Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #12 - Part 88 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together in this series, 483 years had passed since King Cyrus had released the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem and Solomon's temple.  After Jesus was anointed for ministry in 26 A.D. He reprimanded the religious leaders for making His Father's house a house of merchandise.  They wanted a sign from Him.

He told the religious leaders...destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.  The religious leaders countered...it has taken 46 years to build this temple, and you will raise it up in three days?...John 2:19-20.  Why would they say the temple took 46 years to build - meaning the last 46 years - when history records how the temple took 7 years to rebuild - completed about 435 B.C.?

In order to correctly define the events of Daniel's 70th week the following historical documentation is pertinent.

Herod the Great, the Roman who ruled over Israel when Jesus was born, didn't like the rebuilt temple of long ago because Solomon's original dimensions were not followed - it was too small and not tall enough.  In order to ingratiate himself with the Jewish people, who despised him, in 20 B.C. Herod launched a grandiose reconstruction project to enlarge the temple and improve its appearance - eventually rebuilding the streets and the wall.  It is this remodeled temple the religious leaders are referring to when they mocked Jesus.

Herod died in 4 B.C. the year after Jesus was born without finishing his reconstruction project - the streets and the wall still needed reconstruction...Dan. 9:25.  As we continue our research we will find that the streets and the wall will be reconstructed during Daniel's 70th week - but I am ahead of myself.

Forty-six years after 20 B.C., the beginning of Herod's reconstruction project, brings us to 26 A.D. when Jesus was telling the religious leaders how His temple would be destroyed in three days.  They did not understand that He was referring to His own body as the temple of God whom they would destroy by crucifixion, and God would raise up three days later.

After Jesus Christ was rejected by Israel and crucified in 30 A.D., God in His infinite mercy allowed the Jewish people 40 more years to change their mind about Jesus as their Messiah, and repent, before retribution was exacted upon their nation.  Their temple rituals and animal sacrifices continued after Jesus Christ became the supreme sacrifice for their sins, just as they had for centuries - nothing changed in their hearts and minds.

God could not force these religious leaders to accept His Son as their Messiah - the final blood sacrifice for their sins - but He will mandate the cessation of the animal sacrifice which became a stench in His nostrils.  He will stop the animal sacrifice for sins in the 70th week of Daniel's vision.

Long ago in 1533 B.C., the Israelites were miraculously delivered out of the idolatrous nation of Egypt.  After experiencing many miraculous interventions by God, many still rebelled against Moses and God by returning to idol worship. For punishment they wandered aimlessly in the wilderness for 40 years, until the idolaters died, and the remaining people were humbled enough to surrender their allegiance to God alone.

Centuries later, after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God allowed Israel 40 years to repent.  In this era, He was giving them ample opportunity to hear the witnessing of His apostles, who confirmed the gospel of salvation with signs and wonders, proving that Jesus Christ was their Messiah.  Why 40 years in both of these historical events?

The number 40 symbolizes a probationary period of testing during the Wilderness experience. Another probationary period of 40 years was provided for Israel after the death of Jesus - a final opportunity to seek salvation, separation, and consecration to Him through Jesus Christ before the Wrath of the Lamb descends upon Jerusalem during Daniel's 70th week edict - fulfilled in 70 A.D.

Part of Daniel 9:25 has been fulfilled...and thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building  of Jerusalem until Christ the prince there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks.  The last portion of this prophecy will begin to be fulfilled during the 40 year probationary period of time...and then the time shall return and the street shall be built, and the wall, and the times shall be exhausted.

What does "time" shall return and "times" exhausted mean?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~



Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #11 - Part 87 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together we began to dissect the instructions that the angel Gabriel gave to Daniel in 9:25...thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the prince there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks.  I asked, "What actual dates comprise this period of time?"

The dates I use in my blog are obtained from "The Wonders of Bible Chronology" by Philip Mauro, published in 1922.  This reference book is a summarized version of "The Romance of Bible Chronology" by Dr. Martin Anstey of London, published in 1913. This is a two-volume extensive chronology based entirely upon statements from scripture alone.  Modern dates for Bible events are derived from many outside sources.

