This is the famous Seventieth Week of Daniel, the seventieth seven, the "Tribulation".

This important passage should be interpreted in its plain, natural, literal sense, taking care to avoid speculation, allegorization, application of symbolism or spiritualization.  Any other interpretative schema other than literal leaves this critical passage and this entire section (Da 9:24-27) open to a variety of interpretations limited only by the expositor's imagination.  As discussed below, the natural and most logical interpretation is to take Daniel 9:27 literally. The literal interpretation indicates the events described are yet future, for one cannot identify a historical 7 year period which completely explains all the events. This verse describes what expositors have referred to as The Tribulation. It should however be emphasized that there is not specific Scripture that designates this entire seven year period as the tribulation. 

*Note: The word "Tribulation" is never specifically used in Scripture to designate the last 7 years, Daniel's 70th week, but will be used in these notes because the term is so firmly entrenched in Christian jargon.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary addresses the faulty logic of amillennialists who refuse to accept a gap between Daniel 9:26 and Daniel 9:27 writing that...

Amillenarians teach that Christ’s First Advent ministry was in the 70th “seven,” that there was no interval between the 69th and 70th “sevens,” and that the six actions predicted in Daniel 9:24 are being fulfilled today in the church. This view, however, (a) ignores the fact that verse 26 says “after the 62 ­sevens, ‘ ”not “in the 70th ­seven, ‘” (b) overlooks the fact that Christ’s ministry on earth was three and one-half years in length, not seven, and (c) ignores the fact that God’s six actions pertain to Daniel’s “people” (Israel) and His “Holy City” (Jerusalem), not the church. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985. Victor or Logos)

John MacArthur discusses the gap between the 69th and 70th weeks writing...

There is a gap between the sixty-ninth and seventieth weeks prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27. During that gap Christ was crucified and the Temple destroyed--a period of approximately forty years. Scripture does not indicate the length of the gap, though we do know it will last until the Antichrist comes to confirm a covenant with Israel (Da 9:27). Its undetermined length ought not to trouble us: many prophecies in Scripture contain such gaps.

1. Isaiah 9:6--"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. " While that prophecy speaks both of Christ's birth and right to govern, a gap exists between the two.

2. 1 Peter 1:10, 11 (note)--A great period of time exists between the first and second comings of Christ--a period unperceived by the Old Testament prophets.

3. Luke 4:18, 19--In those verses Jesus quoted the portion of Isaiah 61:1-2 that applies to His first advent, but not that which applies to His return as Judge. He recognized the gap between those two appearances.

4. Eph 3:9 (note)--That gap is identified as the Church Age, which Paul called "the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages hath been hidden in God. " It's a historical parenthesis within the seventy weeks determined for Israel.

If the seventy weeks of Daniel were 490 consecutive years, there would be no question when our Lord would come again. But because it was intended to be of indeterminate length our Lord said, "Of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Mt. 24:36; cf. Acts 1:7). (Ref)

Click for a more detailed discussion of the rationale for the interpretation of the gap between the 69th and 70th weeks and the conclusion that the 70th has to be a yet future time period. As discussed in the explanatory notes it is not uncommon for prophetic passages to demonstrate a significant "pause" or "gap" in regarding partial and complete fulfillment.

Walvoord explains the interpretation of Daniel 9:27 this way...

If the expositor desires to follow the text meticulously, however, there is really no alternative but to declare the entire seventieth seven future, for there has been no seven-year period fulfilling the events of prophecy, however labored the interpretation. This is usually conceded by those who make the last seven years an indefinite period which allows for still future interpretation. (John Walvoord:  Daniel: The key to Prophetic Revelation online)

And he will make a firm covenant (Isaiah 42:6; 53:11; 55:3; Jeremiah 31:31, 32, 33, 34; 32:40, 41, 42; Ezekiel 16:60, 61, 62, 63; Mt 26:28; Ro 5:15,19; 15:8,9; Gal 3:13, 14, 15, 16, 17; He 6:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18; 8:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; He 9:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,28; 10:16, 17, 18; 13:20,21) (Mt 27:51; He 10:4-22)

He - Who is he? Applying the accepted rule of interpretation and observing the text for the nearest antecedent of the pronoun he (without bias or influence by other "experts") one most logically links he with the prince who is to come (Daniel 9:26). This is also the conclusion reached by most conservative evangelical commentaries who go on to identify him as the Antichrist who comes out of the fourth beast (fourth kingdom) with 10 horns in Daniel 7 (The Revived Roman Empire).

