Israel's temple sacrafices and the Abomination of Desolation by Doug Krieger

   ISRAEL’S TEMPLE SACRIFICE

&

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

By

Doug Krieger

www.the-tribulation-network.com

October, 2007



ISRAEL’S TEMPLE SACRIFICE

&

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

By

Doug Krieger

Occasionally I get e-mails from our readers which incite a response on my part – and as iron sharpens iron – it does me well to go to and fro throughout the Book to determine the purposes of God (Daniel 12:4) as a result of these inquiries.

Yet, squabbling over the Seventy Weeks of Daniel in the midst of Israel taking out Syria’s fledging nuclear program, setting the stage for the Oracle of Damascus—egged on by President Bush’s “World War Three” statements; along with “rumors of wars” abounding in the Middle East – with the USA right in the middle of General Sanchez’s disaster zone, Iraq – with Turkey about to succumb to “Gog’s wishes” – and with the Islamic Brotherhood defining what an Islamic Republic would look like in Egypt (King of the South) – and the massive deaths caused by the attempted assassination of opposition leader and former Premier of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto and now Gen. Pervez Musharraf’s declaration of emergency and suspension of Pakistan’s Supreme Court – all the while the dollar is collapsing in one oil sheikdom after another (including, of all nations, Qatar and Viet Nam; and oil nigh $100 p/b) – well, hardly seems like a dynamic topic on which to begin such a tome; I mean, couldn’t we get a little more relevant?

THE SEVENTY “WEEKS OF YEARS”

“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy” (Daniel 9:24).

Well, would you believe, the Seventieth Week of Daniel out of the “seventy weeks of years” or “seventy sevens” IS relevant—more so than ever before. Ray Stedman, past friend, now awaiting his resurrection and former pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, CA, makes this astute observation in his text, God’s Final Word, Understanding Revelation (Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI, 1991, p. 141) comparing the final seven days of Jesus’ ministry with the “seventieth seven” of Daniel (or “week” – 7 days):

“This seven-year period of Daniel’s prophecy and of the Lord’s prophecy comprises the fascinating—and sometimes frightening—series of events we will explore in Revelation 6 through 19. If you read the life of Christ in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, you will notice that fully one-third of the story is focused on a single seven-day period; the week leading up to the crucifixion. Similarly, 13 of Revelation’s 22 chapters are focused on a single seven-year “week” of time—a period which comprises the end of the history of this age.”

Now, insofar as this prophecy concerns—it is perhaps the most fought over portion of Scripture on the face of the planet (Daniel 9:24-27). Separating the 70th Week from the first two sets of weeks which total 69 weeks (7 + 62 = 69) has been extensively covered by yours truly in numerous publications (THE FUTURITY OF DANIEL’S 70TH WEEK—please see: Appendix 3 in the Visions and Prophecy of Zechariah on our site), as well as the differentiation between the “Abomination of Desolation” and the reinstitution of the sacerdotal rites (viz., the physical Third Temple of the Jews during the 70th Week of Daniel) – and, naturally, this will necessitate a further examination of mathematical gymnastics which excite an old math teacher like myself.

I conjecture from the outset, we shall more clearly understand the perplexity of Daniel and his repeated exhaustion and puzzlement on these calculations because a number of critical matters had not been resolved (i.e., had not taken place in history—such as the Festival of Lights or Feast of Rededication, Feast of Hanukkah); therefore, what he “mathematically transcribed” were matters for the future and they were literal in nature and would have to be calculated by using precise dates, times, etc.

“And the vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future” (Daniel 8:26).

How far into the future is what disturbs – without the separation of the ENTIRE Seventieth Week of Daniel from the other 69 Weeks (lit. “weeks of years”) the book of Daniel itself, large portions of the writings of the Hebrew prophets (both before and after Daniel’s writings), and most certainly, the entire book of Revelation, along with segments of the gospels and the epistles, would leave the reader in metaphorical “la la land” or in utter despair that any of this “stuff” makes sense. One of the most pivotal points of the entire Seventieth Week is that infamous expression: THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION (Daniel 11:31)—what does it mean and does it have a future application and is that application multifaceted?

THE NATURE OF THE TEMPLE – THE HUMAN BODY AND LITERAL TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

Before we delve into Daniel’s numerical quagmire, let us understand the profound nature of the Hebrew Temple/Tabernacle and the design of man – for without this fundamental understanding, we will be bereft of understanding the INTENT of Scripture to convey to us these profound and prophetic insights. And, again, I resort to such discoveries as the literal fulfillment of Bible prophecy itself in the “end of days” – to wit:

“But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great” (Daniel 12:4).

Our consideration pivots on the definition of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, which gained immense credibility by its rehearsal from the mouth of Jesus Himself (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14).

Daniel’s references include the following:

“‘How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?’ And he said to me, ‘for two thousand three hundred days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.’” (Daniel 8:13-14).

Now, we must understand these references in the context of Daniel 8:26 –

“And vision of the evenings and mornings which was told is true; therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days in the future.”

I repeat this text, because so many so-called “Higher Biblical Critics” would lead us to believe that Daniel’s text is NOT inspired and that it is in whole or part a series of fabrications. I believe Sir Robert Anderson’s refutations to higher criticism have adequately addressed this assault upon Daniel’s prophetic inspirations.