In blogs #9-10, we explained how Christ the Prince fulfilled the 62 weeks portion of Daniel 9:25. God's command for the building of Jerusalem to Christ the Prince was 459 B.C. to 26 A.D. (His anointing).  This time period would fulfill seven weeks and sixty-two weeks of the edict (judgment).

In 457 B.C., two years after Daniel received the vision, they were released from captivity...but in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God...Ezra 5:13.  In 456 B.C. the building of the second temple began in Jerusalem.

While still in captivity in Babylon, Daniel and his people experienced the demise of King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian Empire, and the eventual rise of the renown Persian Empire with King Cyrus at the helm. The first year of King Cyrus' reign concluded the seventy years of captivity for the Jewish people.

King Cyrus providentially found and read a book of prophecies left behind by the prophet Isaiah.  In this book, he found one prophecy written 150 years before Solomon's temple was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar, taking the people of Israel captive to Babylon.  Isaiah revealed in his book how this prophecy was spoken to him in a secret vision.  What did the prophecy say?

My will is that Cyrus, whom I have appointed to be king over many and great nations, will send back My people to their own land and build My temple...Isaiah the Prophet.  King Cyrus was astounded by the divine directive in this ancient prophecy naming him, a pagan ruler, to release the Jewish captives to go home and rebuild their temple at Jerusalem.  Propelled by the accuracy of this ancient prophecy, he immediately began a plan of repatriation of the Jews to their homeland.

King Cyrus sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom to all of Asia --  Thus saith Cyrus the King:  Since God Almighty hath appointed me to be king of the habitable earth, I believe that He is that God which the nation of the Israelites worship; for indeed He foretold my name by the prophets, and I should build Him a house at Jerusalem, in the country of Judea.

During the first decree of Daniel's vision - seven weeks - Solomon's temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt...from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem...shall be seven weeks...Dan. 9:25.

Altogether, from the time of the command to rebuild Jerusalem, it took 70 years to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, including the 7 years to rebuild the temple - same amount of time they were held captive in Babylon. Because of their repentance, humbling themselves before God, God was merciful and restored their lost 70 years. 

The first decree of seven weeks was now fulfilled, restoring the seven-times blood sacrifice offered by the Priest in the Holy of Holies.  Seven weeks is a religious decree of specific significance to the Israelites regarding sin, resulting in immeasurable forgiveness. 

By 26 A.D. - the anointing of Christ the Prince - Jesus was baptized for ministry and 483 years had passed since King Cyrus's command to rebuild Jerusalem.  By 30 A.D., the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the sixty-two week edict - resulting in immeasurable vengeance. Does God's immeasurable vengeance on Israel take place during the one week edict - 70th week of Daniel's vision?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~



Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #10- Part 86 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

In blog #9 of this series we began to dissect Daniel's vision of 70 x 7 weeks -- Seventy years have been determined upon thy people and upon your holy city, for sin to be ended, and to seal up transgressions, and to blot out the iniquities, and to make atonement for iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and the prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy...Dan. 9:24.  We found five objectives in this verse that only Jesus Christ can fulfill. We itemized those objectives, defining the first 3 in the last blog.

The fourth objective in this edict is to seal the vision and the prophet.  The word prophet means a God-inspired, or God-anointed human being. Besides Daniel, there were many other prophets who prophesied the birth, death, and resurrection of the Messiah.

The word seal in this reference means:  to make an end to.  But make an end to what?  The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would fulfill all prophecies regarding His arrival to earth.  At His anointing (including His death), Jesus will seal - make an end to - the 62 week edict of Daniel's prophecy.  Jesus fulfilled - made an end to - all prophecies regarding His birth, death and resurrection.

The fifth objective to be fulfilled is to anoint the Most Holy.  The word anoint means:  to rub with oil. In the days of ancient Israel there was an anointing that came with the office of a king, priest, or prophet.  God would send His messenger who would pour oil on the head of the person He had called to a specific office.  The oil symbolized that the power and authority of God was upon this individuals life.  This act assured the person that God's anointing was upon him to fulfill his calling.

