THE
SEVENTIETH WEEK
BACKGROUND
The preceding timeline of
Daniel's Seventieth week utilizes multiple Scriptures to
help amplify and understand the events described in the great prophecy of
Daniel 9:27(notes)
which records...
And he (the
Antichrist - click for his many
aliases) will make a firm
covenant with the many (the Jews) for one week (7 years), but in
the middle of the week (3.5 years) he (Antichrist - see Mt
24:15, 2Th 2:1, 2, 3, 4) will put a stop to sacrifice
and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one
who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is
decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.
(see in depth notes on Daniel 9:27)
Comment: Daniel's
seventieth week is traditionally referred to by evangelical
commentators as "The Tribulation" but it should be noted that is
never specifically designated by this title in Scripture. The
Great Tribulation on the other hand is a Scriptural term (Mt
24:21, Re 2:22-note,
Re 7:14-note)
but it refers specifically to the last 3.5 years of this seven
year period, a time period Jeremiah referred to as the time of
Jacob's distress or trouble (See
Jacobs Trouble and the Great
Tribulation).
Nevertheless because this term has been so widely accepted, it
will be used as a synonym for the more Scripturally accurate term
"Daniel's Seventieth Week"
The Seventieth Week of seven years,
as noted above is usually called the Tribulation, and will begin when the
Antichrist makes a firm covenant with Israel (Refer to timeline above;
see also more detailed
notes).
The consensus among most conservative, evangelical scholars is that the
Rapture of the Church immediately precedes the Tribulation
and would also serve as a marker of the beginning of this last seven
years (see
timing of Rapture; 1Th 4:13,14,15,16,17,18 [see notes
4:13;
14;
15;
16;
17;
18]). (See
Table comparing Rapture vs Second
Coming)
Although one cannot be absolutely
dogmatic, it appears that the firm covenant between the
Antichrist and Israel results in his guarantee of protection and
provision of religious
freedom which will in turn allow Israel to a rebuild their Holy Temple
in Jerusalem. Scripture is unclear as to exactly when this Temple will
be rebuilt but it will have to be built at some time in the first 3.5
years of the Tribulation in order for the Antichrist to take his place
in the Temple (the abomination of desolation, Mt 24:15) at the midpoint
of the Tribulation. Given the fact that at present (2008, the
Temple Mount is
under Muslim control and also is the site of the
Dome of the Rock
which is one of the three most holy places in Islam, there will have to
be a radical shift in
policy to allow the Jews to rebuild their Temple in this same location.
The Antichrist's firm covenant will apparently bring about the
necessary shift in policy and result in the longed for "Peace" in the
Middle East. Clearly, the Antichrist will be viewed with great respect
and admiration by the world for accomplishing what no one else had been
able to accomplish.
John substantiates that during the
first half of the Tribulation
the Jewish Temple must be rebuilt recording that...
There was given me (John) a measuring
rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of
God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. And leave out the
court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has
been given to the nations (Gentiles); and they will tread under foot the holy city
(Jerusalem)
for forty-two months (the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation). (Rev
11:1,2 See notes
Re 11:1;
11:2).
REVELATION 11
AMPLIFIES DANIEL 9:27
As background to help understand
Daniel 9:27, note that a basic understanding of Revelation 11 and 12
is important to comprehend the timing of events in Daniel's
Seventieth Week. Therefore take some time and read Rev 11-12 and as you read observe repeated
time phrases that equate with a
3.5 year period, one of the references referring to the first 3.5
years of the Tribulation, but most of the references referring to the second
3.5 years of the
Tribulation, the time Jesus specifically defined as the Great
Tribulation. (After you have done you study refer to the
chart
on
time phrases
relating to the Tribulation). In the following section there is a brief outline of the important
events in Revelation 11-12, but first please take time to read and
observe these chapters on your own. Make note of
context
and interpret
literally
where possible (John's language in Revelation 12 is figurative, but
do not forget the basic principle that even figurative passages have a
"literal" meaning and are not to be wildly spiritualized or allegorized!).
Ask and allow your Teacher, the Holy Spirit to lead you into all the truth (1Jn 2:27 where
"anointing" is a reference to the Spirit indwelling every believer,
Jn 14:26, 16:13,
Ro 8:9-note)
In Revelation 11, note that the appearance of
God's two witnesses during the first half of the Seven Year Tribulation
is followed by their assassination, resurrection and ascension.
