Definition: Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex Bible verse together. It’s a really rich and detailed prophecy about the future of Israel (the nation God chose) and its relationship with God. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a long period of time – roughly 73 years – where God is actively working to correct things that are wrong in Israel, ultimately leading to a perfect and righteous future for the nation. It’s about a carefully orchestrated plan to restore everything back to its original state of righteousness with God. Let's unpack it word by word: “Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks…” – This is the most confusing part at first. It means "73 years" – this is the starting point of the prophecy. It’s a specific number, and it’s being used to describe a very long period. “…are determined upon thy people…” - This means God has already decided on this long timeframe. He's setting it in motion. “…and upon thy holy city…” – This refers back to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. It’s about a specific event happening within that city. "...to finish the transgression..." - "Transgression" means a breaking of God's rules or laws. This verse talks about a series of wrongdoings and offenses that have happened throughout history – things like idolatry (worshiping other gods), injustice, rebellion against God, and broken promises. "...and to make an end of sins…” - This is the core message: God wants to completely cleanse Israel of its sins and bring about a period of peace and righteousness. It's not just about fixing some sins; it’s about eliminating all sins. "...and to make reconciliation for iniquity..." – “Iniquity” means guilt, wrongdoing, or moral debt. God wants to restore Israel’s relationship with him by making up for the sins they've committed. It's a way of saying they need to return to God and be forgiven. "...and to bring in everlasting righteousness..." – This is about achieving a truly perfect state of goodness and justice. It’s not just temporary forgiveness; it's lasting, eternal rightness. "...and to seal up the vision and prophecy…” - This is a crucial part. The verse says that God will protect this prophecy (the plan) and keep it safe for a very long time. It’s like putting a special seal on it so it can't be changed or misinterpreted. "...and to anoint the most Holy…” - This refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was where God would offer sacrifices and communicate with his people. Anointing signifies that God is placing something special and important – the restoration of Israel – at its highest point. In essence, this verse describes a long-term plan for God to restore Israel to its former glory - to bring about a time of complete justice, forgiveness, and ultimately, eternal righteousness. Important Note: This is a complex and debated passage in biblical prophecy. Different interpretations exist among scholars. It's often interpreted as a promise of future events – perhaps a period of significant upheaval or challenges – but also emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty and plan for His people. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/prophecies/Daniel-9-24-73-weeks](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/prophecies/Daniel-9-24-73-weeks) The Bible Project: [https://thebibletreatment.com/bible-project/daniel-9-24-seventy-weeks/](https://thebibletreatment.com/bible-project/daniel-9-24-seventy-weeks/) Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse? Talk about how it's interpreted by different religious traditions?