Old Testament Survey
Lesson 33Daniel (Part 4)
In this lesson we continue our look at Daniel’s visions and God’s prophecies regarding the end of the "time of the Gentiles" and the return of Christ and the establishment of His millennial reign. Having studied the four beasts, the Anti-Christ, and the kingdom that will be in place when Christ returns, we now turn our attention to the timing of these events.
Let’s begin our study by reading Daniel 9:1-27; then consider the following:
- In verse two of Daniel Chapter 9, Daniel states that he knew that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. How did he know this, and what was his reference?
- What does Jeremiah 25:11-12 say will happen to Babylon at the end of the 70 years? Did this in fact happen?
- Based on Isaiah 13:1-22 and Revelation 18:1-24, what do many people believe will happen to Babylon between now and when Christ returns?
- Read Jeremiah 29:10-14. While Jeremiah 25:11-12 spoke of the destruction of Babylon that would occur in "seventy years", what does Jeremiah 29:10-14 refer to, and over what period of time?
- Read Daniel 9:24-27 and list the six things that were decreed for Daniel’s people and the city of Jerusalem during the "seventy ‘sevens’" (or seven-year periods).
- For review, how many days are in a prophetic year? (see Revelation 11:3 and 12:6, Revelation 11:2 and 13:5, and Daniel 7:25, 12:7, and Revelation 12:14)
- Using a prophetic year as a measure, we can set the date of the beginning of the "Seventy ‘sevens’", i.e., 70 "prophetic weeks" (or seven-year periods), which is also equal to 490 years, at 444 BC. This which would then place the first sixty-nine "weeks", or 483 years, at the time of Christ’s death on the cross. We can also see that the first sixty-nine "weeks" are comprised of an initial seven "weeks", followed by sixty-two more. What does the phrase "the anointed one will be cut off" refer to, with respect to the end of week sixty-nine?
- Write an interpretation of Daniel 9:27.
In our next lesson we will look at Daniel’s prophecies concerning the Anti-Christ and his rule, which will lead up to the return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. While end-time prophecy may be difficult for us to completely understand, and much may need to be taken on faith in Christ, it does provide us with the knowledge that God has an eternal plan—and that in that plan, all of the followers of Christ will be resurrected to serve with Him, spending an eternity in the presence of God, in a completely new and wonderful place that we could easily call heaven on earth.
Have a great week everyone, and thanks again for studying with us.
In Christ,
Wes
[2009]