We know that the prince's people destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., and thus we can deduce that this coming prince has his ancestral roots in the ancient Roman Empire and is thus part of what commentators refer to as "the revived Roman Empire", the final human world government described in more detail in Romans 7 (see Da 7:7, 19). In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, John records his vision...

And he stood on the sand of the seashore. And I saw a beast ("the prince who is to come", the Antichrist) coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. (See notes Revelation 13:1; see also the study of The Beast; and Beasts, Heads, and Horns)

Other identifications have been proposed including Antiochus Epiphanes (Montgomery) who feels that this prophecy was fulfilled in the second century before Christ noting how apostate Jews co–operated with Antiochus (see 1 Mac 1:11-15).

E. Young and P. Mauro interpret the he as a reference to the Messiah primarily because the entire prophecy is about the Messiah and the premise that there is no "future 'prince' making a covenant with" Israel. This interpretation makes little sense for the new covenant in His blood is an everlasting covenant, not a seven year covenant and not a covenant which He will never break for God is a covenant keeping God! How can the reference be to Christ when we have just been introduced to the prince who is to come which describes one out of the Roman empire? Christ did not come from the Roman empire. Furthermore, when did Christ make a firm covenant with many Jews for one week (seven year period)? And how can it be said of Christ that “in the midst of the week” He caused the sacrifices to cease? Sacrifices continued in the Temple some 40 years after Messiah was cut off, well past the 7 years of the 70th Week.

Harry Ironside agrees that he is not the Messiah writing...

Ere closing I briefly notice a rather peculiar interpretation which is frequently given to the 27th verse. It is said that the Lord Jesus is Himself to be the prince that shall come who confirms the covenant for one week. His own crucifixion is supposed to be the event which caused the sacrifice and oblation to cease. But neither chronologically nor doctrinally will this stand for a moment, if examined in the light of other scriptures. With whom did the Lord Jesus ever confirm a covenant for seven years? His precious blood is called ”the blood of the everlasting covenant;” not a covenant for one week of years. We may rest assured it is not Messiah at all, but the blasphemous prince who is yet to come, who will fulfil what is predicted in this verse.

How near this world may be to the actual entering upon all these things no man can say, but it is the part of wisdom to learn from the prophetic Scriptures, and to turn now to Him who alone can save; to own Him as Redeemer and Lord, and thus be certain of being caught up to meet Him when He comes in the clouds, ere the time comes for His righteous judgment to be poured out upon this poor world. (Ironside, H. A. Lectures on Daniel the Prophet. 1911)

The pronoun He has even been interpreted as a week by some who take he as neuter (not masculine). But interpretation of he as week makes absolutely no sense in the context.

In Revelation John gives us a fascinating description of a man revealed upon opening the second seal on the scroll...

And I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow (a symbol of strength - Job 29:20, 30:11); and a crown was given to him; and he went out conquering, and to conquer. (see note Revelation 6:2)

Note the similarities of this man to the Christ -

(1) Riding a white horse (Re 19:11-note)

(2) Wearing a crown (a stephanos {note} not a diadema, although Christ also wore a stephanos in Mt 27:29, John 19:2, 5) (Re 19:12-note)

(3) Overcome - both this man and Christ are "overcomers" (Jesus said "take courage, I have overcome the world" in Jn 16:33, cf 1Jn 4:4, Re 3:21, 17:14- see note Re 3:21; 17:14)

The identity of this man in Re 6:2 (note) is definitely not the true Christ, for in fact it is the Lamb, the Messiah Who was worthy to open and did open the scroll from His Father (Re 5:2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 6:1 - see notes Re 5:2; 5:4; 5:7; 5:9; 12; 6:1). This cannot be Christ riding forth, for He must open the remaining seals! This man carries a bow, whereas Christ carries a sword (Re 2:12, 19:15-see notes Re 2:12; 19:15). This rider is alone, whereas "the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him (Christ) on white horses." (Re 19:14-note) Finally, notice that Christ rides forth on a white horse at the end of the Great Tribulation, but this rider comes forth at the beginning of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (although admittedly when during this first 3.5 years this specific event occurs cannot be accurately determined from Scripture). In light of this description, who might the world think is riding forth here in Re 6:2 (note)? This is almost certainly the "Beast" of Revelation the the Antichrist (anti = instead of or against + Christos = anointed one) who comes on the world scene at the beginning of the Tribulation (see John 5:43 below)

