Isaac Newton’s Amazing Exegesis of Daniel 9:25

Sir Isaac Newton, aged 46

The study of Daniel’s seventy-weeks[1] (Dan. 9:24-27) is one that is highly important to understanding both fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy.  There are many particulars to the study that inspire curiosity and debate.  One of which is based on the distinction between weeks as described in Daniel 9:25:

So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. (NASB 95)

The crucifixion of Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 occurred just as prophesied after the sixty-two weeks (Dan. 9:26).  The events of the seventieth week have not yet occurred (Dan. 9:24; 27).  Therefore, it is only natural that the prophet would not group the last week in with the previously mentioned seven and sixty-two.  The prophecy makes a distinction that in hindsight comes off as perfectly logical.  However, there is another distinction between the, “first” seven weeks and the sixty-two weeks that has no prima facie purpose.  This type of thing bothers those with intellectual curiosity and that includes no less than Isaac Newton.  Newton sought to solve this mystery by postulating the following:

The former part of the Prophecy related to the first coming of Christ, being dated to his coming as a Prophet; this being dated to his coming to be Prince or King, seems to relate to his second coming. There, the Prophet was consummate, and the most holy anointed: here, he that was anointed comes to be Prince and to reign. For Daniel’s Prophecies reach to the end of the world; and there is scarce a Prophecy in the Old Testament concerning Christ, which doth not in something or other relate to his second coming. If divers of the antients, as Irenæus, Julius Africanus, Hippolytus the martyr, and Apollinaris Bishop of Laodicea, applied the half week to the times of Antichrist; why may not we, by the same liberty of interpretation, apply the seven weeks to the time when Antichrist shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming?  (Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse, 10.1, Isaac Newton).

Amazingly, Newton identifies the first seven weeks mentioned as concerning the Second Coming of Christ.  Therefore, his interpretation of the rebuilding of Jerusalem in Daniel 9:25 is one that was to occur after the First Coming.

Newton makes a good point in listing erudite Church fathers who understood that the last week (especially the last half week) was distinct from the other weeks and that this held meaning.  Therefore, it follows that a similar distinction regarding the first week mentioned also holds significance.  It is important to note that Daniel never actually says that the seven weeks precede the sixty-two weeks.  This is something the reader assumes because the seven weeks are mentioned first.  Indeed, Daniel 9:26 even says that after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off.  The only time that the seven weeks are combined with the sixty-two weeks is in Daniel 9:24.  However, this verse is a summary that even includes the last week.  And it is worth noting that this verse also explains that the seventy weeks in total complete prophecy.  This aids Newton greatly as his theory allows for Second Coming events to be included in the seventy-weeks.  Without the inclusion of the Second Coming there could be no completion of prophecy.       

Whether the reader agrees with Newton or not he must be applauded for attempting to understand why this distinction in Daniel 9:25 was made; for surely God does not waste words (2 Tim. 3:16-17).



[1] A “week” is a set of seven.  Here in Daniel it refers to years.

 

Comments

  1. Newton was almost completely right. The thing he missed is that the coming at the end of the seven weeks is the coming of the anti-Christ. He is the ruler who will come. He is also the ruler mentioned together with the Anointed One. These are not two titles for the messiah. These are two separate people. First they are mentioned together, then the Anointed One is mentioned alone and then the ruler is mentioned alone. This is a prophecy of when the final seven years would begin. Of course,myounhavento know when the decree was issued. I would think the decree issued by the Israeli Knesset on June 27-28, 1967 to rebuild the city and proclaim it an Israeli city again would be a good start. The seven sevens would end in Oct 2015. The abomination of desolation would occur in April 2019. If you count forward 1290 days as Gabriel instructed Daniel, you come to the Day of Atonement in 2022. You can see a little more about this at 62cutoff.

  2. I don’t believe this will be Jesus but I do believe if newtons calculations are right it could be one of the two anointed……the one appears before the other and the one that appears first is elijah or as the jews know him messiah ben joseph….one of the two princes

    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 chapter 9 people there is no linquistic basis to add those two number the 49 and 62 and doing so does violence to the language of Daniel…those two numbers are separate and speak of the first coming and the second coming…62 weeks was fulfilled with the first coming and the……june 7 1967 began the 49 year count when Israel captured Jerusalem and the temple mount………add the 49 years according to Newtons riddle to June 7 1967 and you use 360 prophetic days of years times 49 and you come up with 17640 days and from the day Jerusalem was captured til 17640 days later is the “day of atonement 2015”

    I don’t believe this will be Jesus but I do believe if newtons calculations are right it could be one of the two anointed……the one appears before the other and the one that appears first is elijah or as the jews know him messiah ben joseph….one of the two princes

    ….

    Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.

    New Living TranslationNow listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler–the Anointed One–comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times.

    English Standard VersionKnow 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. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time.

    New American Standard Bible “So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.

    King James BibleKnow therefore and understand, thatfrom the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Princeshall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

    Holman Christian Standard BibleKnow and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince will be seven weeks and 62 weeks. It will be rebuilt with a plaza and a moat, but in difficult times.

    International Standard VersionSo be informed and discern that seven weeks and 62 weeks will elapse from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed Commander. The plaza and moat will be rebuilt, though in troubled times.

    NET BibleSo know and understand: From the issuing of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until an anointed one, a prince arrives, there will be a period of seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will again be built, with plaza and moat, but in distressful times.

    GOD’S WORD® TranslationLearn, then, and understand that from the time the command is given to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the anointed prince comes, seven sets of seven time periods and sixty-two sets of seven time periods will pass. Jerusalem will be restored and rebuilt with a city square and a moat during the troubles of those times.

    Jubilee Bible 2000Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the word to cause the people to return and to build Jerusalem unto the Anointed {Heb. Messiah} Prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks, while the street shall be built again and the wall, even in troublous times.

    King James 2000 BibleKnow 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 troublesome times.

    American King James VersionKnow therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and three score and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

    American Standard VersionKnow therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.

    Douay-Rheims BibleKnow thou therefore, and take notice: that from the going forth of the word, to build up Jerusalem again, unto Christ the prince, there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: and the street shall be built again, and the walls in straitness of times

    . Darby Bible TranslationKnow therefore and understand: From the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem unto Messiah, the Prince, are seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks. The street and the moat shall be built again, even in troublous times.

    English Revised VersionKnow therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks: and threescore and two weeks, it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.

    Webster’s Bible TranslationKnow therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and sixty and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

    World English BibleKnow therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.

    Young’s Literal TranslationAnd thou dost know, and dost consider wisely, from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem till Messiah the Leader is seven weeks, and sixty and two weeks: the broad place hath been built again, and the rampart, even in the distress of the times.

    • David Scott says

      The “ruler” and the “ruler who will come” are the same ruler. “The ruler who will come” is a reference back to the ruler and the coming already mentioned. He is the ruler who will set up the abomination in the temple of God. That is the man of lawlessness. If you get that, the rest falls into place.

  3. Possibly as it is written,”I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction and though he were a son yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered.” does anyone realize that Genesis 1:26 is ongoing (character development) into Eph.4:13 Psalms 17:15 2cor.3:18 Through the Jeremiah 31: 31 covenant sealed in his blood. Is it impossible to think Christ’s 3+1/2 years revealing. His Father and 1 John3:8 purpose of stripping authority is completion of covenant? Romans 8:29 2 Peter 1:2-4 note 3 HAS (already) given in Christ , past tense as in it is finshed .verse 2+4 +Philemon 6 appropriation 2nd Corinthians 10:4,5 substitution eating his flesh and drinking his blood Matt.4:4 for his words are spirit and they are life, thus the Word of God is made flesh thru yielded personalities, in vessels of clay who diligently seek Him.see Isaiah 45:11 57:15 …. So is it too hard to believe that Christ comes the second time first in his people? as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God. first John 3:1- 3.
    Is, personally don’t know is the tree of knowledge a substitute for Christ as in anti (like) in form radically different at root or foundation as in tree of life ( unselfishness) verses tree of knowledge SELFISH . Humility 1+2 Cor. 4:7 verses PRIDE proverbs 13:10. 1 Cor. 8:1 Has not spirit of Antichrist been since Christ’s first comming?
    Postulating second half of Dan.9:27* refers to Romans 8:18-23 with understanding that biblical adoption means coming into the mind will and purpose of the Father.Luke 1:72 Gen.3:15
    Thus the power of 2 Cor. 4:4 will be eliminated by wise virgins dispelling darkness,doing exploits, His bride with sufficient oil in their lamps …of course the brightness of His coming will put down all enemies
    *Great Tribulation
    It is noteworthy to remembered in the mouth of two or three witnesses let every word be established in reference to 42 similarities between Rev. chapter 6 through 10 and 14 through 19 perhaps more later have to go

  4. Daniel Chase says

    Thanks for this information. The Daniel 9 prophecy could be fulfilled in the fall of 2016. I believe it will be the fiftieth year from the 1966/1967 year, and thus be the next jubilee. Nonetheless, I have left room for a 2015,2016,2017 fulfillment of this prophecy. Ultimately it will all become clear to us when we see him. Keep looking up. It’s nearer than in 2015!

