The Biblical Evidence:
Daniel 8:14 2300 Years not literal days.
Related to Revelation 14:6 and relevant today?
(part four of six)
We will continue to study the Bible prophecies that are related to the prophetic books of Daniel chapters eight and nine. In our last chapter we saw how the year to day principal used in these two chapters predicted the events accurately. The 2300 years of Daniel 8:14 also included the seventy weeks of Daniel 9: 24-27. We calculated that the seventy weeks represent 490 years that were cut off from the 2300 years as a period of probation for the Jewish Nation. Lets review: Dan 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.Dan 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
So let's continue with our bible study about the 2300 years and how we know for sure that these days do represent years and not literal days. Some of the strongest evidence of this is that the seventy week prophecy of Daniel nine that we just read above, only fits the dates if we use a day for a year measurement.
The 2300 years is the beginning of the prophetic time-line. Using these Bible text, allowing the bible to interpret itself we can study together to see how these 2300 years fit the prophetic events. Also what sanctuary is to be cleansed, is it in heaven or earth and why? And how does it all fit in this very important bible prophecy? So very important, that the Angel Gabriel was sent to help Daniel to understand it. And how is it all related to the last days and relevant to us today? The Prophet Daniel saw some of the same vision that the Prophet John would later see in the book of Revelation. He was told that it was related to the end of the world. “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel (12:) 1-4. The knowledge of what these Bible prophecies meant would increase, God would shed more and more knowledge and light on these prophecies as the time was near or at hand.
The Bible says: “Behold, the former things are coming to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9 “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; where unto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts…knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21. “And the Lord Jesus also said, Yes, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep It.” Luke 11:28. And and said of these prophecies, Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. …for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10. All the prophets testified of Christ- the Messiah, all Bible prophecies testify of the Lord Jesus Christ. And this prophecy of Daniel 8:14 is no exception.
There are two parts of this prophecy that were to begin at the same prophetic time-line. These two events are Daniel 8:14 the Sanctuary Message and also Daniel 9:24-27 the prophetic event predicting the coming of Christ as the Messiah, His crucifixion, and Anointing as High Priest in heaven. But also related to these two major events are other chapters from Daniel chapter 1 -12 with many symbolic images, dreams and visions of beast- kingdoms and promises of God’s Kingdom to come. So please read the two prophetic books of Daniel and Revelation if you have not done so already. Because we will not be covering both of those books in their entirety here, that would be a much longer bible study. But we will focus on some of the major prophetic events from both of the books that are related to the last days events before Christ comes back again.
As we put together different Bible text from different books of the Bible but on the same subject of study in their proper context, then we see it says the same thing, and it never contradicts itself. Both of the books of the Bible the books of Daniel and Revelation are apocalyptic-prophecies. The book of Revelation is also often referred to as the “Apocalypse,” in the Greek “apocalypses,” means revelation in this case it is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ and His work and plan to redeem humanity from sin. And it also deals with Eschatology, the word Eschatology pertains to last day Bible prophecies or the study of last day events related to them. And as we do begin our bible study of these related last day events, we have this inspired instruction. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the Christian of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. The books of Daniel and the Revelation go together. One is a prophecy, the other a revelation of many of the same prophecies; Daniel’s book was sealed, the other Revelation is a book opened, revealing all that was sealed by Daniel until the last days and it is all relevant to a prophetic time-line. What is this time-line and how can we be sure? Let’s discover that together prayerfully.
