A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. The 70 weeks, or 490 days, represent 490 years. The prophecy gives a starting point for this period: “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks” (Daniel 9:25)—69 weeks, or 483 years. The command to restore and build Jerusalem by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C.. See Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9. From this time, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, at His baptism, Jesus received the anointing of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 4:27; John 1:33), and soon afterward He proclaimed the message, “The time is fulfilled.” Mark 1:15.RR 245.6

Then, said the angel, “He shall confirm a covenant with many for one week [seven years].” For seven years after the Savior entered on His ministry, the gospel would be preached especially to the Jews—for three and a half years by Christ Himself, and afterward by the apostles. “In the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ, the true Sacrifice, was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was torn (see Mark 15:38), showing that the time had come for the earthly sacrifices to end.RR 245.7

The one “week”—seven years—ended in a.d. 34. By the stoning of Stephen the Jews sealed their rejection of the gospel. The disciples “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4), and shortly after, Saul the persecutor became Paul the apostle to the Gentiles.RR 246.1

The prophecies concerning the Savior led the Hebrews to live in a state of constant expectancy. Many believed and “confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13. The promises repeated through patriarchs and prophets had kept alive the hope of His appearing.RR 246.2

God had not at first revealed the exact time of the first advent; and even when the prophecy of Daniel made this known, not everyone interpreted the message correctly.RR 246.3

Century after century passed. Finally there were no more prophets. As the Jews departed from God, hope almost ceased to brighten the future. Those whose faith should have continued strong were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every vision fails.” Ezekiel 12:22. But heaven’s council had determined the hour for the coming of Christ. “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman.” Galatians 4:4, 5.RR 246.4

God must give lessons to humanity in the language of humanity. People must hear the Messenger of the covenant in His own temple. The author of truth must separate truth from the chaff of human opinion. God must clearly define the plan of redemption.RR 246.5

When the Savior finally appeared “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7), Satan could only bruise His heel, while by every act of suffering Christ was bruising the head of His adversary. The anguish that sin has brought was poured into the heart of the Sinless One. Yet Christ was breaking the slavery that had held humanity. Every pang of anguish, every insult, was working out the deliverance of the race.RR 246.6

If Satan could have gotten Christ to stain His perfect purity by one act or even one thought, the prince of darkness would have triumphed and gained the whole human family. But while Satan could distress, he could not contaminate. He could cause agony, but not defilement. He made the life of Christ one long scene of conflict and trial, yet with every attack he was losing his hold on humanity.RR 246.7

In Gethsemane and on the cross, our Savior went personally to battle with the prince of darkness. When Christ hung in agony on the cross, then indeed Satan bruised His heel. But that very act was crushing the serpent’s head. Through death Jesus destroyed “him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14. This act made the plan of salvation secure forever. In death, in rising again, Jesus opened the gates of the grave for all His followers. Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father.RR 246.8

The Important Work: Deliverance From Sin

Where Is God’s True Israel?