Understanding Prophecy Studies in Daniel – Dan 9:20-27 Key chapter Greatest prophecies concerning times, purposes, coming and death of Messiah Edward Denny – “the Backbone of Prophecy” 3 Parts: Preparation – vs 1-2 Prayer – vs 3-19 Prophecy – vs 20-27 Daniel 9 – The Prophecy – vs 20-27Why is it important? Prophecy makes up ¼ of Bible Prophecy gives validity to the Bible – has been or will be fulfilled with 100% accuracy. Prophecy gives us great hope for an eternal future with God Prophecy makes sense and gives perspective of world events as we see them unfold Daniel 9 – The Prophecy – vs 20-27the need to understand Daniel told 3 times by Gabriel to UNDERSTAND the prophecy: Dan 9:22-25 NKJV And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. (23) "At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision: …. (25) "Know therefore and understand… Daniel 9 – The Prophecy – vs 20-27 the need to understand Daniel told 3 times by Gabriel to UNDERSTAND the prophecy: Dan 9:22-25 NKJV "When you get Jesus Christ right, the whole world comes together" UNDERSTAND the prophecy: Understand Generally Understand Specifically Understand Messianically Understand Futuristically Understand Practically Daniel 9:20-27 – General Understanding Answer to Prayer (vs 20) Gabriel visits Daniel Reading Jeremiah (25 & 29) For Jewish people in particular (vs. 24) Chosen Nation Promise to Abraham (Genesis 12) For a set time of 70 weeks Determined = “cut out” – specific period God is precise – perfect time Hebrew – Shabua shibim – 70 sets of 7 – days, weeks, years?? Most translations interpret as 70 weeks of years Daniel 9:20-27 – Specific Understanding Dan 9:24 NKJV Six things to be fulfilled 3 Past – negative – deal with sin 3 Future – positive – deal with the kingdom First 3 (Past) Finish transgression (singular) Make an end of sins (plural) – yours and mine Make reconciliation for iniquity Second 3 (Future) Bring in everlasting righteousness Seal up vision and prophecy Anoint the most holy (place) Daniel 9:20-27 – Messianic Understanding Dan 9:25-26 NKJV 69 periods of 7 them Messiah appears and will die Commands to rebuild Jerusalem 69 weeks (483 yrs) after command to rebuild – Messiah presented There will be 3 periods – Period 1 – seven sevens – 49 years – rebuilding Jerusalem Period 2 – sixty-two sevens – 434 yrs – Messiah will come/die/city and temple destroyed Period 3 – one seven – 7 years (vs 27) – seven year treaty broken midway through When? – Four commands to return – Ezra (3) temple – Nehemiah (1) city – took 49 years to rebuild Specifics of the command to rebuild Command was given – Artaxerxes (Persian) March 14, 445 BC 69 weeks (483 yrs) after command – Messiah to appear Exactly 173,880 days (483 years) – April 6, 32 AD Jesus Christ ascended Mount of Olives (Mark 11:1-11) Rode a donkey into Jerusalem – presented as the One who comes in the Name of the Lord Wept over the city – Lk 19:41-42 Predicted the Roman destruction of the temple & city in 70 AD God’s precision – April 6, 32 AD – tenth of Nissan – lambs presented for Passover Messiah shall be cut off Karath in Hebrew; to be cut off—implies by the cutting of the flesh "Not for himself" – Jesus didn't die for himself Amazing accuracy - When Daniel wrote this, there was no temple in Jerusalem He is predicting events that will take place after the temple is rebuilt The Messiah had to arrive somewhere before AD 70 Understand practically – Closing So what Prayer: God answers our prayers Do you enjoy spending time with God? Daniel’s prayer takes 3 minutes to read. Providence: “the hand of God in the glove of circumstance Daniel walked with God in 70 years of trial and captivity. God moves powerful rulers to being about His will – Titus, Artaxerxes, Cyrus… Precision: