HIStory, Our Future: Pearls for the Bride Production
Last Updated:
08/20/2008 01:52
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My agenda for
this DVD presentation is to alert, inform, comfort and build the faith in God's Word.
When you see the
icon, click it to link to relevant online videos.
Overview
You can jump to different sections
from this overview. Just click on the arrow to expand each part and
jump to the details.
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Part 5:
The Coming Times - What's
Next?
-
Seven Seals
- First Seal: The New ENP --
In
progress? (January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2013)
- Second Seal: Peace Taken from the
Earth
- Russia Invades Georgia
- Destruction of Damascus (why this
timing?)
- Magog Invasion (why this timing?)
- Temple Rebuilt/Israel returns to
Yahweh/Two Witnesses arrive
- Third Seal: Global Economic Crisis
- Temple Rebuilt next to Dome of the Rock
- Fourth Seal: Rise of the False
Prophet - 12th Mahdi (uniting Sunni & Shia)
- Fifth Seal: Time of Jacob's
Trouble
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Can You Help With
This Project?
Introduction
History and the future collide in
clarity right now to shine the light of God's Word on the path to
eternity with Yeshua.
For almost 2,000 years, since Yeshua's resurrection and ascension
into heaven, the
saints have speculated and wondered about the timing of His promised
return. The answers were written and foretold in the Bible through
the prophets, the
understanding of the prophecies sealed up until the time of the end. They were written
there for the bride of Christ living in the end times when the final
prophecies would be fulfilled and as a testimony that God is who He
says He is and He means what He says.
This is an examination of Biblical history
and current events in light of Bible prophecy for the edification of
the bride of Christ and all with ears to hear. The goal is to shine the light of God's Word on
the path of the coming times so that we are not in darkness
regarding
what is about to happen. Yeshua is coming for His bride soon to take
her to the marriage
of the Lamb and this is an adrenaline shot to the heart and mind to
awaken your spirit to the reality and relevance of Bible
prophecy today. It is also my prayer that it give you hope in the difficult times to come,
building your faith in the Truth of God's Word and for
His glory as we approach the coming times that He foretold.
It
is also a warning. The
wrath of Lucifer will come against those that refuse to enter
his global system of control and anyone who chooses the man of
sin over God will be eternally separated from God according to
their own choice. God is
love and separation from God is separation from love so my
desire is that everyone make an informed decision as it affects your
eternity. In addition, sudden destruction will be falling in earth-shaking ways, literally. Life
as we know
it is about to end and the only salvation is in Yeshua the
Christ who has saved us from the wrath to come. He is our
blessed hope and we need to be aware of the signs of the times
given us so we would not be in darkness just as promised.
This
is not a message of fear but of hope, building faith in the Word of
God showing it to be a True foretelling of the future coming to pass
today. Darkness and fear go hand-in-hand, but God's Word shines like
a light in the darkness revealing the unknown and showing God's love
for us. True love casts out all fear and this is meant to give strength and arm the bride of Christ
with the whole armor of God; the breastplate of righteousness,
shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit
which is the Word of God. The road ahead is not an easy one, but
eternity with God awaits those who love and obey Him.
What you are about to learn is just a small
part of the whole picture. The most important thing you can do is
build your personal relationship with Yeshua in prayer and reading
His Word for yourself. The things of this world will pass away and
often hinder our relationship with Him so I encourage you to come
out of the world and its message of self to focus on Yeshua to be
more like Him and less like the world. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in
understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him, let Him direct
your path and keep your eyes fixed on Him.
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the
honour of kings is to search out a
matter.
Revelation 1:5,6
Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first
begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the
earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our
sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings
and priests unto God and his Father; to him
be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
John
15:14,15
Ye are my friends,
if ye do
whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you
not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord
doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things
that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto
you.
Amos
3:7
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing,
but he revealeth
his secret unto his servants the prophets.
God wants His people to know what is
going to happen and He has provided that understanding in the Bible.
As we near the end and understanding is unsealed, clarity is growing
as world events unfold. I
pray that in this examination of history, Bible prophecy and current
events, that you find yourself in a stronger relationship with
Christ and have a stronger faith in His Word, the Bible.
Part 1: Biblical Foundations
Isaiah 46:9,10
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is
none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the
end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that
are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do
all my pleasure:
The only reliable understanding of what is coming in the future
comes from the One who exists outside of time and knows the end from
the beginning. Prophecy is a comfort for the bride of Christ because it
is revealing God's plans for our future. We are told that we
are not going to be left in darkness and the foundation we have to
understand what is coming is from the Word of God. This builds up
our faith in God's Word.
John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with
God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any
thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was
the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the
darkness comprehended it not.
John 5:39
Search the scriptures;
for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they
which testify of me.
Revelation 19:10b
worship God: for
the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of
prophecy.
I am a watchman for Christ and I want to unite
those who trust in God's Word under the Bible's authority. This information is a collection of research by many
watchmen and my own study of Bible prophecy combined through
a careful examination of the plum line, the Bible. I do not
claim to have full knowledge and I am open to correction and welcome your
comments, criticisms and additions by sending an e-mail to:
watch@watchmanbiblestudy.com
What is the point of studying Bible prophecy? There are two kinds
of prophecy, fulfilled and unfulfilled. What can be learned of that
which is already fulfilled with great precision builds faith in what
is yet to come to pass. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the
Word of God and so the reading of the Bible is central to
understanding and shining the light of Truth in this dark world.
Psalm 119:104,105
Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I
hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a
light unto my path.
The Importance of Watching:
what are we watching for &
why?
We are told to watch and are blessed for doing so. The blessing
comes in the way that the Word of God shines a light on the path to
the future. While what it reveals in the darkness is not pleasant,
it also reveals events beyond this time that must come to pass and
speaks to our spirit an unexplainable peace that passes all
understanding.
Titus 3:11-15
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath
appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,
in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and
rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Command & Blessing
There is much we do not know, which is why we are warned to watch.
And it doesn't do much good to watch if we don't know what we're
seeing, the signs of the times. This is where the Biblical
foundation is imperative to understanding the end times we are
living in today because God told us what would come to pass, sealed
in Bible prophecy for the time of the end.
Revelation
3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and
hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will
come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come
upon thee.
Mark 13:32-37
But of that day and that hour [coming of the Son
of man] knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven,
neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed,
watch and pray: for ye know not when
the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his
house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye
therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house
cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the
morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you
I say unto all, Watch.
Luke 12:16-40
And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord,
when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they
may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord
when he cometh shall find watching:
verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down
to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the
second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those
servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what
hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered
his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also:
for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
1
Thessalonians 5:1-11
But of the times and the seasons, brethren,
ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves
know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and
safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as
travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape. But ye, brethren, are not in
darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye
are all the children of light, and the children of the
day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore
let us not sleep, as do others; but let us
watch and be sober. For they that
sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are
drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be
sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and
for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath
not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by
our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we
wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore
comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even
as also ye do.
Revelation 1:1-3
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to
shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he
sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of
Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 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.
When we believe what cannot be seen but is proven in the Word,
the knowledge of eternity in God's presence far outweighs the
troubles and cares of this life. And moreover that faith acts as a
shield to the attacks of the enemy trying to deceive and break us
down. Thank God that what He builds up cannot be broken down when we
are in Him and trust in His Word.
Protection From Deception
This leads to another important Truth from scripture regarding
the future that speaks to the importance of watching, deceptions and lies
of the enemy of mankind. Knowing the Truth
prevents being mislead by deception.
Matthew 24:23-27
Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is
Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise
false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they
shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you
before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is
in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret
chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of
the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the
coming of the Son of man be.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-14
And for this cause God shall send them strong
delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all
might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure
in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks
alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through
sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of
the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 4:1-3
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that
in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies
in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,
which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
them which believe and know the truth.
2 Timothy 4:1-5
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in
season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long
suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they
will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and
shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all
things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry.
There are many signs and lying wonders coming meant to deceive
the world and God is going to allow them to happen. He has given us
the warning in His Word and the foretelling of many things that must
come to pass in the future. The importance of understanding Bible
prophecy is key in this respect, to not be deceived as the majority
of the world will be. By and large, the world today does not have
faith in or respect for the Holy Bible. I pray this presentation of
facts and details will bring the Word of God to life for you as it
has for me and lead you to a closer relationship with Yeshua while
offering greater understanding as to why current events are
unfolding the way that they are and where it is leading.
