “ים” ending for ( שבעים~ Sha-vu-im) similar to (years ~ שנים). This indicates that (שבעים~ Sha-vu-im) is referring to a multiple of seven years. Both Jews and Christians agree that this is referring to a multiple of years. Therefore in Daniel chapter 9, each week is a period of seven years. We must explore the correct meaning of Daniel 9 and the concept of a Jewish calendar year.
Translating Daniel Correctly
It is essential for a correct understanding of Daniel 9, to point out that it is incorrect to read this passage as if it were speaking about the Messiah. This may appear obvious to Christians since their translations has the word “Messiah” mentioned twice in this chapter; however this is the result of a
blatant and intentional mistranslation of the Hebrew word (משיח ~ '"Moshiach").
This word literally means “anointed” and is an adjective as in 1 Samuel 10:1 where the word clearly means an act of consecration:
Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not Yahweh anointed you ruler over his inheritance?
It is not a personal pronoun that refers to a particular individual called “The Messiah.” The word (משיח ~ Moshiach” this word literally means “anointed”) is used throughout Jewish scriptures no less than 100 times and refers to a variety of individuals and objects. For example:
Priests--Leviticus 4:3
Kings--1 Kings 1:39
Prophet--Isaiah 61:1
Temple Alter--Exodus 40:9-11
Matzot ~ Unleavened Bread--Numbers 6:15
Cyrus ~ a non-Jewish Persian King--Isaiah 45:1
Even in Christian translations the word Moshiach is translated 99% of the time as “anointed.” The only exception is twice in Daniel 9 verses 25 and 26. This inconsistency is even more blatant since Christian translators translate the word (משיח ~ Moshiach) as “anointed” one verse earlier when it is used in Daniel 9:24. In this instance it is referring to anointing the inner most chamber of the Holy Temple known as the “Holy of Holies,” (קדשים קדש ~ Kodesh Kedoshim). It is incorrect to translate this, as some missionaries do, to mean the “most holy one” in an attempt to have this refer to the Messiah rather than a place.
Therefore in Daniel, the passages should be correctly translated as:
Daniel 9:24 “Until an anointed prince” and not as “Until Messiah the prince.”
Daniel 9:25 “an anointed one will be cut off” and not as “the Messiah will be cut off.”
Additionally, in verse 25 there is no definite article (Hey ~ ה) Remember the Hebrew letter 'hey' means 'the' so therefore there is no article 'hey' before the word (משיח ~ Mo-shiach) and it is incorrect to translate this as “the Messiah” or “the anointed one” as if it were speaking about one exclusive individual. When translating correctly as an “anointed individual” the passages could be referring to any one of a number of different individuals or objects that were anointed and not necessarily “the Messiah.” A careful examination of Daniel 9 will lead to a clear understanding of exactly whom and what this chapter is referring.
Actually, according to the Hebrew, the 7 and 62 weeks are two separate and distinct periods. One event happens after 7 weeks and another event after an additional 62 weeks. Simply put, if you wanted to say 69 in Hebrew you would say “sixty and nine.” You would not say “seven and sixty two.” Furthermore, in Daniel it is written “7 weeks and 62 weeks rather than “7 and 62 weeks.” The use of the word “weeks” after each number also shows that they are separate events. The use of the definite article (ה ~ Hey) that means the” in verse 26, “and after the 62 weeks shall an anointed one be cut off,” is sometimes deleted in Christian translations, but it’s presence in the Hebrew original clearly indicates that the 62 weeks is to be treated as separate period of time from the original 7 weeks.
The correct translation should be:
“until an anointed prince shall be 7 weeks (49 years),” “then for 62 weeks (434 years) it (Jerusalem) will be built again but in troubled times.” Then after (those) the 62 weeks (434 Years) shall an anointed one will be cut off.” Daniel 9:24-25
Two separate events and anointed ones, 62 weeks (434 years) apart. Christians also incorrectly translated the Hebrew (V’ayn Lo ~ לו ואין), at the end of Daniel 9:26. They translate it that he will be cut off “but not for himself,” as if it refers to someone being cut off not for himself, but cut off for us and indicating a form of vicarious attainment. However the Hebrew original means “and he will be no more” literally “and no more of him” and indicates the finality of his demise. Interestingly the Hebrew word (kares ~ כרת) translated as “cut off” biblically refers to someone who has sinned so grievously that they are put to death by heavenly decree as a divine punishment for their own transgressions.
