Daniel's Prophecy Of The Seventy Weeks

The prophecy of Daniel chapter 9:24-27 outlines Israel’s history and future. In this prophecy, God declares 70 weeks of punishment on the nation of Israel for disobeying the commandments of the Mosaic Law. The first 69 weeks have been fulfilled. The last seven years are synonymous with the tribulation period and are yet future. Alva J. McClain, in his book, “Daniel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks,” breaks down this prophecy into nine important factors that help us better understand the events behind God’s plan for Israel.
1. “The entire prophecy has to do with Daniels ‘people’ and his ‘city,’ that is the Nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem.” This is evident from verse 24 of Daniel 9 which says “Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and for your holy city.” It is clear that this prophecy was not meant for the church, and God is specifically dealing with Israel.
2. “Two different princes are mentioned, who should not be confused: the first is named Messiah the Prince (25); and the second is described as
“After these two important events, we come to the last, or Seventieth Week, the beginning of which will be marked by the establishment of a firm covenant or treaty between the Coming Prince and the Jewish nation for a period of ‘one week’ (25).” This part of the prophecy divides many scholars today. An argument for one who holds to a post-tribulation rapture doctrine will say that Daniel 9:24-27 has already been fulfilled in its entirety; however, pre-tribulation rapture advocates hold to a pre-millennial view that this part of the prophecy is still yet future. One problem with the post- tribulation rapture doctrine is it doesn’t account for the outcome the seventieth week. One of the outcomes of this period is, “to make an end of sins.” If this prophecy has already been fulfilled in its entirety, then it should have culminated in the fulfillment of this promise of God. By simply picking up a newspaper or watching the evening news station we