Such is the prayer; and while Daniel was still speaking, praying, confessing his own and Israel's sins, and interceding before Jehovah for the holy mountain—yea, even during the utterance of his prayer—the Gabriel of his former vision came speeding to him in full flight[601] at the time of the evening sacrifice.[602] The archangel tells him that no sooner had his supplication begun than he sped on his way, for Daniel is a dearly beloved one.[603] Therefore he bids him take heed to the word and to the vision:—
1. Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people, and upon thy holy city[604]—
(α) to finish (or "restrain") the transgression;
(β) to make an end of (or "seal up," Theodot. σφραγίσαι) sins;[605]
(γ) to make reconciliation for (or "to purge away") iniquity;
(δ) to bring in everlasting righteousness;
(ε) to seal up vision and prophet (Heb., nābî; LXX., προφήτην); and
(ζ) to anoint the Most Holy (or "a Most Holy Place"; LXX., εὐφρᾶναι ἅγιον ἁγίων).
2. From the decree to restore Jerusalem unto the Anointed One (or "the Messiah"), the Prince, shall be seven weeks. For sixty-two weeks Jerusalem shall be built again with street and moat, though in troublous times.[606]
3. After these sixty-two weeks—