This prophecy needs to be front and center in our day, for the final fulfillment of it may soon be at hand.

The angel then said to Daniel,

Four hundred ninety years –though not consecutive - have been assigned to the Jewish people and the city of Jerusalem. Within these years all transgressions will have been finished, sin ended, iniquity atoned for. Permanent righteousness will have come in and the visions and prophecies of all of God’s men will have been fulfilled perfectly. Also, the Holy One will be anointed during this time.

So here is the breakdown of the years: From the time that a decree goes forth to restore and build Jerusalem, all the way until the coming of Messiah, will be 483 years. During the first 49 years of that number the street and walls will be built up, even though it will be during difficult times.

Then, after the next 434 years, Messiah will live and then die for the sins of others. Also after this time, some people of the coming prince will destroy both the city and the sanctuary. His end will be with a flood, and to the end of the war that begins then, nothing but desolation can be expected.

This prince will make a seven-year treaty –that is, the final seven years of the 490- with many world leaders. But three and one half years – 42 months, or 1260 days, or “time, times, and half a time” in various Scriptures- into the treaty, he will repeal his offer to the Jews of practicing their religion with Temple sacrifices and offerings. Then will come the ultimate abomination –antichrist claiming to be God in the Temple - and the ultimate desolation will come from it. Destruction will continue until the final judgment is poured out on all the offenders.