Notice that although the man in Re 6:2 (note) is to conquer he has a bow but no arrows. and in this way he resembles Antiochus Epiphanes (see Daniel lecture and additional discussion) who seized "the kingdom by intrigue" and practiced "deception, and... (gained) power with a small force of people" and in so doing pre-figured the Antichrist (see Da 11:21, 22, 23 - See Dr Walvoord's comments) A bow without arrows may indicate that the Antichrist will conquer more by shrewd statesmanship or deceptive diplomacy than by brute force. Daniel in fact describes him as a man possessing "a mouth speaking great things" (Daniel 7:8  - See Dr Walvoord's comments) , yet with an intimidating force at his back. He will be able to negotiate concessions for Israel - security, permission to rebuild their beloved temple, and the right to worship with Temple sacrifices.

This man, the Antichrist will orchestrate a peace treaty with Israel for seven years and thus will initially be a hero to the Jews. Without speculating too much, it is very easy to see how this can happen for in our day, for Israel is internationally isolated and is desperately seeking support against the jihadist pressure of the Muslim neighbors, as well as continuing to distrust the Russians out of fear a potential threat coming from the north (direction of Russia).

Make a firm covenant - What is the idea of make...firm? Daniel could have recorded the usual OT phrase "cut a covenant" but as discussed below the use of this phrase gives some insight into the Antichrist's modus operandi.

Make a firm (01396) (gabar) is a primary verb commonly associated with warfare and with strength and vitality of a successful warrior.  Some OT uses (contexts) of gabar convey the sense of showing oneself as arrogant or overbearing as is one whose attitudes and actions reflect hubris and pride (cf the Antichrist's "boastful words" {although not the word gabar} in Daniel 7:11, 20 - See Dr Walvoord's comments, see also notes on Revelation 13:5). The idea inherent in gabar is to be strong, to triumph over or to prevail, thus picturing superior strength over someone or something. For example, gabar in Exodus 17 vividly portrays this idea...

So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed (gabar), and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed (gabar). (Exodus 17:11)

Covenant (01285) (berith/beriyth) (see in depth study beginning with Covenant in the Bible) (Septuagint - LXX translates covenant with Greek noun diatheke {see study}) as discussed elsewhere is the most solemn and binding agreement known in the ancient world. Someone has written that "There is no firmer guarantee of legal security peace or personal loyalty than the covenant". The greatest tool for covenant making came to be the written document on which the words of the covenant, its terms in the form of promises and stipulations, were spelled out, witnessed to, signed and sealed. Such covenant documents abound in ancient records.

With the many -

In context refers to the Jews or Israel and is not a general reference to any group.  Comparing with other passages one notes that the many refers to Jews in Da 11:33, 39 (Dr Walvoord's comments) and Da 12:3 (Dr Walvoord's comments).

What will the many do? Covenant  in our modern world has lost much of its Biblical meaning (cf how tragically frequent marital partners break their covenant - see Covenant: As It Relates to Marriage) but in the context of the Bible, covenant has always signified a solemn, binding agreement and as such represented the entering of two parties into an intimate, ostensibly indissoluble agreement. And so by entering into this covenant with the Antichrist, Israel will embrace the this prince who is to come as a veritable "savior" who has been able to accomplish what heretofore all others have failed to produce - "Peace" in the Middle East. This prince becomes their "political messiah". Israel's desperate desire for peace, security and safety will play into the hands of Antichrist, who will convince them and the world that he can provide this peace.

And yet one still has to wonder, how can the world and Israel be so totally deceived, especially in light of the fact that we hear many non-believers talking about the Antichrist. But if we recall from history, this scenario is precisely what happened before the outbreak of World War II. Adolf Hitler had even spelled out in detail his plans for conquest in his book Mein Kampf, which had been published more than a decade before World War II began. Yet, incredibly, Britain and France persisted in believing Hitler’s false claim to be a man of peace, passively standing by as he reoccupied the Rhineland (demilitarized after World War I) and thus abrogated the Versailles Treaty. Desperate to appease Hitler and avoid war, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain met with the Nazi dictator at Munich in 1938. Upon his return to England, Chamberlain triumphantly waved a piece of paper containing a worthless pledge of peace from Hitler which he claimed guaranteed “peace with honor … peace for our time.” When Winston Churchill (one of the few never taken in by Hitler) rose in the House of Commons to declare that England had suffered a total, unmitigated defeat he was shouted down by angry members of Parliament. The deception was nearly universal as almost everyone misread Hitler’s intentions. Only after he had invaded Poland in September, 1939 did the allies finally acknowledge the truth of his evil plan to conquer the world, but by then it was too late to avoid the catastrophe of the Second World War.

