Revelation 19- A major Key to understanding Revelations

[LTL]

Thanks for you response. If you do not mind, because we have very different interpretation, I believe it might be necessary to take each one of your comments and discuss them... the first comment above is 9:24 and it appears you interpret this as a requirement of the Jews not the 6 requirements the Messiah came to fulfill during the 3.5 years. So, let's focus on this issue and I would ask that you might read the narrative below to understand my position on this. I would like your comments and thought on this as well as your understanding of why you believe 9:24 is not Messianic. Thanks.


In Daniel 9:24–27, Gabriel delivers a prophecy of profound importance—one that sits at the very center of God’s redemptive plan. While the angel begins by addressing the restoration of Jerusalem and the physical elements needed by the end of the 69th week, the heart of the prophecy lies not in the rebuilding of a city, but in what will unfold during the final week—the last seven years. It is within this week that the mareh vision, the focused revelation of the Messiah’s mission, reaches its fulfillment.

This final week carries the weight of six specific requirements—each one so significant that only the Messiah Himself can accomplish them. These are not arbitrary tasks; they are the final, divinely ordained steps in restoring fallen humanity to righteousness—a righteousness that mirrors the harmony once known in Eden. The prophecy makes clear that this work of restoration would unfold through the Jewish people and within God’s holy city, Jerusalem. Yet this plan would come at a staggering cost. The sacrifice of the Jewish people, through their unbelief, opened the way for the Messiah—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to be given to the world as the ultimate atonement for sin. This was not a tragic accident, nor was it a matter of human will overpowering divine authority. It was preordained from the beginning, part of a sovereign plan in which God would use Israel’s rejection to bring salvation to the nations (Romans 11:11–12). The Jews were not given a choice in this moment—just as none of us could ever choose to deserve Christ’s sacrifice. And while we cannot earn His grace, we also cannot repay the cost borne by the Jewish people, whose role in God’s plan remains both sobering and sacred.

Verse 24 opens this passage with a foundational declaration—one that reveals three vital elements:

The duration of the prophecy is seventy weeks of years, or 490 literal years.​

​

The prophecy is directed specifically toward Daniel’s people (the Jews) and their holy city (Jerusalem).​

​

Within the final week, six divine objectives will be fulfilled by the Messiah, culminating in spiritual restoration.​

These four verses—Daniel 9:24–27—act as a divine blueprint, laying out the time boundaries and structural framework for the Messiah’s mission. Just as the metal-man image in Daniel 2 offered a defined physical structure for understanding the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, so Daniel 9 provides a precise time structure—unchangeable, deliberate, and divinely measured. Within each of these time segments, God reveals the actors, events, and outcomes that will unfold. Nothing is vague or abstract. Every moment is purposeful. Every fulfillment is exact.

This prophecy is not merely about predicting the future—it is about unveiling the very heart of God’s plan for salvation. It confirms that the coming of the Messiah was never random. It was revealed to the very year. It affirms that His mission would not be military or political, but spiritual—focused on atonement, righteousness, and reconciliation. And most importantly, it makes clear that God’s ultimate goal was always restoration—not just of Jerusalem, but of the entire human race.


Again, the remaining comments (below) can be discussed after the 9:24 verse.....

Thank you, JT.
Daniel begins Chapter Nine, that he was reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and discovered that Jerusalem would be in ruin for 70 years (Dan. 9:1-2). This is the period from Neb to Cyrus.

Daniel then asks the Lord in prayer to forgive the trespasses of Judah and Israel, who violated the covenant that was made during the time of Moses (Dan. 9:7-19), whereby the covenant curse was wrought upon Daniel's people.

And while Daniel was praying, the angel came and informed Daniel that he would now be given the ability to understand the prophecy which was given to him in Chapter Eight (Dan. 9:20-23).

22And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

Thank you for this in-depth conversation.

 

[JustThinking]

Thank you, JT.
Daniel begins Chapter Nine, that he was reading the prophecies of Jeremiah and discovered that Jerusalem would be in ruin for 70 years (Dan. 9:1-2). This is the period from Neb to Cyrus.

Daniel then asks the Lord in prayer to forgive the trespasses of Judah and Israel, who violated the covenant that was made during the time of Moses (Dan. 9:7-19), whereby the covenant curse was wrought upon Daniel's people.

And while Daniel was praying, the angel came and informed Daniel that he would now be given the ability to understand the prophecy which was given to him in Chapter Eight (Dan. 9:20-23).

22And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

Thank you for this in-depth conversation.

Thanks for the above. This is certainly an accurate understanding of the first 23 verses in chapter 9. Below is a narrative that speaks to verses 20-23 which I believe you may not disagree with...

But now I would ask if we could move to verse 24 which, for me, is the most important Messianic prophecy in Scripture. So, after the above narrative for 20-23 would come the general narrative for verse 24 which I had recently posted to your attention -#279.r Therefore, after you read the narrative below, we might return and perhaps you might give me your "big picture" on what the 70 weeks of years prophecy means. Verses 9:24-27 represents this prophecy and hopefully, we can discuss it's meaning and purpose and timing. Thanks again.

Daniel 9:20–23

20And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

As Daniel poured out his heart in prayer, confessing the sins of his people and pleading for God’s mercy, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared. It was a sacred moment, occurring during the evening prayer, a time later marked by the crucifixion of the Messiah—the very event that would fulfill the prophecy Gabriel was about to reveal. Gabriel’s mission was not only to bring Daniel understanding but to unveil one of the most significant and precise prophecies in all of Scripture: the seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy.

