Daniel 9:26 – “After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Daniel 9:26 describes key events in God’s plan for redemption and judgment. After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the “Anointed One” (often understood as the Messiah) will be “put to death” and “will have nothing.” This speaks of a dramatic event where the Anointed One will be killed, seemingly abandoned or stripped of His power and possessions. For Christians, this is seen as a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

The second part of the verse describes the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by “the people of the ruler who will come.” This is widely understood as referring to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The phrase “the end will come like a flood” suggests a sudden and overwhelming judgment, with continuing conflict and desolation decreed until the end of time.

Historical Context

This prophecy aligns with significant events in history. Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, was crucified around 30-33 AD, fulfilling the prediction of His death. Roughly four decades later, Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple during the Jewish-Roman War. This catastrophic event ended temple-centered worship and marked a significant turning point in Jewish history.

The prophecy also reflects the continued turmoil and conflict that would characterize the world until God’s final plan is completed. This aligns with the biblical understanding of a world marred by sin, awaiting ultimate redemption.

Theological Implications

1. The Sacrificial Death of the Messiah – The Anointed One’s death is central to God’s plan for redemption. It underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice for forgiveness.
2. God’s Sovereignty Over History – The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple reflects God’s judgment and control over historical events, even those brought about by human rebellion.
3. The Reality of Ongoing Conflict – The prophecy acknowledges that the world will remain in a state of conflict and brokenness until God’s final intervention.

Literary Analysis

This verse is tightly packed with symbolism and layered meaning. The use of numerical symbolism (“sixty-two ‘sevens’”) ties this prophecy to the preceding timeline and highlights the precision of God’s plan.

The contrast between the Anointed One’s death and the destruction brought by the “ruler who will come” creates a tension between redemption and judgment. The phrase “the end will come like a flood” uses vivid imagery to convey the suddenness and totality of the judgment.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

1. Isaiah 53:8-10 – The prophecy of the suffering servant, who is cut off from the land of the living and makes atonement for sin.
2. Matthew 27:50-51 – The death of Jesus and the tearing of the temple curtain, symbolizing the end of temple-centered worship.
3. Luke 21:20-24 – Jesus’ prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem.
4. Romans 5:6-8 – Christ’s death for the ungodly demonstrates God’s love and the purpose of His sacrifice.
5. Revelation 21:1-4 – The promise of a future without desolation, war, or suffering in God’s renewed creation.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Daniel 9:26 reminds Christians that God’s plan for redemption and judgment is unfolding according to His purposes. The Anointed One’s death is central to our salvation, showing both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God’s love.

The destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s ways, but it also points to the hope of ultimate restoration when God’s kingdom is fully established. This verse encourages believers to live with a sense of hope and urgency, trusting in God’s sovereignty even in the midst of turmoil.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reveals God’s love through the sacrificial death of the Anointed One. The Messiah’s willingness to die for the sins of the world is the ultimate expression of God’s love and desire to reconcile humanity to Himself.

Even the judgment described in the verse reflects God’s righteousness and His commitment to address sin. His love is seen in His long-suffering patience and His provision of a way for salvation through Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Daniel 9:26 directly points to Jesus Christ as the Anointed One. His death fulfills the prophecy of being “put to death” and having “nothing.” On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin, appearing forsaken but ultimately achieving victory through His resurrection (Matthew 27:46; John 19:30).

The destruction of the temple and Jerusalem underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, where Jesus becomes the ultimate sacrifice, replacing the need for the temple system (Hebrews 9:11-14). This verse highlights Jesus as the center of God’s plan for redemption.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross?
2. What does the destruction of Jerusalem teach us about the seriousness of rejecting God’s ways?
3. How does the prophecy of ongoing conflict help you understand the brokenness of the world today?
4. In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic?
5. How can you live in light of the hope offered through the Anointed One’s sacrifice and the promise of God’s ultimate restoration?

Daniel 9:26 is a profound reminder of the centrality of Jesus Christ in God’s redemptive plan. It points to the hope of salvation through His sacrifice and the certainty of God’s purposes, even in the midst of judgment and turmoil.