Six Things in Sevens

Read Daniel 5, 9
 
Daniel 9:22-24 He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision. 24 A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.”
 
FIRST, let’s know about the “seventy sevens”. Why does Gabriel, the messenger, divide time into units of seven? In truth, this is God-ordained from the beginning. God created the earth in seven days. God commanded every seventh day is a Sabbath. Every seven years is a Sabbath year. (That’s right. Take a year off!) Every Seven 7’s – 49 years – is the Year of Jubilee. This was to be a time of redemption, renewal and rest. We think in 10’s – decades and centuries. The Jews framed time in 7’s as it was God’s time of creation and structure for Sabbath years.
   Then Gabriel changed Daniel’s and the vision’s focus. The prior visions have been about the Gentile nations. Now Gabriel reveals what and when six significant events are decreed to occur for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion. To correctly interpret these events, it is essential we know this is for the Jews and Jerusalem. The first of the six is to finish transgression. This refers to the “sin-covering” death of Jesus. The Savior paid the price and covers our sins with his righteousness. The second is the time to put an end to sin. This refers to a remnant, a minority of the Jews, who will accept Jesus as the true Messiah. These are the apostles and the early church. Paul writes of the remnant in Romans 9 & 11. The third is similar. The Jews will atone for wickedness, which is the Jews’ lack of faith and faithfulness toward God. This atonement – reconciliation with God – will bring the saved remnant into God’s family. Fourth, there will be an everlasting righteousness. Here is a promise the faithful Jews will receive and live in a right relationship with God. These are the Jews who became Christians. Number five is to seal up vision and prophecy. This points to the end of prophecy regarding the Messiah. Acts 3:25 “You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.’” Sixth, then, is the repentant Jews’ response to salvation. This is the time to anoint the most holy. The redeemed will anoint the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as King for eternity.
   Yes, there are various interpretations. This explanation from different commentaries seems to be most in line with the other prophecies. God was very specific in his prophecies of the succession of Gentile nations who would rule over Israel. The LORD God is also very specific about the times he planned to accomplish his will. Scripture has revealed and continues to reveal the LORD God’s  absolute authority.
   Are you saved? Praise the LORD for your blessed assurance. Live in joy and confidence of God’s promises continue to come true.
   Or are you wondering, “Can I trust  the LORD’s Word for my life now and forever?” Pray, then, for the Spirit to open your eyes to see God’s magnificent plan for eternal life, promised in the past, being fulfilled now and forever. 1 Timothy 6:15 For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and LORD of all lords.