Gabriel’s primary task was to explain the mareh vision, the vision of the 2300 evenings and mornings mentioned in Daniel 8:13–14. Daniel had been left deeply troubled by this vision, unable to comprehend its full meaning. However, rather than merely reiterating its details, Gabriel did something remarkable—he provided Daniel with a prophecy that would pinpoint the coming of the Messiah, His mission, and the ultimate cleansing of the Sanctuary.

This seventy-weeks prophecy spans 490 years, but its true focus is on the final week—the last seven years—when the Messiah would complete His work. It is within this final week that the mareh vision would find its fulfillment. The Messiah’s arrival, His anointing, His ministry, and His sacrificial death would be the key to cleansing the true Sanctuary, not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through His own perfect sacrifice. Gabriel, acting on God’s command, diligently revealed this extraordinary prophecy, ensuring that Daniel—and all who would later read his words—would understand the divine timeline of salvation. This prophecy would serve as a beacon, a precise roadmap pointing directly to the Messiah, leaving no doubt about who He was and when He would come. Even though the Jews would struggle to recognize Him, this prophecy ensured that God had already provided everything they needed to see the truth.

This moment was not just about Daniel’s understanding; it was about the world’s redemption. The prophecy Gabriel revealed was God’s answer to sin, suffering, and separation. It was the divine assurance that the Messiah would come—and He would complete His mission. The words of Gabriel echo through history as a declaration of hope, of fulfillment, and of the unshakable certainty of God’s promises.

 

[LTL]

Thanks for the above. This is certainly an accurate understanding of the first 23 verses in chapter 9. Below is a narrative that speaks to verses 20-23 which I believe you may not disagree with...

But now I would ask if we could move to verse 24 which, for me, is the most important Messianic prophecy in Scripture. So, after the above narrative for 20-23 would come the general narrative for verse 24 which I had recently posted to your attention -#279.r Therefore, after you read the narrative below, we might return and perhaps you might give me your "big picture" on what the 70 weeks of years prophecy means. Verses 9:24-27 represents this prophecy and hopefully, we can discuss it's meaning and purpose and timing. Thanks again.

Daniel 9:20–23

20And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; 21Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 22And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. 23At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

As Daniel poured out his heart in prayer, confessing the sins of his people and pleading for God’s mercy, the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared. It was a sacred moment, occurring during the evening prayer, a time later marked by the crucifixion of the Messiah—the very event that would fulfill the prophecy Gabriel was about to reveal. Gabriel’s mission was not only to bring Daniel understanding but to unveil one of the most significant and precise prophecies in all of Scripture: the seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy.

Gabriel’s primary task was to explain the mareh vision, the vision of the 2300 evenings and mornings mentioned in Daniel 8:13–14. Daniel had been left deeply troubled by this vision, unable to comprehend its full meaning. However, rather than merely reiterating its details, Gabriel did something remarkable—he provided Daniel with a prophecy that would pinpoint the coming of the Messiah, His mission, and the ultimate cleansing of the Sanctuary.

This seventy-weeks prophecy spans 490 years, but its true focus is on the final week—the last seven years—when the Messiah would complete His work. It is within this final week that the mareh vision would find its fulfillment. The Messiah’s arrival, His anointing, His ministry, and His sacrificial death would be the key to cleansing the true Sanctuary, not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through His own perfect sacrifice. Gabriel, acting on God’s command, diligently revealed this extraordinary prophecy, ensuring that Daniel—and all who would later read his words—would understand the divine timeline of salvation. This prophecy would serve as a beacon, a precise roadmap pointing directly to the Messiah, leaving no doubt about who He was and when He would come. Even though the Jews would struggle to recognize Him, this prophecy ensured that God had already provided everything they needed to see the truth.

This moment was not just about Daniel’s understanding; it was about the world’s redemption. The prophecy Gabriel revealed was God’s answer to sin, suffering, and separation. It was the divine assurance that the Messiah would come—and He would complete His mission. The words of Gabriel echo through history as a declaration of hope, of fulfillment, and of the unshakable certainty of God’s promises.

Dan. 8:3Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram (kingdom) which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other (Medea), and the higher came up last (Persia).
Dan. 8:5And as I was considering, behold, an he goat (Alexander) came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes (Greece).

Dan. 8:8Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. (the 4 generals one of which presides over Rome)
Dan. 8:10And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. (the saints of the early church fall)

Dan. 8:11Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. (temple destroyed)

I will continue, but for now must go to my daughter's college graduation.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

This seventy-weeks prophecy spans 490 years, but its true focus is on the final week—the last seven years—when the Messiah would complete His work. It is within this final week that the mareh vision would find its fulfillment. The Messiah’s arrival, His anointing, His ministry, and His sacrificial death would be the key to cleansing the true Sanctuary, not through the blood of bulls and goats, but through His own perfect sacrifice. Gabriel, acting on God’s command, diligently revealed this extraordinary prophecy, ensuring that Daniel—and all who would later read his words—would understand the divine timeline of salvation. This prophecy would serve as a beacon, a precise roadmap pointing directly to the Messiah, leaving no doubt about who He was and when He would come. Even though the Jews would struggle to recognize Him, this prophecy ensured that God had already provided everything they needed to see the truth.

That specificity is how John the baptist knew Christ's appearance was eminent. As well as how Anna, the prophetess (Luke 2:36) and Simeon (Luke 2:25) knew the messiah had arrived.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:25-32​

And why all Israel was in a buzz expecting his appearance

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, Matthew 3:1​

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Matthew 3:5-6​

 

[JustThinking]

Dan. 8:3Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram (kingdom) which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other (Medea), and the higher came up last (Persia).
Dan. 8:5And as I was considering, behold, an he goat (Alexander) came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes (Greece).

