Meaning of Daniel 9:27

Daniel 9:27 is a pivotal prophecy within the book of Daniel, specifically concerning a future covenant and its ramifications, often interpreted as referring to a specific period of intense tribulation and a decisive act of divine judgment. The verse describes a powerful figure who will establish a covenant with "many" for a duration of "one 'seven'," which is widely understood within prophetic interpretation as a period of seven years. This covenant, however, will be broken midway through, at which point sacrifices and offerings will cease, and a desecrating "abomination" will be set up in the temple. This act of desolation is not arbitrary but is decreed, leading to a final judgment poured out upon the perpetrator. This prophecy is deeply embedded in Daniel's prayer for his people and his city, Jerusalem, and it anticipates a period of immense hardship that ultimately serves a divine purpose leading to a final resolution.

Context and Background

This prophecy is found at the conclusion of Daniel's prayer of confession and petition in Daniel chapter 9. Daniel is deeply troubled by Jeremiah's prophecy of seventy years of Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 25:11-12, 29:10). While the seventy years are nearing their end, Daniel seeks understanding from God regarding the future restoration and the completion of God's redemptive plan for Israel. The angel Gabriel appears to Daniel and provides him with a vision and prophecy, beginning with the seventy "weeks" (sevens) of years, of which verse 27 is the climax of the final week. This context highlights Daniel's earnest desire for divine insight into God's timing and purposes for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

• Covenant and Betrayal: The verse speaks of a covenant being confirmed with many. This implies an agreement or treaty, likely with political or religious implications. However, the crucial aspect is its subsequent betrayal, indicated by the cessation of sacrifices and offerings "in the middle of the 'seven'." This signifies a radical disruption of established religious practice and a breaking of trust.
• Sacrilege and Desolation: The erection of an "abomination that causes desolation" in the temple is a stark image of sacrilege and the defilement of God's dwelling place. This act represents a supreme act of defiance against God and His people, leading to a state of spiritual and physical ruin.
• Divine Judgment: The prophecy concludes with the assurance that this desolation will continue "until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." This emphasizes that the events are not random but are part of God's sovereign plan and will culminate in a definitive judgment upon the one responsible for the sacrilege.
• Prophetic Timeframe: The "one 'seven'" (seven years) is a critical element, providing a defined period for these events. This specific timeframe has been a subject of much debate among interpreters, with various eschatological views offering different understandings of its fulfillment.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The prophecy serves as a stark warning against spiritual rebellion, idolatry, and the desecration of sacred things. It underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the opposition that God's people and His divine purposes will face. For believers, it calls for steadfast faith and endurance through times of tribulation, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and His promise of a final victory. It also highlights the importance of upholding covenant faithfulness and remaining vigilant against forces that seek to undermine God's truth and presence.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Daniel 9:27 is a crucial link in the prophetic tapestry of Scripture. It foreshadows events that are also described in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of Paul and John. Jesus himself refers to an "abomination of desolation" spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Matthew 24:15), linking this prophecy to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and, for some interpreters, to future eschatological events. The concept of a period of intense tribulation followed by divine judgment is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from the Flood narrative to the final judgment described in the book of Revelation.

Analogies

One analogy for the broken covenant and subsequent desolation could be a treaty between two nations that is abruptly violated by one party, leading to invasion and the desecration of sacred sites within the conquered territory. Another analogy could be a sacred vow or promise within a family that is deliberately broken, causing immense pain, division, and a lasting sense of loss. The "abomination of desolation" could be likened to a sacred altar being defiled with something abhorrent, rendering it unusable and a source of shame.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 24:15: Jesus explicitly references Daniel's prophecy when speaking about the signs of the end times and the destruction of the temple. This direct allusion validates the significance of Daniel 9:27.
• Revelation 13: This chapter describes the rise of two beasts, one of whom exercises authority and is associated with a system that opposes God and deceives humanity, bearing some thematic similarities to the figure in Daniel 9:27.
• 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: This passage speaks of a "man of lawlessness" who will oppose and exalt himself above God, sitting in God's temple and claiming to be God, which resonates with the actions described in Daniel 9:27.
• Jeremiah 25:11-12 and 29:10: As mentioned, Daniel's prayer is prompted by Jeremiah's prophecy of seventy years of exile, providing the temporal framework for Daniel's detailed prophetic vision.