The 70th Week

Greetings, beloved of the Lord

Daniel’s 70th week, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27, represents the climactic period of human history, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His millennial kingdom. This seven-year period is marked by the interplay of divine judgments, Satanic schemes, and God's redemptive purposes. The events of this week are detailed in various scriptures, particularly in the Book of Revelation, and include the seven trumpets, the ministry of the two witnesses, the war in heaven, the Beast system, and the bowls of judgment. This essay comprehensively explores these events, correlating them with scriptural references and their theological implications.

The 70th Week Begins After Seal 6

Daniel’s 70th week begins after the cosmic disturbances described in Seal 6, as detailed in Revelation 6:12-17. These events signal the transition into the Day of the Lord, a period marked by divine intervention and judgment. The opening of Seal 6 causes humanity to recognize the impending wrath of God and the Lamb, setting the stage for the covenant of the Antichrist and the unfolding of the 70th week.

The Covenant Established by the Antichrist

The 70th week is inaugurated with a covenant made by the Antichrist with many, including Israel. Daniel 9:27 states, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation.” This covenant likely involves a promise of peace and the restoration of temple worship in Jerusalem, signaling a deceptive gesture of goodwill toward Israel and the nations. However, it sets the stage for betrayal, as the Antichrist’s true intentions emerge.

The Seven Trumpets

The seven trumpets, described in Revelation 8–11, unfold sequentially, marking escalating divine judgments:

1. First Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood burn a third of the earth, trees, and grass (Revelation 8:7).
2. Second Trumpet: A burning mountain is cast into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood and destroying marine life and ships (Revelation 8:8-9).
3. Third Trumpet: A great star, Wormwood, poisons a third of the waters, causing many to die (Revelation 8:10-11).
4. Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are darkened, disrupting natural light cycles (Revelation 8:12).
5. Fifth Trumpet (First Woe): Demonic locusts torment humanity for five months (Revelation 9:1-11).
6. Sixth Trumpet (Second Woe): Four angels released from the Euphrates unleash an army that kills a third of humanity (Revelation 9:13-21).
7. Seventh Trumpet (Third Woe): Signals the climax of God’s plan, declaring, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah” (Revelation 11:15).

These judgments progressively devastate the earth, compelling humanity to confront God’s sovereignty.

The Two Witnesses

The ministry of the two witnesses spans the first half of the 70th week. Revelation 11:3-6 describes them as empowered to prophesy for 1,260 days, performing miracles akin to those of Moses and Elijah. They call for repentance, warn of impending judgment, and confront the Antichrist’s false peace. Their death at the hands of the Beast (Revelation 11:7) and subsequent resurrection after three days (Revelation 11:11-12) demonstrate God’s power and herald the seventh trumpet.

The War in Heaven and Satan’s Containment on Earth

Revelation 12:7-12 recounts a cosmic battle where Michael and his angels defeat Satan and his forces, casting them to earth. This war is not merely a cosmic struggle but a preparatory act for the cleansing of the heavenly temple. Daniel 8:14 references a prophetic cleansing, stating, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.” Satan’s expulsion signifies the removal of all defilement from heaven, ensuring the temple’s readiness for its ultimate reconsecration. Verse 12 of Revelation 12 warns, “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” This event marks the midpoint of the 70th week, intensifying Satan’s persecution of Israel and believers (Revelation 12:13-17).

Jerusalem as Sodom and Egypt and the Whore of Babylon

Revelation 11:8 describes Jerusalem as “Sodom and Egypt,” reflecting its spiritual apostasy and moral corruption. This aligns with Old Testament imagery where Israel’s idolatry and alliances with pagan nations were likened to harlotry (Ezekiel 16, Hosea 2). Revelation 17 portrays the whore of Babylon as a city that embodies spiritual unfaithfulness and worldly power, closely associating apostate Jerusalem with Mystery Babylon. Like Israel in the Old Testament, Jerusalem’s betrayal of God’s covenant leads to severe judgment.

The Abomination of Desolation and the Antichrist’s Betrayal

At the midpoint of the 70th week, the Antichrist betrays his covenant, desecrating the rebuilt temple with the abomination that causes desolation (Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). This act, prophesied in Daniel 9:27 and 11:31, involves the cessation of temple sacrifices and the establishment of idol worship, compelling humanity to worship the Beast (Revelation 13:15).

The Beast System and the Mark of the Beast

The Beast system represents the culmination of Satan’s rebellion, manifesting in a global political, economic, and religious structure (Revelation 13:1-18). The Antichrist, empowered by Satan, demands worship and enforces the mark of the Beast, a symbol of allegiance enabling participation in commerce. Revelation 13:16-17 states, “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads.” Refusal results in economic exclusion and persecution.

The Bowls of Judgment

The final judgments, the seven bowls, are described in Revelation 16:

1. First Bowl: Painful sores afflict those with the mark of the Beast (Revelation 16:2).
2. Second Bowl: The sea turns to blood, killing all marine life (Revelation 16:3).
3. Third Bowl: Rivers and springs turn to blood (Revelation 16:4-7).
4. Fourth Bowl: The sun scorches humanity with intense heat (Revelation 16:8-9).
5. Fifth Bowl: Darkness and agony afflict the Beast’s kingdom (Revelation 16:10-11).
6. Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates dries up, preparing for Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16).
7. Seventh Bowl: A global earthquake and hailstorm devastate the earth, signaling the end of judgment (Revelation 16:17-21).

The Return of Jesus Christ

Christ’s return occurs at the culmination of Daniel’s 70th week. Isaiah 63:1-6 depicts Him coming from Edom, His garments stained with the blood of His enemies. Zechariah 12:10 prophesies Israel’s repentance, saying, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child.” Zechariah 14:4 describes His feet standing on the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two. Revelation 19:11-16 portrays Christ as the victorious King, leading the armies of heaven to defeat the Beast and his forces at Armageddon (Revelation 19:19-21).

Conclusion

Daniel’s 70th week is a profound demonstration of God’s justice, mercy, and sovereignty. Through the seven trumpets, the ministry of the two witnesses, the war in heaven, and the bowls of judgment, God confronts humanity’s rebellion while extending opportunities for repentance. The Antichrist’s covenant and betrayal, the abomination of desolation, and the Beast system reveal the depth of Satanic deception and human sin. Yet, the return of Christ fulfills God’s redemptive plan, restoring creation and establishing His eternal kingdom. As foretold in scripture, this period underscores the ultimate triumph of God’s righteousness and the hope of His faithful.