Last Week we studied:Last Week we studied:

Four Interpretive Approaches to Revelation Four Interpretive Approaches to Revelation Idealist – Preterist – Historicist - Idealist – Preterist – Historicist -

FuturistFuturistThree views of the Millenium Three views of the Millenium Pre-Millennial – Post-millennial Pre-Millennial – Post-millennial

A-MillennialA-MillennialFour views of the rapture Four views of the rapture Pre-Tribulation – Mid-Tribulation – Pre-Pre-Tribulation – Mid-Tribulation – Pre-

wrath Tribulation – Post-Tribulationwrath Tribulation – Post-TribulationEight reasons why prophecy is so importantEight reasons why prophecy is so importantTwo primary ways to interpret scripture: Two primary ways to interpret scripture:

the literal and the allegoricalthe literal and the allegorical

We learned what we don’t want to doWe learned what we don’t want to do

Put God in a BoxPut God in a BoxNo man has a perfect handle on No man has a perfect handle on

prophecy. Every point of view has its prophecy. Every point of view has its complications, but God is bigger than any complications, but God is bigger than any

system in which we place Him!!!system in which we place Him!!!

Above all we learned the most Above all we learned the most important thing to know when important thing to know when

studying prophecy is:studying prophecy is:

No study of prophecy is good No study of prophecy is good if it doesn’t encourage us to if it doesn’t encourage us to “watch, pray, and be wise”.“watch, pray, and be wise”.

Tonight we take a Tonight we take a look at the…look at the…

                                           

Tonight we will learn:Tonight we will learn:

The Various Terms for the TribulationThe Various Terms for the Tribulation

The Nature of the TribulationThe Nature of the Tribulation

The Three-Fold Purpose of the TribulationThe Three-Fold Purpose of the Tribulation

The Seventy Weeks of DanielThe Seventy Weeks of Daniel

Why the Tribulation is Seven Years LongWhy the Tribulation is Seven Years Long

Why there is a Gap Between the 69Why there is a Gap Between the 69thth & 70 & 70thth weekweek

The event that initiates the TribulationThe event that initiates the Tribulation

TERMS FOR THE TRIBULATIONTERMS FOR THE TRIBULATION

1. The Great Tribulation - 1. The Great Tribulation - Mt. 24:21Mt. 24:21

2. Daniel’s Seventieth Week 2. Daniel’s Seventieth Week “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression,” and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression,” Dan. 9:24Dan. 9:24

3. The Time Of Jacob’s Trouble 3. The Time Of Jacob’s Trouble Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble ; but he shall it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble ; but he shall be saved out of it. Jer. 30:7be saved out of it. Jer. 30:7

4. The Day of the Lord – 4. The Day of the Lord – Multiple Ref.Multiple Ref.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Mt. 24:21time, no, nor ever shall be. Mt. 24:21

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of thy great prince which stands for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Dan 12:1the book. Dan 12:1

The Nature of the TribulationThe Nature of the Tribulation

The Tribulation will be a time of The Tribulation will be a time of unprecedented:unprecedented:

1. Tribulation1. Tribulation2. Satanic and Human Wrath2. Satanic and Human Wrath3. Wrath of God on unbelievers3. Wrath of God on unbelievers4. Destruction4. Destruction5. Global Famine, Disease, and starvation5. Global Famine, Disease, and starvation6. Global Death - Billions6. Global Death - Billions7. Persecution of Israel 7. Persecution of Israel 8. Martyrdom of the Saints8. Martyrdom of the Saints9. Global Government Authority9. Global Government Authority10. Supernatural Events10. Supernatural Events

The Three-Fold Purpose of The Three-Fold Purpose of the 70the 70thth Week Week

There are only three stated There are only three stated reasons given in the scripture reasons given in the scripture as to the purpose of a “Great as to the purpose of a “Great Tribulation”.Tribulation”.

1. To Punish the Whole World1. To Punish the Whole WorldFor, behold, the For, behold, the

LORD cometh out of his LORD cometh out of his place to punish the place to punish the inhabitants of the earth inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. Is. more cover her slain. Is. 26:2126:21

The same shall The same shall drink of the wine of drink of the wine of the wrath of God, the wrath of God, which is poured out which is poured out without mixture into the without mixture into the cup of his indignation cup of his indignation Rev. 14:10Rev. 14:10

Why? Because the earth chooses an anti-Why? Because the earth chooses an anti-Christ and rejects His Christ, and chooses Christ and rejects His Christ, and chooses a harlot religion who kills God’s saints.a harlot religion who kills God’s saints.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…. Dan. 9:24people and upon thy holy city…. Dan. 9:24

• To Finish the TransgressionTo Finish the Transgression

• To Make an End to SinsTo Make an End to Sins

• To Make Reconciliation for IniquityTo Make Reconciliation for Iniquity

• To Bring in Everlasting RighteousnessTo Bring in Everlasting Righteousness

• To Seal Up the VisionTo Seal Up the Vision

• To Anoint the Most HolyTo Anoint the Most Holy

2. To Complete Israel’s punishment2. To Complete Israel’s punishment

7 Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like 7 Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he

shall be saved out of it. 8 For it shall come to pass shall be saved out of it. 8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will

break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve bonds, and strangers shall no more serve

themselves of him: 9 But they shall serve the themselves of him: 9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I LORD their God, and David their king, whom I

will raise up unto them. Cont.will raise up unto them. Cont.