Revelation 11:3
And I will grant authority to my
two witnesses
(there are many speculations about their identity but don't let that
sidetrack you), and they will
prophesy for
twelve hundred and sixty days (3.5 years
- during the first half of the Tribulation) clothed in
sackcloth." (note
v3)
4 These are the two olive trees
and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. (note
v4)
5 And if anyone desires to harm
them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and if
anyone would desire to harm them, in this manner he must be killed. (note
v5)
6 These have the power to shut
up the sky, in order that rain may not fall during the days of their
prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into
blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they
desire. (note
v6)
7 And when they have finished
their testimony (note God's men are invincible until they have
completed their assignment!) the
Beast, (the Antichrist) that comes up out of the
abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. (note
v7)
8 And their dead bodies will lie
in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and
Egypt (Jerusalem), where also their Lord was crucified. (note
v8)
9 And those from the peoples and
tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three
and a half days (live images now possible via satellite, internet, etc), and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a
tomb. (note
v9)
10 And those who dwell on the
earth (see significance of
Earth Dwellers) will rejoice over them and make merry; and they will send gifts to
one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the
earth. (note
v10)
11 And after the three and a
half days the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on
their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were beholding them. (note
v11)
12 And they heard a loud voice
from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up into heaven
in the cloud, and their enemies beheld them. (note
v12)
Then in
Revelation 11:13-note
God brings about another
dramatic event which highlights the miraculous resurrection and ascension, John
recording that...
And in that hour there was a great
earthquake, and a tenth of the city (of Jerusalem) fell; and seven
thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were
terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Comment: Notice
the degree of specificity of the details - 1/10th of the city fallen
and 7000 people killed - numerical detail which will allow anyone
alive during this time (and with ears to hear) to easily
correlate these events John's prophecy in Revelation 11:13. The point is
clear - God
is giving an unequivocal sign (which parallels Jesus' warning in Mt
24:14, 15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) and which signals the beginning of the last 3.5
years, the
Great Tribulation,
These events (along with those described below) will graciously allow anyone who
is remaining on earth and who has ears to
hear, to come to their senses. And if
those alive on earth at this time (recall that the Church has already been
delivered from this wrath to come -- 1Th 1:10-note,
1Th 5:9-note)
will continue reading in Revelation 12 and 13, they will come to realize that the events in
Jerusalem signal events far more ominous.
THE CRUCIAL MIDPOINT
OF DANIEL'S
SEVENTIETH WEEK
The midpoint of the 7 year
period is associated with a number of other "earth shaking" events:
(1) The two witness killed and
resurrected; earthquake in Jerusalem (Re 11:7, 11, 12)
(2) The
Beast (aka "Antichrist)
(note)
is given authority (Da 7:25-note,
Re 13:5-note)
(Additional note on beast)
(3) The Antichrist breaks covenant with Israel, putting an end to
the Jewish sacrifices (Da 7:25-note,
Da 9:27-note)
(4) The Abomination of desolation is revealed (Antichrist), as
prophesied by Daniel and Jesus (Da 9:27-note,
Mt 24:15, Mk 13:14, 2Th 2:3, 4, 8, Re 13:15-note)
(5) Initiation of the last 3.5 year period which Jesus called the
Great Tribulation
(see other terms)
(6) Worldwide proclamation of the
eternal gospel (Rev 14:6-note)
- In the midst of wrath, God remembers mercy and gives all those left on
earth a supernatural "sermon" to stimulate repentance and faith in those
who have ears to hear. Some say there is no evidence this proclamation
of the gospel was heeded, but I disagree. Rev 7:9-note
describes an innumerable multitude from all nations, tribes, peoples and
tongues standing before the throne and before the Lamb. Then Rev 7:14-note
identifies these souls as those who came out of the Great Tribulation,
clear evidence that one of the greatest harvests of souls will occur
during the most horrible time on earth! Amazing Grace!
(7) Satan will be cast down from
heaven to earth and persecute Israel (Re 12:7-note;
Re 12:8-note;Re
12:9-note;
Re 12:10-note;
Re 12:11-note;
Re 12:12-note;
Re 12:13-note
["the woman" = Israel, cp ])
(8) Jews flee persecution (Mt
24:15,16, 17, 18, 19, 20; Mk 13:14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Re 12:6-note;
Re 12:14-note)
At this crucial midpoint of Daniel's
Seventieth Week,
the Antichrist's true "colors" of lawlessness and destructive
intentions are clearly unveiled for the entire
world to see, giving everyone alive a clear choice to believe either the Truth
of the eternal gospel of Jesus Christ (Re 14:6-note)
or the lie of the Antichrist.