Likewise, not a few evangelical expositors would confine these passages and their fulfillment to the Maccabean period during the reign of Antiochus IV, proto-type of the Antichrist himself (cir. 168-165 BC), or to immediate events exclusively limited to the ancient world. However, these prophetic prognostications are indeed “many days in the future” and conclude at the “end of days” (Daniel 8:17, 19; 11:6, 35, 40, 45; 12:4, 9, 13).

THE GRECO-ROMAN NATURE OF ANTICHRIST

Furthermore, Daniel 8:13-14 must be viewed within the backdrop of the Antichrist himself, yet future—the “Greco nature” of Antichrist (for he is both Roman and Greek – i.e., Greco-Roman—Daniel 8:8 and Daniel 7:23-25 and 7:7-8). This definitive must be viewed BOTH in the context of a KINGDOM and a KING – both as Empires (Roman and Greek) as well as a personification, as the King or Emperor. And, in sum, the GENTILE WORLD POWERS as domiciled within that civilization that is entitled THE WEST – viz., GRECO-ROMAN MAN or GRECO-ROMAN CIVILIZATION. This specificity is borne out in the eruption of the “little horn” or “younger horn” of the aforementioned passages which speak of both a kingdom and a king.

“Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven (undoubtedly this refers to the breakup of the Empire of Alexander the Great following his demise—Seleucid or Syrian, extending to the outer reaches toward India; Thrace (Turkey and parts of Europe); Macedonian (primarily Greece); and, Egyptian (Ptolemy)). And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land (NOTE: This initial outburst alludes to Antiochus Epiphanes IV who is “morphed” into the Latter Day’s Antichrist – hence, proto-type of the vessel of the Beast.) And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered” (Daniel 8:8-12).

It again must be emphasized that the GRECO nature of this “man” by no means permits the eschatologist to assign him a SYRIAN designation, yet future—and worse, a SYRIAN JEW! The morphing of Antiochus Epiphanes IV is altogether obvious because he is in abject contrast with the “Prince of the host” (Daniel 8:11). The adumbrative language is divinely designed to catapult the reader into the time of the final ANTICHRIST juxtaposed to THE CHRIST! Antiochus Epiphanes IV was a Greek, not a Jew!

The casting down of “some of the host and some of the stars to the ground” (Daniel 8:10), and thence trampling them asunder, exposes the supernatural character of this awful creature, who, behind it all, is Satan himself!

“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth . . . and war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:3-4a, 7-9).

Be it carefully noted that the casting out of the fallen angelic beings with Satan are depicted in their most grotesque appearance mid-way through the 70th Week of Daniel’s prophecy at the manifestation of the Beast himself (more of this later).

Thus, the revelation of his GRECO-NATURE – as “little” or “younger horn” – and again, let us consider the ROMAN aspect of this, the ultimate PRINCE OF THE COVENANT, THE PRINCE WHO IS TO COME (Daniel 11:22; 9:26) – for the SECULAR (Greek) shall merge with the RELIGIOUS (Roman) – and thus CHURCH (Roman) and STATE (Greek) shall merge into one personage in the Latter Days . . .

Let’s be clear – Western Civilization has been clearly demarcated and fraught with domestic tension by its Greco-Roman character from its rudimentary beginnings, especially in its “revived” outcropping in these United States of America, from the very birth of the experiment!

It is no historical secret that Rome’s propensity to religion in its effort to solidify political power was pervasive; whereas the Greeks aspired to the profane, the philosophical, the arts, the promiscuous, the “relative juxtaposed to the absolute”—religion to them was, at best, peripheral and intriguing, but to the Romans it was all-encompassing and mandatory, to the extent that Emperor worship became the Roman way – and later, the evolution of the separation of “what is Caesar’s unto Caesar” – leading to the “doctrine of the Two Swords” (the Church and the State in separation—vying for influence, the one against the other or using the one to validate the other). Here, the State seeks the “moral covering” of the Church to justify its conquests vis-à-vis the Church “using the State” to ingratiate her powers and prestige. In essence by incorporating the Greek, along side the Roman produced the Western GRECO-ROMAN MAN, and Western Civilization’s “essence.”

Now – the ROMAN aspect of this “Willful King” is revealed in this rather lengthy discourse found in Daniel 7:7-8; 19-27 (worth your reading):

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. (Note: We affirm this Beast to be that of John’s Roman Empire--successor to all Gentile World Powers as found in the description of the Beast in Revelation 13:2). It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little (or “younger”) one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out of the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words . . . then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its



feet; and the ten horns which were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom . . . The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time. But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion to consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.”

This is the ROMAN complexion of Western civilization. It must be recognized that the breaking fourth of this final Beast is BOTH a composition of the evolution of Gentile World Powers as seen in the original three beasts (the Lion-Babylon; the Bear-Medo-Persia; and the Leopard-Greece) – as found in Revelation 13:2:

“Now the beast (which arose from the abyss) which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion . . . The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.”

These three compositions—with the GRECO aspect predominating (for the body was that of a leopard)—constitute the EXPRESSION of Gentile World Power and are a COMPOSITE of that final FOURTH BEAST itself, having “seven heads and ten horns” (Revelation 13:1). Please, be very clear—this “Beast” “is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders” (II Thessalonians 2:9) and is, therefore, described as such in both Revelation 12:3 and Revelation 13:1 as virtually one in the same!

“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads . . . And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.”

What you see in Daniel is both the immediate Roman Empire (the FOURTH BEAST) and the eruption of the “little horn” out from his roots within the GRECO-ROMAN world of the past and immediate present – in sum:

(1) He is GRECO-ROMAN man –

(2) This is the ultimate expression of Gentile World Power: GRECO-ROMAN CIVILIZATION

(3) This FOURTH BEAST was Rome – but his final manifestation, the ultimate GENTILE WORLD POWER expression is separate from the ten horns who will themselves be given power with the 11th Horn (Revelation 17:12-13), for this 11th by this time is clearly known not as the FOURTH BEAST but as THE BEAST and the Ten Horns are so closely identified with him that they in turn are referred to as THE BEAST (“then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns . . .” Revelation 13:1). But the Revelation is succinct in Chapter 17:

“I will tell you the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carriers her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition . . . when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is . . . the beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition . . . The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast” (Revelation 17:7b-8, 11-12).

The “association” between the ten horns and the eleventh horn – between the Beast himself and the 10-toed Image of the Beast – between the Beast Nation (11th Horn) and the original 10 Horns/10 Toes (the Gentile World Powers, primarily of the West—in that these ten toes proceed out of the Iron Legs of the Image (Roman Empire) and are partly iron (stronger nations) and partly clay (weaker nations))—is prophetically and hermeneutically irrefutable!

And, again, I repeat, the uncanny and threefold repetition of the expression “uprooting three horns” prior to his ignoble expression (Daniel 7:8, 20, 24) and manifestation on the world scene. We have extensively covered the ten-toed, ten-horned IMAGE-BEAST and conjectured that the “walking of the Image” upon the face of the whole earth was the advance of Western Civilization, as the Image of Nebuchadnezzar clearly depicts the rise of Gentile World Power and its juxtaposition to Israel and subsequent “treading down of Jerusalem, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2)

This ten-toed Image did in fact walk the planet and colonized the world with its civilization. And, out from these TEN TOES (Daniel 2:33-35, 41-45), from these TEN HORNS, comes forth the 11th – the Beast – ultimately, as its leader, but assuredly as the BEAST NATION. And, in so doing, in becoming this BEAST NATION, he ripped out three of the other authorities, powers, horns to make room for himself – to, if you would, BIRTH HIS NATION STATE!

Therefore, in this discussion, it is not an absurd conclusion that such a birthing of this final end-time’s BEAST NATION—the culmination of Gentile World Power (hence, of Western Civilization)—has the uncanny resemblance and historical distinction to be none other than the United States of America, who “ripped out” Britain, France and Spain to make room for its manifestation on the world scene.

THE BEAST – HOW DID HE GET HIS TITLE?

But it is the very BEAST himself which constitutes our discussion in depth—for his title, THE BEAST, does not occur except at mid-point into the 70th Week of Daniel’s prophecy; therefore, the reading of this compilation of passages is vital to the understanding of Daniel’s 70th Week.

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth (Revelation 11:3—NOTE: It is imperative to understand that this occurs at the commencement of Daniel’s 70th Week, and NOT the latter half, for the Two Witnesses are at this time NOT AT WAR with the Beast) “. . . when they (the Two Witnesses) finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them” (Revelation 11:7) “. . . it was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them” (Revelation 13:7) “. . . and the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17) “. . . I was watching; and the same horn (i.e., the 11th) was making war against the saints, prevailing against them” (Dan. 7:21) . . . “then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time” (Daniel 7:25) “. . . and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary (i.e., His temple) was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then I heard a holy one speaking and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, ‘How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?’ . . . ‘And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed’” (Daniel 8:11-14) “. . . he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people” (Daniel 8:24b) “. . . But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the DESOLATOR” (Daniel 9:27) “. . . And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress, and they shall take away the daily sacrifice, and place there the abomination of desolation. And those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the TIME OF THE END; because it is still for the appointed time” Daniel 11:31-35) “. . . and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time” (Daniel 12:4) “. . . Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, ‘How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?’ Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished” (Daniel 12:5-7) “. . . Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (i.e., 30 days beyond time, times and half a time, or beyond the 1,260 days or 42 months, or 3.5 years or 3.5 days of the “week of years”). Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty five days (i.e., 45 days beyond the 1,290 days or 75 days beyond the 1,260 days)” (Daniel 12:10-12).

WHICH TEMPLE – MAN’S OR JERUSALEM’S OR BOTH?

It is our realization that the final half of Daniel’s 70th Week begins at the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION and its apparent, and perhaps murky identification with Feast of Tabernacles (or Feast of Booths or Nations or Feast of Ingathering; known as SUKKOT) at the literal Third Temple in Jerusalem, midway through the 70th Week of Daniel’s prophecy in which an abominable image in that rededicated Temple is erected (akin to the Romans setting up a statue of Jupiter or of the Greeks, Zeus, in the Temple in Jerusalem—please clearly note the only two notable times of such desecration in history past were done by the Greeks (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) and then by the Romans (Pompey—i.e., GRECO-ROMAN).

Let it be understood, at this juncture—from this vantage—there are TWO DIMENSIONS involved in the cosmic struggle between the Prince of Peace and the Prince of the Covenant: The HEAVENLY and the EARTHLY. As Israel answers to the earth before Gentile World Powers—the desecration of the Third Temple is in view. As the Church answers to the heavens before Principalities and Powers in High Places—the desecration of the human spirit and the “spiritual” incarnation of Satan into the body of Antichrist is in view. BOTH are the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION; BOTH attest to the conflict in the heavens and the earth!

Therefore, subsequent desecration of that temple and termination of the sacerdotal rites has an additional—a far more profound meaning embedded within the phrase: ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, as alluded to by Paul the Apostle found in II Thessalonians 2:3-4, other than simply the aforementioned desecration akin to that of the Greeks and Romans—i.e., the erecting of an Image (even the “Image of the Beast”) in the literal Third Temple (or the “Tribulation Temple”) is one thing, for sure, but we affirm that Paul and Jesus and Daniel had something far more sinister in view . . .

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple (Greek: naos-see below) of God, showing himself that he is God.”

Here, the Greek word for temple is NOT the literal temple in Jerusalem (John 2:14-15 – Strong’s 2411 – hieron) but the same word that Jesus uses when referring to the temple of His body (John 2:19-21 – Strong’s 3485 – naos) . . .

“And He found in the temple (hieron) those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple (hieron), with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables . . . Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple (naos), and in three days I will raise it up . . . But He was speaking of the temple (naos) of His body.”

However, of keen interest is Strong’s definition or fuller meaning of naos and of hieron when expanding upon both:

“hieron – neut. of 2413: a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas 3485 (naos) denotes the CENTRAL SANCTUARY ITSELF) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere)—temple (my emphasis) (cf. Luke 23:45).”

Throughout the Revelation the word for temple is naos!

Paul clearly alludes to the temple as both the singular human body, as well as the “corporate body” –

“Do you not know that you are the temple (singular temple – naos) of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple (naos) of God, God will destroy him. For the temple (naos) of God is holy, which temple (naos) you are” (I Cor. 3:17-18).

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple (singular temple - naos) of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own” (I Cor. 6:19).



“And what agreement has the temple (corporate temple – naos) of God with idols? For you are the temple (corporate temple– naos) of the living God. As God has said: I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (II Cor. 6:16). The first and second temples (Davidic-Solomonic and Post-Neo-Babylonian Captivity-Herodian) were tripartite: the outer court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies—the innermost sanctuary. It is this veil which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (or the Holiest of All) that was torn:

          “ . . . the veil of the temple was torn in two” (Luke 23:45b).

Even so, the “Tent of Meeting” or the “tabernacle” of ancient Israel was tripartite.

MAN IS SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY

Now – the nature of man himself is tripartite – and herein lies the profound truth of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION!

As the Temple was so constructed – and the Tabernacle or “Tent of Meeting” was so patterned – so is man – (1) body; (2) soul; and (3) spirit.

The “spirit of man” is his innermost sanctuary – so “that which is born of the Spirit (big “S”) is spirit” (little “s”) – John 3:6.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thessalonians 5:23). (Note:

In the Greek the successive conjunctions are used, giving credence to the tripartite nature of man.)

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground (body), and

breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living being (soul)” (Genesis 2:7).

For modern Judaism to deny the tripartite nature of man and “sentence it” to a “Greek concept” is ludicrous—given the construction of the Temple and the very design of man’s creation in the garden (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6).

Man is NOT simply a body with a soul – man is made in the IMAGE OF GOD (notwithstanding modern Judaism’s denial thereof) – as God is Triune (and herein is Judaism’s difficulty with the tripartite nature of man), so man is divinely designed to commune with the Almighty. Today, we experience the new birth, by being “born from above – born anew” (John 3:3) by the Spirit of the Living God – the REGENERATION of our human spirit; and thus begins the transforming process of SANCTIFICATION of the human soul (II Corinthians 3:17-18); and, finally, we await the day of full redemption of our bodies and their ultimate TRANSFIGURATION (“glorification” – Romans 8:30; 8:23). The Baptists are right: We have been saved (regeneration of the human spirit); we are being saved (transformation of the human soul); and, we will be saved (the transfiguration or glorification of the human body – on that day).

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

And so, “when SATAN ENTERED INTO JUDAS” – and he was referred to by Jesus as the “son of perdition” – just where did “Satan entered into him?”

Indeed, Satan is a “spirit being” – make no doubt about this! His manifestations are many – but his “essence” is spirit (I John 4:3). Therefore, he “entered into Judas as spirit” and from that moment on Judas became the “son of perdition” (i.e., of utter desolation, destruction, without possibility for communion with God or redemption) (See: Luke 22:3; John 17:12).

When Paul speaks of the SON OF PERDITION, this is not done loosely – it is not even done for effect – it is done with the profound Pauline understanding of man as the TEMPLE OF GOD, to be possessed and inhabited by the Spirit of God in man’s INNERMOST SANCTUARY—with the antithesis of that divine purview usurped by Satan as a spirit entering into the Antichrist, and committing the awful ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, the desecration of his innermost sanctuary!

Therefore – read these passages with that in mind:

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the SON OF PERDITION, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple (naos) of God, showing himself that he is God” (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).

And this cannot be separated from the succeeding verses which reveal all the more how wicked is this detestable act of ABOMINATION – this ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION – this DESECRATION OF THE TEMPLE OF MAN to cause the entitlement: THE SON OF PERDITION!