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him...Acts 10:38.  At the public baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, God sent the Holy Spirit - in the form of a dove - to rest upon Him, symbolizing that God's power and authority was upon Him to fulfill His calling...Matt: 16-17.

Before His death, while He ate in the home of a Pharisee, a sinner wept as she poured oil on Jesus, prompting Him to say to the Pharisee...you did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil...therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much...but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little...Luke 7:46-47.

Christ means:  Anointed One.  After God anointed Jesus with the Holy Ghost, Jesus became the Christ - the Anointed One.  This title explains how God was with Him to do good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.  Jesus Christ is the one who fulfilled the 5th objective in Dan. 9:24 - Anoint the Most Holy.

God not only sent His Son to the earth to save men from their sins, but to be a hand-on, in-the-flesh personal representative of God's immeasurable and unconditional love and mercy...I Tim. 3:16.  We know this to be true, because Jesus said...he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me...John 12:45.  This leaves us with the question, "Now that God has gone to such great lengths to prove to mankind of His existence, forgiveness, and mercy will we finally surrender our total allegiance to Him?

The next verse in Daniel's 70-week vision is Daniel 9:25 where the angel Gabriel tells Daniel...thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the prince there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. 

Gabriel is explaining the span of "real time" that must take place before the fulfillment of the edicts measured by 7 weeks and 62 weeks will be accomplished.  These weeks do not measure a sequential period of time, but rather measure 70 ecclesiastical years (judgments) on the Jewish people for their faithlessness - immeasurable vengeance or immeasurable forgiveness - their choice. 

What actual dates comprise this period of time?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~



Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #9 - Part 85 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

 

In the previous 8 parts of this series we laid out the documented history of the modern end-time doctrine espoused by your denomination.  We have also given the historical meaning of the metaphor 70 x 7.  Now we are ready to dissect Daniel's vision of 70 x 7 weeks. I will quote from the Septuagint Bible - Greek translation of the Old Testament - the words that Gabriel spoke to Daniel.

 

Seventy years have been determined upon thy people and upon your holy city, for sin to be ended, and to seal up transgressions, and to blot out the iniquities, and to make atonement for iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and the prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy...Dan. 9:24.

 

Outlined in this first portion of the vision are five objectives that only Jesus Christ can fulfill.  What are the objectives?

 

1.    To seal up transgressions - sin to be ended

2.    Blot out iniquities - make atonement

3.    Bring in everlasting righteousness

4.    Seal the vision and the prophet

5.    Anoint the Most Holy

 

Remember, the 70 week ecclesiastical indictment (edict) upon Israel is divided into three measurements:  7 weeks, 62 weeks and 1 week.  The portion of the vision that we will begin to study at this time will be accomplished during the 62 weeks edict.

 

The first objective in this edict is for sin to be ended...and to seal up transgressions.  The word seal in the Hebrew language is hatam meaning:  make an end to.  Jesus Christ is the only one who can make an end to transgressions - sin to be ended.  To seal up transgressions means to make an end to the deadly consequences of the original sin of Adam and Eve - only the blood of Jesus Christ could accomplish this.

 

The transgression of Adam and Eve separated human beings from their loving Creator causing them to be dead in trespasses and sins. The wages of sin is death - someone had to pay for the sin of Adam and Eve.  For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead...for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive...I Cor. 15:21-22.  But only an unblemished - sinless - sacrifice could be accepted by God to pay for the transgression of Adam and Eve.  The blood of Jesus Christ paid the ransom price of death - to redeem men from the consequences of sin.

 

The second objective in this edict blot out iniquities...make atonement for iniquities can only be accomplished by Jesus Christ  But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God...Heb. 10:12.  The ritual of offering the blood of unblemished animals for centuries for the sins of mankind could only temporarily cover sins - only the unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ could blot out sins forever!

 

The third objective in this edict bring in everlasting righteousness can only be accomplished by Jesus Christ.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and these things shall be added to you...Matt. 6:33. The word kingdom in the original Greek language is basileia meaning:  royalty; foundation of power.  In this text Jesus is urging His listeners to hunger for and desire God alone - not the things of the world - because He is the only way to enter His royal foundation of power - Heaven.  Once we do that He will supply these things to meet the needs of our earthly life.