  5. Wonderful Father knows how to accentuate the positive.Ecclesiastics The Preacher says in the 666th.chapter of Bible starting at Genesis 1and counting to Ecc.7:2:7 behold this is what I have found says the preacher counting one by one to find out the account. Verse 8 (Resurrection) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof and the patient in spirit is it better than the proud in spirit. Also internet mentioned in Hebrew gematria verse 12 is word used equaling 666 concerning making profit ,prophetically pointing to today as last parable in Matt.13 :47 (Yahushua declaring to be the first and by far most important key parable) , the great net which will separate alias the World Wide Web www in Hebrew vau vau vau gematria =666 (Remember John 6:66) a prophetic warning as in difficulty in receiving truth contrary to popular interpretation. Of which we are instructed in Revelation 13:18 to investigate , so since Hebrews 13:8 is the absolute Word of God forever settled in heaven and changes not … Thus is the exceedingly great and precious promises that by these we Might be partakers of the divine nature being born again not of corruptible seed but of Incorruptible by the word of God which lives and abides forever. according to His divine power HAS given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who has called us to glory and virtue. So for this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil.To rectify (set in order) His Kingdom to complete Genesis 1:26 which has been ongoing especially since ( Messiah ) Daniel 2 another hard saying for later. To investigate more in Rev.13:18 one must start with The first seven in Hebrew in Gen.1:1 This Absolute study is inexhaustible but so is Thee Word of God yet in a short study you will have absolute proof (that is quite a statement to show anyone who knows how to count ),that they are dealing with that which changes not , The Father who searches our hearts and decerns our thoughts
    Heb.4:12 with the light of His Word John 8:12 ,
    + 6:63 ! IN “the beginning of wonders”,by mathematician Vernon Jenkins, this guaranteed, will mind Boggle anyone who has a hunger to know the truth.personally have only studied 3 hours realizing as Jacob Yahcov’s book “The Genesis Factor” (on Gen.chapter one) is infinite in scope and understanding … ! Thus Jenkins’s work reveals 666 is integral in Gen.1:1 someday soon would like to read His book The Ultimate Assertion” DeVern Fromke wrote “The Ultimate Intention” Recommending it more than any other book except The Bible.
    Now all that was said to accentuate Ecc.7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof ! In Luke 1:72 to remember His holy covenant… Lev.26:42 ( because man has not re/membered {to join himself} every Sabbath back to His Purpose to know and enjoy Him) The forth commandment established in Gen.2 for sanctification. In Luke 4:16-21 we see Jesus reading about His first coming yet stops in middle of passage closing the book declaring the scripture being fulfilled In their ears…. Yet the second half of verse His second coming in judgement ! In John 20:21 Yahushua said Peace be unto you as my Father has sent me even so send I you …see Hebrews 5:8,9 John.5:19,30 15:5-8 these are key in understanding not by might or power but by My Spirit …I AM THAT I AM from glory to glory transforming you into yielded vessels to reveal My Son in you 2Cor.3:17,18 Romans 12:1,2 Col.3:1-3 Gal.2:20 ….1 John 3:16-23. I AM THE WAY law, I AM THE TRUTH principle I AM THE LIFE enabling SPIRIT. SO What pleases the Father? (The same is everyone’s biggest TEST
    Matt.8:10-12 Gen.3:1) is not Pro.3:5-8 to counteract Gen.5-8 Another Key Verse Pro.13:10 and ICor.10:13 Thus we must be well advised growing in Grace and Knowledge of Jesus The Word to discern 2 Cor.10:4-6.
    What is The Father seek? Eph.5:32? Certainly He as Father Luke 3:38 He Desires a harmonious forever family ?
    So Jesus ministered for 3+1/2 years, approximately 3+1/2 years after ressurection Yahushua gave faithful Steven a standing ovation Heb.1:3 catching the attention of Saul who soon after was apprehended of Messiah. Paul shares in Romans 8 The adoption process which was generally use only for one’s own offspring verses18-23 Coming into the Mind , Will, and Purpose of the Father ( is it not all about CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT? Again Gen.1:26 ongoing?) . in order to confer responsible and authority (dominion),to mature personalities? As the Father sent Me so send I you. Thus in the Great Tribulation Period 3-1/2 years The Father will complete His covenant by establishing The perfection of His bride by fulfilling Eph.4:13 In those who allow discipline of adoption…[These firey severnts will put Satan under His heel as Messiah stripped Him of His authority His pre second coming will be first in His people to strip devil of his power of lies]
    This is sketcky So see Rev.14 and don’t miss Rev.20:4-6*** There are many more scriptures to show this MAY be correct interpretation Dan.9:27 Messiah first comes in His People to confirm judgement . Then before earth is consumed 2 Peter 3:9,10 Yahushua comes for His people.
    Issac Newton A Prince with God studied Daniel for 77 years declaring his favorite book… will share pertinent information at later time Father permitting …must go

  6. You state above that “The events of the seventieth week have not yet occurred (Dan. 9:24; 27)”. Would you feel comfortable telling me what you think of the pretribulation rapture theory? Thanks.

    Art

  7. Robert Johnston says

    It needs to be made clear that the prophetic interpretation of the Apocalypse largely refers to.the spiritual and political events concerning the fate of the Roman.Empire.(the ‘earth’). It is only at the seventh.vial (“it is finished”) when massive wars, revolutions and aerial bombing are alluded to that events are applied to the whole globe ( ie the 20th century). Previous fairly accurate interpretations show that penultimate events with preceding judgments fit well with the French Revolution, Napoleon and the ending of papal.power. It is likely that what will happen in 2060 (or after) will similarly be a great spiritual and political change in Europe and across the globe, rather than the visible return of Christ. We Europeans suffered far more in the last hundred years than those in the New World.

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