Disciples Global Network

Understanding the “start date” of the “ seventy weeks ” is vital to its interpretation.  WHEN  the period commenced determines when it will end. Fortunately, the interpreting angel provided Daniel with that information - “ From the going forth of the word to return and to build Jerusalem .” And the identification of this “ word ” is found in the context of the chapter.

Next, the angel briefly describes the first sixty-nine “ weeks ” of the prophecy. As he declared, “ seventy weeks are divided upon your people and upon your holy city .” After presenting the redemption that will be realized by the end of the period, he explains its three subdivisions of “ seven weeks ,” “ sixty-two weeks ,” and finally, “ one week .”

The angel divided the period of “ seventy weeks ” into three divisions - the initial period of “ seven weeks ,” the second of “ sixty-two weeks ,” and the final segment of “ one week .” The latter is subdivided further into two “ half weeks .” And at the start of the prophecy, the angel listed six redemptive goals that must be achieved by the end of all seventy “ weeks .”

The sacrifice and exaltation of Jesus are prominent themes in the  Book of Revelation . The plan of God to redeem humanity and His creation is unveiled in its visions and images. It is his death and resurrection, and his consequent enthronement that have put this plan into action. His sovereignty over the Cosmos is the result of his faithful testimony given in his sacrificial death. Jesus of Nazareth is the “ Lamb who is worthy ”!

The  Book of Revelation  assures the beleaguered congregations of Asia that Jesus reigns and has events firmly in hand despite appearances and the hostility of neighbors and even local magistrates. His sovereignty is based on his past death and resurrection, and therefore absolute, extending even over “ Death and Hades .” His resurrection from the dead marked the start of his reign from the Throne at the center of the Universe.