3. To prepare Israel to receive their 3. To prepare Israel to receive their Messiah Messiah

10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant 10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, says the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Jacob, says the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save you from afar, and your Israel: for, lo, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid. Jer. 30:7-10none shall make [him] afraid. Jer. 30:7-10

……and they shall look upon me whom they and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for [his] only [son], and shall be in mourns for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn. Zech. 12: 10[his] firstborn. Zech. 12: 10

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, Romans 11:26 Romans 11:26 Cont. Cont.

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!" declares the against the man who is close to me!" declares the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the LORD Almighty. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones. 8 In the whole land," against the little ones. 8 In the whole land," declares the LORD, "two-thirds will be struck declares the LORD, "two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. 9 down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. 9 This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, `They are my people,' and they will say, `The say, `They are my people,' and they will say, `The LORD is our God.'" Zech. 13:7-9LORD is our God.'" Zech. 13:7-9

One can clearly see the Jewish nature of the One can clearly see the Jewish nature of the TribulationTribulation

WHAT IS A WEEK?WHAT IS A WEEK?Seventy – Heb. “Shibiym” Seventy – Heb. “Shibiym” Weeks – Heb. “Shabua” literally “sevens”Weeks – Heb. “Shabua” literally “sevens”

It can mean a week of days, years, or It can mean a week of days, years, or millenniamillennia

And you shall number seven Sabbaths of And you shall number seven Sabbaths of years unto you, seven times seven years ; and the years unto you, seven times seven years ; and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years . (7x7= 7 weeks) Lev. 25:8thee forty and nine years . (7x7= 7 weeks) Lev. 25:8

The Jews were just as familiar with weeks of The Jews were just as familiar with weeks of years as they were with weeks of days. years as they were with weeks of days.

THE ACTUAL TIME OF THE ACTUAL TIME OF JUDGMENTJUDGMENT

Seventy sevens or weeks is 490 yearsSeventy sevens or weeks is 490 years

The purpose of this 490 year judgment is The purpose of this 490 year judgment is to punish Israel for failing to keep her land to punish Israel for failing to keep her land Sabbaths. Sabbaths.

70 years of exile into Babylon was one 70 years of exile into Babylon was one year of punishment for every Sabbath year year of punishment for every Sabbath year not kept. God inflicted Israel also with a not kept. God inflicted Israel also with a 7-fold judgment that multiplied 70 into 490.7-fold judgment that multiplied 70 into 490.

WHY SEVENTY WEEKS?WHY SEVENTY WEEKS?Israel was supposed to keep land SabbathsIsrael was supposed to keep land Sabbaths

When ye come into the land which I give you, When ye come into the land which I give you, then shall the land keep a Sabbath unto the LORD. then shall the land keep a Sabbath unto the LORD. 3 Six years thou shall sow thy field, and six 3 Six years thou shall sow thy field, and six years thou shall prune thy vineyard, and gather in years thou shall prune thy vineyard, and gather in the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be the fruit thereof; 4 But in the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the a Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the LORD: …But in the seventh year shall be a LORD: …But in the seventh year shall be a Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the Sabbath of rest unto the land, a Sabbath for the LORD: … Read Lev. 25:2-8LORD: … Read Lev. 25:2-8

God warned Israel if they were disobedientGod warned Israel if they were disobedient

Then shall the land enjoy her Sabbaths, as long as Then shall the land enjoy her Sabbaths, as long as it lies desolate, and you [be] in your enemies' land; it lies desolate, and you [be] in your enemies' land; [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her [even] then shall the land rest, and enjoy her Sabbaths. 35 As long as it lies desolate it shall Sabbaths. 35 As long as it lies desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your Sabbaths, when rest; because it did not rest in your Sabbaths, when you dwelt upon it. Lev. 26:34you dwelt upon it. Lev. 26:34

If Israel disobeyed her punishment If Israel disobeyed her punishment would be seven-foldwould be seven-fold

And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. Lev. 26:18 sins. Lev. 26:18

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. Jer. 29:10you to return to this place. Jer. 29:10

To fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth To fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years. Sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years.