“And now you know what is restraining (Restraining what? – Restraining the revelation and causation of the SON OF PERDITION – for it is not Roman government which restrains – neither is it the exclusive presence of the Holy Spirit and His so-called “rapture of the Church” at this juncture prior to the revelation of the MAN OF SIN which is at stake in this passage), that he (the SON OF PERDITION – THE ANTICHRIST – THE MAN OF SIN) may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains (and that is assuredly the Holy Spirit Who keeps the “spirit of man” for His own sanctuary and fellowship) will do so until He is taken out of the way (i.e., “Out of the way” of what? Out of the way of literally “blocking” the human spirit from the incarnation of Satan himself into man’s temple—specifically this man’s temple – the SON OF PERDITION) . . . and THEN (after the Holy Spirit removes Himself from blocking the innermost sanctuary of this man from the “spirit of antichrist,” this man’s human spirit, originally designed for eternal fellowship with the Almighty) the lawless one (indeed, is this not the MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS or MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (II Thess. 2:7) juxtaposed to the MYSTERY OF GODLINESS (I Tim. 3:16)) . . . is according to the working of Satan (THERE HE IS!), with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe THE LIE” (II Thessalonians 2:6-11).

SATAN HAS OCCUPIED THE HOLY OF HOLIES – he has committed the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION – Antichrist has become the SON OF PERDITION, the LAWLESS ONE, and the MAN OF SIN. And with this embodiment, commences the persecution of the saints of the Most High, the termination of the Two Witnesses – all of which we have sequenced in the aforementioned segments of this tome.

Download PDF Copy of our “Tribulation Chart” (above)

THE MATHEMATICS OF THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

The ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION – the revelation of the Man of Sin – the pronouncement of THE BEAST in the midst of the 70th Week of Daniel’s prophecy – does NOT circumvent the terrestrial events during Daniel’s final Week!

A thorough study of the final events leading up to Armageddon – that final 30 days beyond the 1,260 or through to the 1,290th day (Daniel 12:11) wherein it is clearly said . . .

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken way, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days” (Daniel 12:11).

. . . which is the time of Messiah’s Coming – the period known as the WRATH OF THE LAMB (those 30 awful days) where the desolation will persist until His return and subsequent judgment of the nations and future Millenarian bliss (45 days beyond the 1,290 days or the 1,335th day—Daniel 12:12; Matthew 25:31-46; Micah 4:1-13).

From these passages we can ascertain the “signs of the times” to anticipate prophetic fulfillment (Matthew 16:2-3—“. . . . discern the signs of the times”) – So much for “not knowing” the day nor the hour of His coming (Mark 13:32) – apparently, we can know the “signs of the times” – we might be “off” by days or hours; not bad, given the immensity of the time frame.). And, yes, I am intensely familiar with the “date setting” fallacies of folks like Harold Camping and the Jehovah Witnesses, which distract from the “signs of the times” brethren, like The Tribulation Network—we do NOT predict Christ’s precise date of return in any way shape or form – but “times and season” – you better believe we are keen on this matter!

THE 250 DAYS

There are some amazing parallels and possibilities—keeping in mind that the Biblical/Prophetic year is 360 days.

“And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (7 years) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease: and on a corner of the altar desolating abominations even until the end” (Daniel 9:27).

The “treaty” or “covenant” which will commence the 70th Week of Daniel will not only include a “security pact” between Antichrist and Israel but will have within its promise the restoration of the sacerdotal rites of the Temple! We believe that this will be shortly after the Oracle of Damascus/the Burden of Damascus (Zechariah 9; Isaiah 17-18) which will result in the following:

(1) The demise of “secular Zionism” – Isaiah 17:4

(2) The destruction of Syria, along with her allies – Lebanon/Hezbollah; Gaza/Hamas; and the “Stronghold of Ephraim” – the West Bank (Zechariah 9)

(3) “Arab and World Revival” – Isaiah 17:7-8

(4) The commencement of a major “peace offensive” by the “land . . . beyond the rivers of Ethiopia” who will “send ambassadors by sea” – these people are “a nation tall and smooth (clean shaven) of skin . . . a people terrible from their beginning onward, a nation powerful and treading down, whose land the rivers divide” (or literally “is laid out in grids” as a surveyor would so measure) – we affirm that people to be the leader of the West (viz., the United States of America –  Isaiah 18:1-7) (Note: And, be it known that this same nation, and its people, will do the following: “in that time a present will be brought to the Lord of hosts . . . to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, to Mount Zion” (we conjecture this to be the allies of Israel, the Christian Zionists, who hail, in the main, from the same nation who orchestrates the “peace settlement” and whose leader can be none other than “The Prince of the Covenant.”

(5) The rebuilding of the Temple – i.e., “The THIRD Temple” or, as some who stretch the title of its identification: “the Tribulation Temple.”

The “religious dimension” of the “literal temple in Jerusalem” is mandatory because of the reinstitution of the “daily sacrifice” which will be terminated in the midst of the 70th Week itself. The revival of “temple worship” and “temple sacrifice” will likewise invigorate, in earnest, the reintroduction of the Jewish calendar in celebration of their feast days—a 360-day Biblical calendar. Now, whether the Jews will keep their Feast Days or Feast-Day Calendar does not determine the prophetic calendar of the Almighty at the close of the age.