An awareness of these eight mistranslations is essential to understanding the ninth chapter of Daniel,
FIVE AM, To recap:
1. (קדשים קדש, Kodesh Kedoshim) means “holy of holies” not the “most holy one”
2. (דבר ~ Devar) that means “word” not decree.
3. (משיח ~ Moshiach”) means “anointed” not “Messiah” in Daniel chapter 9 verse 23
4. (משיח ~ Moshiach”) means “anointed” not “Messiah” in Daniel chapter 9 verse 24
5. “seven weeks and sixty-two ” means two events one at 7 weeks (49 Years) and the other 62 weeks( 434 Years) later not one event after a cumulative 69 weeks
6. (Hey ~ ה) means “the”
7. (V’ayn Lo ~ לו ואין) means “will be no more” not “not for himself”
8. (kares ~ כרת) means death to a transgressor that cuts off their relationship to God.
Jewish Calendar Years
Jewish scripture clearly teach that the Jewish calendar is both Solar and Lunar. As early as Genesis 1:14, that deals with the creation of the sun and the moon, we are told that Both luminaries are used to determine our calendar.
A solar year is 365 1/4 days and a lunar year is 11 days shorter, 354 days long. Unlike the Gentile’s year where then length of the months is set by convention rather than a relationship to the lunar calendar, a Biblical Jewish calendar must coincide with both the sun (for seasons) and the moon.
When God, commanded the people of Israel to sanctify the months He established the month that the Exodus took place as the first of the months, Exodus 12:1. God also commanded to observe Passover in the springtime as is says in Deuteronomy 16:1.
In other words, a biblical calendar must coincide the months with the seasons creating a Solar-Lunar calendar. There is an eleven day difference between a solar and lunar year. If Hebrew feast days were established solely by a lunar year these days would move further and further away from their original seasons they were pronounced. This eliminating His appointed days from falling in a variety of seasons. A biblical Solar/Lunar calendar corrects this by adding a 13th month leap year approximately every 4 years. Some years have 12 months and the leap year has 13. Allowing Jewish holidays to coincide with both months and seasons.
Understanding Daniel
Now we can return to the beginning of Daniel 9 and establish the correct tarting point for Daniel’s prophesy. There were a number of different decrees made concerning returning and rebuilding Jerusalem. In Daniel 9:25 the original Hebrew used the word (דבר ~ Devar) which is significantly different from a human decree. The word (דבר ~ Devar) refers to a prophetic word. In the beginning of Daniel 9 verse 2, this word is used when Daniel says that he wants to understand “the word of the Lord to the Prophet Jeremiah.” In Christian translation, in all of the passages that mention some form of decree or proclamation concerning Jerusalem, none of them use the Hebrew word (דבר ~ Devar).
The correct translation of Daniel should be: “Know therefore and discern that from the going forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem” Daniel 9:25
Therefore the correct starting point of Daniel’s prophesy must be associated with the issuing of a prophetic word and not a human decree. The word (דבר ~ Devar) is used in the beginning of Daniel chapter 9. A careful reading of the beginning of this chapter clarifies the correct meaning of the
reference to the “word to restore and to build Jerusalem” mentioned in Daniel 9:25.
