This is one of the most important prophetic passages in the Word of God and has been described as “the backbone of Bible prophecy”. It outlines God’s 490 year prophetic program for the nation of Israel. The first 483 years have already been fulfilled with breathtaking accuracy and the final 7 years are yet to be fulfilled!
The Prospective Phase of the 70 Weeks (Vs. 27)
The Agreement with Antichrist (Vs. 27a)
- “he shall confirm the covenant with many” = a false peace covenant made with Israel at the start of the 70th week by Antichrist
- Antichrist is depicted as a man of peace in Revelation 6:2 – “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
- It is likely that the rebuilding of the temple and peace with the Arab nations will be a feature of this treaty. The 3rd temple is obviously re-built as we have reference to the “sacrifice and oblation”.
- The Jews believe that whoever builds the temple and brings peace is the Messiah. They are crying out for peace and for the rebuilding of the 3rd temple! The temple will be rebuilt but it won’t be Christ’s temple, it will be the temple of Antichrist.
The Abomination of Antichrist (Vs. 27b)
- Half way through the 7-year period (3.5 years), Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and desecrates the temple, setting himself up as God.
- “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) … For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:14, 21). Jesus interpreted Daniel’s prophecy literally!
- “… that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
Conclusion:
- The first 69 weeks (483) years of prophecy have been fulfilled exactly as the Word of God predicted. The final 7 years still future, will also be fulfilled in exact detail.
- The next event on the calendar for the church is the rapture which will take place before this 7-year tribulation period.
- If Jesus Christ came to snatch away His bride (church) today, would you be caught up or left behind? Where will you spend eternity?
Sermon 18 of 23 in Daniel Series
Sermon Audio Id: 82419227412456