The three-and-one-half years from the time of the signing of the “treaty” (Isaiah 24:15, 18; Daniel 9:27) – which the Almighty views as utterly disgusting – since Israel’s reliance will be upon Antichrist and not upon Jehovah alone, will initiate the “official rebuilding” of the Third Temple by the infamous “Prince of the Covenant” (Daniel 11:22)—the Antichrist. Therefore, there is BOTH a political (“defense treaty” – with earthly ramifications embedded in the “pact”) and a “spiritual dimension” or “religious dimension” linked to the “covenant.” Hence, the title: “Prince of the Covenant” where the “Prince” connotes the political aspect of his title; and, “Covenant” which connotes the spiritual element of the accord. Not only is Israel’s “security” at stake, but the building of their temple is in view—Antichrist, as Prince of the Covenant, will guarantee both!

Yes, once again, mixed in with the religion of Jehovah (although the Temple’s “redemptive value” will be greatly diminished—yet there is a foreseeable hope in that its final “cleansing” (Daniel 8:14) sanctifies its intent—for in its final Rededication (Festival of Lights/Hanukkah) at the close of the 1,335th day, this cleansed Temple welcomes in the Messianic Era. There is this “religious expression” (though it is tainted by the Evil One); yet, there is the true anticipation of Messiah’s Coming. But when will the “temple worship” commence?

WHEN WILL “THE SACRIFICE” COMMENCE?

We know that Daniel’s seven-year treaty equals 2,520 days (seven prophetic 360-day years); the “midst” of that period falls on day 1,260. Again, Daniel 12:11 describes the period of Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; Revelation 7:14)—from the time the sacrifice is terminated (Daniel 9:27; 12:11) until the end of trampling asunder the host (Daniel 8:13b)—30 days beyond the second 1,260 days or unto the 1,290th day.

“And from the time the regular sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, 1,290 days shall occur”

(Daniel 12:11).

This adds 30 days to the end of the seven years.

The calculation in question is this: What is the time frame from the time the actual “temple worship” commences (i.e., the daily sacrifice) and the furthermost extension of the desolation?

“How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?” (Daniel 8:13b)

It might be viewed in this manner:

THE TIME THE SACRIFICE COMMENCES + 1290 days = TOTAL DAYS (Daniel 8:13)

Therefore we are obliged to “count backwards” in order to account for the 2,300 days hereunder mentioned wherein the temple sacrifice was reinstituted and lasted up through the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th Week until the completion of the abomination or until the 1,290th day or the end of desolations.

“For 2,300 evenings and mornings, (a Jewish day begins at sundown, an evening and a morning are parts of one day—for Genesis says that “and the evening and the morning were the first day”), then the sanctuary will be vindicated (i.e., “cleansed”)” (Daniel 8:14).

Again, the question was asked in Daniel 8:13: How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices AND the transgression of desolation – i.e., two items are added together:

(1) “The giving of both the sanctuary” (the time the sacrifice starts) – added

          to. . .

+

(2) “. . . and the host to be trampled underfoot?” = The 1,290 days of     desolations - (Daniel 8:13)

Yes, we are counting backwards in order to ascertain how long the sacerdotal rites will actually be reinstituted – and, to do this, we would also discover how far from the “signing of the treaty”–how long it will take before those rites are implemented. Thusly, two specific time frames:

(1) The length of time from the signing of the treaty to the start of the sacrifices; and,

(2) the length of time the sacrifices actually are implemented prior to their termination at the mid-point of the 70th Week. I hope we are all clear here?

O.K., class, let’s do the math:

          2,300 days (Sacrifices commence until the sanctuary is cleansed from

                   abominations) – Daniel 8:13-14

         -1,290 days (From the “time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and

                   the (same time) that the abomination of desolation is set up”

                   (Daniel 12:11)

             =

          1,010 days (days left in the first half of the 70th Week of Daniel – or from the time the sacrifice commences until the middle of the Seventieth Week of Daniel, when the abomination is set up)



So, at least we now know that from the START OF THE SACRIFICE to the mid-point of the 70th Week (the time when the sacrifice is terminated—i.e., the time of the Abomination of Desolation) there are 1,010 days. Let’s check our work:

          1,010 days (or from the start of the sacrifice to the mid-point of

                   Daniel’s 70th week)

        +1,290 days (or from the abomination of desolation until the sanctuary

                   shall be cleansed)

        =2,300 days (Daniel 8:13-14)

So, how many days are there from the “signing of the treaty” until the commencement of the “daily sacrifice?” Let’s calculate:

          1,260 days (or the first half of Daniel’s 70th Week)

         -1,010 days (or the time between the start of the sacrifice until the

                   Abomination of Desolation or the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th

                   Week)

         =   250 days (or from the time the “treaty is signed” until the time

                   the “daily sacrifice” commences or, if you would, the

                   Rededication of the temple occurs)

Have I lost you yet?

This leaves 250 days from the start of the “seven-year treaty” until the time that the Levite priests commence the sacerdotal rites of the Third Temple.