Dan. 8:8Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. (the 4 generals one of which presides over Rome)
Dan. 8:10And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. (the saints of the early church fall)

Dan. 8:11Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. (temple destroyed)

I will continue, but for now must go to my daughter's college graduation.

First, congratulations, that looks s wonderful!!!!! Enjoy the day, God bless.

 

[LTL]

First, congratulations, that looks s wonderful!!!!! Enjoy the day, God bless.

Thank you, JT. My daughter has worked very hard to get a 3.99 GPA. She got an A- in two classes over four years. All the rest were "A"s.
I was not a good student in school.
She, however, will continue to be a blessing to her brothers and sisters in Christ.

On to Dan. 8
The chapter went from Medea / Persia to Greece, and then to the 4 generals, and then to Rome, where the saints were murdered, and then to Titus, who destroyed the temple in 70 AD.

That is, Daniel was concerned with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Of which, by the way, he witnessed to some degree when Neb wreaked havoc on Solomon's temple. And, as great prophets go, he got his hands on the works of Jeremiah (one of his contemporaries), as referenced in Chapter 9. The whole nation of Israel was beside themselves, as to how this evil could come upon them. And in Chapter 9, Daniel explains, it resulted from a covenant curse.

Nevertheless, the focus, as you have said, is on Dan. 9:24-27. So let's continue in Dan. 8, where I left off. And although Daniel is concerned about Jerusalem and the temple, the message through him is to us about the recovery of Jerusalem and the temple in our time (Dan. 8:19).

Dan. 8:13
Then I heard one saint speaking, (Daniel hears Gabriel speaking)
and another saint (Daniel)
said unto that certain saint which spake (Daniel asks the question to Gabriel)
How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

How long is the period of time of the vision wherein the temple of God (Dan. 8:11-12) is to be trodden under foot?

Dan. 8:14
And he (Gabriel)
said unto me (Daniel),
Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

Dan. 8:23-25 are expanded in Chapter Nine at Dan. 9:24-27.

 

[JustThinking]

Thank you, JT. My daughter has worked very hard to get a 3.99 GPA. She got an A- in two classes over four years. All the rest were "A"s.
I was not a good student in school.
She, however, will continue to be a blessing to her brothers and sisters in Christ.

On to Dan. 8
The chapter went from Medea / Persia to Greece, and then to the 4 generals, and then to Rome, where the saints were murdered, and then to Titus, who destroyed the temple in 70 AD.

That is, Daniel was concerned with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Of which, by the way, he witnessed to some degree when Neb wreaked havoc on Solomon's temple. And, as great prophets go, he got his hands on the works of Jeremiah (one of his contemporaries), as referenced in Chapter 9. The whole nation of Israel was beside themselves, as to how this evil could come upon them. And in Chapter 9, Daniel explains, it resulted from a covenant curse.

Nevertheless, the focus, as you have said, is on Dan. 9:24-27. So let's continue in Dan. 8, where I left off. And although Daniel is concerned about Jerusalem and the temple, the message through him is to us about the recovery of Jerusalem and the temple in our time (Dan. 8:19).

Dan. 8:13
Then I heard one saint speaking, (Daniel hears Gabriel speaking)
and another saint (Daniel)
said unto that certain saint which spake (Daniel asks the question to Gabriel)
How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

How long is the period of time of the vision wherein the temple of God (Dan. 8:11-12) is to be trodden under foot?

Dan. 8:14
And he (Gabriel)
said unto me (Daniel),
Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

Dan. 8:23-25 are expanded in Chapter Nine at Dan. 9:24-27.

Thanks for your response and I am impressed by your daughter's grades! That is amazing. What was her major and is she going to continue on to graduate school? Very nice!!!!!

Well, there is so much that is going on in both chapters 7 and 8 but it seems like you might want to discuss chapter 9 at this time (although chapter 9 builds off of chapters 2, 7 and 8). But that is alright, if we have to go back alittle, that should not be a problem. So, if we move to 9:24 - 27 which represents the 70 weeks of years prophecy, would you mind giving me your big picture of these most important 4 verses? And remember, I don't expect that we will agree but that is okay. And I am not trying to force my interpretations on you but I am interested in sharing them with you - at least for your consideration.

So, perhaps you might offer a brief sentence or two for each of the 4 verses: who are they speaking about, why, and any important comments you would like to share. Then, I would like to read them and hopefully ask you some questions .... at any time, if this becomes a headache to you, please feel free to inform me you do not want to continue...NO PROBLEM AT ALL.

 

[LTL]

Thanks for your response and I am impressed by your daughter's grades! That is amazing. What was her major and is she going to continue on to graduate school? Very nice!!!!!

Well, there is so much that is going on in both chapters 7 and 8 but it seems like you might want to discuss chapter 9 at this time (although chapter 9 builds off of chapters 2, 7 and 8). But that is alright, if we have to go back alittle, that should not be a problem. So, if we move to 9:24 - 27 which represents the 70 weeks of years prophecy, would you mind giving me your big picture of these most important 4 verses? And remember, I don't expect that we will agree but that is okay. And I am not trying to force my interpretations on you but I am interested in sharing them with you - at least for your consideration.

So, perhaps you might offer a brief sentence or two for each of the 4 verses: who are they speaking about, why, and any important comments you would like to share. Then, I would like to read them and hopefully ask you some questions .... at any time, if this becomes a headache to you, please feel free to inform me you do not want to continue...NO PROBLEM AT ALL.

The university is giving her a full-ride scholarship in their master's program. She is doing cancer research.

Regarding the prophecy.

