Daniel wrote his prophecies during the 70 years that the people of Israel were held captive in the land of Babylon. Daniel served as part of the royal court of King Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned in Babylon from 605-562 B.C. The prophecies came in the form of dreams, both the king’s dreams and Daniel’s dreams. An example of one of Daniel’s prophesies is as follows:

“And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king shall arise, having fierce features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power. He shall destroy fearfully. And shall prosper and thrive. He shall destroy the mighty and also the holy people. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of Princes [the Messiah]. But he shall be broken without human means… 70 Weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy” (Daniel 9:27).

“This period of 70 Weeks, or 490 years, is broken into two parts: a period of 483 years, which concluded with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in 33A.D., and one, final seven-year period that leads up to Armageddon. This is where Christians get the seven-year ‘tribulation period,’ which is more accurately called ‘the 70th Week of Daniel.’” The 70th week of Daniel culminates in the second coming.