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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 9:24-27

“Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed” for Daniel’s people and Jerusalem to “finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.”

The timeline begins “from the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes,” which will be “seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’”

After that period, the “Anointed One will be put to death.” Then, the “people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.”

This ruler “will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’” but in the middle of it, he will “put an end to sacrifice and offering” and set up an “abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

SUMMARY IN LAY TERMS:

The prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” in Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel. It summarizes God’s redemptive plan for Israel.

The prophecy decrees a 490-year period to accomplish six goals, including atoning for sin and bringing in everlasting righteousness.

This timeline is broken down as follows:

  • It begins with a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
  • After a period of 69 “sevens” (483 years), the “Anointed One,” the Messiah, will appear.
  • Following this, the Messiah will be “cut off” (killed), and Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The final 70th “seven” (a future seven-year period) will feature a ruler who makes a covenant but breaks it halfway through, stopping sacrifices and setting up an “abomination that causes desolation” before facing his own judgment.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

11a) To restore and rebuild Jerusalem refers to God’s people returning from exile back to the Promised Land. The people will prosper, be fruitful, and be blessed.

b) The Anointed One will be put to death refers to Jesus’s crucifixion on the cross.

c) An abomination that causes desolation refers to the End Times. A future world leader, often identified as the Antichrist, will enter a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, stop all worship of God, and set himself up to be worshipped. This act of ultimate blasphemy would be the final “abomination that causes desolation.”

12) That there will be a restoration of God’s people, Jesus will die for his people and overcome sin, there will be a period of desolation, and then Jesus will return one day to set his kingdom up on earth forever.

13) That one day Jesus will rule here on earth and end all suffering. God’s sovereignty is absolute. Suffering is limited. Believers can live with integrity, courage, and purpose now, knowing that their faithfulness in this life is a meaningful witness that has eternal significance.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

There is a lot here, and there are numerous interpretations of what the times mean. I’m put the interpretation that most Bible scholars agree on.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 5: Daniel 9:24-27

Most Bible scholars agree that this refers to seventy sets of seven years, or weeks of years. In Hebrew, the weeks refers to units of sevens. This prophecy is for the Jews and Jerusalem.

7 is the number of completion in the Bible.

According to the prophecy in Daniel 9:24, six specific things will be accomplished by the end of the decreed seventy “sevens”:

  1. To finish transgression – end man’s rebellion against God
  2. To put an end to sin – end sin altogether
  3. To atone for wickedness – Jesus’s death on the cross
  4. To bring in everlasting righteousness – usher in a new order brought by the Messiah
  5. To seal up vision and prophecy – to usher in the reign of Jesus
  6. To anoint the most holy place – the holy temple will be anointed and blessed

The starting point for the 70 weeks was to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

There are 4 possible scenarios in the Bible when this could have begun:

  1. Cyrus made a decree giving Ezra and the Babylonian captives the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 B.C. (Ezra 1:1-4 and 5:13-17).
  2. Darius made a decree giving Ezra the right to rebuild the temple in 517 B.C. (Ezra 6:6-12).
  3. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Ezra permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:11-26).
  4. Artaxerxes made a decree giving Nehemiah permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the walls in 445 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1-8).

Note the 1st three were to rebuild the temple. Only the last was to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

THEN, 483 years (which would be 69 units of seven years) would pass from the time of the command recorded in Nehemiah 2:1-8 until the appearance of the Messiah.

Hence, the 70 weeks break down as:

  • Seven weeks – 49 years, until the city and its walls are rebuilt.
  • 69 weeks (7 plus 62), 483 years from the decree, until the Messiah appears.
  • The last 70th week to complete the prophecy.

After this period, the Messiah will be cut off, which can mean execution in the Bible (Genesis 9:11 and Exodus 31:14). Then Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed again  (A.D. 70). Jesus will make a covenant with his people to rule forever.