Dan. 8:23
a) And in the latter time of their kingdom, (the latter days)
b) when the transgressors are come to the full, (when the covenant breakers arise again)
c)
d)
e)
f) a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (a wicked demonic leader shall arise)

Dan. 9:24
a)
b) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, (they have 70 weeks to repent)
c) and to bring in everlasting righteousness, (and to bring in their Davidic King)
d) and to seal up the vision and prophecy, (and to restore Jerusalem and the temple)
e) and to anoint the most Holy. (and to anoint the Arc of the Covenant, the Savior's throne here upon the earth)
f)


The Savior is saying that if Israel does not do this, then there will be consequences.
This is not for everyone. There are other valid interpretations.
I will continue with the next verse.

 

[LTL]

The university is giving her a full-ride scholarship in their master's program. She is doing cancer research.

Regarding the prophecy.

Dan. 8:23
a) And in the latter time of their kingdom, (the latter days)
b) when the transgressors are come to the full, (when the covenant breakers arise again)
c)
d)
e)
f) a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (a wicked demonic leader shall arise)

Dan. 9:24
a)
b) Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, (they have 70 weeks to repent)
c) and to bring in everlasting righteousness, (and to bring in their Davidic King)
d) and to seal up the vision and prophecy, (and to restore Jerusalem and the temple)
e) and to anoint the most Holy. (and to anoint the Arc of the Covenant, the Savior's throne here upon the earth)
f)


The Savior is saying that if Israel does not do this, then there will be consequences.
This is not for everyone. There are other valid interpretations.
I will continue with the next verse.

Dan. 8:24
c)
d)
e)
f) And his power shall be mighty, (This is the demonic dog, Rev. 13:1)
g) but not by his own power: (this demon has power from the dragon, Rev. 13:2)
h) and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, (the demon and dragon destroy wonderfully)
i) and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (the demon and dragon destroy the saints of God, Rev. 13:6-8)

Dan. 9:26
c) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (the Davidic King is cut off by the people of Jerusalem when they discover he is a servant of Jesus Christ)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i) and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; (The people of the demonic dog, as well as the dragon, come to destroy Jerusalem and the temple)
j) and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (a flood of people against Israel, unto the end of the war, at which time God will exercise his wrath. Notice in Rev. 12:15-17 that the dragon is the one casting the flood and not the demonic dog of Rev. 13:1. That is, the dragon is Lucifer, their god, the trash of the earth.)

 

[LTL]

Dan. 8:24
c)
d)
e)
f) And his power shall be mighty, (This is the demonic dog, Rev. 13:1)
g) but not by his own power: (this demon has power from the dragon, Rev. 13:2)
h) and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, (the demon and dragon destroy wonderfully)
i) and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (the demon and dragon destroy the saints of God, Rev. 13:6-8)

Dan. 9:26
c) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: (the Davidic King is cut off by the people of Jerusalem when they discover he is a servant of Jesus Christ)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i) and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; (The people of the demonic dog, as well as the dragon, come to destroy Jerusalem and the temple)
j) and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. (a flood of people against Israel, unto the end of the war, at which time God will exercise his wrath. Notice in Rev. 12:15-17 that the dragon is the one casting the flood and not the demonic dog of Rev. 13:1. That is, the dragon is Lucifer, their god, the trash of the earth.)

Dan. 8:25
k) And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; (and through the policy of the demonic dog, destruction prospers)
l) and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: (the peace he institutes is the mark of the beast economic system)
m) he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; (the Prince of princes is the King of kings, Lord Jesus Christ)
but he shall be broken without hand. (and the demonic dog finds his end at the hand of God)

Notice that there are three princes in the prophecy.
1) The Prince of princes (Dan. 8:25) which is Lord Jesus Christ
2) Messiah the prince of Dan. 9:25 who is instructed to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple
3) And the prince of Dan. 9:26 whose people come to destroy Jerusalem and the temple.

That is, in Jesus' right hand is his servant "Messiah the prince," and in his left hand is his servant the prince that is the destroyer.

 

[LTL]

Dan. 8:25
k) And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; (and through the policy of the demonic dog, destruction prospers)
l) and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: (the peace he institutes is the mark of the beast economic system)
m) he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; (the Prince of princes is the King of kings, Lord Jesus Christ)
but he shall be broken without hand. (and the demonic dog finds his end at the hand of God)

Notice that there are three princes in the prophecy.
1) The Prince of princes (Dan. 8:25) which is Lord Jesus Christ
2) Messiah the prince of Dan. 9:25 who is instructed to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple
3) And the prince of Dan. 9:26 whose people come to destroy Jerusalem and the temple.

That is, in Jesus' right hand is his servant "Messiah the prince," and in his left hand is his servant the prince that is the destroyer.

The key is the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Passion Week. There were 62 weeks of instruction, which began with the raising of Lasurus from the grave. During that time, Jesus drove out the money changers, which set the wicked priests to murder him. And they got him a year later, at the end of the 62 weeks. That was the Passion Week, where in the middle of the week they killed him. That was week 63, and seven weeks remained to Pentecost when he went up into the sky.

Likewise, there will be 70 weeks of which 62 are the time of instruction following an event where raising Lasurus was a type. Then comes Passion Week, where the Messiah is driven out because he is a servant of Jesus Christ. After the Passion Week comes the seven weeks (49 days) to the rapture, where the saints are taken up in like manner of the Savior going up. That is, day 50 is Pentecost, the day following the 70 weeks.

The prophecy in Dan. 9:24-27 is about a future 70 weeks, to us, which is a shadow of the 70 weeks at the time of Christ as a type.

 

[LTL]

The key is the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Passion Week. There were 62 weeks of instruction, which began with the raising of Lasurus from the grave. During that time, Jesus drove out the money changers, which set the wicked priests to murder him. And they got him a year later, at the end of the 62 weeks. That was the Passion Week, where in the middle of the week they killed him. That was week 63, and seven weeks remained to Pentecost when he went up into the sky.

