"Finish smashing the power of the holy people" in Daniel 12:7 refers to the final collapse of the Old Covenant system, including its temple, priesthood, and national identity.

Here's why:

1. "Holy people" refers to Old Covenant Israel

In the context of Daniel, "holy people" consistently refers to Israel under the Mosaic covenant (see Daniel 8:24, 9:24). They were set apart by God through the Law, the temple, and priesthood.

2. "Power" of the holy people is their covenant system

Israel's power rested in its temple worship, sacrificial system, and covenant status. That power was rooted in the Law of Moses, administered through the Levitical priesthood. This is the same system Jesus declared would be destroyed (Matthew 24:1-2).

3. "Smashing" implies violent judgment

The Hebrew word for "smash" (naphats) is used for shattering something completely, not just weakening it. This points to the complete destruction of the Old Covenant order.

4. Jesus links this directly to AD 70

In Matthew 24:15-21, Jesus quotes Daniel and warns of Jerusalem's destruction, the abomination of desolation, and great tribulation. That judgment ended with the temple burned and Israel's power shattered, exactly what Daniel foresaw.

5. The end goal: "all these events will be completed"

Daniel 12:7 says this shattering marks the completion of all prophetic events. This confirms the end of the age (Old Covenant age), not a future global catastrophe.

Conclusion:

"Smashing the power of the holy people" is not about defeating Christianity or future Israel, it is the termination of the Old Covenant nation in AD 70. The temple was leveled, sacrifices ended, and the priesthood was dissolved. The prophetic timeline ended when that power structure was completely broken.