UNBELIEF REFUTED

(Daniel 8–9: The Seventy Weeks Prophecy)

1. THE CONTEXT OF DANIEL 8 – THE “DAILY” AND THE LITTLE HORN

1.1 The Vision Background

Daniel 8 introduces a conflict involving the “little horn” power and its attack on the “daily” ministry.

“Then I heard one saint speaking… How long shall be the vision concerning the daily and the transgression of desolation…?” (Daniel 8:13)

The vision concerns:

• The continual (daily) ministry

• The sanctuary

• The truth being cast down

1.2 Meaning of “Daily”

The word “sacrifice” is not in the original Hebrew text.
The word “daily” (tamid) means continual or regular service.

This refers to:

• The continuous sanctuary service

• The continuous intercession of Christ in heaven

• The ongoing mediation of Christ as High Priest

Hebrews repeatedly emphasizes Christ’s continuous ministry (Hebrews 5–10).

1.3 The “Daily” in Daniel 8

The “daily” represents:

• Christ’s heavenly mediation

• His priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary

1.4 The Attack on the Daily

The little horn power:

• Replaced Christ’s ministry with a human priesthood

• Introduced a system of sacramental mediation

• Shifted dependence from Christ to earthly priests

This is described as:

• A counterfeit system of mediation

• A replacement of Christ’s heavenly ministry

1.5 The Mass System (Historical Claim)

Roman Catholic teaching states:

“The Sacrifice of the Mass is identical with that of the cross.”
— Cardinal Gibbons

This system:

• Claims repeated sacrifice of Christ

• Replaces Christ’s ongoing heavenly intercession

• Redirects worship through human priests

1.6 Prophetic Meaning

The “taking away of the daily” represents:

• A counterfeit mediation system

• A challenge to Christ’s exclusive priesthood

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1)

1.7 Conclusion of Daniel 8

The central issue is:

• Christ’s heavenly ministry vs human religious mediation

• Truth vs counterfeit worship system

2. UNBELIEF REFUTED – THE SEVENTY WEEKS (DANIEL 9)

2.1 Introduction

The prophecy of the seventy weeks provides one of the strongest evidences of Scripture accuracy.

It foretells:

• The baptism of the Messiah

• The crucifixion of Christ

• The ending of Jewish national probation

2.2 Gabriel Sent to Explain

“Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” (Daniel 8:16)

Gabriel explained:

• Ram = Medo-Persia

• Goat = Grecia

• Little horn = later oppressive power

However, the 2300-day period was not fully explained yet.

2.3 Gabriel Returns

“Gabriel… touched me… and informed me…” (Daniel 9:21–23)

Gabriel returns to complete the explanation of the time prophecy.

2.4 Daniel’s Prayer Context

Daniel studied:

• Jeremiah’s prophecy of 70 years captivity

• He feared delay in restoration

• He prayed for understanding and mercy

3. THE SEVENTY WEEKS DECREED

3.1 The Time Cut Off

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people…” (Daniel 9:24)

The word “determined” means cut off.

These 70 weeks are cut off from the 2300-day prophecy.

Calculation:

• 70 weeks = 70 × 7 = 490 prophetic years

3.2 Purpose of the 70 Weeks

They were given to:

• Finish transgression

• Make reconciliation for sin

• Bring everlasting righteousness

• Seal the vision

• Anoint the Most Holy

4. THE PROPHECY TIMELINE

4.1 The Starting Point

“From the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem…” (Daniel 9:25)

Three decrees existed:

• Cyrus (537 B.C.) – temple rebuilding

• Darius (519 B.C.) – confirmation

• Artaxerxes (457 B.C.) – full restoration decree

👉 The key prophetic start date is 457 B.C.

4.2 The First 49 Years

• 7 weeks = 49 years

• Focus: rebuilding Jerusalem

• Completion around 408 B.C.

4.3 The Messiah Prediction (69 Weeks)

• 69 weeks = 483 years

• Starting from 457 B.C.

• Leads to A.D. 27

👉 This is when Messiah appears.

4.4 Fulfillment in Christ

Events confirming the Messiah:

• Jesus anointed by Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38)

• Baptism marks beginning of ministry (Matthew 3:16)

• Called Messiah by disciples (John 1:41)

• Jesus declares fulfillment (Mark 1:15)

4.5 “Messiah Cut Off”

“After threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off…” (Daniel 9:26)

This refers to:

• The crucifixion of Christ

• Sacrifice ending the need for temple offerings

4.6 Final Week

• One prophetic week remains

• Gospel confirmed to Jews

• End of national probation for Israel

• Transition of gospel to Gentiles

5. KEY PROPHECY EVENTS (SUMMARY)

1. Decree to restore Jerusalem (457 B.C.)

2. Rebuilding of city

3. Arrival of Messiah (A.D. 27)

4. Death of Messiah (crucifixion)

5. End of Jewish national role in prophecy

6. CONCLUSION

The seventy weeks prophecy demonstrates:

• Exact prophetic accuracy

• The identity of Jesus as Messiah

• The reliability of Scripture

• The unfolding plan of salvation

Final Message

“God’s Word is certain and infallible.”

The prophecy proves:

• Christ came exactly on time

• God controls history

• Salvation history is precise and intentional