דניאל, פרק ט׳, פסוק כ״ו

The era of the Temple draws to a tragic close, marked by a specific timeline of events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem and the complete collapse of its leadership. This period is measured after a span of sixty-two seven-year cycles; the remaining years are left uncounted because they do not form a full Sabbatical cycle [מצודת דוד]. At this critical juncture, a prominent leader is struck down. Although described as an anointed figure, this does not refer to the future Messiah, but rather serves as a title for an important prince or ruler [רש"י]. The primary approach among commentators is that this represents the total removal of leadership and the end of the Israelite monarchy [אבן עזרא]. Specifically, it points to the death of Agrippa, the final king who reigned during the time of the destruction [רש"י, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם]. This loss of leadership also extends to the death of the last High Priest, leaving the nation entirely without internal guidance [מלבי"ם]. Consequently, the fallen leader is left with absolutely nothing in the world, completely stripped of his place and power [רש"י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, a completely different perspective identifies this anointed figure as Cyrus, the King of Persia. According to this view, the events describe the halting of the Temple's construction because there was no one left to assist him [יוסף אבן יחיא].

Following the removal of this leadership, both Jerusalem and the Temple are destined for ruin [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. The forces responsible for this devastation are the Roman army, led by a commanding prince identified as either Titus or Vespasian [רש"י, מצודת דוד, אבן עזרא]. A striking detail emerges in how the destruction is carried out: the ruin is attributed specifically to the army rather than their commander. This highlights that Titus himself actually felt pity for the city and did not wish to destroy the Temple. However, the Roman soldiers took matters into their own hands, acting independently to bring about its ruin [מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].

The devastation arrives with the force of a powerful, rushing flood of water [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Commentators differ on exactly who will be swept away by this torrent. One approach explains that the fall of Jerusalem and the Temple will be characterized by massive, rapid destruction, sweeping through like a flood [מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another perspective argues that this actually foretells the ultimate fate of the destroying Roman nation itself, which is destined to face sweeping, absolute ruin at the hands of the King Messiah [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. Ultimately, a final and absolute decree is handed down [רש"י, מצודת ציון]. The city is condemned to remain in a state of desolate ruin until the very end of days, waiting until the final, climactic war of Gog and Magog [רש"י, מצודת דוד, מלבי"ם].