Likewise, there will be 70 weeks of which 62 are the time of instruction following an event where raising Lasurus was a type. Then comes Passion Week, where the Messiah is driven out because he is a servant of Jesus Christ. After the Passion Week comes the seven weeks (49 days) to the rapture, where the saints are taken up in like manner of the Savior going up. That is, day 50 is Pentecost, the day following the 70 weeks.

The prophecy in Dan. 9:24-27 is about a future 70 weeks, to us, which is a shadow of the 70 weeks at the time of Christ as a type.

JT
I had ascribed the Dan. 9 prophecy to the 3.5-year judgment. However, in closer inspection, the Dan. 9 prophecy is in the 3.5-year tribulation. The ending is the midpoint harvest of saints that takes place near the end of the 3.5-tribulation. Thus, the saints of God are taken in the harvest at Pentecost, before the end of the 3.5-year tribulation.
Pentecost is at Rev. 14:14-16 and it is followed by the winepress at Rev. 14:17-20. Then we arrive at the midpoint in Rev. 15.

 

[JustThinking]

tThe key is the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the Passion Week. There were 62 weeks of instruction, which began with the raising of Lasurus from the grave. During that time, Jesus drove out the money changers, which set the wicked priests to murder him. And they got him a year later, at the end of the 62 weeks. That was the Passion Week, where in the middle of the week they killed him. That was week 63, and seven weeks remained to Pentecost when he went up into the sky.

Likewise, there will be 70 weeks of which 62 are the time of instruction following an event where raising Lasurus was a type. Then comes Passion Week, where the Messiah is driven out because he is a servant of Jesus Christ. After the Passion Week comes the seven weeks (49 days) to the rapture, where the saints are taken up in like manner of the Savior going up. That is, day 50 is Pentecost, the day following the 70 weeks.

The prophecy in Dan. 9:24-27 is about a future 70 weeks, to us, which is a shadow of the 70 weeks at the time of Christ as a type.

This is wonderful and once again, congratulations >>>>>>>>> The university is giving her a full-ride scholarship in their master's program. She is doing cancer research.


Okay, thanks for all the information regarding chapters 8 and 9. If you are willing, I would like to begin with 9:24 and we can move step by step (assuming you want to continue). This of course sets everything in motion and provides the borders and boundaries, if you will, for the 70 weeks of years prophecy. Here is where God gives us what will take place, by whom, when, and also the consequences of the cross.

1) The prophecy is ALL about HIM - this does not mean He is the only person mentioned or identified in this 4 verses, but He is the reason for them. No boogeymen (anti-christ) figure, no gap theory, etc. So, here we go.

Below is verses 9:24-25. These two of the four verses are labeled as "restorative" verses. This is because they fulfill the "restorative" process that God had sent in motion for His people and His city. In 606 BC, His people were taken to Babylon and everythin in Jerusalem was either taken or destroyed by them. God would give us the Book of Daniel and it can be separated into 3 very disctinct time periods:

1) the first 70 literal years Daniel and his companions are held captive in Babylon (until Cyrus allows them to return). This is 539 BC.

2) the second period represents the 70 weeks of years prophecy where God will have Daniel document this period of "restoration" for His city and His people. Daniel is told in 24A the actual length of time for the "period of restoration." This will be 70 weeks of years or 490 literal years.

a) So we are given the total length of time in 24A and now we must find the starting date for this time prophecy. And this can be found in verse 25A. Here, we are told it will begin from the "command to go forth and "restore and build" Jerusalem. This "command" was give to the Jewish people by Artaxerses in 457 BC. The Jews had already be back in Jerusalem for exactly 80 years but this command came later.

b) So, now we know the beginning date of 457 BC and since the entire prophecy is exactly 490 years, the ending date must be 33/34 AD.

c) The next verse we will unpack the 70 weeks periods. Here, Daniel tells us this time period of 490 literal years or 70 weeks of years will be purposefully sectioned into 3 time periods:

1) First time period = 7 weeks,
2) Second time period = 62 weeks,
3) Third time period = 1 week.


2) What is to be restored and by whom during these sectioned periods of the 70 weeks?

a) First 7 weeks time period or 49 literal years, plus the 62 weeks time period or 434 literal years (total of 69 weeks or 483 literal years), 25C. Here, Daniel tells us the streets and the walls will be restored. In other words, these 69 total weeks are given by God to the Jews to physically restore everything that was either taken away or destroyed by the Babylonians. This was their God given part of the "restoration" process.

b) Not only would they fulfill their part of the restoration process (physical elements) but they would also reinstate all the religious ceremonies and practices, the 7 feast days, the Sabbatical cycles, animal sacrifices, etc. In other words, they would restore everything in their power to restore their way of living as it was pre- exile. And they succeeded 25D!

c) So the Jews have fulfilled their requirements within this 70 week prophecy and it is now time for God to fulfill His part of the restoration process.

1) Arrival of the Messiah occurs NOT UNTIL all of those things were accomplished. Meaning, everything had to be fully restored in Jerusalem BEFORE the Messiah could arrive 25B. Thus, He was prophecized to arrive AFTER 25C. This means the Messiah would arrive on the first day after the end of the 69 weeks or the first day of the 70th week - the final week of the prophecy. And it is within this week where the Messiah is given His God given requirements to fulfill. He is being given the final 7 years to fulfill all of the elements His Father asked Him to complete. These are found in 24B.

a) The Messiah would be baptized in the Jordan on the first day of the 70th week to begin His ministry and would of course, go to the cross exactly 3.5 years INTO the final week. However, despite Him being "cut off" He would fulfill all 6 of His God given requirments in 24B.

b) This also means the 70 weeks of years prophecy is finished and fulfilled both on the part of the Jews as well as on the part of the Messiah. The final 3.5 years do not carry forward or will be important (on the side of the Messiah only!). He indeed has fulfilled everything His Father asked of Him before He returned to Him.


