Relevant From dictionary.com… “adjective bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent: a relevant remark” (underlining mine)

Summary – Daniel 9:24-27 This passage focuses on two things: 1)It accurately predicted the time Christ would be revealed to Israel. 2) It revealed details about one of the most powerful men in history, who is still future to us, and who challenges the rule of God on earth.

Summary – Daniel 9:24-27 Six things have to happen before the Kingdom will come. All will be accomplished by God. There was a command from a king to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls. This command is the starting point of a 483 year countdown to Jesus appearing to Israel.

Summary – Daniel 9:24-27 Jerusalem would be rebuilt in difficult times The last seven year period was delayed to a future time. That seven year period is the subject of the book of the Revelation. Jesus would be killed after He appeared. His death would be for us, not Himself.

Summary – Daniel 9:24-27 Rome would destroy Jerusalem. Rome will later make a covenant with Israel. After 3 ½ years, the Beast, the man of sin, will break that agreement. The future Beast will act like an earlier king whose actions were accurately predicted by Daniel centuries before he appeared.

Summary – Daniel 9:24-27 Only Israel’s King will be able to deliver them. The free will of man, the stubbornness of Israel, make all of this necessary. If the past was accurately foretold before it occurred, then so can the future.

What we know – Daniel 9:24 “Sevens” The “sevens” are seven years, not days.

Background to Israel’s captivity Israel was told to honor the Lord with the Sabbath. ______________________________________ But there was more than one Sabbath.

Background to Israel’s captivity One Sabbath involved the seventh day each week. ______________________________________ The other was to be kept every seventh year. Leviticus 25:1f.

Background to Israel’s captivity Israel failed to keep the yearly Sabbath…for 490 years! ________________________________ In other words, they ignored it 70 times and went into captivity for 70 years as a consequence. Jeremiah 25:8-14

What we know – Daniel 9:24-27 Now, God turns things around. Their sin was for 70 “seven s” (490 years) Now, in 70 “sevens”, God’s grace would triumph!

What we know – Daniel 9:24-27 But, how should we understand the prophecy? At least two legitimate options exist…

What we know – Daniel 9: To finish the transgression = Israel’s sin, ultimately may refer to her rejection of the Messiah and/or disobedience to the Mosaic Covenant. 2.To make an end of sins = accomplished by the death of Christ for Israel and the world. Finished, finally, at His second coming when Israel’s sins are ended. 3.To make reconciliation for iniquity = Provision made for Israel at the cross, experienced at His return.

What we know – Daniel 9: To bring in everlasting righteousness = At the return of the King. 5. To seal up vision and prophecy = All that God has said He will do through the prophets would be realized when Christ returns for His kingdom. 6. Anoint the Most Holy = The dedication of the Temple in the Kingdom.

What we know – Daniel 9:24-27 “Messiah will be cut off” ________________________ Christ was crucified following the first 483 years. ________________________ “but not for Himself” _______________________ The reason for His death was other than Himself… He died for us!

What we know – Daniel 9:26 “the people of the prince who is to come” Titus of Rome leveled Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

What we know – Daniel 9:27 “Then (looking ahead) he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week” Better = “the people (of the prince who is to come)” ____________________________ Collectively = “they shall confirm a covenant…” Nations from what was once the Roman Empire.

What we know – Daniel 9:27 “But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Now the man of sin becomes the “beast” of Revelation and reveals his true self. Antiochus prefigures this man.

What we know – Daniel 9:27 The necessary groundwork is being laid for the Kingdom to arrive. But that Kingdom won’t arrive without Israel’s repentance. And Israel’s repentance won’t come easily.

Relevant From dictionary.com… “adjective bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent: a relevant remark” (underlining mine)