Why Did Daniel’s Clock Stop?

My question pertains to Daniel’s 70 weeks, particularly when and why the clock stopped at 69 weeks, according to Scriptures.

Q. I have been a regular visitor to your site for almost a year, and I just want to thank you so much for the wonderful work you are doing for the Lord. I have always wanted to learn more about the Bible, especially End Times, but didn’t know where to turn. You have enlightened me so much! Thank you.

My question pertains to Daniel’s 70 weeks, particularly when and why the clock stopped at 69 weeks, according to Scriptures.

Again, thank you so much for all that you do, and May the Lord Richly Bless You.

A. The notion of the stopped clock comes more from hindsight than anything else. I’ve only found two allusions to it, in Acts 1:6-8 and Acts 15:13-18, and both are quite vague.

The most telling evidence is found in Daniel 9:27 itself. The events described there simply have not happened. The Roman leader has not brought Israel a 7 year treaty and then come to a predetermined end, and the Temple was not defiled by the Abomination that causes Desolation before being destroyed. Since those seven years have not come to pass, even though the previous 483 have, it’s obvious the clock must have stopped.

Daniel 9:26 says the 483 years ended when the Messiah was “cut-off” or executed. Acts 15:13-18 tells us why that stopped the clock. It’s so the Lord can take a people for His name’s sake from among the Gentiles.

After He’s taken us, he’ll return and cause the Temple to be built and the last 7 years to be fulfilled. Romans 11:25 says that once the full number of Gentiles has come in, Israel’s heart will be softened toward the Lord again. Ezekiel 39:22 says that the Lord’s victory in the Battle of Ezekiel 38 is the event that causes this.