When we come to the book of Daniel, we enter a story of longing and hope, of trials and transformation. In Daniel 9:24-27, we encounter one of the most profound prophecies in the Bible, often referred to as the prophecy of the 70 Weeks. This prophecy encapsulates God’s unfolding plan for Israel and for the world, speaking not only to ancient times but echoing across history and into our present-day lives. The prophecy of the 70 Weeks calls us to look at time itself, to understand how God moves through the ages, and to recognize that every period of waiting, every challenge, and every moment of suffering is part of a much larger process, one that ultimately leads to the new beginnings God promises.
The vision begins in Daniel 9:24 with a statement: “Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city…” The “seventy weeks” refers to a period of 490 years (seventy periods of seven years). These seventy weeks, like chapters in a story, are not just about dates and events, they are milestones in the unfolding of God’s redemption plan. For Daniel and the people of Israel, this prophecy was a glimpse into the future, a divine road map showing the completion of their journey, the resolution of their struggles, and the arrival of their Messiah. But for us today, it carries an equally profound message about the ways God works through time and His consistent faithfulness to bring about new beginnings, even from places of despair.
The First Portion: The Rebuilding (7 Weeks and 62 Weeks)
The prophecy first breaks the seventy weeks into segments: seven weeks (49 years), followed by sixty-two weeks (434 years), and a final one-week period (7 years). In Daniel’s time, the seventy years of exile were almost over, and the people of Israel were waiting for their return to Jerusalem, a city that lay in ruins after the Babylonian conquest.
The first 49 years, represented by the seven weeks, would mark the rebuilding of the city and the walls of Jerusalem. This was a time of restoration, a new beginning for the people of Israel after their long exile.
Though the reconstruction of the city was a physical process, it symbolized a deeper spiritual restoration. The people of Israel had been taken into captivity because of their disobedience and idolatry, but in this new season, they were given a second chance. This rebuilding wasn’t just about restoring the buildings, it was about restoring their relationship with God, their identity as His people, and the sense of hope that had long been lost. This is where the principle of new beginnings takes root. It is in these times of brokenness that God often works His greatest miracles. Just as the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, so too are we often rebuilt in the areas of our lives that have been broken down by sin, hurt, and loss. Just as Jerusalem’s restoration was a visible sign of God’s faithfulness, so too are our personal renewals a sign that God is working to make all things new.
After these seven weeks, there would be another period of sixty-two weeks (434 years) that would follow, a time of waiting and anticipation. During these years, Israel would experience moments of peace, but also oppression and occupation, particularly under foreign empires like the Greek and Roman empires. This was a season of expectation, a time when the Jewish people held onto the promise of a coming Messiah, the Anointed One, who would deliver them from their suffering and restore their kingdom. Though they were not yet free, they were waiting for a new beginning.
We too experience seasons of waiting. There are times in our lives when we are in the “in-between”, not yet in the fullness of God’s promise but trusting that something greater is on the horizon. This is where the message of new beginnings takes on even more depth: it teaches us patience. We can often feel caught between the longing for transformation and the reality of our circumstances. Yet it is in these very seasons of waiting that God prepares us for the new thing He wants to do. Even in the midst of oppression and struggle, God is working to fulfill His purposes in us. He is building something in the hidden places of our hearts.
The Arrival of the Messiah (The 69th Week)
Then, at the conclusion of the sixty-nine weeks, after 483 years, comes the pivotal moment: the arrival of the Messiah, the Anointed One. Daniel 9:26 says, “After the 62 weeks, an Anointed One shall be cut off and shall have nothing.” The Messiah would come, but His mission was not what the people expected. They anticipated a political leader who would overthrow their oppressors and restore Israel to glory. Instead, the Messiah would be “cut off,” meaning He would suffer and die. This moment of seeming defeat, the crucifixion of Jesus, marked the heart of the prophecy, and it is the very center of the Christian story.
But, as with all moments of new beginnings, this was not the end. The death of Jesus, while painful and incomprehensible in the moment, was the turning point in God’s redemptive plan. It was in this act of sacrifice that the way was made for a new beginning for humanity. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door to salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. The crucifixion of the Messiah represents the fulfillment of a divine plan that could not be fully realized until this moment. Just as Daniel’s people waited for their Messiah, we too are waiting, waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives, for the new beginnings that we long for.
In our lives, the death of the “old” often marks the beginning of something new. We face moments when we must let go of what we have known, when we must surrender to the process of transformation. This is a difficult but necessary part of the journey. When Jesus was crucified, it seemed like a tragic end, but it was, in fact, the beginning of a new covenant, a new relationship between God and humanity, one built not on rules or rituals but on grace, love, and sacrifice. Similarly, in our lives, when we let go of what we once relied on, our old ways, our old habits, our old understanding of the world, we open ourselves to new beginnings. It is in surrender that we find resurrection.
The Final Week: The Last Days and Fulfillment (The 70th Week)
The final week of the prophecy, the 70th week, represents the time still to come.This week, which spans seven years, is often referred to as the period of the Tribulation, a time of intense hardship and testing, but also the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. During this week, a series of events will unfold that lead to the final return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will establish His eternal kingdom. This is the culmination of everything that has been prophesied, a time of ultimate victory and peace.
Though this final week is yet to come, it speaks to the truth that all of history is moving toward an ultimate new beginning, the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. In our own lives, the concept of the final week reminds us that there is always an end to our struggles and a new beginning waiting on the other side. The difficulties we face, the trials we endure, are not the end of the story. They are part of a larger plan that will one day reach its fulfillment. Just as the 70th week leads to Christ’s return, so too does our journey lead us to a place of ultimate renewal, where all things will be made new.
And THAT is…
I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.
AMKCH 2025