In examining the historical prophetic fulfillment of this prophecy in Daniel 8:14, we find the angel explaining to Daniel when this prophecy would begin. His explanation is given in Daniel 9:25, "Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times."

When Cyrus, the Medo-Persian general, conquered Babylon, and saw that he had been named by the God of heaven before his birth
to accomplish God's purpose in freeing the Hebrew captives from Babylon and rebuilding Jerusalem, he determined to fulfill God's word. His proclamation provided for the return of the Hebrews and the rebuilding of the temple.

More than twenty years later, the second decree made by Darius Hystaspes was issued, providing another opportunity for the
Jews to return to Jerusalem. God foresaw the terrible events that were to befall the Hebrew people if they were to stay in Babylon.

The third and most complete decree for the restoring and the rebuilding of Jerusalem was made in 457 B.C. by Artaxerxes Longimanus about seventy years after the first decree by Cyrus.

This date, 457 B.C. was taken by William Miller, as the beginning date of the 2300 prophetic days until the sanctuary would be cleansed. 2300 years later reached to the Day of Atonement, Tuesday, October 22, 1844, connecting the prophecy of Daniel to the Sanctuary services on the Day of Atonement.

This prophetic history of the three commandments to "restore and build Jerusalem," illustrates the principle outlined in Ecclesiates 3:15. "That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past." Therefore, these three commandments are indicative of three fulfillments of this 2300 day prophecy, the last and final one destined to be the most complete fulfillment.


Two of these fulfillments are already written in history, one fulfillment in prophetic time, and the second fulfillment in literal time. The third fulfillment, the most complete, is yet future. The prophetic fulfillment from 457 B.C. to Tuesday, October 22, 1844, was the first fulfillment. It may surprize some to learn that in very recent history, a commandment to "restore and build Jerusalem" went forth on June 27, 1980. Twenty-three hundred literal days later ends on the Day of Atonement, October 13, 1986.
From each of these fulfillments, God reveals more detailed information regarding the final fulfillment.

The 70 week (490 years) prophecy was completed with the Jews who rejected the Gospel being declared "uncircumcised." Acts 7:51.

Gabriel teaches 70 weeks to complete Messiah's saving work. It seems clear that the beginning of week 70 saw his baptism & anointing. 9:24

The 70th week will then run from his anointing, through his 3 1/2 years of ministry to his crucifixion in the middle of the week. Through that time he has been confirming the (new) covenant with all who received him. After his resurrection he continues confirming the new covenant by the Apostolic Gospel. Many thousands of Jews & Proselytes respond to the Gospel, but the Jewish leaders reject the Messiah & his salvation. They arrest Stephen & during his inspired defence he declares them "uncircumcised." Acts 7:51. Thus the old covenant was ended at the end of the 70th week.

The Gospel was then opened to the Gentiles without circumcision. All that remained was for the invasion & destruction that Jesus had prophesied. Dan. 9:26-27. Mat. 24.

God graciously allowed the Jews about 35 years (a generation) to repent. John's prophesied 3 1/2 years occurred during the final siege, after the believers saw the warning signs (Mat. 24) and fled the city. Signs like the AoD & mark of the beast would have occurred during that time. They are prophesied, but not recorded in Scripture.

Note that "after the 69th week" marks the events of Jesus' ministry, the confirmed covenant & the destruction. It need not take place during the 70th week.

The Jerusalem now being built is the heavenly Jerusalem of which all believers are citizens.