Grace in Focus: The Importance of Daniel 9:24-27 and Daniel’s Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks

Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Bob Wilkin (Grace Evangelical Society)
Guest: Philippe Sterling
Length: Approx. 13 mins

Overview:

This episode dives into Daniel 9:24-27, a foundational passage for biblical prophecy and dispensational theology. Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling explore the meaning and implications of Daniel’s prophecy of the Seventy Weeks, how it aligns with the timeline of Christ’s ministry, its significance for end-times events, and the crucial distinction between issues of justification and eschatological understanding.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Eschatology & Personal Anecdotes

• Eschatology – Derived from the Greek “eschatos” (meaning “last”): the study of last things or end-times.
• Lighthearted banter about Greek names, setting a friendly, conversational tone.

“I named him Eschatos … because he was always late.” — Bob Wilkin, (02:13)

2. Context & Chronology of Daniel 9:24-27

• Philippe Sterling explicates: Dispensationalists understand each “week” as a period of 7 years, thus 70 weeks equals 490 years.
• Reference to Harold Hoehner’s chronology: From the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (444 B.C.) to Jesus’ triumphal entry (33 A.D.) is 69 weeks, or 483 years—leaving one “week” yet future.

“Dispensationalists … believe, and I’m convinced this is the only way to understand Daniel 9:27, is that each of these weeks represents seven years.” — Philippe Sterling, (03:35)

3. Verse-by-Verse Walkthrough

a. Daniel 9:24 – The Purpose of the 70 Weeks

• Six goals are identified for Israel and Jerusalem, culminating in “everlasting righteousness.”

“Notice we’re bringing in everlasting righteousness. This is a reference to the coming kingdom ... it will be everlasting.” — Philippe Sterling, (04:58)

b. Daniel 9:25 – The Starting Point and Division of the Weeks

• The “command to restore and build Jerusalem” refers to Artaxerxes’ decree to Nehemiah (444 B.C.).
• 7 weeks + 62 weeks = 69 weeks (483 years) to Messiah's arrival.

“That would have been in 444 B.C. … Dr. Hoehner then takes the chronology from 444-33 A.D.” — Bob Wilkin, (05:44)

c. Daniel 9:26 – Messiah Cut Off & Destruction of Jerusalem

• After the 62 weeks (or the total 69), “Messiah shall be cut off”—understood as the crucifixion.
• “The people of the prince who is to come” refers to the Romans, who destroy Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D.

“The Romans who destroyed the city in 70 A.D … out of that, in the 70th week, there will be a prince to come.” — Bob Wilkin, (09:30)

d. Daniel 9:27 – The Final, Future Week

• A coming “prince” (interpreted as the Antichrist) will make a covenant for one week (seven years), breaking it halfway and setting up the “abomination of desolation.”

“In the middle of the week, he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. … Proclaims himself to be God and to be worshipped as God.” — Bob Wilkin, (12:07)

• This event is paralleled in Jesus’ Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24).

4. The “Times of the Gentiles” Debate

• Discussion about when the “times of the Gentiles” ends—one view (Zane Hodges) saying 1967 (Israel regains Jerusalem), Bob and Philippe maintain it goes until the end of the 70th week, when Jesus returns.

“I hold the view … that I think we’re still in the time of the Gentiles … it won’t end until the end of Daniel’s 70th week.” — Bob Wilkin, (10:59)

5. “Abomination of Desolation” Explained

• Midway through the 70th week, Antichrist desecrates the temple with an image, demanding worship—echoed in Revelation and Matthew 24.

“Sets up an image of the beast in the temple, the rebuilt tribulation temple that is there, and desecrates it … proclaims himself to be God and to be worshipped as God.” — Bob Wilkin, (12:07)

6. Theological Significance & Prophetic Importance

• Prophecy “opens up … like a flower,” showing both fulfilled and future events.

“The dispensational understanding of Daniel 9:24-27 really opens up prophecy like a flower. … There are so many prophecies fulfilled in this passage and some which are yet future.” — Philippe Sterling, (12:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Precision of Biblical Chronology:
  “It comes out exactly 483 years because it leaves off the 70th seven. It’s 69 weeks.” — Philippe Sterling, (03:35)
• On the Crucifixion as Fulfillment:
  “Messiah comes and enters in 33 AD and is killed … that would be Calvary.” — Bob Wilkin & Philippe Sterling, (08:21–08:29)
• On the Abomination of Desolation:
  “He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering … and desecrates [the temple]; in essence proclaims himself to be God.” — Bob Wilkin, (12:07)
• On Eschatological Puzzles:
  "I hope you all can see that the dispensational understanding of Daniel 9:24-27 really opens up prophecy like a flower." — Philippe Sterling, (12:29)

Important Timestamps

• 01:04 — Start of eschatology discussion
• 03:35 — Explanation of 70 weeks as 490 years
• 04:34–05:23 — Reading of Daniel 9:24-25 and initial interpretation
• 06:16 — The Messiah’s arrival and the 69 “weeks”
• 08:21–08:29 — Messiah “cut off” (crucifixion) explained
• 09:30 — Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
• 10:59–11:20 — “Times of the Gentiles” discussion
• 12:07 — Abomination of Desolation defined
• 12:29 — Prophetic implications and future discussion

Conclusion

The episode offers a concise yet deep dive into Daniel 9:24-27, laying out dispensational interpretations and their implications for understanding both the First and Second Comings of Christ, the timeline of the end times, and the promise of God’s everlasting kingdom. Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling’s discussion combines scholarly insight, scriptural exposition, and practical clarity—making this a rich resource for anyone curious about biblical prophecy and eschatological hope.