The Bible repeatedly warns of the deadly lure of false peace offered by false prophets, God declaring...

they have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, 'Peace, peace,' But there is no peace. (Jer 6:14, cp Jer 8:11, 14:13)

False prophets spoke of peace in Jerusalem even while faced with the threat of Babylon. In this setting...

The Lord replied, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds” (Jer 14:14)

Paul describes the deceitfulness of this future false peace that is a harbinger of the Day of the Lord writing...

While they (unbelievers) are saying, "Peace and safety!" then (when? while they are saying "peace and safety") destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (see note 1Thessalonians 5:3).

In John 5, Jesus predicted this Jewish "apostasy" (which I think correlates well with "the apostasy" that Paul describes in 2Thes 2:1-4 (Dr Walvoord's comments) that precedes the Antichrist's claim of deity in the midst of the Temple in Jerusalem)...

I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him. (John 5:43)

Comment: This was partially and literally fulfilled in the first century, as the Jewish historian Josephus, recorded a string of messianic pretenders in the years before 70AD, the fall of Jerusalem and sacking of the Temple. Jesus was predicting that though the Jews would not follow Him, they sadly and somewhat ironically would follow false messiahs, the final prince who is to come being the ultimate false messiah, which of accounts in part for his name of Antichrist = instead of Christ, in place of Christ, against Christ

Now one should understand that while most of Israel at this time is still unbelieving, God always has a faithful Jewish remnant, who confess their sin, and place their faith in the Messiah.

Harry Ironside explains that...

The many, that is the apostate mass of the (Jewish) people, will enter into covenant relations with the prince whose people formerly were the instruments of the destruction of their city. That is, this great blasphemous Roman leader will guarantee protection and freedom of religious worship to them for seven years, in return for which they will promise allegiance to him as their sovereign. In the midst of the week (that is, after three years and a half) he will violate his part of the covenant, and cause the sacrifices and oblations to Jehovah to cease. Idolatry of the most dreadful kind will be forced upon them. The direct result of which will be to distinguish the remnant from the mass, and thus to bring in the Great Tribulation which will continue for forty-two months,—“a time, times, and half a time,” or 1260 days. (Ironside, H. A. Lectures on Daniel the Prophet. 1911)

To reiterate, the Covenant the Antichrist makes with Israel marks the onset of the Seven Year period referred to as "The Tribulation" and is evidently a covenant of protection and of religious freedom under which Israel is free to re-establish their system of sacrifices.

Where will the Jews perform the sacrifices? The answer is that sometime either before or during this first 3.5 years of the Tribulation (Scripture is not dogmatic) the Jewish Temple is rebuilt on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and sacrifices are resumed. The only acceptable site for the Jewish Temple is "Temple Mount", which in 2007 is the site of the Dome of the Rock and under Muslim control. Clearly there must be a radical shift in policy to allow the Temple to be rebuilt, and this may be one of the Antichrist's first major breakthrough, as he is able to bring about "peace" in the Middle East, something the world is now crying for almost daily in newspapers and newscasts. John clearly indicates the presence of a Jewish Temple in the end times recording that...

There was given me (John) a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. (See notes Rev 11:1; 11:2).

Note that Revelation 11 and 12 are vitally important chapters regarding the timing of events in Daniel's Seventieth Week and should be carefully studied by all believers so that we might be able to give unbelievers an account of the hope that we possess (1Pe 3:15-note). As you read these chapters you will observe repeated references to a 3.5 year period, one reference referring to events that occur in the first 3.5 years of the Tribulation but most referring to events in the second half of the Tribulation. Below is a table summarizing the various time phrases representing either the first half or second half of this last Seven Year Period. The discerning reader should examine these passages in context, and interpret literally where possible (John's language in Revelation 12 is very figurative, but do not forget the basic principle that even figurative passages have a "literal" meaning and cannot be wildly spiritualized or allegorized!) allowing the Spirit to lead you into all the truth (see 1John 2:27 where "anointing" is a reference to the Spirit indwelling every believer, see Ro 8:9 -note)

For seven years

Every non-literal, non-futuristic interpretation fails to account for this specific time period in history which fulfills the details of this verse. How can we be so certain? Look back at Daniel 9:24 which describes the events which are to transpired in the 70 weeks or 490 years. While some might argue for partial fulfillment of these specific parameters, using a natural, literal interpretative approach one can state with absolute certainty for example that the most holy place has not been anointed. Click for a more detailed discussion of the rationale for the interpretation of a "gap" between the 69th and 70th weeks and the conclusion that the 70th has to be a yet future time period. As discussed in the explanatory notes it is not uncommon for prophetic passages to demonstrate a significant "pause" or "gap" in regarding partial and complete fulfillment.

David Guzik has this explanatory note...

We can think of it in this way: God has appointed 490 years of special focus on Israel in His redemptive plan. The years were "paused" by Israel's rejection of Jesus. Now, there is no special focus on Israel in God's redemptive plan because this is the time of the church. God's focus will return to Israel when the church is taken away (at the rapture) and the last seven years of man's rule on this earth begin.

Harry Ironside adds that...

When the 70th week begins to run, and God once more takes up the nation of Israel and begins to fulfil the promises made through the prophets. He will touch the pendulum of that great prophetic clock, as it were, and set it once more ticking off the years preparatory to ushering in the glorious kingdom of the Son of Man (cp Millennium), when Jerusalem shall become the capital city of the world, and Palestine be again the garden of the Lord. (Ironside, H. A. Lectures on Daniel the Prophet. 1911).

but in the middle of the week : Click chart summarizing events of the last half of the week.

But highlights an abrupt end to the false peace in Israel. The middle of the seven-year period marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation. The Antichrist will break the covenant. That future desolation was previewed in history by the Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes (see Daniel lecture and additional discussion), who desecrated the Temple by slaughtering a pig on the altar and forcing the priests to eat pork resulting in the Jewish Maccabean revolt (168-165 BC) which was but a preview of what the Antichrist will do.

And so in the middle of the 7 years, the prince, the Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel. This event is associated with a number of other Scriptures describing several other dramatic "mid-tribulation" events.

Revelation 11:3-12
Murder and Resurrection of God's Two Witnesses
Earthquake in Jerusalem

The appearance of God's two witnesses during the first half of the Seven Year Tribulation is followed by their assassination, resurrection and ascension.

11:3 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days (3.5 years = the first half of Daniel's Seventieth Week) clothed in sackcloth."
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
5 And if anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and if anyone would desire to harm them, in this manner he must be killed.
6 These have the power to shut up the sky, in order that rain may not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.
7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast (the Antichrist) that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. (This event occurs around the midpoint of the Seven Year Tribulation)
8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt (referring to Jerusalem), where also their Lord was crucified.
9 And those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.
10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11 And after the three and a half days the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were beholding them.
12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies beheld them. (see notes Revelation 11:3;  11:4; 11:5; 11:6; 11:7; 11:8; 11:9; 11:10; 11:11; 11:12)

Then God brings about another dramatic event which punctuates their miraculous ascension, John recording that...

And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city (of Jerusalem) fell; and seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Comment: Notice how specific the details are which leaves a record that can easily be identified in the future when this great earthquake hits Jerusalem. God wants to give a clear marker of the beginning of the horrible last 3.5 years, the time of Jacob's trouble). (See note Revelation 11:13)

Comment: Note the specific numerical details of 1/10th of the city fallen and 7000 people killed. These details will allow any who are alive at this time and who have ears to hear God, to come to their senses and realize that this event being broadcasts on the news all over the world corresponds to the prophetic events described in Revelation 11 (See also Revelation 11 note)

Revelation 11:14-15
The Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet
The Third Woe

The second woe is past; behold, the third woe is coming quickly. And the seventh angel sounded (his Trumpet); and there arose loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." (See notes Revelation 11:14; 11:15)(See also Revelation 11 note)

Comment: This trumpet is sounded in the midpoint of the Seventieth Week.

Matthew 24:15-21
The Abomination of Desolation in the Holy Place
The Great Tribulation (note)

In addressing His disciple's question in Matthew 24:3 regarding "what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (referring to the age after "the church age" which = the Messianic Age = Millennium) Jesus gave this prophetic warning directed especially to the Jews who would be alive at this time...

Therefore when you (Jesus is speaking especially to Jews who are living in Jerusalem at this time) see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION (abomination = bdelugma = an object of disgust, repulsion, abhorrence used primarily to denote things associated with idolatry and gross ungodliness) which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet (referring to Daniel 9:27 and indicating Jesus accepted Daniel as a true prophet), standing in the holy place (The Jewish Temple = which is the meaning of "this holy place" in Acts 21:28, the only other NT use of hagios in a similar context) (let the reader understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; 17 let him who is on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house; 18 and let him who is in the field not turn back to get his cloak. 19 But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babes in those days! 20 But pray that your flight may not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath; 21 for then (time phrase marking sequence) there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall. (Matthew 24:15-21)

Jesus' words abomination of desolation may also be translated, “the abomination which makes desolate, or lays waste” indicating the abomination causes the desolation. Daniel referred to the abomination of desolation three times, two describing the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27; 12:11) and one (Da 11:31) referring to Antiochus Epiphanes (see Daniel lecture and additional discussion),.

2Thessalonians 2:3-4
The Man of Lawless Proclaims Himself God

When does the the Abomination of desolation stand in the holy place of the Jewish Temple? Paul answers this question in quieting the fears of the Thessalonian believers that they had entered into the Day of the Lord (which God had stated believers were not destined for - see note 1Thessalonians 5:9) writing...

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it (Day of the Lord) will not come unless the apostasy (apostasia = revolt, rebellion - marks a deliberate defection from a formerly held religious position. This is a general event but a specific identifiable event, and in context is connected with the Antichrist. Therefore it naturally follows that this specific event most likely refers to unbelieving Jews who turn away from their former allegiance or presumed allegiance to Jehovah God and give their allegiance to the Antichrist in exchange for the covenant he makes on their behalf) comes first, and the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is revealed (apokalupto = means to cause something to fully known. The aorist tense points to a specific time when Antichrist will be revealed. This implies he was previously present and known, but in committing the blasphemous act described in this verse, his full orbed evil character will be apparent to all.), the son of destruction ("son of" is a Hebraism describing one as "closely related" {like a son} to something in this case destruction = apoleia = ruin not annihilation. cp same title for Judas in John 17:12), who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (2Thes 2:3-4)

Revelation 12:7-10
Satan Casts Out of Heaven to Earth

In Revelation 12 John records other events that are associated with the middle of Daniel's Seventieth Week...

And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angels waged war, 8 and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. (See notes Revelation 12:7; 12:8; 12:9; 12:10)

Revelation 12:6, 13-14
Satan Persecutes the Jews

John records that beginning at the midpoint and concurrent with the Antichrist breaking his covenant with Israel, instead of their friend, he becomes their arch enemy...

And the woman (from the context this symbol can be interpreted as a reference to Israel) fled into the wilderness (this explains why Jesus had told the Jews to flee from Jerusalem when they saw the Abomination of Desolation standing in the holy place) where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she might be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days (How long? For 3.5 years, from the midpoint to the terminus of the Seventieth Year, which Jesus called "The Great Tribulation"). (See note Revelation 12:6)...

John goes on to explain why Israel ("the woman") fled into the wilderness writing...

And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time (1) and times (2) and half a time (0.5), (Sums up to 3.5 "x's" = 1260 days from Revelation 12:6)  from the presence of the serpent. (See notes Revelation 12:13; 12:14)

Revelation 13:5
Daniel 7:25
Satan "Energizes" the Antichrist

Finally John records that Satan energizes (see note Rev 13:4 "dragon...gave his authority to the beast {the Antichrist}") the Antichrist for the last half of the Seventieth Seven Years...

And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. (See note Revelation 13:5)

Once again we see John associates this description of the Antichrist's actions and power with the midpoint of the Tribulation.

Daniel 7:25 prophesied this same event writing...

And he (Antichrist = Little Horn = comes from the 10 horned beast, the "Revived Roman Empire", compare Daniel ) will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints (remember Daniel is describing what happens to Israel and therefore "saints" in this context refers primarily to the Jews) of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time ("3.5 x's" = 3.5 years = 1260 days = 42 months).

he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering -

This verse indicates that the Levitical system of sacrificial worship which had been restored  will abruptly be brought to a halt. The Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel and prevents Israel from carrying out sacrificial worship in the Temple in Jerusalem.

The one who causes a cessation of the sacrifices could not refer to Jesus Christ at His death on the cross because, as stated earlier, the sacrifices did not cease until 70 AD, some forty years after the death of Christ.

and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate - (Da 8:13; 11:36; 12:11; Isaiah 10:22,23; 28:22; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20,24; Romans 11:26)

Wing is translated in the Greek Septuagint with the word for “temple”. The NIV translates "wing" as referring to “a wing of the temple”. In truth the meaning is not absolutely clear.

Abominations (08251)(shiqquts) means disgusting, filthy, detestable and is always used in connection with idolatrous practices, either referring to the idols themselves as being abhorrent and detestable in God's sight, or to something associated with the idolatrous ritual. Idols generally are referred to as an abomination (see Jer 16:18, 2Kings 23:13)

The Lxx translates shiqquts with the noun bdelugma (from bdelusso = emit foul odor, turn away thru loathing or disgust, abhor in turn related to bdeo = stink) describes that which is extremely hated or abhorred and is the very word Jesus used in Mt 24:15 for "abomination". abomination which causes (spiritual) desolation", i.e. it creates either a horror in the mind of the beholders or an objective condition of spiritual devastation.

Walvoord notes (note) that the Hebrew in this section of the verse

"is rendered "abomination of desolation" in 1 Maccabees 1:54 ("Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side")... and is supported by the most ancient translations including the Septuagint, Theodotion, and the Vulgate. The identification of the expression in Daniel 9:27 with these other references as well as Da 11:31 and Da 12:11 make the meaning here clear."

Compare a number of different translations as the original Hebrew is admittedly difficult to translate...

And upon the wing or pinnacle of abominations [shall come] one who makes desolate. (Amplified)

and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate. (ASV)

Then the "Horrible Thing" that causes destruction will be put there. And it will stay there until the time God has decided to destroy this one who destroys. (CEV)

And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate (ESV)

And the horrible thing that destroys will be placed on the highest point of the Temple (Int'l Children's Bible)

and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate. (KJV)

On the temple wing shall be the horrible abomination  (NAB)

And on a wing [of the temple] he will set up an abomination that causes desolation (NIV) (NIV Note re alternate translation: And one who causes desolation will come upon the pinnacle of the abominable [temple])

and on the wing of the Temple will be the appalling abomination (NJB)

Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate." (NKJV)

Then as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration (Note: Hebrew = an abomination of desolation) (NLT)

and in their place shall be an abomination that desolates (NRSV)

The Awful Horror (the awful horror: A pagan image set up in the Jerusalem Temple by foreign conquerors - see 1 Mac 1:54-61) will be placed on the highest point of the Temple (TEV) (Comment: Notice how this the translation note becomes a commentary to the unwary reader, this comment indicating that the translators of the TEV clearly did not accept a literal interpretation of this passage and incorrectly [in my opinion] concluded that it was fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes. This example makes the point that the discerning Berean will chose his or her translation with care being especially wary of paraphrases. Be aware that even the popular NIV is not literal but is called a dynamic paraphrase and as such offers "significant" commentary on by virtue of the way it renders some passages of Scripture. I would encourage you to learn to read the original Greek text and/or to utilize a literal translation such as NAS, ESV, KJV, NKJV and Young's Literal although latter is not recommended for reading but for reference - see Bible translation comparison chart for additional comments)

then, as a climax to all his terrible deeds, the Enemy shall utterly defile the sanctuary of God. (TLB)

and by the wing of abominations he is making desolate (Young's Literal)

even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate (Leviticus 26:14-46; Deuteronomy 4:26, 27, 28; 28:15-68; 29:18-29; 30:17,18; 31:28,29; Deuteronomy 32:19-44; Psalms 69:22-28; 1Thessalonians 2:15,16)

How does Antichrist make desolate? We have already seen that he stands in the Temple and blasphemously declares himself to be god (2Thes 2:3-4). The Antichrist also makes desolate by committing idolatry desecrating the Temple by even setting up an idol of himself in the holy place...