Chapter 9 begins as follows:
“I Daniel considered (or contemplated) in the books the number of the years which the word (דבר ~ Devar) of G-d came to Jeremiah the Prophet that would accomplish to the destruction of Jerusalem” Daniel 9:2
Here Daniel uses the word (דבר ~ Devar) when pondering the numbers of years that Jeremiah had spoken about. Jeremiah had twice prophesied concerning a 70 year period. Once Jeremiah said: “and these nation shall serve the King of Babylon 70 years and it shall come to pass when seventy years are accomplished that I will punish the King of Babylon and that nation … and make it everlasting desolation” Jeremiah 25:11-12
This prophesy states that Babylon would dominate Israel for a total of 70 years. Jeremiah also says: “After 70 years are accomplished to Babylon I will take heed of you and perform My good word towards you in causing you to return to this place.” Jeremiah 29:l0
This prophesy states, that after the 70 years, in addition to the end of Babylonian domination, the Jews would also return to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. There are two Jeremiah prophesies concerning: 1) subjugation, and 2) return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s 70 years start from the initial subjugation (conquering) of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This took place 18 years before the destruction of Jerusalem, as demonstrated by the following passages. We know that the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in the 19th year of King Nebuchadnezzar. As it says:
“In the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebu-zaradan the chief executioner was in service of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem… and destroyed the Temple of God” Jeremiah 52:12-13
The 19th year means that 18 full years had already been completed. Nebuchadnezzar started to subjugate (conquer) Jerusalem in his first year of his rule; this can be derived from the following verses:
“in King Yeho-ya-kim’s third year (three completed years) Nebuchadnezzar
came to besiege Jerusalem”
Daniel 1:1
“in the fourth year (three completed years) of Yeho-ya-kim which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar”
Jeremiah 25:1
These verses demonstrate that Nebuchadnezzar started to besiege Jerusalem in his first year and the destruction of Jerusalem took place in his “19th” year. Therefore, 18 complete years had passed from the beginning of the siege until the destruction of Jerusalem. During these 18 years Jerusalem was laid siege and completely surrounded.
Scriptures also indicate that the 70 years of Jeremiah were completed with the advent (arriving) of Cyrus the King of the Persian Empire. As it says:
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled.”
Ezra 1:1-3
“Those who survived the sword he exiled to Babylon, where they became slaves to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia began to reign. This was the fulfillment of the word of Yahweh to Jeremiah, until the land would be appeased of its Sabbatical years, all the years of its desolation it rested, to the
completion of 70 years. The Sabbath year (shmita Hebrew: שמיטה, literally "release") also called the sabbatical year or sheviit (Hebrew: שביעית, literally "seventh") is the seventh year of the seven-year agricultural cycle mandated by the Torah.
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, upon the expiration of Yahweh’s prophesy spoken by Jeremiah. God aroused the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia and he issues a proclamation… to build Yahweh a Temple in Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 36:20-23
In addition to the Babylonian rule ended in fulfillment of Jeremiah 25:11-12, Cyrus also gave permission, in fulfillment of Jeremiah 29:l0, to the Jews to return to Jerusalem, as it says;
“Whoever is among you all his people, let his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Yahweh, G-d of Israel.”
Ezra 1:4
It is important to remember that from the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, 18 years before the fall of Jerusalem, until the fall of the Babylonian Empire, when Cyrus came into power, 70 years had elapsed. By subtracting the 18 years subjugation (of conquering) before the destruction of the first
Temple from the total of 70 years we are left with 52 years. This proves that King Cyrus arose to power and fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophesy 52 years after the destruction of Jerusalem.
This plays an essential role in understanding Daniel 9. He yearned not only for the Babylonian Empire to cease 70 years after the subjugation (conquering) of Jerusalem; he yearned to see the return to
Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple.
When Daniel begins speaking in chapter 9 it is in the first year of Darius the Median. This Darius is mentioned earlier in Daniel 6:1 and called the Mede so that he would not be confused with Darius son of A-chas-verous the Persian, who was born later during the days of Haman and Esther.
Daniel was confused because although he now witnessed that, with the advent (arriving) of Darius the 70 years to the Babylonian subjugation (conquering) were over in fulfillment of Jeremiah 25:11-12, Daniel had not yet seen the fulfillment of Jeremiah 29:10 that promised that after the 70 years the Jewish exiles would return and rebuild Jerusalem. He did not foresee that very shortly Cyrus world rule and fulfill this promise. Daniel thought that perhaps, due to the sins of Israel the date had been delayed. This is why Daniel confesses for the sins of the people in verse 4-20 of Daniel chapter 9 and says:
“Now I was still speaking and praying and confessing my sins and the sins of my people Israel and casting my supplications before the Lord My God/Yahweh about the holy mountain (the Sanctuary as seen in Isaiah 56:7) of my God.”
