Daniel 9:26
And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that after the Messiah is "cut off," a "prince" will come whose "people" will destroy the city and sanctuary. This doesn't refer to the Messiah himself, but to a future, opposing leader and his forces, emphasizing a period of divine judgment following the Messiah's rejection.
Daniel's prophecy continues its detailed timeline, moving from the rebuilding of the city to the pivotal event of the Messiah's life. After outlining the years leading up to His appearance and ministry, this verse pivots to describe the Messiah's abrupt "cutting off" and the subsequent devastating destruction of the city and temple by a conquering army.
Daniel predicts a stunning turn of events: after a precise period, the Anointed One is 'cut off.' What does this mean, and why is it so significant?
Daniel 9:26 states, 'after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing.' This isn't just any death; the Hebrew word for 'cut off' implies a violent, premature end, often by execution or violent destruction. It's a pivotal moment, marking the rejection of the Messiah. The phrase 'and shall have nothing' is debated but strongly suggests a complete loss of status, power, or life – he would 'be no more' in the land of the living, or perhaps have no successor in his immediate lineage or earthly reign as expected by many.
This prophecy points directly to Jesus' crucifixion. He was 'cut off' by judicial decree and mob violence, not for his own sin, but as a sacrifice for the sins of his people, fulfilling the deeper purpose of his anointing.
The prophecy doesn't stop with the Messiah's fate. It immediately pivots to a devastating destruction that will engulf Jerusalem and its sacred Temple.
Following the Messiah's 'cutting off,' Daniel declares, 'And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.' This isn't a vague threat; it's a specific foretelling of judgment. The 'prince who is to come' is often understood as a future ruler (distinct from the Messiah), and his 'people' are identified by historical context as the Romans, led by figures like Titus.
The destruction is described as coming 'with a flood,' a powerful metaphor for an overwhelming, irresistible force that sweeps everything away. This imagery paints a vivid picture of the Roman siege and the complete devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple. The prophecy concludes with 'war' and 'desolations decreed,' signifying a determined, final ruin brought upon the city and its people as a consequence of rejecting God's Anointed.
Understand the original words
shabua · Hebrew Noun
A period of seven years (a 'week' of years) in the context of Daniel's prophecy, symbolizing a specific timeframe ordained by God for the fulfillment of His purposes.
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun
Refers to one consecrated to God for a specific role or office, most notably the Messiah, the King of Israel, who was chosen and set apart by God for His redemptive work.
karath · Hebrew Verb
To be killed, executed, or removed from life; often implies a violent death or an end of influence, frequently used in contexts of judgment or sacrifice.
qodesh · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew word often used for the holy place, specifically the Temple in Jerusalem, which served as the center of God's presence and worship among His people.
This prophecy bridges the anticipation of the Messiah's coming with the devastating consequences of rejecting Him, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
c. 175 BC
High Priesthood Contested
Onias III, the legitimate High Priest, is assassinated by Menelaus, corrupting the succession and marking a spiritual decline.
170 BC - 164 BC
Antiochus Epiphanes' Persecution
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, referred to as a 'prince' by some, persecutes the Jews, profanes the Temple, and sets the stage for future destruction.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Messiah Cut Off
Jesus, the Anointed One (Messiah), is crucified, fulfilling the prophecy of being 'cut off' after 69 prophetic weeks.
c. AD 66-70
Roman Siege of Jerusalem
The Roman legions, under the command of Titus, besiege and ultimately destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, fulfilling the prophecy of the city and sanctuary being ravaged.
AD 70
This passage directly echoes Daniel's 'cut off' with 'cut off from the land of the living' and explains the purpose of his suffering: 'for the transgression of my people he was stricken,' aligning with Daniel's 'but not for himself'.
Luke 21:20-24Jesus speaks of Jerusalem's future destruction, referencing the 'desolations' and the surrounding of the city by armies, which directly fulfills the prophecy of the 'people of the prince who is to come' destroying the city and sanctuary.
John 11:48-50Caiaphas, the high priest, unknowingly prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and the nation by saying it's better for one man to die for the people, reflecting the idea of the 'prince' and his people bringing ruin after the Messiah's 'cutting off'.
Matthew 24:15-21Jesus warns his disciples about the 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by Daniel, directly connecting the prophecy of destruction in Daniel 9:26 to future events that would bring immense tribulation.
ellicottDaniel 9:26: "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined."
(26) After threescore and two weeks.— These words can only mean that in the seventieth week the Anointed one shall be cut off. Observe the care with which the seventy weeks are arranged in a series of the form 7 + 62…
clarkeDaniel 9:26: "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined."
And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary - By the "prince" Titus, the son of Vespasian, is plainly intended; and "the people of that prince" are no other than the Romans,…
The verse highlights that after the Messiah is "cut off," a "prince" will come whose "people" will destroy the city and sanctuary. This doesn't refer to the Messiah himself, but to a future, opposing leader and his forces, emphasizing a period of divine judgment following the Messiah's rejection.
Daniel's prophecy continues its detailed timeline, moving from the rebuilding of the city to the pivotal event of the Messiah's life. After outlining the years leading up to His appearance and ministry, this verse pivots to describe the Messiah's abrupt "cutting off" and the subsequent devastating destruction of the city and temple by a conquering army.
Daniel's prophecy continues its detailed timeline, moving from the rebuilding of the city to the pivotal event of the Messiah's life. After outlining the years leading up to His appearance and ministry, this verse pivots to describe the Messiah's abrupt "cutting off" and the subsequent devastating destruction of the city and temple by a conquering army.
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shemamah · Hebrew Noun
States of ruin, devastation, or abandonment, often resulting from divine judgment upon a people or a land that has turned away from God.
Destruction of the Temple
The Second Temple is completely destroyed by the Romans, marking a profound desolation and the end of an era for Jewish worship.
"And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be wa…" — The verse highlights that after the Messiah is "cut off," a "prince" will come whose "people" will destroy the city and sanctuary. This doesn't refer to the Messiah himself, but to a future, opposing…
