“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week….” (Daniel 9:27). This verse of scripture marks the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, also known as the time of Jacobs trouble and the seven year tribulation. This seven year period ends the reign of human government on earth, concluding with the return of Jesus Christ and the setting up of His kingdom. So, if we can understand what this verse is telling us, we can ascertain, when it happens, where we are on God’s prophetic timeline.
Let’s look closely at this verse. “Then” indicates the time after the 2000 year desolation of Israel, in particular, Jerusalem. “He” indicates the antichrist. “Confirm” means to acknowledge or enable, strengthened by an outside power. “Covenant” means an arrangement or compact usually sealed by blood or passing between two pieces of cut flesh. “Many” means a significant number of individuals or nations. “Week” means seven years. Using these definitions, this verse could be phrased thusly; After Israel’s desolation is completed, the antichrist will enable and strengthen God’s covenant with Israel and many surrounding nations for a seven year period. Note that I named Israel as she is implied here, but not named directly. The key word here is covenant. But, what covenant ? Many prophecy analysts determine this as simply a peace treaty between Israel and many other signatories. IMO, possible, but not likely. Biblical history reveals five major covenants God has made with His people. They are; Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New covenants. Some bible analysts think that the Abrahamic covenant is meant here and the ” treaty” will guarantee Israel’s right to the land as that is what was included in God’s covenant with Abraham. Again; possible, but not likely IMO. The one covenant that fits like a glove is the Mosaic. Israel, at this specific time will necessarily need cooperation and approval to reinstate the priesthood, have a temple rebuilt, or at least a sacrificial altar present on the temple mount, and to resume daily and weekly animal sacrifices. All these are part of Mosaic law given by God to Israel through Moses. Note that in the next part of the verse: “But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering….”(Daniel 9:27). In order for the antichrist to end the sacrifices and offerings, they must have been reinstituted and a functioning priesthood must be in place. Israel’s part in the Mosaic covenant will be not only tolerated, but strengthened by the antichrist, but only for 3.5 years. Then his tune will change, completely, and the great tribulation will begin. His wrath against Israel and Christians will be poured out viciously. If we haven’t figured out who the antichrist is by that time, we will know for certain when he declares himself the sole object of worship from the temple mount.
When we see a charismatic ME leader successful in building a ten nation coalition give his support to Israel for their religious endeavors and exert his influence to encourage many others to do so as well, check him out, he just may be the antichrist. Especially if he officially confirms this with the many. We will then know that the seventieth week has started. Prophetic scripture contains many other detailed characteristics of this antichrist figure that will help us to recognize him, such as the number of his name (Rev. 13:18). I firmly believe this confirmation of the Mosaic covenant will happen within the next decade. Keep your heads lifted up and keep watching.