Daniel 9:20
This is explains why in the beginning of chapter 9 of Daniel contemplated the number of years to the destruction of Jerusalem and not to the subjugation (conquering), as it says:
“I Daniel contemplated the calculations, the number of years about that which the word of God came to the prophet Jeremiah, to complete the 70 years to the destruction (לחרבות ~ L’Charvot) of Jerusalem.”
Daniel 9:2
Daniel saw that the subjugation (conquering) was over but he not only wanted to see the return to Jerusalem he wanted to know when the destruction would end with the building of the second Temple.
In fact, after one year of rule by Darius, King Cyrus took power and fulfilled Jeremiah 29 and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. But Daniel’s desire to understand the years of Jeremiah to the destruction of Jerusalem, result in the revelation of a new and additional understanding of Jeremiah.
There are now three different prophesies concerning 70 years:
1) 70 years of subjugation (Jeremiah 25)
2) 70 years till they return to the Jerusalem (Jeremiah 29)
3) 70 years of the destruction of Jerusalem (Daniel 9).
Whereas the calculations of the first two begin with the subjugation of Jerusalem 18 years before its destruction, Daniel’s new insight into the 70 years of total destruction must be calculated from a different starting point, the date that Jerusalem was destroyed. In fact, starting from the destruction of
the first Temple until the completion of the building of second Temple was exactly 70 years.
As a result of Daniel’s praying, confessing and contemplating about the years to the destruction of Jerusalem, the angel Gabriel (verse 21), revealed to him and expanded prophesy of 70 weeks (490 years). The starting point of this prophesy “that from the going of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem” Daniel 9:25, also begins from the Destruction of the First Temple.
The use of the Hebrew word (דבר ~ Devar) in both Daniel 9:25 and Daniel 9:2 also establishes that they share the same beginning point, the destruction of Jerusalem. Starting from the destruction of Jerusalem we can now see the meaning of Daniel 9:24-26. From the Prophetic word (דבר ~ Devar) that refers to the destruction of the first Temple until an anointed Prince (the Hebrew (נגיד ~nageid) is correctly translated as Leader), will be 7 weeks (49 years). As demonstrated earlier, from the destruction of Jerusalem until Cyrus was 52 years, this is within the 7th week (49 years and before the 8th weeks 56 years).
Cyrus not only initiated the rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1:1-3, Ezra 5:13, Ezra 6:3 and Isaiah 44:28), he is also called and identified as God’s anointed, as it says, “thus says the Lord to His anointed, Cyrus” Isaiah 45:1 Remember there are two anointed subjects, one after 7 weeks 7x7 (49 yrs)
and another after an additional 62 weeks.(434 yrs) The first “anointed” individual identified as a prince/leader in Daniel 9:25 is King Cyrus, who came 7 weeks of years (49 years) after the destruction of Jerusalem. Then from Cyrus’ Decree to rebuild Jerusalem, “it will be built again” for an additional 62 weeks (434 years). But “in troubled times,” Daniel 9:25, meaning under the foreign domination of the subsequent Persian, Greek and Roman rule. The Greek is mentioned in Daniel 11:2 and Roman alluded to in Daniel 2:40 where the word (כתים ~ Kittim) refers to the Roman capital of
Constantinople, The 'Kittim' (or 'west') of Daniel's time was Rome.
Then in the 69th week (483 years) after the destruction of the first Temple and 1 week (1x7=7 years) before the destruction of the second Temple, an anointed one is cut off. (483 + 7= 490 years) The fact that there is no definite article (Hey which in Hebrew means “the”) indicates that this can refer to several different anointed subjects. King Agrippa the last King of Israel (Kings are considered anointed as it says in 1 Chronicles 11:3) who was killed during this time. It also refers to the last High Priest (priests are anointed as seen in Leviticus 4) and the sacrifices (indicated in Leviticus 8:10-11). All three subjects were considered anointed and were cut off during the final week before the destruction of the second Temple.