II Chron. 36:21 II Chron. 36:21

The 70 years is not seven-foldThe 70 years is not seven-fold

7X70 = 490 years = 70 weeks7X70 = 490 years = 70 weeksIsrael spent one year in Babylon for every land Sabbath they Israel spent one year in Babylon for every land Sabbath they

did not keep. But God also inflicts them with a seven-fold judgment did not keep. But God also inflicts them with a seven-fold judgment of 7X70. We always reap more than we sow when we disobey God. of 7X70. We always reap more than we sow when we disobey God.

7070thth WEEK EQUATION WEEK EQUATION

Know therefore and understand, [that] from Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: Dan. 9:25-26himself: Dan. 9:25-26

……and the people of and the people of the prince that shall come shall shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Dan. 9:26-27Dan. 9:26-27

7070thth WEEK EQUATION WEEK EQUATION Cont.Cont.

7070thth WEEK EQUATION WEEK EQUATION Cont.Cont.

7 weeks = 49 years7 weeks = 49 years

62 weeks = 434 years62 weeks = 434 years

1 1 week = week = 7 years7 years

70 weeks = 490 years 70 weeks = 490 years

483 years have been fulfilled 483 years have been fulfilled

The Command to Rebuild Jerusalem The Command to Rebuild Jerusalem

March 14March 14thth 445 BC – Dan. 9:25a; Neh. 2:1-8 445 BC – Dan. 9:25a; Neh. 2:1-8

Unto Messiah the Prince – Triumphal EntryUnto Messiah the Prince – Triumphal Entry

April 6April 6thth, 32 AD, 32 AD

483 years – 69 weeks483 years – 69 weeks

Messiah cut off – crucifixionMessiah cut off – crucifixion

2000 year gap2000 year gap

1 week remains1 week remains

7070thth Week Illustrated in Chart Week Illustrated in Chart

Command to Command to rebuild rebuild

Jerusalem Jerusalem Neh. 2:1-8 Neh. 2:1-8

March 14March 14thth, 445 , 445 BCBC

483 Years483 Years

69 weeks69 weeks

(1)(1)

Unto Messiah Unto Messiah the Prince – the Prince – Triumphal Triumphal Entry Entry April 6April 6thth 32ad 32ad

Messiah cut Messiah cut off after 69 off after 69 weeks weeks (3)(3)

2000 yr. Gap2000 yr. Gap 7 Years7 Years

1 Week1 Week

Daniel’s 70Daniel’s 70thth week week Dan. 9:24, 26b, 27Dan. 9:24, 26b, 27

(2)(2)

(4)(4)

(5)(5)

WHY THE GAP?WHY THE GAP?

Wherefore remember, that you [being] in Wherefore remember, that you [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Un-time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Un-circumcision by that which is called the circumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made near by the blood of Christ…. Eph. 2:11-14made near by the blood of Christ…. Eph. 2:11-14

Which in other ages was not made known Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel: Eph. 3:5,6the gospel: Eph. 3:5,6

The Revelation of the Mystery The Revelation of the Mystery of the Churchof the Church

The Church of God Consisting of Jew and The Church of God Consisting of Jew and Gentile in the One Spiritual Body of Christ, Gentile in the One Spiritual Body of Christ,

as His Bride.as His Bride.

What Is the Catalyst that What Is the Catalyst that Initiates the Great Initiates the Great

Tribulation?Tribulation?It is not the rapture. It is not the rapture.

It is the signing of a covenantIt is the signing of a covenant

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,

Dan 9:27 Dan 9:27 This is a future event – This is a future event – See Mt. 24:15; Is. 28:15See Mt. 24:15; Is. 28:15

ConclusionConclusionPurpose of the tribulationPurpose of the tribulation

Punishment of the world’s sins Punishment of the world’s sins To complete the punishment of Israel’s sin To complete the punishment of Israel’s sin To prepare Israel for their MessiahTo prepare Israel for their Messiah

The Nature of the Tribulation The Nature of the Tribulation

Unprecedented wrathUnprecedented wrath

The Length of the Tribulation The Length of the Tribulation

7 Years – Daniel’s 707 Years – Daniel’s 70thth week week

The Initiation of the TribulationThe Initiation of the Tribulation

Israel’s signing of the 7 year covenant with Israel’s signing of the 7 year covenant with the Anti-Christ the Anti-Christ

Notice the strong Jewish flavor of the Notice the strong Jewish flavor of the TribulationTribulation

Daniel’s people, False Messiah, gospel of the Daniel’s people, False Messiah, gospel of the kingdom, flight on the Sabbath, the Temple, kingdom, flight on the Sabbath, the Temple, The Holy Place, Jerusalem, Geographics of The Holy Place, Jerusalem, Geographics of Israel, the twelve tribes, etc. Israel, the twelve tribes, etc.

Israel is center stage, not the church.Israel is center stage, not the church.