To build a temple of this magnitude within a 250-day time frame would be exceedingly difficult; therefore, there is PERHAPS the prospect that such “building” will have commenced shortly after the Oracle of Damascus (which occurs some time before the commencement of the Seventieth Week of Daniel). And, notwithstanding the fastidious preparations now underway by devout Jews in preparing themselves, the utensils, and the prefabricated materials for just such a temple—it seems that more time might be needed to commence such a magnificent structure (though 250 days could accomplish the fete, given the commitment of the devout).

But surely, if the Jews decided to accelerate their efforts at the Temple’s rebuilding—and in spite of the immediate implications wrought by the Oracle of Damascus—Islamic trepidation regarding the Temple’s erection would be cataclysmic; hence, all the more need for the “peace offensive” by the Prince of the Covenant (a.k.a. the Antichrist) who will champion the rebuilding of the temple and, in essence, legitimize (and protect) the on-going construction of the Temple (no wonder then, that he is entitled: The Prince of the Covenant – Daniel 11:22).

Here’s another way to calculate the commencement or rededication date of the “daily sacrifice” –

Yes, it will be nigh a year (250 days) from the signing of that treaty until the general public, the world population, will see the “regular sacrifice.”

THE JEWISH FEAST DAYS – PASSOVER – HANUKKAH - TABERNACLES

Can we possibly foresee an “accurate timeline” within the feasts of Israel in anticipation of the unfolding of the Seventieth Week of Daniel?

Now, let us consider the following into our calculations—taking into account the “Jewish Feast Days”—since their temple is at stake in this drama—i.e., under strict Mosaic law, and in accordance with their “Feast Day Calendar” they will effect the commencement of the cleansing of the Temple area, as well as the start of the sacrifice.

There are precisely 250 days between the Feast of Passover (Nisan 14/15),

and the Feast of Rededication (Chanukah or Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights) which would fall on Chisleu 25 (or Kislev 25); this is, of course, based upon a 360-day “prophetic year.” (Note: This is between April into December.)

Although the chart below does NOT list Hanukkah as one of the chief “Feasts” or “Festivals” of the “Calendar of the Feasts of Israel” – it is,

nevertheless, one of the more significant ones because of its association with the “cleansing of the temple” under Judah Maccabee, and his commencement of this “Festival of Lights” as a major acclamation of the defeat of the prototype of the Antichrist, Antiochus IV Epiphanes!

This is somewhat conjecture; however, the calculations lead us to affirm this possibility in that 250 days constitute a major chronological time frame in the Jewish religious/feast calendar. Likewise, it is only between Passover-Pesach and the Feast of Rededication/Feast of Lights-Hanukkah/Chanukah that a precise 250-day time frame exists between major Jewish feasts on the Jewish religious calendar (i.e., Nisan 13/14 to Kislev 24/25 or 250 days).

Passover, Nisan 14, in the first month of the Jewish religious calendar year, would be the most likely date for a treaty to be signed leading to the restitution-rededication of the temple sacrifice—the “go ahead” has been given (no less, by Antichrist himself, the Prince of the Covenant) . . . but the implementation of the actual sacrifice has not yet taken place . . . this must await an additional 250 days (Kislev 25)—but why?

Even though Passover, Nisan 14, is the first month of the Jewish religious calendar, it would be highly unlikely that the Levite priests would enter the Temple for sacrifice until The Feast of Rededication (Chanukah) on Chisleu 25 (i.e., Kislev 25) to perform the necessary cleansing ceremonies—ceremonies which must be done in strict accordance to Mosaic law. Again, from Passover, Nisan 14, to the Feast of Rededication-Hanukkah, Kislev 25, there are precisely 250 days. Again, counting back from the 1,290th day (the final “day” in which the “abominations” conclude—Daniel 12:11) brings us to the mid-point of the week; then, counting back another 1,010 days (making the total 2,300 days from the time the sacrifice starts until the time the Temple is cleansed and rededicated and the abominations cease) – that leaves 250 days left in the first half of the week (i.e., 1,260 – 1,010 = 250 days); that is precisely why we suggest that a Passover marks the commencement of the 70th Week of Daniel.

Indeed, the defilement of this area—the Temple Mount—has been so extensively “polluted” or desecrated over the centuries (consider alone its use as a garbage dump by the Crusaders) since 70 AD, that appropriate preparation, cleansing, etc., in order to commence the sacrifice, would be more than mandatory—and, such sacrifice would not just begin on any arbitrary day!

After nigh 2,000 years, such a date to commence the actual sacrifice would most assuredly fall on the Feast of Rededication (Hanukkah-Chanukah—“The Festival of Lights”). Precedence for such a commencement took place under Judah Maccabee (165 BC, the last time the temple was so dedicated):

“The temple was cleansed and rededicated in 165 (BC) on the 25th day of Kislev. The Rededication of the temple is celebrated to this day by the Jews as the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah (Chanukah—also known as the “Feast of Rededication”), which falls in December.” (Lambert Dolphin, The Second Temple)

In any event, this feast day (the Feast of Hanukkah, the Feast of Rededication, the Festival of Lights – Kislev 25)—which, by the way, did not exist at Daniel’s writing—(all the more to understand and ponder the divine inspiration of the text) falls precisely 250 days after Passover (Nisan 14).

THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES – OF BOOTHS – OF NATIONS - SUKKOT

Therefore, if the Antichrist commences the covenant (Daniel 9:27a) on Passover—Nisan 14—(i.e., the “defense pact” or “treaty” with its religious overtones to make his entitlement as “The Prince of the Covenant” all the more egregious (Daniel 11:22—for the legitimate high priest (Onias III) was assassinated—following this the position was purchased to the highest bidder (Jason-Joshua and Menelaus) from Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who wholly politicized the position).

