Daniel 9:24-27 – Past Present Future? Symbolic vs. Literal Views

Bob Hunt continues his verse-by-verse examination of this important eschatological passage. As he unpacks the passage he will focus in on whether these verses should be held as being in the “Past, Present or Future”. A person’s view will have many theological and eschatological implications. If all in the past then Daniel’s seventieth week has a far different meaning than if in the future. A second focal point is whether these verses were intended to be taken symbolically or literally. If symbolically then dating is less significant as we unfold the symbolic meaning behind the various events. If literally, then we should be able to point to times when these events took place. In the first two sessions, concerning verses 9:24-25, we saw how it was reasonable to hold to a literal view and see dates and times as historically recorded. In this third session, Bob will continue to look at these two focal points. Most will agree that the events in verse 9:26 have already occurred in our past and are recorded in our history books. However, when comparing the symbolic view to the literal view the differences become strikingly apparent. The symbolic view sees this verse starting with Jesus baptism or cross and continuing until His return (still in our future). During this time the temple and city are destroyed and the nation of Israel is no longer the focal point. Since Jesus has not returned those alive today are living in the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week. This will be further investigated and explained in session four. In contrast the literalist continues to interpret these verses as literal years and events. However they cannot simply add the seven years after the seven weeks and sixty-two weeks because then the prophecy would have ended in 37AD. Bob Hunt discusses the need and plausibility of inserting a gap of time in between the sixty-ninth week and the seventieth week. This gap of time pushes the final seven years into our future. This maintains a literal point of view and a futurist view for the completion of Daniel’s prophecy. The purpose of this gap is also explained. Rather than replacing Israel the gospel is preached and gentiles are added to the tree while maintaining Israel as a nation. Romans 11:25-26 offers a great explanation. In conclusion Bob challenges the listener to consider all the arguments and determine the most reasonable point of view, symbolic or literal. Either most, or all, of the events of Daniel 9:24-27 have occurred or there is a seven year period of time yet to be experienced.