The Seventy Weeks

The prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel 9 is the most precise messianic prophecy in the Bible. It predicted with exactness when the Messiah would appear, be anointed, and die. This prophecy confirms that Jesus is the promised Christ.

How many weeks were determined for Daniel's people?

7 weeks 62 weeks 70 weeks 2300 weeks

How many years are 70 prophetic weeks?

70 years 490 years (70 x 7 days = 490 days/years) 4900 years 7 years

The Purpose of the Seventy Weeks

What were the purposes of the seventy weeks?

Only to rebuild Jerusalem To end transgression, make atonement for iniquity, and bring everlasting righteousness To destroy enemies To establish a political kingdom

Who would fulfill the central purpose of the 70 weeks, bringing in everlasting righteousness?

A human king The Messiah, Jesus Christ Daniel An angel

The Division of the Seventy Weeks

How are the seventy weeks divided?

70 continuous weeks 7 weeks + 62 weeks + 1 week 35 + 35 weeks 10 x 7 weeks

What do the first 7 weeks (49 years) cover?

Christ's ministry The period of Jerusalem's reconstruction The exile Alexander's reign

“The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 327, par. 1.

Within the 70 weeks, the prophecy points to Christ’s baptism and anointing in A.D. 27, His crucifixion in A.D. 31, and the end of the special period granted to the Jews in A.D. 34.

The Messiah Prince

When would the Messiah Prince appear?

Immediately after the decree After 69 weeks (483 years) from the decree After 70 weeks Before the decree

What happened in 27 A.D. (457 B.C. + 483 years)?

The birth of Jesus The baptism of Jesus and His anointing by the Holy Spirit The crucifixion The destruction of the temple

The Cutting Off of the Messiah

What would happen to the Messiah in the middle of the last week?

He would be crowned king He would be cut off (killed), causing the sacrifice to cease He would flee He would establish His kingdom

When was Jesus crucified (in the middle of the 70th week)?

27 A.D. 31 A.D. (3.5 years after His baptism) 34 A.D. 70 A.D.

And Now?

The seventy weeks confirm that Jesus is the Messiah:

457 B.C.: Beginning of the count
27 A.D.: Jesus’ baptism (Messiah anointed)
31 A.D.: Jesus’ crucifixion (in the middle of the week)
34 A.D.: End of the seventy weeks (stoning of Stephen, gospel to the Gentiles)

My Decision

The prophecy of the seventy weeks convinces me that Jesus is the promised Messiah. He appeared, was anointed, and died exactly at the predicted time. I accept Jesus as my Savior, the perfect fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

7) The Seventy Weeks