Daniel 9:27

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Daniel 9:27 (KJV)

Context

Daniel 9:27 concludes the seventy-weeks prophecy, delivered by the angel Gabriel to Daniel after his prayer of confession and intercession. The verse speaks of a covenant confirmed “with many for one week,” the stopping of sacrifice and offering in the middle of that week, and a desolation caused by abominations that continues until the decreed end.

Meaning

The identity of the “he” who confirms the covenant is widely debated. Some interpreters see this as the “prince that shall come” from Daniel 9:26, while others associate it with the Messiah. The covenant itself may denote a future agreement, though its precise nature remains a matter of theological discussion. The phrase “one week” is generally understood symbolically as a seven-year period.

“In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease” describes an event occurring halfway through the final seven-year period, resulting in the cessation of temple sacrifices. Interpretations differ on whether this refers to the historical destruction of the Jerusalem temple in AD 70 or to a future end-times scenario. The clause “for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate” has been understood variously, including as a reference to the Roman destruction of Jerusalem or as a prophecy concerning a future desecration of the holy place, often linked to the “abomination of desolation” mentioned in Daniel 11:31 and 12:11, and referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15.

“Even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate” indicates a prolonged period of desolation that continues until the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purposes. The verse emphasizes God’s sovereign control over history: even the actions of evil figures are part of His determined plan, and His purposes will be consummated.

Biblical connections

The prophecy connects to the broader biblical theme of God’s judgment and redemption. The cessation of sacrifice points to the temporary nature of the old sacrificial system, which finds its fulfillment in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. The desolation caused by abominations echoes the warnings of Daniel 11:31 and 12:11, and Jesus’ own reference to the abomination of desolation in Matthew 24:15.

Application

Regardless of the interpretive framework, the verse underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises and calls believers to trust in Christ. It encourages the church to remain watchful and discerning of the times, anticipating the return of the Lord. The certainty of God’s prophetic word assures that history is moving toward a divinely appointed conclusion, and that judgment is certain and final.