Dougg-

1. We read 9:24 as "from the going forth of the word UNTIL an annointed one is 7 weeks". Do you find any reason to dismiss this understanding, because historically, Jeremiah's word dates to the destruction in 586BCE and Cyrus' decree was 49-52 years (~7weeks) later than that.

2. Now that you've seen that Cyrus called for both the rebuilding of the Temple as well as the city (and he's definately a major player in all this based on 2Chron 36, Ezra 1, Isa 44-45, why should Cyrus be taken out of consideration here?

3. Don't you think that the 2nd time "annointed" is used in 9:26, the definate article should have been used to refer us back to the 1st annointed one in 9:25? In other words, we should read 'THE' annointed in 9:26 instead of 'An' annointed, else we can assume 2 different annointeds. Wouldn't the inclusion of a definate article be a clear indication that the 2 annointed ones here are the same person (aside from the fact that the 69 weeks are split into 7 and 62)?

4. The beginning of chapter 9 has Daniel contemplating and trying to understand Jeremiah's 70 weeks, but maybe you don't believe this. At this point in time, Daniel feels compelled to fast, use sackcloth and ashes, and pray. WHY at this point? Jews have an answer. Do you think this was normal behavior for Daniel? Why fall to pieces at THAT time in order to bring on Gabriel who causes Daniel to know and understand something?

That's enough for now. Thanks.

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"He who saves one life... it is as if he saves an entire universe. He who destroys a life... it is as if he destroys an entire universe"

TALMUD - Sanhedrin 4:5

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