(1) Revelation 13:4-15--"and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. And he performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had^ the wound of the sword and has come to life. And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (See commentary notes... Revelation 13:4; 13:5; 13:6; 13:7; 13:8; 13:9; 13:10; 13:11; 13:12; 13:13; 13:14; 13:15)

(2) Revelation 17:16 (note)--The Antichrist "shall hate the harlot [the apostate church], and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. " The Antichrist will allow the apostate church to exist alongside Israel for the first half of the tribulation, but at the beginning of the second half he will destroy it and begin persecuting Israel. Because he will--in Roman fashion--set himself up as a deity, there will be no religion left but the worship of the Antichrist. That will continue "until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Da 9:27).

Compare a number of different translations as the original Hebrew is admittedly difficult to translate...

until the full determined end is poured out on the desolator. (Amplified)

and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate. (ASV)

And it will stay there until the time God has decided to destroy this one who destroys. (CEV)

until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator." (ESV)

But God has ordered him to be destroyed! (Int'l Children's Bible)

even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (KJV)

until the ruin that is decreed is poured out upon the horror. (NAB)

until the end that is decreed is poured out on him" (Or it)  (NIV) (NIV Note re alternate translation: "until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated [city]")

until the end, until the doom assigned to the devastator (NJB)

Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate." (NKJV)

until the end that has been decreed is poured out on this defiler." (NLT)

until the decreed end is poured out upon the desolator (NRSV)

and will remain there until the one who put it there meets the end which God has prepared for him. (TEV)

But in God's time and plan, his judgment will be poured out upon this Evil One." (TLB)

even till the consummation, and that which is determined is poured on the desolate one. (Young's Literal)

From this verse we can see that "the one who makes desolate" is the same one who made and then broke the seven year covenant, and is without doubt the Antichrist

Calvin writes

It is worthy of notice that Sir Isaac Newton, in his “Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel,” etc., quotes Hippolytus thus, — “If divers of the ancients, as Irenaeus, Julius Africanus, Hippolytus the martyr, and Apollinaris bishop of Laodicea, applied the half week to the times of Antichrist, why may not we, by the same liberty of interpretation, apply the seven weeks to the time when Antichrist shall be destroyed by the brightness of Christ’s coming.
 

John MacArthur sums up this incredible prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 noting that...

As bleak a picture as that is, history will not end with the worship of the Antichrist. Daniel 9:24 says that at the end of Israel's seventieth week God will "finish the transgression, and...make an end of sins." That includes the destruction of the Antichrist. Then God will "make reconciliation for iniquity...bring in everlasting righteousness...seal up the vision and prophecy, and...anoint the most holy" (Da 9:24-note). That speaks of the Millennial Kingdom (Rev 20:4-see notes) (See also the Millennial Kingdom; Millennial Reign of the Saints).

It is an amazing thought that the future history of the world has been hidden "from the wise and prudent...[yet] revealed...unto babes" (Mt 11:25). We ought to be deeply grateful that God has given us the privilege of knowing His plans for the future.
 

And so now as a "babe" to whom these "earth shaking" events have been revealed by the Spirit of Truth, go and make disciples. Go and tell the lost world about God's Plan for the Ages. Remember that most unbelievers are usually interested in hearing about prophecy and the future, but sadly so few prophecy teachers accurately divide the Word of Truth (or are so sensationalistic that they derive more of their "prophetic" teaching from the newspaper than from the Scriptures and/or are more interested in discovering who the Antichrist is then in looking for the Christ!) and a number are clearly false teachers. Therefore, beloved of God, if you have read this far in these notes, you are more knowledgeable regarding the future of the world than the most intelligent, worldly wise non-believer. What are you going to do with the incredible truth you now possess? Please consider engaging friends, relatives and acquaintances in conversations on prophecy, and as you do open your Bible and sketch out on a timeline the prophetic events so clearly laid in God's Word. They will either be amazed or dismayed. You are not responsible for their response, but you will be held accountable for "setting the table" before them! (see note 1 Peter 3:15)

Once again MacArthur says...

God's plan for history may seem like one of those stories that ends with the familiar phrase, "And they lived happily ever after. " As terrible as the tribulation will be, the rebellion of man against God under the Antichrist will be climaxed by "an end of sins" that establishes "everlasting righteousness" (Da 9:24). With that kind of outcome, Christians ought to live lives that demonstrate an established hope and trust in God for the future--the kind described in Edward Mote's hymn The Solid Rock (My Hope is Built):

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.