Antiochus IV Epiphanes (archetype of the future Antichrist) brought shame upon the “blood of the everlasting covenant” (Hebrews 13:20), Whose blood was offered as eternal reconciliation for us all (Romans 5:11)) on the first month of the Jewish religious calendar (Nisan 14) at the Feast of Passover (April 1, 33 AD, using the Gregorian Calendar—we will discuss the precise calendar dates of Jesus’ earthly ministry later), then in accordance with Daniel, some 1,260 days later or 3.5 years or in the “midst” of the seven-year treaty, it would be broken “in the middle of the week” (Daniel 9:27) by this same Prince of the Covenant, which would by the very date count occur on the very Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths (Tishrei 15-21—occurring in late September to late October—a SEVEN-DAY Feast) known in Hebrew as SUKKOT, in the first month of the Jewish civil year (i.e., 1,010 days from the 250 days or from Kislev 25 (Hanukkah) for 1,010 days unto Tishrei 15-24) (Feast of Tabernacles).

We must not forget that the start of the Jewish “Religious Calendar” commences in the month of Nisan – nigh six+ months/days before the start of the Jewish Civil Calendar which begins in Tishrei (or put another way the Religious Calendar is precisely six lunar months from the Civil Calendar (or 180 days).

“1 Nisan: New Year for Kings. This is also the start of the religious year. Nisan is considered the first month, although it occurs 6 or 7 months after the start of the calendar year.” (Calendar Through the Ages)

Later we shall see that Jesus’ baptism by John occurred on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur – Tishrei 10), and that 3.5 years later at the Passover (Pesach – Nisan 14) (at the crucifixion and terminus of his earthly ministry as the unglorified Man) His blood was offered/applied as the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; I John 2:2; 4:10).

JESUS IS NOT THE “HE” WHO BREAKS COVENANT IN DAN. 9:27

When Jesus so offered His blood before the Father (Hebrews 7:27; 9:28; 10:12)—it was NOT the conclusion of the first half of Daniel’s 70th Week! Those who contrive such a distortion of the work of Christ (claiming that one-half of Daniel’s week – or some claim even the entire week, has already concluded), and attribute the work of the Antichrist-Beast to that of Christ, do so with gross malfeasance of hermeneutics. They assert that Daniel 9:27, wherein it states, “But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” refers to Christ cutting off His covenantal commitments to Israel and offering them to “another nation” – and that the cross terminated in this scenario any further need for sacrifice and offering (i.e., “an end to sacrifice and offering”) because Christ is the “once and for all sacrifice for sin.” (See the Parable of the wicked Husbandman in Luke 20:9-19, Mark 12:1-12, and Matthew 21:33-46).

The convoluted hermeneutic used by these brethren borders on idolatry—for they attribute the work of Antichrist to Jesus Christ—making a mockery of our Lord, and, furthermore, the source of breaking His unilateral covenant with Abraham in the felonious assumption that the phrases, “Then he shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering” – somehow in their convoluted thinking, affirm that the antecedent for this “he” refers back to “Messiah” in verse 26a of Daniel 9 and not to “the prince who is to come” (Daniel 9:26b) whose dominating negativity follows the true Messiah! What an outrage!

They continue their attribution of the work of Antichrist to that of Christ’s by stating that Christ somehow makes a “one-week covenant” with Israel at the commencement of Jesus’ ministry and breaks it in the middle of the week (after his 3.5 years’ ministry) by dying on the cross (which they say is an allusion back to Daniel 9:26a (“Messiah shall be cut off”). They then claim (somehow) that He (Jesus Christ) terminates the “sacrifice and offering” at this time (it being a “heavenly reality” – not a physical one, because the Jews continued their sacrifices up through at least 70 AD before they were terminated) – and, some of “them” claim that 3.5 years after the “cutting off of Messiah” there was another immediate time frame (concluding the 70th Week when the gospel commenced with the Gentiles—approximately 3.5 years after the crucifixion) which completely ends the entire Seventieth Week of Daniel!

It is the Antichrist-Beast who breaks covenant, not Jesus Christ! God’s covenant made to Abraham and repeatedly confirmed through the Hebrew Scriptures (and we do not speak here of the bilateral-CONDITIONAL accord under the Mosaic Covenant, but we speak of the Davidic, Palestinian, Abrahamic) as UNCONDITIONAL and IRREVOCABLE. However, those who claim the aforesaid seven year period of Daniel’s 70th Week has already transpired, provide a chart that looks something like this:

The entire latter half of Daniel’s book should suffice the stupidity of these misguided souls who either purposefully or inadvertently attribute the work of Antichrist to Christ! At best, it was the “people of the prince” – NOT “the prince who is to come” who destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD—and this is no minor technicality I mention here.

For one, after Messiah is “cut off” and after the City and Temple are destroyed—just what in the world is Messiah (their “he”) now making a covenant with Israel and breaking it in the middle of the week, in point of fact, using their own convolutions, the Messiah has already been crucified, cut off? So, how is “he” able to now make a covenant with “the many” for one week – In His resurrected state? In His ascended state?