24 A “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,

24 B To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

25 A Know therefore and understand,

That from the going forth of the command
To restore and build Jerusalem​

​

25 B Until Messiah the Prince,​

​

25 C There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;

​

25 D The street shall be built again, and the wall,

Even in troublesome times.​

Now, this is how I understand the first two verses 9:24-25 - the two "restorative" verses of the prophecy. Again, you can see it is all about the Messiah. I would ask that you might consider the above and tell me your interpretations; beginning of prophecy, end of prophecy, what is to be accomplished within this prophecy, who are the major players within these two verses and when they occur. Thanks so much and I look forward to your thoughts.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

b) This also means the 70 weeks of years prophecy is finished and fulfilled both on the part of the Jews as well as on the part of the Messiah. The final 3.5 years do not carry forward or will be important (on the side of the Messiah only!). He indeed has fulfilled everything His Father asked of Him before He returned to Him.

Excellent presentation.

I would like to add my own opinion on this paragraph for your consideration. God's head messenger, Christ, established the new covenant with Israel for 3.5 years, at which point he was cut off as the prophecy states. Then his body in the persons of the apostles established the new covenant with Israel for the remaining 3.5 years. At this point after having fulfilled his promise to Israel, God commissioned the head apostle, Peter, to officially open the door to the gentiles in the persons of the centurion Cornelius, et al (Acts 10). I wonder if the centurion whom Christ said had more faith than anyone he had found in Israel (Matthew 8:10) was this same centurion. What a fitting tribute and honor for God to bestow upon a man with such great faith.

 

[LTL]

This is wonderful and once again, congratulations >>>>>>>>> The university is giving her a full-ride scholarship in their master's program. She is doing cancer research.


Okay, thanks for all the information regarding chapters 8 and 9. If you are willing, I would like to begin with 9:24 and we can move step by step (assuming you want to continue). This of course sets everything in motion and provides the borders and boundaries, if you will, for the 70 weeks of years prophecy. Here is where God gives us what will take place, by whom, when, and also the consequences of the cross.

1) The prophecy is ALL about HIM - this does not mean He is the only person mentioned or identified in this 4 verses, but He is the reason for them. No boogeymen (anti-christ) figure, no gap theory, etc. So, here we go.

Below is verses 9:24-25. These two of the four verses are labeled as "restorative" verses. This is because they fulfill the "restorative" process that God had sent in motion for His people and His city. In 606 BC, His people were taken to Babylon and everythin in Jerusalem was either taken or destroyed by them. God would give us the Book of Daniel and it can be separated into 3 very disctinct time periods:

1) the first 70 literal years Daniel and his companions are held captive in Babylon (until Cyrus allows them to return). This is 539 BC.

2) the second period represents the 70 weeks of years prophecy where God will have Daniel document this period of "restoration" for His city and His people. Daniel is told in 24A the actual length of time for the "period of restoration." This will be 70 weeks of years or 490 literal years.

a) So we are given the total length of time in 24A and now we must find the starting date for this time prophecy. And this can be found in verse 25A. Here, we are told it will begin from the "command to go forth and "restore and build" Jerusalem. This "command" was give to the Jewish people by Artaxerses in 457 BC. The Jews had already be back in Jerusalem for exactly 80 years but this command came later.

b) So, now we know the beginning date of 457 BC and since the entire prophecy is exactly 490 years, the ending date must be 33/34 AD.

c) The next verse we will unpack the 70 weeks periods. Here, Daniel tells us this time period of 490 literal years or 70 weeks of years will be purposefully sectioned into 3 time periods:

1) First time period = 7 weeks,
2) Second time period = 62 weeks,
3) Third time period = 1 week.


2) What is to be restored and by whom during these sectioned periods of the 70 weeks?

a) First 7 weeks time period or 49 literal years, plus the 62 weeks time period or 434 literal years (total of 69 weeks or 483 literal years), 25C. Here, Daniel tells us the streets and the walls will be restored. In other words, these 69 total weeks are given by God to the Jews to physically restore everything that was either taken away or destroyed by the Babylonians. This was their God given part of the "restoration" process.

b) Not only would they fulfill their part of the restoration process (physical elements) but they would also reinstate all the religious ceremonies and practices, the 7 feast days, the Sabbatical cycles, animal sacrifices, etc. In other words, they would restore everything in their power to restore their way of living as it was pre- exile. And they succeeded 25D!

c) So the Jews have fulfilled their requirements within this 70 week prophecy and it is now time for God to fulfill His part of the restoration process.

1) Arrival of the Messiah occurs NOT UNTIL all of those things were accomplished. Meaning, everything had to be fully restored in Jerusalem BEFORE the Messiah could arrive 25B. Thus, He was prophecized to arrive AFTER 25C. This means the Messiah would arrive on the first day after the end of the 69 weeks or the first day of the 70th week - the final week of the prophecy. And it is within this week where the Messiah is given His God given requirements to fulfill. He is being given the final 7 years to fulfill all of the elements His Father asked Him to complete. These are found in 24B.

a) The Messiah would be baptized in the Jordan on the first day of the 70th week to begin His ministry and would of course, go to the cross exactly 3.5 years INTO the final week. However, despite Him being "cut off" He would fulfill all 6 of His God given requirments in 24B.

b) This also means the 70 weeks of years prophecy is finished and fulfilled both on the part of the Jews as well as on the part of the Messiah. The final 3.5 years do not carry forward or will be important (on the side of the Messiah only!). He indeed has fulfilled everything His Father asked of Him before He returned to Him.


