Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse from Daniel 9:26. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about Jesus Christ and His role in the future. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “After three years, Messiah (Jesus) will be put under restrictions or limitations – he’ll be ‘cut off.’ But this isn’t because he wants to be restricted. It’s because the people of a powerful ruler (the Prince) will come and destroy everything.” Let's unpack that a little further: “And after three scores and two weeks…” This refers to a period of time, roughly 1847 years before Jesus’s birth in Jerusalem. It’s a long time! “…shall Messiah be cut off…” This is the core of the verse. The Messiah – Jesus – is being given a period of restriction and punishment. “But not for himself” - This is a crucial part. It's not about him wanting to be restricted for personal gain or revenge. It’s a divine punishment for wrongdoing. “And the people of the prince that shall come…” – This refers to a powerful ruler (often interpreted as the Roman Empire), who is called "the Prince." This ruler is the one coming to destroy the city and the sanctuary. “…shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.” - The city represents Jerusalem, and the sanctuary represents the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem – a place of holiness and worship where God’s presence was felt. Destroying them symbolizes a complete destruction of everything that's sacred to God. “And unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” - This is the really dramatic part. The “war” refers to a significant period of conflict, and it’s being described as lasting ‘to the end.’ This suggests a long and devastating struggle that will result in widespread destruction and chaos. What's the Big Picture? The verse speaks about a time when God is deliberately testing and punishing those who have disobeyed Him. It’s a message of judgment, but it also has implications for our lives – we need to be careful what we do and how we treat each other because of this impending time of reckoning. Important Note: There's a lot of debate among theologians about exactly what the "Prince" is and what kind of wrongdoing is being punished. It’s often interpreted as a symbolic representation of worldly power and corruption, but it also has a significant theological meaning regarding the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. Resources for Further Learning: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Daniel%209%2C26](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Daniel%209%2C26) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-9-26.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Daniel-9-26.html) Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Compare it to other biblical prophecies about judgment and the end times?