The 70th Week of Daniel represents the final seven-year period before the Second Coming of Christ. In prophetic symbolism, each day represents one year, forming a complete seven-year span.
This period is marked by divine wrath poured out upon the earth — a time Scripture calls The Great Tribulation. This document explores Daniel 9:26–27 and the theological framework surrounding the beginning of this final prophetic week.
“After those 62 weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing.”
This refers directly to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ — the Messiah “cut off,” rejected, and slain.
The passage continues: “The people of the coming prince will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” This is widely understood as Rome’s destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 A.D.
“The end will come with a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations are decreed.”
שָׁטַף — shataph (shaw‑taf) — click for definition
שָׁמֵם — shamem (shaw‑mame) — click for definition
The “flood” may be literal or figurative. A literal global flood is excluded by God’s promise in Genesis 9:11. A figurative flood may symbolize a sweeping movement — possibly a final flood of truth before the end.
War continues “until the end,” consistent with human history. The term “desolations” may refer to devastation or astonishment — potentially both physical destruction and spiritual awakening.
Meaning: to wash, rinse, overflow; can refer to a literal or figurative flood. Possible prophetic implication: a sweeping movement of truth or judgment.
Meaning: to devastate, lay waste, astonish, or amaze. Possible prophetic implication: both destruction and a shocking spiritual awakening.
Daniel describes a figure who “makes a firm covenant with many for one week.” This “week” represents the final seven-year period — the 70th Week of Daniel.
After the rapture, global panic and chaos create a vacuum for a powerful leader: the Antichrist. He establishes a seven-year peace covenant, attempting to stabilize the world and explain away the disappearance of believers.
Midway through the week (3.5 years), he breaks the covenant and halts sacrifices, committing the “abomination of desolation.”
God’s wrath is poured out. The Antichrist reigns. War, famine, deception, and judgment unfold.
Believers are with Christ, experiencing salvation, joy, and the marriage supper of the Lamb.
The Great Tribulation is a time of judgment — but for believers, it is not a time of fear. Scripture assures us: