Could Seven Times Mean 70 Years or some other time period?
Some claim that 7 times just meant 7 decades, therefore concluding that it coincides with the 70 years. However, the question would need to be answered: In what way was a lowly one put on high in 537? No king of Judah was restored to the throne at that time. Zerubbabel was only made a governor of the Persian province of Judah.
However, we do have a parallel with Neb. He was brought low only to be put on high after 7 times. God’s rulership in the form of the Davidic Kings (the last one being Zedekiah) was brought low in 607. It would not be until someone sat on that throne again that the lowly one would be put on high. That lowly one of course is Jesus Christ. When would that lowly one be put on high? That is what the prophecy is answering. First it answers that question in regards to Nebuchadnezzar. Secondly, and most importantly, it answers that question as regards to God’s rulership.