Because of the so many different Bible authors- writers inspired at different times over a long period of time, some hundreds and even thousands years apart. The Bible is like a jigsaw puzzle with some pieces here and there. But much like a jigsaw puzzle when you take all the different pieces of the message and put them in the right place, you see the picture, it is made plain. There is a Bible text that does just that, it provides for us a method or key to interpret the scriptures in context of the subject matter studied. Here it is the key, “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” Isaiah 28:10. As we put together different Bible text from different books of the Bible but on the same subject of study, then we see it says the same thing and it never contradicts itself. There is power in God’s Word and it is credible, reliable, and truthful. This method of Bible Study is referred to by Theologians as “Systematic Theology” It allows the Bible itself to define the meaning the interpretation of doctrinal points by putting together other Bible text from other places in the Bible old or new testaments on the same subject of study and not just trying to establish points of doctrinal belief on only one or more Bible texts maybe taken out of it’s true context! Also I am not a theologian. I do have much respect for many bible scholars of the past and some of the present. But God did not design His Holy Word to be only understood by theologians. And it is not completely necessary to understand the principles and methods that these scholars use to try and interpret the Word of God. My point is that God did not design that only scholars could understand His Word. And it is not true that unless we understand and use proper exegesis and hermeneutics we cannot understand the Word of God. I would suggest that even some scholars get to caught up in the analytical and methodology and become to self reliant and less dependent on the Holy Spirit to give a true meaning of the Word of God. Of course there are times when proper exegesis and using hermeneutics can be very important and useful. But your salvation is not dependent on understanding these principles or having these skills. The Holy Spirit is the true guide to understand Bible truth. God has given us the gift of His Holy Spirit to help us to understand the word of truth. What is truth? The Bible says sanctify them by the truth your word is truth.” John 17:17. The Lord God wants anyone to be able to pick up His Holy Word and to read it praying for understanding. God wants our despondence to be on His Holy Spirit not on our own abilities, logic, or methods of reasoning. So with that in mind let’s begin our Bible study prayerfully searching the Word of God for truth, shall we?
Does 2300 Days represent 2300 Years the evidence?
Beginning with the book of Daniel chapter 8: verse 14 “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
First we will study the subject of the actual 2300 days, do they represent 2300 years as many Christians suggest and some bible scholars suggest? Or do they represent a literal 2300 days as other critics and theologians have suggested? It is important to know the truth because if it is 2300 years it is relevant to us in these last days. And if it is not 2300 years then it is not relevant. What does the bible have to say about it all? In this study on the subject we will use “sola scriptura” the bible and the bible only in a systematic way to try to shed more light on this important bible subject-last day prophecies. But we will also look at some of the interpretation by theologians on this subject and also go to the root Hebrew and Greek translations as well.
Many Christians feel that these Bible texts reveal a method or key of translating a day to a year when trying to interpret Bible prophecy: “After the number of the days in which you searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall you bear your iniquities, even forty years” Num. 14:34. And also “…I have appointed thee each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:6. Are these Bible text sufficient to justify the use of a day equals a year when trying to understand Bible prophecy? Some critics say no they are not. But I suggest that these bible text sufficient or not enough in themselves to apply a day equals a year principal use for prophetic measurement and interpretation, the method works! So if the dates truly do fit the event prophesied, then we have to conclude that the method is correct. So does a day really equal a one year period in understanding bible prophecies?
Before we get deeper into the Bible Study on Daniel 8:14. I want to go to the original root meaning of key words that will come up in our Bible Study. I think that there are some clearer Biblical evidence found in the root Hebrew language defining the words: days, sanctuary, and cleansed these are the same words in the actual text of Daniel.8:14. And also later in our Bible study in part 5 of 5 we will use the original translation in the Greek for the book of Hebrews for the words: Veil, Holy Place, Holies of Holies or Most Holy Place as found in Hebrews chapters 6-12.
The Hebrew words translated “days” in Daniel 8:14 are ‛ereb and bôqer. The word ‛ereb means “dusk” ( Strong’s Lexicon H6150, H6153) and is often translated “night, even, evening, evening tide and days.” The second word, bôqer, means “dawn, (H1242,1249) break of day, morning” and is often translated, “morning, marrow, early and day.” So generally the words ‛ereb and bôqer mean evening and morning. This is very similar to what we find in Genesis chapter one. Take a look: Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening (‛ereb) and the morning (bôqer) were the first day. Genesis 1:8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening (‛ereb) and the morning (bôqer) were the second day.
Genesis 1:13 and the evening (‛ereb) and the morning (bôqer) were the third day. …etc.
We notice that the combination of the evening and morning, or the ‛ereb and the bôqer, make up the “yom” which is the Hebrew word translated as “day.” Why then does former SDA Dr.of Theology Desmond Ford say that the two words in Daniel 8:14 are not the same words in Genesis one? They are the exact same words, and since both words put together make up a “day,” the same words, found in Daniel 8:14 also make up a “day.” Why were these Hebrew words used in Daniel 8:14 and not simply the Hebrew word “yom?” Perhaps these were used to emphasis the importance of this prophecy in showing how that at the end of this time period, something major in God’s plans was to be accomplished, much like at the end of their use in Genesis one something major in God’s plan was accomplished: the creation.
Also notice that in the Word of God in verse 13 of Dan.8: that it does not say anything about burnt offerings or sacrifices, it has been added. It is very common knowledge among Theologians even non-Adventist theologians that the word (sacrifice) that is in the KJV in italics was added by the translators, it is not in the original Hebrew writings. It says only( daily,) And it also clear that the language used here in verse 26 (evening and morning) is different then the language used for burnt offering and the command from God as to when they would be offered. Notice the burnt offering were offered morning and evening not (evening and morning) this is clear bible evidence that this verse in Dan.8:26 was not referring to burnt offerings. See biblical support below:
Ezr 3:3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening.Ezr 3:4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;
2Ch 2:4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.
The biblical evidence supports that Dan.8:14 the 2300 days and the evening and mornings of verse 26 were talking about a biblical day as define in the word of God. And it had nothing to do with burnt offerings or sacrifices. It has more to do with the beginning and ending of a literal day like in the creation week of Genesis one. A biblical day starts at evening and morning is when evening comes again and the sun sets and a new day begins. Gen 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
More Definitions Root Hebrew & Greek Translations:
Cleansed is tsadeq (Strong’s H6663) It is certainly true that the Hebrew word translated “cleansed” for the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 is not the same word used here in Daniel 8:14. However, we have learned that the word “tsadeq” which is used in Daniel 8:14 is related in a very special way to the context of what the day of Atonement is all about. Notice its use elsewhere in the scriptures:
Used in the Context of Judgment, Vindication of the Righteous and the Punishment of the Wicked:
Psalm 7:8-9 (8) The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness (tsadeq), and according to mine integrity that is in me. (9) Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just (tsadeq): for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
Psalm 9:4-8 (4) for thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right (tsadeq). (5) Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
(6) O thou enemy, destruction's are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
(7) But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
(8) And he shall judge the world in righteousness (tsadeq), he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
Psalm 51:4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified (tsadeq) when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Used in the Context of Salvation:
Psalm 98:2
(2) The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness (tsadeq) hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
Psalm 119:123
(123) Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness (tsedeq).
Isaiah 53:11
(11) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify (tsadeq) many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Isaiah 45:22-25
(22) Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
(23) I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
(24) Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
(25) In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified (tsadeq), and shall glory.
Used in the Context of Purification and Cleansing:
Job 4:17 "shall mortal man be more just (tsadeq) than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker"?
Note: The word “pure” is the Hebrew word “taher” which is the same word used to describe the cleansing at the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:30).
Sanctuary in Hebrew is qôdesh From Hebrew for Dan. 8:14 (H6942); a sacred place or thing; rarely abstractly sanctity: - consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, (X most) holy (X day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary.
THE PLACE OF HIS SANCTUARY and the Daily
“Yea, he magnified himself even to the host of heaven; and by him the Daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.” Daniel 8: 11.
This ‘he’ that is under discussion here, we suggest is Pagan Rome and he magnified himself to the Prince of the Host, it was Pagan Rome that allowed and endorsed Christ being crucified on the cross. It says, ‘and by him’ by Pagan Rome, the ‘Daily’, paganism, was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
Here in verse 11 we see one of the contrasts that Daniel uses in Chapter 8 because he speaks in verse 11 about ‘sanctuary’. Now the word that has been translated as ‘sanctuary’ is a Hebrew word that can be used to identify God’s sanctuary on earth or in heaven; but it also can be correctly translated to describe a Pagan sanctuary. It’s a more generic Hebrew word to describe a sanctuary.
Daniel in this same chapter speaks about God’s sanctuary in verse 14 and also in verse 13, speaking about what these two desolating powers are going to do; it says: “...to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Daniel 11:13, last part; 14.”
So in verse 13 and 14, we see Daniel speaking about a sanctuary and the Hebrew word in verse 13, 14, is a different Hebrew word than Daniel uses in verse 11 for the word sanctuary. The Hebrew word in verse 13 and 14 is a word that is ONLY used to identify God’s sanctuary; His sanctuary on earth or in heaven, but only God’s Holy sanctuary. It’s never used to identify a pagan sanctuary.
The pioneers saw these two desolating powers as two distinct powers; the first being the ‘Daily’ of Pagan Rome or Paganism and the second the ‘Transgression of Desolation’ or the ‘Abomination of Desolation’, being Papal Rome. And they also saw there were two sanctuaries mentioned the pagan sanctuary to be cast down by papal Rome and the Heavenly Sanctuary of Dan.8:14 to be cleanse by the coming of Christ, His death on Calvary and His ascension to heaven and His High Priestly Work in the Heavenly Sanctuary. "Daily" = pagan Rome [crucifies Jesus] "Transgression or abomination of desolation" = papal Rome. Please read chapter 7 and 8 and you will see that the little horn power that came up out of pagan Rome is papal Rome. Please understand that I am not a hater of any person and I do not hate Roman Catholics or the Pope. We are talking about powers and teachings that are false and anti-christian but disguised as Christian. We are not talking against any people or condemning anyone personally.
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Bible Study of Daniel & Revelation's Prophecies Relevant today.
First Messenger of Rev. 14:
These verses in Revelation 14: support and go along with our verses in Daniel related and relevant to the heaven sanctuary and the work of cleansing from sin and judgment that is taking place there now for us sinners. Rev 14:6 “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”
Although the Hebrew and Greek translations are very helpful. The additional evidence for me that the word (days) is supposed to represent (years) in Daniel 8:14.and in chapter 9:24-27. Is the fact the prophetic events do fit the dates arrived to by using this days equals years prophetic measurement. And the additional facts are that if you use the literal day prophecy here in Daniel chapters 8 and 9 they just do not fit the prophetic event as predicted the dates do not work. That is enough evidence for me that it is the right interpretation. But let’s look at it more closely.
First here is how the critics interpret these bible text of chapter 8, They say," Up to this point Daniel 8 has told us the following facts:
1. There is a temple where evening and morning burnt offerings are being done.
2. This temple was downtrodden, desecrated, and the burnt offerings stopped. (v11)
3.It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings before this temple will be rebuilt, refurnished, cleansed and the burnt offerings resumed. (v14)" and this they interpret the 2300 years to be 1150 literal days.
Let's take these three theories of under consideration and see if the fit the prophetic events. "There is a temple where evening and morning burnt offerings are being done."
As we already discovered notice that in the Word of God in verse 13 of Dan.8: that it does not say anything about burnt offerings or sacrifices,they added that. It is very common knowledge among Theologians even non-Adventist theologians that the word (sacrifice) that is in the KJV Bible in italics was added by the translators, it is not in the original Hebrew writings. It says only ( daily,) And it also clear that the language used here in verse 26 (evening and morning) is different then the language used for burnt offering and the command from God as to when they would be offered. Notice the burnt offering were offered morning and evening not (evening and morning) this is clear bible evidence that this verse in Dan.8:26 was not referring to burnt offerings. See biblical support below:
The biblical evidence supports that Dan.8:14 the 2300 days and the evening and mornings of verse 26 were talking about a biblical day as define in the word of God. And it had nothing to do with burnt offerings or sacrifices. Some critics suggested that it was 2300 evenings and mornings so that they say equas only 1150 literal days not 2300 days and that it refers to the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes. But this view clearly does not fit the prophetic event. History tells us that the desecration of Antiochus lasted 3 years and 10 days. But 1150 days = 3 years and 70 days. And the Temple was profaned in 168 BCE. It was cleansed Dec. 25 164 BCE. (1 Macc. 1: 57 and 4: 52-54)
This view that Antiochus Epiphanes fulfills the specifications of the prophecies regarding the cleansing of the sanctuary and the little horn power have been shown to be clearly wrong in a number of ways. See the SDA Bible Commentary's on Daniel 7: 25 and also Desmond Ford's commentary on Daniel, pp. 194, 200, 173, 174, 197. Desmond Ford wrote, "Antiochus certainly did not fill out the prophecy." In the Glacier view document [p 383], Desmond Ford changed his mind but provided no evidence that Antiochus fulfilled the days of Daniel 8:14.