The people of the prince will come and destroy the city and the Sanctuary” Daniel 9:26, refers to the Roman legions of Vespasian and Titus who destroyed Jerusalem. Additionally the sacrificial system (that was anointed) ceased during this last week (which was one week) which = 1x7= 7 years before the completion of the total 70 weeks of 490 years, as it says, “during half of week he will abolish
sacrifice and meal-offerings” Daniel 9:27
Historically during the years before the destruction of the second Temple the Romans set up idolatry in the Temple fulfilling the final verse in Daniel 9 that says:
“upon wings of abomination shall come one who make desolate until the decreed destruction is poured out desolator” Daniel 9:27
The Romans, who are often symbolized by the Eagle Wings resting on their standards, would desecrate the Temple with idolatry; destroy the Temple that would remain desolate until the Roman exile is finished with the advent (arrival) of the true Messianic age of complete peace, tranquility and knowledge of God. Today’s exile is considered an extension of the Roman exile that has lasted more than 2,000 years.
In Daniel 9 the original 70 years are from the destruction of the first Temple until the building of the second. If they had returned whole-heartedly there would have been no need for the second Temple to be destroyed and the events listed verse 24 would have been fulfilled.
“Seventy weeks (weeks is a multiple of 7) 70x 7 (490 years) are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity (atone for their past transgressions), and to bring in everlasting righteousness (Temple service that brings righteousness), and to seal up the vision and prophecy (fulfill the promises of the prophets and end the prophetic era) and, and to anoint the Holy of Holies (the Temple)” Daniel 9:24
The angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel this additional understanding of the 70 years extending them from 70 years to 70 weeks x 7 of years stretching the time span to 490 years that span from the destruction of the first Temple to the Destruction of the second Temple. This prophesy also included a description of events that would unfold if the Jewish people did not repent properly.
These are the 70 years for the first exile (52 years until Cyrus and 18 additional years to dedicate the second Temple) and 420 years of the second temple. Although there appears to be a discrepancy in chronology between the Jewish and secular Gregorian calendars of 166 years (with the secular dates earlier) it is clear that Jewish record keeping is more reliable and consistent concerning these events. Babylonian calendars changed arbitrarily with every new Babylonian king and limited archaeological discoveries often reflect their arbitrary chronology. (According to secular chronology 586 BCE is the year incorrectly associated with the destruction of the first Temple the Jewish)
This is how Daniel 9:24-26 should be correctly translated and understood:
24) Seventy weeks (490 years) are determined upon your people and upon your 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 Holy of Holies.”
25) Know therefore and discern that from the issuing of a word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (starting from its destruction) until an anointed Prince (Cyrus) will be seven weeks (49 years) and then for sixty-two weeks (434 years) it will be built again with plaza and moat but in troubled times.
(Persian, Greek and Roman domination)
26) Then after the sixty-two weeks (483 years from the destruction of the first Temple) an anointed one (sacrifices, last Jewish priest and king) will be cut off and will be no more, and the people of the prince (Romans) who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary (in the 70th week 490 years from the destruction of the first Temple).
This is a brief explanation of Daniel chapter 9. Any attempt to apply this chapter to Jesus is erroneous and wrought with mistranslated and misinterpretations.
Concluding understanding the book of Daniel can be compared to all apocalyptic passages. They must be studied throughout the Tanakh. There you will find the blueprints to the illumination of Yahweh's mind. His warnings of pending judgment on earth to the children of men and of the kingdom of Yahweh. Warnings sent forth time and time again of judgments for rebellion and rewards for following His prescribed paths. That has no obscurity and has been spoken of every since the fall of Adam until the coming of the King of the creation. We look forward to Yahweh's coming and the destruction of everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of His words of life--death and sin gone forever and life eternal!! Amen!!
READ THE TORAH!!!
John 5:39-47 You keep examining the Tanakh because you think that in it you have eternal life. Those very Scriptures bear witness to me, but you won’t come to me in order to have life! “I don’t collect praise from men, but I do know you people — I know that you have no love for God in you! I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t accept me; if someone else comes in his own name, him you will accept. How can you trust? You’re busy collecting praise from each other, instead of seeking praise from God only. “But don’t think that it is I who will be your accuser before the Father. Do you know who will accuse you? Moshe, the very one you have counted on! For if you really believed Moshe, you would believe me; because it was about me that he wrote. But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” -CJB
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