THE FINAL CURTAIN
REVELATION 19, 20, 21, 22
|
Chronological Summary of
Major End Time Events
After the Great Tribulation |
REVELATION
19 |
REVELATION
20:1-10 |
REVELATION
20:11-14 |
REVELATION
21-22 |
|
Jesus Returns
as
King of kings
Re 19:11, 16
Defeats Antichrist
&
Cast into Lake of Fire
Re 19:19, 20
Wrath of God finished
Re 15:1 |
Satan bound
1000
yr
Re 20:2
Jesus & saints reign on earth
1000
yr
Re 20:4
Satan unleashed after
1000
yr, defeated, & cast into Lake of Fire
Re 20:7, 8, 9, 10 |
Great White Throne
Judgment
of unbelievers
Re 20:11, 12, 13
Cast into
Lake of Fire
Re 20:14, 15
Old
Earth & heaven
fled
away, no place found for them
(burned up)
Re 20:11, 2Pe 3:7, 10
|
New
Heaven
&
Earth
Re 21:1
New
Jerusalem
Re 21:2 |
The
Great Tribulation runs its
course (Re 15:1-note),
and is "cut short" (Mt 24:22) by the Second Coming of Christ
(2Th 2:8, Re 19:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21-see
notes beginning at Rev 19:11),
bringing down the curtain on Daniel's Seventieth Week and
inaugurating the 1000
year Millennial
Kingdom. (Rev 20)
As an aside, it is worth noting that
if
one interprets 1000 years in a non-literal sense, not only is it
difficult to make any sense out of the chronological events Revelation
19-21, but it
is also difficult to explain the
numerous Old Testament descriptions of this glorious period of time when Messiah
reigns on earth as King of kings and
Lord of lords (see description of the earthly
Millennium
primarily from the OT prophets).
WHO ENTERS THE
MILLENNIAL KINGDOM?
Those who will enter the
Millennium
in their natural bodies include both Jew and Gentile. The Gentiles who
are alive at the end of the Great Tribulation will stand at the judgment
of the sheep and goats (Mt 25:31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,
41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) to determine who enters into the 1000 year
kingdom. The Jews will be judged in (Ezek 20:33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44) to determine who will enter into the kingdom. Only
believing Gentiles and Jews will be allowed into the Millennial kingdom.
At this point let me
encourage you to use this diagram as a guide and a stimulus to examine the
Scriptures carefully for yourself to see whether these things are so. As a believer you have no need for anyone to teach you, for you
have the Holy Spirit to guide you into all the truth (cp 1Jn 2:27). I encourage you to
read these passages in
context
(eg, read and meditate on the entire chapters in Daniel 2, 7, 9, 10-12, Mt 24-25, etc), seeking the
normal literal (plain sense) meaning of the verses, making special notation in
your Bible of the
expressions of time,
and
comparing Scripture with Scripture. If you prayerfully seek the truth concerning God's plan for
the Ages, you will be amazed at how the obscure pieces of
the prophetic "jigsaw" puzzle begin to fall into place and make such
plain sense that speculative, non-literal interpretation is quickly
recognized as
nonsense.
Note that the diagram is
color coded to aid your overview (see
Legend). Please use this overview as a
guide to encourage you to drink deeply from the prophetic Word of Truth
for yourself and postpone reading commentaries until after you have
made your own observations and arrived at your own interpretation.
RELATED RESOURCES
(1) Verse by Verse exposition of Daniel 9:24-27:
Daniel 9:24
Daniel 9:25
Daniel 9:26
Daniel 9:27
(2) The Millennium
On Site
Resources on the Millennium
The
Millennium 1
The
Millennium 2
The
Millennium 3
Off
Site Resources on the Millennium:
Table Comparing Present Age, the Millennium and
Eternity Future (off site)
Excellent off site discussion of the Millennium
Articles by Dr John Walvoord on the
Millennium:
The Doctrine of the Millennium Part I: The
Righteous Government of the Millennium
The Doctrine of the Millennium Part II: Spiritual
Life in the Millennium
The Doctrine of the Millennium Part III: Social
and Economic Aspects of the Millennium
The Doctrine of the Millennium Part IV: The
Heavenly Jerusalem
The Millennial Kingdom Part I: The Prophetic
Context of the Millennium
The Prophetic Context of the Millennium Part II:
The Second Coming of Christ
The Prophetic Context of the Millennium Part III:
The Second Coming of Christ in the New Testament
The Prophetic Context of the Millennium Part IV:
The Resurrection at the Second Advent
The Reign of Christ - Revelation 20 (Includes
Discussion of Millennial Kingdom)
The Future Work of Christ The Millennial Kingdom
and the Eternal State