Also here are some more very serious questions to ask concerning Antiochus Epiphanes. QUESTION: Did Antiochus fulfill every one of the prophetic specifications of the little horn power? Remember that he must do so if he is the fulfillment of the prophecy. For instance, is there any historical evidence that Antiochus Epiphanes grew greater than Alexander the Great? (In fact, was Antiochus E. ever a world Empire? Or was he not merely one of the Selucid kings?) If he doesn't fulfill the prophetic specifications, he cannot be the power described in the prophecy, for Alexander grew only "very great" whereas the "little horn" is said to grow "exceedingly great." Obviously the one who grows "exceedingly great" is greater than he who "grows very great."
Secondly, in what sense can it be said that the vision (if understood to refer to Antiochus Epiphanes) referred to "the time of the end"? Compare Daniel 8: 17, 19 and 11: 35; 12: 4.
Assuming that you believe Antiochus IV Epiphanes is the little horn power of Daniel 8, please show us how he fits the time frame and all the points of the prophecy.
If there was, we will grant you the 1,150 days. But then you still have the problem that Antiochus's profanation does not fit the 1,150 days.
That is just the beginning of your problems of trying to show Antiochus as the little horn power. There's also the added fact that he did not arise "in the latter time of their kingdom," as Daniel 8: 23 specifies. Antiochus was eighth in line of the Seleucid dynasty, and he ruled from 175 to 164/3 BC. A dozen kings came after him, and only 7 came before him.
Daniel 8 also talks about being for "the time of the end." See verse 17. Please explain in what sense Antiochus IV, who died 150 years before Christ, qualifies as one who was "in the time of the end."
Another point that shows Antiochus does not fit the prophecy is that the Media Persian ram became "great" (Daniel 8: 4), the Grecian he-goat became "very great" (v. 8), and the little horn power became "exceeding great" (v. 9). You would therefore need to show that Antiochus IV became greater than either Media-Persia and the Greek Empire. Obviously, he didn't even come close. Instead, Antiochus IV ruled only one portion of the Grecian Empire, did that with little success and for a short time only.
By the way, this is only the beginning of the proofs that he cannot be the little horn power. There is also the fact that Antiochus did not fulfill the following prophecies concerning the little horn--
1) It arose out of the fourth beast, Rome. (Dan. 7: 7, 8)
2) It arose among the ten horns (v. 8)
3) It arose after the ten horns (v. 24)
4) It is different from the other horns (v. 24)
5) It would look more stout than his fellows (v. 20)
6) It uprooted three kingdoms (vv. 8, 20, 24)
7) It spoke great words against the Most High (v. 25)
8) It wore out the saints of the Most High (v. 25)
9) It thought to change times and laws (v. 25)
10) It reigned for "a time, times, and a dividing of time" (v. 25)
If you believe Antiochus IV did fulfill those ten points, show me where. It can easily be shown that the papal system does fulfill those points as well as others that the Bible gives.
Now let's see what the inspired Word of God says about these prophetic books: So how and why are these Bible prophecies of Daniel chapters 2,7,8 and 9 important and relevant for us today? They start out in chapter 2 showing us that God is in control of the world and all world kingdoms. He showed us through prophetic dreams and vision how man would try to set up kingdoms, powers and even a false religious system that would try to control all other people or nations of the world. But in the end God's Bible truth and everlasting Kingdom would be the only one standing, never failing and everlasting! He foretold us about the counterfeit religious system that would be great and would persecute genuine Christians/the saints and change His law including the Holy Sabbath day from Saturday to Sunday. Teaching us that there are false and genuine Christian systems of worship. And that only the Word of God is the truth that we can rely on and gain victory over the world and counterfeit religion and false teachings.