24 A “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,

24 B To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy.

25 A Know therefore and understand,

That from the going forth of the command​

To restore and build Jerusalem​

​

​

25 B Until Messiah the Prince,​

​

25 C There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks;

​

25 D The street shall be built again, and the wall,

Even in troublesome times.​

Now, this is how I understand the first two verses 9:24-25 - the two "restorative" verses of the prophecy. Again, you can see it is all about the Messiah. I would ask that you might consider the above and tell me your interpretations; beginning of prophecy, end of prophecy, what is to be accomplished within this prophecy, who are the major players within these two verses and when they occur. Thanks so much and I look forward to your thoughts.

Okay. Your interpretation is very good and well thought-out. I do not see any problems with this application of the prophecy.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Excellent presentation.

I would like to add my own opinion on this paragraph for your consideration. God's head messenger, Christ, established the new covenant with Israel for 3.5 years, at which point he was cut off as the prophecy states. Then his body in the persons of the apostles established the new covenant with Israel for the remaining 3.5 years. At this point after having fulfilled his promise to Israel, God commissioned the head apostle, Peter, to officially open the door to the gentiles in the persons of the centurion Cornelius, et al (Acts 10). I wonder if the centurion whom Christ said had more faith than anyone he had found in Israel (Matthew 8:10) was this same centurion. What a fitting tribute and honor for God to bestow upon a man with such great faith.

I would like to add to the above this sequence of events that supports the idea that at the end of the 70th week, God officially opened the door of the kingdom of God to the gentiles.

After Peter baptized the gentile Cornelius and his friends in Acts 10, we read in the next chapter that when Peter returned to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him for going to the gentiles. After Peter explained what happened in detail , their minds were set at ease and they acknowledged that the door had indeed been opened to the gentiles (Acts 11:18).

In the next two verses (11:19-20) we read that those who had been scattered abroad after the stoning of Stephan then began to proclaim the gospel to the gentiles, whereas before they had only done so to other Jews.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11:19-20​

 

[JustThinking]

Okay. Your interpretation is very good and well thought-out. I do not see any problems with this application of the prophecy.

Thank you very much. So the reason I prepared this is to ask you to compare it your interpretations of these two verses. It was my understanding that you may have attributed the 6 requirements found in verse 24, not to the Messiah, but to the Jews. Further, maybe that you also believed the final week of the 70 weeks was still to come in the future as opposed to a 7 year period specifically assigned by God for the Messiah to complete His mission.

If you would like to discuss these two verses and offer your thoughts, that would be fine. Otherwise, with your acceptance, we might move onto the two remaining verses in the prophecy - verses 26 and 27 which are referred to as the "destructive" verses that would come about because He would be rejected and crucified. Also, please let me know your understanding of these two verses if you care to....

 

[JustThinking]

I would like to add to the above this sequence of events that supports the idea that at the end of the 70th week, God officially opened the door of the kingdom of God to the gentiles.

After Peter baptized the gentile Cornelius and his friends in Acts 10, we read in the next chapter that when Peter returned to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him for going to the gentiles. After Peter explained what happened in detail , their minds were set at ease and they acknowledged that the door had indeed been opened to the gentiles (Acts 11:18).

In the next two verses (11:19-20) we read that those who had been scattered abroad after the stoning of Stephan then began to proclaim the gospel to the gentiles, whereas before they had only done so to other Jews.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11:19-20​

Thank you very much for your thoughts. It is obvious you have spend much time and energy in Daniel. It is nice to read others opinions and thoughts on Daniel. If you do not mind, below is a brief narrative that comes later in the 9:27 narrative. It speaks to the remaining reason the 3.5 years are STILL unfulfilled. These 3.5 years are NOT the remaining 3.5 years of the 70 weeks of years prophecy. Instead, they represent the remaining 3.5 years of the 4th and final Great Jubilee Cycle which ran concurrently with the 70 weeks prophecy -same begining date, same length of time and thus, same ending date. The problem was that because the Jews rejected and crucified their Messiah, the "clock" for the 4th and final Great Jubilee stopped. It cannot begin again until they have restored their relationship with their God - thus, these 3.5 years are the only 3.5 years to be fulfilled (144,000).

If anyone would like to receive a free copy of the New Interpretation commentary on Daniel (March 10, 2026), please send me a private message.

Loose ends-the last 3.5 years of the
seventy-weeks-of-years prophecy​

Jesus’ public ministry lasted 3½ years—exactly half of the seven-year span of Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:27). His ministry began at His baptism and concluded at His fourth Passover—the day of His crucifixion. In that divinely measured span, He fulfilled the spring feasts with precision. Passover was fulfilled in His death. Unleavened Bread in His sinless offering. First fruits in His resurrection. Shavuot in the outpouring of the Spirit. Fifty days after His resurrection, on Pentecost (Shavuot), the Spirit descended (Acts 2), completing the spring cycle. The prophetic calendar moved forward exactly as Heaven had written it. The remaining three feasts—Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles—belong to His return. They do not create a gap in Daniel’s prophecy; they complete the pattern of redemption.

No Gap in the Messiah’s Work

Some attempt to extend the final 3½ years of Daniel’s seventieth week to Stephen’s martyrdom or to other early church events. But Daniel 9 is singularly focused: it concerns “your people and your holy city” and the coming Messiah. The prophecy does not shift its center to Stephen, to Rome, or to the apostles. Its axis is Christ. Jesus did not need to minister a full 2,520 literal days (seven years of 360 days). The prophecy required that in the midst of the week the Messiah would be cut off. That is precisely what occurred. The covenant was confirmed. Sacrifice and offering ceased in meaning. The veil was torn. The redemptive mission was completed. To insert a future seven-year tribulation as the fulfillment of Daniel 9 requires separating the final week from its context and relocating it thousands of years forward—something the text itself never suggests.

