The Fulfillment of Daniel's 70 Weeks: A Prophecy for the Jewish People
The Fulfillment of Daniel's 70 Weeks: A Prophecy for the Jewish People
The interpretation of Daniel’s 70 Weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27) has been widely debated. Many modern church teachings, particularly dispensationalist perspectives, claim that Daniel’s prophecy contains a 2,000-year gap—that the 70th week has been postponed and will be fulfilled during a future Tribulation period. However, this interpretation raises theological concerns, including the claim that Daniel “could not see” the Church Age in his prophecy.
This article examines an alternative, more complete interpretation: that the 70 Weeks were entirely fulfilled, concluding at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), marking the final rejection of the Messiah by Israel and the subsequent turn of salvation toward the Gentiles. This reading preserves the integrity of Daniel’s prophecy, ensuring that God’s word remains complete and fulfilled, without artificial gaps.
Understanding the 70 Weeks Prophecy
Daniel 9:24 states that 70 weeks (490 years) were determined upon “thy people” (Israel) and the holy city (Jerusalem) for the fulfillment of six key purposes:
- To finish the transgression
- To make an end of sins
- To make reconciliation for iniquity
- To bring in everlasting righteousness
- To seal up the vision and prophecy
- To anoint the most Holy
The prophecy is divided as follows:
- 7 weeks (49 years) – The rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- 62 weeks (434 years) – Leading up to the Messiah.
- 1 week (7 years) – The final period, in which the Messiah is cut off.
The 70th Week: Fulfilled in Christ’s Ministry and the Stoning of Stephen
Dispensationalists postpone the 70th week, arguing that it remains unfulfilled until the future Tribulation. However, this interpretation inserts an unbiblical 2,000-year gap, violating the continuous nature of the prophecy.
A more biblically consistent interpretation is:
- Jesus' ministry begins at the start of the 70th week (Mark 1:15 – “The time is fulfilled”).
- After 3.5 years, Jesus is crucified (“Messiah shall be cut off” – Daniel 9:26).
- The final 3.5 years extend to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), marking Israel’s final rejection of Christ.
- Immediately afterward, salvation turns to the Gentiles (Acts 8-10), fulfilling the prophetic transition.
Thus, the 70 weeks are completely fulfilled without the need for a 2,000-year postponement.
The Theological Problem of the “Gap Theory”
Many churches today teach that Daniel could not see the Church Age and that the 70th week is delayed until the future. However, this raises serious theological concerns:
1. Does This Imply Daniel’s Prophecy Was Incomplete?
- Scripture teaches that prophecy is entirely from God (2 Peter 1:21). - If Daniel was given a prophecy of Israel’s future, why would it suddenly “pause” for 2,000 years?
2. Is It Respectful to Say Daniel Could Not See the Church Age?
- The idea that Daniel “could not see” the Church Age suggests a limitation on divine revelation. - This is demeaning to God, as it implies He gave an incomplete prophecy that needed later revision.
3. The Church Was Not a “Plan B” But Part of God’s Sovereign Plan
- The shift to Gentiles was not an accident; it was foretold in the Old Testament (Isaiah 49:6, Romans 9-11). - The Apostle Paul used Daniel’s prophecy to explain the transition, without mentioning a future “postponement.”
Conclusion: Daniel’s Prophecy is Fulfilled, Not Postponed
- The 70 weeks prophecy was given to Israel and concluded with their rejection of the Messiah.
- The stoning of Stephen marks the end of Israel’s probation, shifting salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46).
- There is no biblical basis for a 2,000-year “gap” in prophecy.
- Claiming Daniel could not see the Church Age undermines the completeness of God’s revelation.
This understanding eliminates the need to separate the Church Age from biblical prophecy and maintains the integrity of God’s word. Rather than treating Daniel’s prophecy as incomplete or postponed, we recognize that God fully revealed His plan through His prophets and fulfilled it without artificial gaps or delays.