We will study Ezra where we see the return of God’s people to Jerusalem. In Nehemiah, we’ll see the troubles God’s people faced when trying to rebuild the temple and their city.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:24-27 is a divine timeline, known as the Prophecy of the Seventy “Sevens” (or Weeks), which outlines God’s redemptive plan for Israel, centered on the coming of the Messiah.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Overall Plan: The prophecy decrees a 490-year period (“seventy ‘sevens'”) to accomplish six ultimate goals, including atoning for wickedness and bringing in everlasting righteousness.
  • The First 69 “Sevens” (483 years): This period begins with a command to rebuild Jerusalem and culminates in the arrival of the “Anointed One” (the Messiah). The prophecy then states that after this, the Anointed One will be “put to death,” and the city and Temple will be destroyed again.
  • The Final 70th “Seven” (a future 7-year period): This final week is described as a time when a future ruler will make a covenant, only to break it midway through. He will stop Temple sacrifices and set up an “abomination that causes desolation,” an act of supreme sacrilege, before facing his own decreed judgment.

In conclusion, this dense prophecy is incredibly significant because it provides a framework for God’s redemptive history. It not only predicts the timing of the Messiah’s arrival but also foretells His sacrificial death. It looks ahead to a future time of great tribulation while offering the ultimate certainty that God’s plan will culminate in the final defeat of evil and the establishment of everlasting righteousness.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 5: Ephesians 4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Ephesians 4

Paul gives great advice here, urging believers to live a life worthy of God’s calling. Christ gave himself teachers to equip the people for his works to build up the body of Christ. He urges believers to put on their new self, which was created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Forgive one another as Christ has forgiven you.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 5: Ephesians 4

12) We must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.  Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

13a) This means to get rid of our old ways (our sinful nature) and live like Christ (holy and true).

b) I try each day to be like Christ in how I behave and treat others.

14a) The Holy Spirit has challenged me each and every day by testing me with others so that I can treat others like Jesus. In all of my relationships, including with my spouse, I am tested to never go to bed angry and to build others up continually.

b) I believe He is bringing people to church to help them grow in Christ and lift others up, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 5: Ephesians 4

Such a classic passage! Always a great reminder on how to live.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 5: Ephesians 4

Paul calls for unity for God’s people. He next explains a worthy character, which is humble and forgiving.

We are all one body and one Spirit (the church). God in His grace gave spiritual gifts to leaders of the church for our benefit. Jesus appointed these people (apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers) to lead us and equip us for God’s ministry/work to strengthen us.

The goal is for all of us to come to faith in Jesus and for all of us to grow in the knowledge of the Son of God.

Not understanding is a heart problem when we don’t truly have Jesus.

We are a new creation in Christ Jesus, righteous and holy. The old man rebels against God. We must set our minds on Jesus.

We must tell the truth, not be angry, not steal, watch our tongue, not grieve the Holy Spirit, not be bitter, be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 5:40-47

The religious leaders refused to come to Jesus. They do not have the love of God in their hearts. They accept and seek glory form other, but they don’t seek the glory that comes from God.

Moses is their accuser. They don’t believe Moses because Moses wrote about Jesus and they don’t believe him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

13a) The religious leaders could have believed in Jesus. But it was by choice that they would not come to him. They did not have the love of God in their hearts (aka they were unbelievers).

b) For them to accept Jesus into their hearts.

14) We need to believe in Jesus and have God in our hearts. It’s a choice.

15) Because God and Jesus are the same. They are inextricably intertwined as part of the Trinity. If you reject one, you reject both.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

I love the emphasis on free will. Belief is a choice.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 5: John 5:40-47

The religious leaders did not believe all of the overwhelming testimonies before them (John the Baptist, his works, Scripture, and God), so they would not believe Jesus’ word either.

They did not love or honor God.

If another comes (the Anti-Christ), they would embrace him instead.

The religious leaders cared only about honor from others. Their pride got in the way.

Moses wrote about Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15), and the leaders still rejected him when he came. Therefore, the religious leaders don’t believe Moses, either.

The testimony was overwhelming, and the religious leaders still did not believe. Very sad, indeed.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 20:31-21:3

Jehoshaphat reigned in Jerusalem 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The high places were not removed, and the people still has not set their hearts on God. Later, Jehoshaphat made an alliance with the evil king Ahaziah, king of Israel, to build trading ships. The Lord destroyed the ships as punishment for this alliance.

Jehoshaphat died and Jehoram his son succeeded him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

13a) Both. It was corrective as a consequence of aligning with a wicked king and protected Judah and Jehoshaphat from having to deal with Israel and risk more pagan ways introduced to their country.

b) He has many times moved me away from those who would cause me to sin. God is good.

