The Jesus Institute Forum Interpretation of the 70 Weeks

tall73 · ex-Seventh-day Adventist Joined: 04 Aug 2004 Posts: 96

As I recall guibox was studying on the Jesus Institute Forum, and this is their major thrust, understanding the 70 weeks within a covenant context, particularly looking at the Jubilee cycle as an OT expression of both the plan of salvation, and an encouragement to social action.

Therefore, though they admit that there are parallels to the actions in Daniel 8, 11, etc. (as your book points out Eugene), they say that this particular reference is christological.

Their primary reason for saying this, even against the evidence that it is talking about the same power of chapter 8 and 11, is that Jesus applies the prophecies, and this one in particular they believe, to Himself. His use of the term Son of Man, and his acceptance of the title Messiah, which they see as used only here in the OT (though they don't really mention the intertestamental literature) indicate that he saw Himself as fulfilling this prophecy. They also note Jesus frequent reference to the timing of his baptism and death. They further point out that this was a non-conditional element in the book, while the acceptance of the Messiah, and witness about him are the primary causes of conditionality.

They believe that all of the prophecies in this chapter point to a first century inaugeration of the kingdom of God. They also feel that Jesus could have/should have come in the first century. They take Ford's general view of the sanctuary in Hebrews, and believe that the Son of Man scene in Daniel 7 is a picture of Jesus' ascension after his death. They also believe the judgement started then, citing John 12 (now the prince of this world is cast out, now is the time for judgement of this world, etc.)

Their particular emphasis is to analyze the 70 weeks as a period of jubilee sabbaths. They reference the verses which cite that the land was enjoying its sabbaths during the 70 years of promised captivity, making up for the ones it never celebrated in the jubiliee cycle. Then they see that a new cycle starts with the 70 weeks, a time of probation for the Jews, to see if after their deliverance they will keep the covenant again. The cycle ends with the messiah being introduced, and actual redemption being bought. They therefore feel it is the Messiah who puts an end to sacrifice.

This, in their view. also explains the odd use of 7 weeks and 69 weeks, as they say it is emphasizing the first 7 year cycle at the beginning, and one at the end, with 69 merely being what is left.

In other words, they are fairly traditional in their interpretation of the 70 weeks by SDA standards, believing it to be a messianic prophecy, though they reject the year day principle, saying this phrase, as many commentators seem to agree, indicates years all by itself.

They do however disagree with the traditional SDA view on the 2300 days etc.

They believe that the decree to rebuild and restore Jerusalem COULD have started with Gabriels message to Daniel, as Cottrel believes, but was finally completed with Artexerxes' decree. They pretty much admit that they do this to make the dates work...and in light of the comment by Ezra.

Overall it is an interesting view on the jubilee cycle, but some stretching is done, or at least they seem to admit that it appears that way, simply so they can affirm it is christological.