What is the context?
The message describes a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, a period of seven weeks and sixty-two weeks, and rebuilding under distress. After the sixty-two weeks, the Messiah is cut off and has nothing.
The people of a coming prince then destroy the city and sanctuary. War and decreed desolations follow. The promise of restoration therefore does not mean that Jerusalem will never face further disaster.
The BSB presents the anointed figure as the Messiah, the Prince. Readers differ over the decree from which to count, the relationship of the seven and sixty-two periods, and the people identified in the prophecy. Those differences affect how the sequence is understood.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley identifies the cut-off Messiah as Jesus and the destruction with the Romans under Titus. Gaebelein also sees Jesus’ death and Roman destruction, counting from the decree associated with Nehemiah.
The USCCB notes give a different historical reading: an earlier anointed ruler is Cyrus or the high priest Jeshua, and the later anointed one who is killed is the high priest Onias III. They associate the persecuting leader with Antiochus. This differs from the BSB’s messianic presentation and the readings above.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.