In chapter 8 and 9 God actually gave us dates that fore told us of the future of the coming Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah, His crucifixion, Anointing in heaven and the start of His High Priestly ministry in heaven to atone and remove sin and death from our lives and give us the keys to an everlasting kingdom where there will be no more sin, pain, suffering and death. He gave us hope in a Christ/Messiah that would come and show us the truth about life and salvation. And in Christ we have not only a substitute the Lamb of God for our sins, taking our sins upon Himself on Calvary's tree paying the penalty and wages of sin for the breaking of His Ten Commandment Laws. He demonstrated that God is Love, His love for humanity is undisputed He gave His life for our sins. But He was also our perfect example, showing us how humanity can live and walk with God trusting in Him and His word and keep His Commandments. And that He will enable us to trust and obey Him and if we have the faith in Him to do so. All Praise, Honor and Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ for His great Love and for given us the true the knowledge of His Holy Word the Bible!
Two great prophetic events were to take place during the same time line. The 2300 year prophecy of Daniel 8:14 and the Seventy week prophecy predicting the coming of Christ as the Messiah in Daniel 9:
“And he informed me, and talked with me, (he being Gabriel the angel) and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand…therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision: Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city…To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. (Prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, Christ.) “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, (birth and ministry of Christ) There shall be seven weeks and sixty—two weeks…“ Daniel 9:22-25. So the dating count begins at the “commandment to restore and build Jerusalem.” History and the Bible confirm for us this command was given around the autumn of (457 B.C.) In first year of King Cyrus and in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. See the commands given in Ezra. 6:14, 7:6-28. Also the, historians, science, archaeologist and Bible Prophecy all confirm the accuracy of these dates and prophetic events including the first year of King Cyrus and the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
Ezra 7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,Ezr 7:6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Ezr 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. Ezra 7:8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
Ezra 7:27 Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: Ezra 7:28 And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.Verse 7 that date can be confirmed by Historic records. (Ezra 7:7… “in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.”)
This Easton’s Bible Dictionary says, The seventh year of Artaxerxes the king was 458 B.C. Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary – Artaxerxes Artaxerxes [N] [H] [S] the Greek form of the name of several Persian kings. The king who obstructed the rebuilding of the temple ( Ezra 4:7 ). He was probably the Smerdis of profane history. • The king mentioned in Ezra 7:1 , in the seventh year (B.C. 458) of whose reign Ezra led a second colony of Jews back to Jerusalem, was probably Longimanus, who reigned for forty years (B.C464-425); the grandson of Darius, who, fourteen years later, permitted Nehemiah to return and rebuild Jerusalem. (This is within one year of our date of 457 B.C. which is more accurate.)
Now let’s study the Bible prophecy, we read in Daniel 9:25, that from that same “command to restore and build Jerusalem.” (457 B.C.) To the coming of Christ as the Messiah would be “seven (7) weeks and sixty-two (62) weeks,” totaling (69) weeks. “ But notice these weeks are separated (7) week’s start at (457 B.C.) 7 weeks equal 49 years from (457 B.C.) that brings us to (408 B.C.) That is when Jerusalem was successfully rebuilt, now counting from there the (62) weeks more = (434 years) and brings us to the coming of Christ the Messiah and His Ministry and Sacrifice. (See Dan 9:26, “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off.”)
Let’s review it, if we start the count after the (7) weeks-49 years of Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. From 457 B.C. then that brings us to (408 B.C.) When the restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem was completed; ( 49 years) from (457 B.C.) Then 62weeks = 434 years bring us to (27 A.D) the ministry and sacrifice of Christ the Lord. “The Master says…My appointed time is at hand…“ Matthew 26:18. Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Notice that it says that Christ was about 30 years old when He was baptized and began His public ministry. This is important because some critics also say we do not know when Christ was born or how old He was when He was crucified. But Luke tells us that Christ was about 30 years old, about he said, but we know that He was about 27 years old and not quite 30 yet, because the prophecy of Dan. 9 can trace this event when He started His public ministry to 27 A.D.
