Daniel 9:25
Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. And for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Jerusalem's rebuilding happened during "troublous times." This isn't just a side note; it underscores that God's promises are often fulfilled amidst opposition and hardship, implying that struggle itself is a sign of the unfolding divine plan.
Daniel is in deep distress over the prophecy of Jerusalem's desolation and the prolonged exile of his people. In response, the angel Gabriel appears to provide a more detailed prophecy concerning a specific period of seventy weeks, which signifies a time for God's people. This verse marks the beginning of that prophecy by establishing a starting point: the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, and it divides the total seventy weeks into two initial segments.
The angel Gabriel gives Daniel a precise starting point for a monumental prophecy. But what exactly is this 'commandment' that kicks off nearly 500 years of history?
The Genesis of the Timeline
Daniel is told to understand that a specific decree sets in motion a prophetic countdown. The scholars point to an edict from the Persian kings as the crucial starting point. While earlier decrees allowed for the rebuilding of the Temple, this prophecy specifically zeroes in on a command that directly enabled the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem itself.
This isn't just about historical dates; it's about God's deliberate unfolding of His plan, marked by specific, divinely-ordained moments.
The prophecy points to 'an anointed one, a prince.' Who is this figure, and why is this title so significant in understanding the prophecy's fulfillment?
The Identity of the Prince
The phrase 'an anointed one, a prince' (or 'Messiah the Prince') is crucial. While 'anointed one' (Messiah) can refer to various individuals set apart by God, the context here points to a singular, preeminent figure.
Understand the original words
mashiach · Hebrew Noun
One who has been consecrated by the pouring of oil or the power of the Spirit for a specific divine office, such as prophet, priest, or king. It points toward the ultimate Savior, the Messiah (the Anointed One), who fulfills all these roles perfectly.
The prophecy of Daniel 9:25 pinpoints a specific starting event – the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem – and marks a precise timeframe leading to the coming of the 'Anointed One, a Prince.' The historical context reveals that this starting point is most accurately identified with Nehemiah's commission in the 20th year of Artaxerxes I, a period marked by intense opposition and struggle, highlighting that God's redemptive plan often unfolds through challenging circumstances.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period.
c. 457 BC
Edict of Artaxerxes I (Ezra's Commission)
Artaxerxes I issues a decree granting Ezra authority to restore the Jewish constitution, civil and ecclesiastical. This is often considered a significant starting point for the prophetic timeline.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Commission to Rebuild Jerusalem's Walls
Artaxerxes I grants Nehemiah permission and resources to rebuild and fortify the walls of Jerusalem, a task undertaken amidst significant opposition and trouble.
c. 409 BC
Completion of Jerusalem's Walls
This passage details the specific decree from Artaxerxes Longimanus that many scholars identify as the starting point for Daniel's prophecy, outlining the authority and provisions for rebuilding Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 2:1-8This passage describes Nehemiah receiving his commission from Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem, including its walls, and highlights the 'troublous times' mentioned in Daniel's prophecy as opposition arose.
Isaiah 45:1This verse identifies Cyrus as 'anointed' (Messiah), providing a contrast to the 'Messiah the Prince' in Daniel, showing how the term 'anointed' could be used in different contexts, one being a king and another the ultimate Messiah.
Luke 3:1-2This passage marks the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry, which aligns with the prophetic timeline leading up to the Messiah's public appearance, connecting the 'sixty-two weeks' to the anticipation of Christ.
John 1:41This verse shows the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah ('we have found the Messiah'), directly fulfilling the prophecy of the 'coming of an anointed one, a prince' described in Daniel.
ellicottDaniel 9:25: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times."
(25) Know therefore.— The difficulty of this verse is considerably increased by the principal accent in the Hebrew text being placed after the words “seven weeks.” According to the present punctuation, the translation is “…
bensonDaniel 9:25: "Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times."
Daniel 9:25. Know therefore and understand — Learn therefore and retain; from the going forth of the commandment — From the publication of the edict by the Persian king; to restore and to build Jerusalem — Or, to build aga…
The verse highlights that Jerusalem's rebuilding happened during "troublous times." This isn't just a side note; it underscores that God's promises are often fulfilled amidst opposition and hardship, implying that struggle itself is a sign of the unfolding divine plan.
Daniel is in deep distress over the prophecy of Jerusalem's desolation and the prolonged exile of his people. In response, the angel Gabriel appears to provide a more detailed prophecy concerning a specific period of seventy weeks, which signifies a time for God's people. This verse marks the beginning of that prophecy by establishing a starting point: the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, and it divides the total seventy weeks into two initial segments.
Daniel is in deep distress over the prophecy of Jerusalem's desolation and the prolonged exile of his people. In response, the angel Gabriel appears to provide a more detailed prophecy concerning a specific period of seventy weeks, which signifies a time for God's people. This verse marks the beginning of that prophecy by establishing a starting point: the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, and it divides the total seventy weeks into two initial segments.
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This specific designation ensures that when this prophecy is fulfilled, there will be no mistaking the identity of the one who arrives.
The building of Jerusalem and the arrival of the Messiah didn't happen in a vacuum of peace. What does 'in troublous times' reveal about God's method?
Adversity and Divine Purpose
Daniel 9:25 doesn't paint a picture of smooth sailing. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and the subsequent events leading to the Messiah occur 'in troublous times.' This isn't an anomaly; it's part of God's design.
God's redemptive work, from rebuilding a city to redeeming humanity, often unfolds amidst significant challenges, proving His ultimate sovereignty over all circumstances.
Under Nehemiah's leadership, the walls of Jerusalem are completed after years of arduous labor and persistent opposition, fulfilling the 'seven weeks' of rebuilding mentioned in the prophecy.
c. 209 BC - 167 BC
Hellenistic Period and Maccabean Revolt
Jerusalem and Judea come under Seleucid Greek rule, leading to periods of intense persecution and conflict, including the Maccabean Revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This period falls within the 'sixty-two weeks' of troubled times.
c. 30 AD - 33 AD
Ministry and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus, the 'Anointed One, a Prince,' begins his public ministry and is ultimately crucified, fulfilling the prophecy's endpoint of the sixty-ninth week and marking the pivotal 'one week' of covenant confirmation.
"Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. And for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat,…" — The verse highlights that Jerusalem's rebuilding happened during "troublous times." This isn't just a side note; it underscores that God's promises are often fulfilled amidst opposition and hardship,…