 

The word righteousness in the original Greek language is dikaosunne meaning:  equity of character or action -- just, innocent, holy.  Repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior provides intimacy with God - and the character of Christ. Old things have passed away, all things have become new, because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ imparted to the repentant human being.  Because of His birth, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ would bring in everlasting righteousness.

 

The fourth objective in this edict accomplished by Jesus Christ is to seal the vision and the prophet.  The word prophet means a God-inspired, or God-anointed human being. Besides Daniel, there were many other prophets who prophesied the birth, death, and resurrection of the Messiah.

 

The word seal in this sentence also means:  to make an end to. The question is "make an end to what?"  Stay tuned...

 

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~

 

 

 





Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #8 - Part 84 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

This study on Daniel's 70 x 7 vision is intended to demystify the true meaning of the numbers. For decades Christians have heard only one interpretation of Daniel's vision, which is not supported by the historical evidence. So the historical evidence provided in this series should peak the interest of a true seeker, who wants to understand the message given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel, and how it was intended for the Jewish people - all 70 x 7 weeks fulfilled by 70 A.D.

When we were last together we began to research what Moses and Jesus had to say about 70 x 7, and how this relates to Daniel's 70 x 7 vision - Genesis chapter 4. Since we extensively outlined what Moses had to say, this week we will research how Jesus used the common metaphor 70 x 7, and how it relates to Daniel's vision.

In Series #5-6 we explained the meaning of Daniel's 70 x 7 vision in detail as an ecclesiastical indictment upon Israel - a judgment on sin. In our research into what Moses said about 70 x 7 we found that 70 x 7 implies immeasurable vengeance on sin.

Our second reference in the Bible that refers to 70 x 7 is from the lips of Jesus Christ, which will help us solve the mystery of this common ancient metaphor. In this reference we find a conversation between the Apostle Peter and Jesus, where they are discussing the matter of forgiveness. Peter wanted to know if he should forgive seven times if someone sins against him.  Jesus answered saying...I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven...Matt. 18:22.

As in our Genesis reference, we can see that seven times implies measured or limited forgiveness. But Jesus uses the metaphor 70 x 7 to define the forgiveness He personifies - immeasurable. This decree He will sign with His own blood. His blood covenant of immeasurable forgiveness, defined by His death and resurrection, would supersede God's covenant with Moses in the Old Testament. When Moses instituted the blood of animals to atone for the sins of mankind, forgiveness was measured. How do we know?

In those days, a sin offering was characterized by sprinkling the blood of an unblemished animal in front of the veil of the sanctuary, where the presence of God dwelled. This blood was offered for atonement for the sins of the people - sprinkled by the priest seven times. Seven times symbolized that measured forgiveness was received from the Lord. Animal blood temporarily covered the sins of mankind, yet leaving the sinner with the fear of death.

When the sinless Lamb of God died for the sins of mankind, He took away the fear of death when He shed His blood for the sins of mankind.  If a sinner repents of their sins and receives Jesus Christ as his Savior, he becomes a new creation, old things have passed away, all things have become new. Jesus provided 70 x 7 forgiveness - immeasurable forgiveness forever.

Since numbers are used in Daniel's vision, there is a natural inclination to require a numerical calculation of years for the fulfillment of his vision. To do so would be incorrect. Both of the scripture references we have cited regarding 70 x 7 are metaphors relating to sin.  One reference describes God's immeasurable vengeance on sin, while the other reference describes God's immeasurable forgiveness for sin.

Daniel's 70 x 7 vision revealed that Israel would be given a determined period of time to surrender their allegiance to God.  We know by countless examples that Israel often strayed from God,  experiencing harsh judgment. The severe consequences drove them to repent which restored them to God's acceptance. But, within this specific decree, if they will not surrender their allegiance to God, the end of their nation would be the consequence of their faithlessness - idolatry.

