Question: Regarding the Man of Lawlessness (Anti-Christ) and the confirmation of a covenant (Dan 9:27), almost exclusively I have been taught that this reference is to a 7-year treaty that is “confirmed” by the Antichrist which kicks off the 70th week of Daniel.
However, Dan 9:27 mentions he “confirms” a covenant . It doesn’t mention its duration. In the middle of the 70th week, he stops sacrifice and offerings. So, we all presume it’s a 7-year treaty.
But, might not Dan 9:27 be stating exactly what it says – namely, that the Antichrist will “Confirm” (which to confirm, something must already be in place) not just a covenant, but THE Covenant. We often call the Torah the “Old Testament”, but it is also called the “Old Covenant”. And the word used in Dan 9:27 for covenant is the same one used by God in describing His promises to His people, the Jews.
In light of what you have taught about the battle of Ezekiel causing the world-wide Jews to see their relationship with God being renewed, might not the Antichrist’s confirmation of a covenant be the official re-reinstatement of the Old Testament (Covenant) practices and relationship by authorizing the rebuilding of the temple and the sacrificial system being put back in place?
The Hebrew word used in Daniel 9:27 means to confirm or enforce so you’re correct on that point. He doesn’t have to create the covenant, only enforce it. And by authorizing the Temple construction, which many think will be a part of the covenant, he will be helping to re-instate Old Covenant worship.
But the covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27 does have a duration. It lasts for seven years, Daniel’s missing 70th week. “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’” By that time the Lord will have returned and the Jewish people will have accepted Him as their Messiah, putting an end to the Old Covenant as we know it.
While you’ve brought up an interesting possibility, I’m going to stick with the notion that the covenant is some kind of peace treaty with a Temple clause in it for now.