Daniel 9:26
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Daniel 9:26
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.
Chapter Context
Daniel 9 is a apocalyptic and narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, mercy, redemption. Written during the Babylonian and Persian periods (c. 605-530 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Demonstrates faithful living under foreign rule during the Babylonian and Persian empires.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Daniel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Daniel 9:26
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.
Analysis
The prophecy foretells tragedy: '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.' 'Messiah be cut off' predicts His death. 'Not for himself' indicates substitutionary atonement—dying for others' sins. The 'people of the prince' (Romans) destroyed Jerusalem and temple in AD 70. The language of flood and desolation describes thorough destruction. This prophecy encompasses both Christ's atoning death and Jerusalem's later judgment.
Historical Context
Jesus's crucifixion occurred approximately AD 30-33, fulfilling 'Messiah be cut off.' The phrase 'not for himself' echoes Isaiah 53's Suffering Servant dying for others' sins. Roman armies under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70, razing the temple and killing an estimated 1 million Jews (Josephus). Jesus predicted this destruction (Matthew 24; Luke 19:41-44). The prophecy's dual focus—Messiah's death and Jerusalem's destruction—shows redemptive history's trajectory: atonement followed by judgment on those who rejected Messiah.
Reflection
- How does 'cut off but not for himself' provide Old Testament foundation for understanding Christ's substitutionary atonement?
- What does the prophecy linking Messiah's death to Jerusalem's destruction teach about rejecting God's provision bringing judgment?
Word Studies
- Messiah: מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) H4899 - Anointed one, Messiah
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 8:7, 53:8, Nahum 1:8, Matthew 24:2, Mark 9:12, 13:2