Did you ever ask yourself, "When the metaphor 70 x 7 is used in Daniel's vision, why wouldn't it have the same meaning as when Moses and Jesus used the term?" Questions demand answers.

When the angel said to Daniel seventy times seven weeks have been determined upon the people, he is saying that 70 x 7 ecclesiastical weeks have been decreed upon sin - a religious judgment. Depending on the heart condition of the people - stiff-necked or remorseful - Israel will receive vengeance or forgiveness for their sins during this decree. This long period of time - over 500 years - will be Israel's final opportunity to surrender their allegiance to God alone, eventually through the Messiah, before their nation becomes a byword.

Until Messiah the prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks...Dan. 9:25. What does this portion of Daniel's vision mean?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~



Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #7 - Part 83 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

So far in this series the angel Gabriel told Daniel that...seventy weeks have been determined upon thy people, and upon the holy city, for sin to be ended, and to seal up transgressions, and to blot out iniquities, and to make atonement for iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and the prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy...Dan. 9:20-21 Septuagint.  The word determined means:  already fixed; settled.

We also have established that 70 weeks is described as 70 x 7 weeks. Seven weeks is an annual ecclesiastical celebration beginning with the Passover and ending with Pentecost on the 50th day. It lasts for 49 days - seven weeks - but referred to as one year - ecclesiastical year. In Aramaic this event is called a shaboa celebration. During this annual celebration the Jewish people remembered how God delivered them from Egypt, confessed their sins, and professed their belief in a coming Messiah - ending animal sacrifices for their sins. But the Messiah never arrived.

70 x 7 has an expanded meaning that we must research, if we are going to comprehend the profundity of Gabriel's message to Daniel.  In ancient times a common metaphor - 70 x 7 - implied immeasurable vengeance on sin - or - immeasurable forgiveness of sin.  Let's examine two references of this metaphor in the Bible. The first one from the Old Testament.

What did Moses have to say about 70 x 7?  Because vengeance has been exacted seven times on Cain's behalf, on Lamech's it shall be seventy times seven...Gen. 4: 24. We do know that anyone who killed Cain, a sevenfold vengeance would come upon that killer...Gen. 4:15. Sevenfold implies  measured vengeance. Even though he was of the lineage of Cain, why would Lamech declare a 70 x 7 vengeance upon himself?  

We do know that Lamech said...I have slain a man to my wounding, a young man to my hurt...Gen. 4:23.  The word young in Hebrew is yeled meaning:  born or begat. This implies that Lamech killed someone of the lineage of Cain - so would the curse of Cain come upon him?  What was the curse that came upon Cain?

God told Cain...now thou art cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand...when thou tillest the earth, then it shall not continue to give its strength to thee...thou shalt be groaning and trembling on the earth...Gen. 4:11-12. 

Cursed means:  execrate - loathe; detest. Cain would become a vagabond - a fugitive - sent far from the family he knew, finally settling in the land of Nod, between the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers, and the land would no longer produce for him. What is the worst part of the curse? 

The only place I could find an accurate answer for this question was in the Septuagint. After God outlined His vengeance upon Cain, he lamented...my crime is too great for me to be forgiven...if thou castest me out this day from the face of the earth, and I shall be hidden from thy presence, and I shall be groaning and trembling upon the earth, then it will be that anyone that finds me shall slay me...Gen. 4:13-14.

God did not deny that Cain's crime was too great to be forgiven, but He would not allow anyone to relieve his suffering by killing him. God told Cain...Not so, anyone that slays Cain shall suffer seven-fold vengeance...Gen. 4:15.  So God set a mark upon Cain so that no one would dare to kill him, because they would clearly understand if they did so, the curse of Cain would come upon them.

Flavius Josephus the historian said about Lamech, "Because he was skillful in matters of divine revelation, he knew he was to be punished for Cain's murder of his brother, which he made known to his wives." Lamech knew that Cain believed he could not be forgiven and a seven-fold - seven times - vengeance was his punishment. So why would Lamech pronounce a 70 x 7 vengeance upon himself?

