Daniel 9:20-26

The explanation of Jeremiah's prophecy.

Daniel 9:21. being caused to fly swiftly: the meaning of the original is obscure; mg, gives an alternative rendering, being sore wearied, but neither translation is satisfactory. If fly swiftly is correct, this is the earliest reference to the later popular conception that angels possess wings.

Daniel 9:24. seventy weeks: this phrase gives the new principle upon which Jeremiah's prophecy is to be reinterpreted. The 70 years are to be regarded as 70 weeks of years, i.e. 490 years. This verse describes in general terms what is to happen during this period. seal up: confirm or ratify. anoint the most holy: it is doubtful whether this phrase is masculine or neuter (cf. mg.). Driver thinks that it refers to the Temple or altar.

Daniel 9:25. from the going forth: i.e. from the utterance of the commandment by Jeremiah. unto the anointed one: scholars are divided as to the person referred to in this phrase. Driver favours Cyrus, who is called the anointed in Isaiah 45:1. Charles thinks it refers to Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, the first high priest after the restoration (Ezra 3:2). threescore and two weeks: this verse should undoubtedly be connected with the following clause as in RV, and not with the preceding sentence as in AV. It means weeks of years, i.e. 434 years. with street and moat: many scholars accept an emendation which enables us to translate, with square and street. Jerusalem is to be rebuilt on a larger scale and with broader streets than before.

Daniel 9:26. the anointed one be cut off: the meaning of this phrase is far from clear, but most modern scholars think it refers to Onias III, who, in 175 B.C., was deposed from the high priesthood by Antiochus Epiphanes (p. 523). shall have nothing: this is, as Charles says, a questionable reading of an uncertain text. As the words stand, they mean that Onias, after his deprivation, was left in abject poverty. the people of the prince: refers to the soldiers of Antiochus. his end: i.e. the death of Antiochus. Charles translates, The end shall be with a flood, and connects with the following verse, making these words introduce the events of the last week.