Such interpretations shift the emphasis from the Messiah’s completed work to a future antagonist, obscuring the central glory of the cross. Daniel’s seventy weeks culminate in Christ. They do not pause for centuries waiting for a mythical antichrist. They resolve at Calvary.

Stephen: A Witness, Not a Time Marker

Stephen’s martyrdom, recorded in Acts 7, is profoundly significant—but not as a chronological completion of Daniel’s prophecy. Standing before the Sanhedrin, Stephen recounts Israel’s history and boldly accuses the leaders of betraying and murdering the “Just One.” When they stone him, he sees heaven opened:

“Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56)

Stephen’s vision confirms what Daniel foresaw in Daniel 7:13—the Son of Man presented before the Ancient of Days. It aligns with Hebrews 9:24, which declares that Christ entered not an earthly sanctuary, but heaven itself. Stephen does not complete the seventy weeks. He confirms their fulfillment. His death marks a spiritual widening—the gospel moving outward toward the nations—but the redemptive work itself was already finished at the cross.

The Fourth Great Jubilee — The Remaining 3½ Years

The decree of Artaxerxes in 457 BC began the seventy-week countdown. From 457 BC to the crucifixion (30/31 AD), 486½ years elapsed—leaving 3½ years remaining in the fourth and final Great Jubilee cycle of 490 years. The crucifixion fulfilled the prophetic core of Daniel 9. Yet one measured segment remains—not because Christ failed to complete His mission, but because the Jubilee pattern extends beyond the cross into restoration.

Since the crucifixion, Israel has remained spiritually desolate. Nearly two millennia have passed—unreckoned in Jubilee structure—awaiting the final 3½-year completion. This remaining period corresponds to the 1,260 days mentioned in Revelation 11:3:

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.”

These 3½ years are not a requirement placed upon the Messiah. They are the completion of Israel’s calling. At the time of the end, God will remove their blindness. The One whom they pierced will be recognized. The testimony of Jesus and the Word of God will again go forth from Israel—this time in clarity, humility, and power. Just as Paul, after Damascus, became a herald to the nations, so a restored Israel will proclaim the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and His Messiah—to the world. Then the fourth Great Jubilee will close - then the Messiah.

The Choice Remains

From before the foundation of the world, God designed a plan measured in days, weeks, and jubilees—yet centered entirely on a Person. The seventy weeks were not about filling calendars. They were about revealing Christ. As Moses once declared:

“I have set before you life and death… therefore choose life.” (Deuteronomy 30:19–20)

The prophecy is precise. The fulfillment is complete. The invitation remains. The final 3½ years will not magnify an antichrist. They will magnify the Messiah. And when they conclude, redemption’s great cycle will stand complete—exactly as written.

 

[ChristRoseFromTheDead]

Thank you very much for your thoughts. It is obvious you have spend much time and energy in Daniel. It is nice to read others opinions and thoughts on Daniel. If you do not mind, below is a brief narrative that comes later in the 9:27 narrative. It speaks to the remaining reason the 3.5 years are STILL unfulfilled. These 3.5 years are NOT the remaining 3.5 years of the 70 weeks of years prophecy. Instead, they represent the remaining 3.5 years of the 4th and final Great Jubilee Cycle which ran concurrently with the 70 weeks prophecy -same begining date, same length of time and thus, same ending date. The problem was that because the Jews rejected and crucified their Messiah, the "clock" for the 4th and final Great Jubilee stopped. It cannot begin again until they have restored their relationship with their God - thus, these 3.5 years are the only 3.5 years to be fulfilled (144,000).

I will consider what you say. FWIW, I do not believe the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7 are the 12 tribes of natural israel for several reasons, but primarily because those are not the 12 tribes of natural Israel. Joseph and Levi were not part of the 12 tribes under the old covenant, and Ephraim and Dan are missing. Therefore, I believe the 12 tribes in Revelation 7 are the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel, which has nothing to do with the flesh, and everything to do with God's choice.

 

[LTL]

I will consider what you say. FWIW, I do not believe the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7 are the 12 tribes of natural israel for several reasons, but primarily because those are not the 12 tribes of natural Israel. Joseph and Levi were not part of the 12 tribes under the old covenant, and Ephraim and Dan are missing. Therefore, I believe the 12 tribes in Revelation 7 are the 12 tribes of spiritual Israel, which has nothing to do with the flesh, and everything to do with God's choice.

CRD, there were twelve sons in Israel. One of those sons was Joseph. Joseph's tribe was split, with the primary blessing to Ephraim. Thus, Ephraim holds his father's birthright and at times is called Joseph.

Secondly, Joseph's second son Manasses is the replacement tribe. Thus, when Levi fulfilled the responsibility to the whole of Israel as their priests, then the tribe of Manasses stepped in to fill the void.

In the Book of Revelation Chapter 7, Manasses is filling the void left by calling Dan to function as judges for the whole of Israel. Dan has that birthright. Thus Levi is returned to the whole, and Dan is called to serve.

CRD, as smart as you are, how is it that you have not only missed this information in your studies, but now deny this truth? Anyone accepting Jesus Christ is in Israel, natural or adopted, it does not matter. Therefore, the 144,000 are in Israel, and are the sons of Israel, being both spiritual and literal sons of God (Rev. 14:1).

It is they who are sent to gather the saints near the end of the 3.5-year tribulation. And those saints are both spiritual and physical sons and daughters of God, and in Israel. Not in Judah, by the way, since Judah is simply one of the twelve tribes in Israel.