But now we have (70) weeks, that’s adding (1) more week or (7) days to the ( 62 weeks + 7 weeks =69 weeks) day equals a year so that’s adding (1) more prophetic week to the (69 + 1 = 70 weeks or 490 years from 457 B.C.) Notice verse 27: “Then He (Christ) shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring and end to sacrifice and offering.” Dan. 9:27 ( See my Chart Illustration on Daniel’s Prophecy’s in the end of this chapter.) The last week added = 7 days a day for a year = 7 years. Notice it says “in the middle of the week, day for a year, (three and a-half days =three a-half years.) Three and a-half years after Christ began His Ministry, He was “cut off or crucified; that brings us from (27A.D. to 31A.D.) This also marks the end of (69) weeks of “the Messiah shall be cut off.” So this three and one half years takes us to the spring of 31 A.D. and includes four Passovers, Christ was crucified on the Passover as the Lamb of God in 31 A.D. Just as prophecy said He would be in Daniel chapter nine.
Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks (7 weeks plus these 62 weeks equal 69 weeks) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. The Hebrews were given a total of the 70 weeks that were cut off from the 2300 years, so they were given 490 years of the 2300, for the prophecies of the Messiah because they were the "Covenant" people of the promise of the Christ.
These verses in Dan.9: 26-27 are very clearly referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. However, many popular books and Sunday keeping preachers use Daniel 9:24-27 in a different way to refer to the Anti-Christ and the 7th week they take away from the 69 weeks and try to put it at the end of time 2000 years in the future and call it the 7 years of tribulation and the time of the end and also throw in a secret rapture. But if you read these popular books like the ‘Late Great Planet Earth’ by Hal Lindsay and the ‘Left Behind’ books. You too will see that there interpretation of these things does not fit, there is no biblical support for what they say and it clearly does not fit the 70 week prophecy or 490 years. These books have sold many copies but unfortunately they have the wrong interpretation about some important bible topics. And instead of showing the prophecies point to the first coming of Christ as the Messiah, they apply these key bible text to the Anti-Christ. Be careful reader friend test all books all preaching and teachings by the Holy Scriptures.
The other “three and a-half years remaining of the seven years after His sacrifice-crucifixion brings us to (34 A.D.) that is from 31 A.D. upon His crucifixion then add the last 3 1/2 years that takes us too 34 A.D. This is the year the Apostle Stephen was stone for preaching and teaching this same Gospel to the Jews. And it is when probation ended for the Jewish Nation. It is the end of the seventy weeks of Daniel nine.
More about the time for the close of probation for the Jewish Nation. Christ came as the Messiah which made void the old sacrificial system; the Jewish leaders sealed their choice rejecting Christ by the stoning of Stephen the disciple of Christ, as he went about preaching the gospel of Christ. No doubt he was teaching them these same prophetic events here in Daniel chapter nine. And he was telling them that the same person that they crucified is the Messiah the Christ. They rejected the Lord and the message of salvation through Christ. The disciples were to go first to the Jews, the lost sheep of the house of God, but when the leaders showed they rejected Christ repeatedly and even killed Stephen who came to them with the message of the crucified and risen Christ the Lord. Their rejection of Christ gave the disciples permission to give the gospel to the gentiles, Paul was converted to do this, and him and Peter began giving the Gospel to the gentile world. The Jews were the chosen "Covenant" people after they rejected Christ as a nation and their leaders crucifying Christ and persecuting His disciples they were no longer the covenant people, the covenant would be confirmed with many even the gentiles (meaning all non-Jewish people) for one week. This one week or seven days equals the seven years.Dan 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
And even though the Jewish people are no longer the covenant people, any individual person including Jews can accept Christ as their Messiah and be saved as He entered in to the Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary to intercede for them with His own blood before the Father God. 1st Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 2nd Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;2nd Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. The Investigative Judgment began in the heavenly sanctuary when Christ began His High Priestly work first in the Holy Place and then in the Most Holy Place. See Hebrews chapter 9 for a better understanding how type has met anti-type. Heb 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; (Stephen saw Christ in the Holy Place on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. And He was there at the end of the 70 week prophecy of Daniel chapter nine.) Heb 8:2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. Heb 8:4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Heb 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
So now we have clear bible support for the 70 weeks or 490 years and the 2300 years and we saw how the prophecies were completely accurate and reliable with the events as we have them recorded in history, giving us dates confirmed by not only history but also archeology.
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