14) For the most part, Jehoshaphat did right in the eyes of the Lord with only a few stumbles. As humans, we all do this. That is our goal. To walk most of the time with the Lord, and when we fall, to get right back on the path of the Lord.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

I loved learning about Jehoshaphat. Didn’t know/remember much about him. Great king with some faults like we all have. Great examples of God being with His people. Good stuff.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 5: 2 Chronicles 20:31-21:3

The writer of Chronicles does not set the fault of the people still not walking in the ways of the Lord as Jehoshaphat’s fault, which is true. There’s only so much control you have over your people as a king.

1 Kings 22:48-49 is the parallel passage of the wrecked ships. Another offer of alliance with Ahaziah after this failed one was refused by Jehoshaphat. He learned his lesson (which is a great lesson for us, too!).

God’s mercy shown through when he wrecked the ships. This prevented Jehoshaphat from an ungodly alliance — something none of us want.

It is presumed that the gift of fortified cities to Jehoshaphat’s other sons got them away from the influence of Jehoram, so they would not be seen as a threat.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:25-34

Do not worry about life, food, your body, and clothes. God takes care of the birds, and you are more valuable to God than them. Will worrying add an hour to your life? (In fact, all it does is take away an hour or more from your life).

Don’t worry about your clothes. The lilies of the field are more splendid than Solomon’s clothes ever were. If God clothes the lilies as such, won’t he clothe you, too?

Do not worry about your basic needs; God knows you need them. If you seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, all things will be given to you. Thus, don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Focus on the day at hand.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34

13) Do not worry about life, food, your body, and clothes.

14a) God takes care of the birds’ needs and He clothes the lilies of the field.

b) Money and paying the bills.

15) If you seek God’s kingdom and righteousness, all things will be given to you.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34

Most of us know a worrier (or, that person may be you). God says to trust Him that He’s got it. If you think about all of the time you worry about “what ifs” (most of which never come true), that could be time you spent instead drawing nearer to God. We all have limited hours and days given to us: how are you spending yours?

For your kids:

For you:

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 7, Day 5: Matthew 6:25-34

Life is more about your physical needs. Your spiritual needs should take precedence.

You have to work to eat so this passage is not saying sit around and hope God will feed you. Stress can kill you, so there is no point to worry. It’s about working and allowing God to do the rest.

You honor God and seek His kingdom when you do the right thing in the world, such as honoring others. We spend most of our time worrying about things we have no control over and that never come to fruition. Give it to God instead.

Live in the present and “worry” about today only.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 7, Day 5: Genesis 8:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  God sends a wind to recede the waters and at the end of 150 days the ark came to a rest in the mountains of Ararat.  The waters still hadn’t finished receding.  In 73 more days the tops of the mountains became visible.  40 more days Noah opened a window and sent a raven to seek dry land.  Then he sent a dove still with no luck.

He waited 7 more days and sent the dove out again.  The dove returned with an olive leaf.  Then Noah knew the water had receded.  After waiting one more week he sent the dove out and it did not return.

Finally, when Noah was 601 years old, the earth had dried up.  God told Noah to come out and bring every living creature so they can multiply.  Noah obeyed and all exited.

Questions:

11)  God turned His attention back to Noah.  God never forgets as this implies.  During the flooded earth God was probably active in other areas and then turned back to mankind when the time was right.

12a)  Around one year or perhaps a bit more.  We are told Noah was 600 years old when the flood waters came (Genesis 7:6) and he’s 601 when the waters dry up.  Doing the math, we are close to a year but the Bible skips some specific days (like the raven and the dove flying around).

b)  God told them to come out.

13)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Not sure.  It’s been a challenging week of little things that I hope I do God’s way.  That’s the prayer and desire of my heart at least.

Conclusions:  Not sure how question 13 has to do with Noah floating around in the ark.  It’s just thrown in there.

I like how it wasn’t the dove that many of us think of as the sign it was okay to leave the ark.  It was God telling Noah (going back to yesterday’s lesson of how God helped Noah) it was okay to leave and bring the animals with him several weeks after the dove brought the olive branch back.  Again, God is in control; He cares for us and Noah; He will never lead us astray.