The answer to this question is not clear. What we do know is that 70 x 7 implies immeasurable vengeance on sin. Since Lamech had full knowledge of the consequences of his sin in advance of his crime, whereas Cain did not, his crime was not only unforgivable, but would receive immeasurable vengeance - 70 x 7. Lamech would be hidden from God forever is the implication.

Animal blood sacrifices for the sins of mankind had not been instituted as yet, and the ten commandments had not been given by God.  Lamech had foreknowledge that his crime of murder would not be forgiven - thus God's vengeance would be immeasurable. As our research unveils these nuggets of revelation, Daniel's vision of 70 x 7 weeks will take on a clearer understanding.

What revelation did Jesus offer to His apostles regarding 70 x 7, and how does it relate to Daniel's vision?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~



Daniel's 70-Week Vision Series #6 - Part 82 of Riddles, Enigmas & Esoteric Imagery of Revelation

When we were last together in this series, we found out the meaning of weeks in Daniel's vision of seventy weeks - 70 x 7 weeks.  The Jewish people annually celebrated the redemptive blood that saved them from the plague of death during their days in Egypt - the Passover Celebration. They confessed their sins and asked God for forgiveness during this celebration, while looking forward to a coming Messiah who would end animal sacrifices, by shedding His own blood to once and for all atone for the sins of mankind.

But the Messiah never arrived. As the centuries passed, the celebration of the Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Tabernacles eventually became merely perfunctory observances - an outward religious appearance, yet hearts were unchanged, because they continued to break God's commandments. Many people no longer believed a Messiah would ever come.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, He precisely summed up the condition of the hearts of the religious leaders, when He said...woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites...for you are like white-washed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness...even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness...Matt. 23:27-28.

Jesus was confronting the religious leaders who led the celebration of the many feast throughout the year, beginning with the shaboa - the ecclesiastical year of seven weeks.  Jesus knew there was no faith in the hearts of these religious leaders, so how could their lawlessness lead the people to believe in the promises of God?

Because the Jewish people no longer believed the prophets who had faithfully prophesied the coming of the Messiah, their unbelief - hardened hearts toward God - became an indictment against them. What is an indictment? It is an accusation - charge of a crime.  Jesus accused the religious leaders of Israel of appearing righteous on the outside, but full of hypocrisy and lawlessness in their hearts.

If the religious leaders did speak of a coming Messiah, it was in the context that He would set up an earthly kingdom in Israel and overthrow the power of Rome. The people did like the idea of a physical Messiah that would set up a physical kingdom on earth and destroy their enemy - but this was not the truth.

Daniel was shown in his vision that seventy ecclesiastical years - 70 x 7 - were determined upon Israel. History has already documented that it took 527 years to fulfill this judgment - indictment - on their sin of doubt and unbelief, culminating with the war of 70 A.D. for rejecting their Messiah.  So we can clearly see that calendar years are not intended in the interpretation of the seventy weeks - 70 x 7 - vision.

The time frame for prophecy in the Bible is often measured symbolically by:  time, times, half-times, weeks, seasons, seed time or harvest. Each symbolizes a measurement of a cycle, a pronouncement, a judgment, or a decree with varied increments of calendar time.

Daniel's vision of seventy weeks - 70 x 7 - is divided into three measurements:  7 weeks, 62 weeks, 1 week. Each of these set of weeks is a religious judgment against Israel for their faithlessness. Now we can see that seventy shaboa - seventy ecclesiastical years - have been pronounced upon Israel because they celebrated the feasts without faith in their hearts - without faith we cannot please God. Unbelief is equal to idolatry. 70 x 7 is a religious indictment on sin, resulting in vengeance or forgiveness.

Seventy times seven - 70 x 7 - was a common metaphorical phrase used in conversation by ancient biblical societies, including the times of the apostles.  70 x 7 implies God's immeasurable vengeance on sin, or His immeasurable forgiveness of sin. Since this metaphor was commonly used and understood in ancient times, we find two references in the Bible.  The Apostle Paul said...by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established...II Cor. 13:1.

Can Moses and Jesus unravel the mystery of the 70 x 7?  Stay tuned...

God's sheep question the doctrines of men...sheeple follow without question~~~