Interpreting Bible
prophecy
Before going into detail from scripture, it is necessary to
address the source of interpretation and understanding as well as
the validity of focusing on Bible prophecy. As pointed out earlier,
the whole Word of God is focused on Yeshua and He is the spirit of
prophecy and so one cannot help but focus on Him in the study of His
Word.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-23
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give
thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you. Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not
prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify
you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body
be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
2 Timothy 3:12-17
Yea,
and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and
worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the
things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing
of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise
unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works.
Considering the history of declaring prophecies, many Christians
view the subject of Bible prophecy as something that should be shied away from.
However every word contained in scripture is there for a reason and
80% of scripture is prophetic. The question then becomes how we
understand the yet unfulfilled prophecies regarding our future. The Bible interprets itself and is authored by the Holy Spirit
speaking through the prophets as revealed in what they wrote in our Bible.
A good example of this comes from Revelation 12 and the
interpretation of the symbology used there.
Revelation 12:1,2
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed
with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a
crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried,
travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Who is this woman and what does it mean that she is "clothed with
the sun, and the moon under her feet?" The answer is given in the
Old Testament, where Israel (Jacob) interprets Joseph's dream.
Genesis 37:9-11
And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and
said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun
and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he
told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father
rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou
hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed
come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his
brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.
In Joseph's dream, he is one of the 12 stars to which the other
11 (brothers) and the sun (father) and moon (mother) bow to. His
father is Jacob whom God named Israel and the brothers became the
twelve tribes of Israel through Rachel their mother. The woman in
Revelation 12 then can be seen as representing the nation of Israel
comprised of the 12 tribes from Rachel clothed with the name of
Israel.
These 66 books written by 40 authors over thousands of years shows
this integrated message to be beyond the ability of mortal man alone
to author.
2
Peter 1:19-21
We have also a more sure word
of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto
a light that shineth 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 spake as they were
moved by the Holy Ghost.
We must ask the Author to show us the Truth contained in
scripture as we daily study it. There are many amazing facts
contained in the Bible and I would recommend checking out some of Chuck Missler's
presentations such as his
Learn the Bible in 24 Hours series to learn of just some of
these amazing details showing God's
fingerprints all over and validating the supernatural nature of
scripture.
In addition the understanding of Bible prophecy is not based on
just single
scriptures, but on the whole council of God. All of scripture must
agree 100% with itself and many times doctrines are built not on the
collection and corroboration of all scripture, but by picking and
choosing small portions alone. This has lead to many false
interpretations of scripture in the past and should be in the
forefront of all Christians as they study Bible prophecy.
Isaiah 28:9-13
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he
make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from
the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept
must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon
line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he
speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest
wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is
the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word
of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept
upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a
little, and there a little; that they might go, and
fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Failure to examine the whole context as working in
agreement will place
stumblingblocks in understanding the full meaning.
Israel's blindness is possible in the same way for
all who do not take God at His Word and build
understanding from the whole council of God.
Israel had prophecies of the coming Messiah, but by ignoring certain
aspects they were unable to see Him when He came. There were
prophecies of a conquering king, but also a suffering servant. If
one only examines the prophecies of His glorious return, it is much
easier not to see or believe the humble man who presents Himself as
the Messiah on a donkey as prophesied in
Zechariah 9:9.
Another important aspect in rightly dividing the Word is
examination of the context of surrounding scripture. As with
building doctrine on only one passage, it is very easy to build
doctrine on isolated words outside of the context they are given in.
In addition, it is always helpful to examine the Greek and Hebrew
meanings of words used. In the case of the English language, we are
at a disadvantage because of generalized definitions for terms we use. Greek
and Hebrew is much more precise and many times what we may be
thinking in our 21st century mindset is much better defined
and detailed in
the original Greek or Hebrew. E-Sword (www.e-sword.net)
is a useful and free software tool to study these more defined words
as well as the Blue Letter Bible web site (www.blueletterbible.org).
Upon accepting the sacrifice of Yeshua for the forgiveness of
sins and walking in the ways of God, we receive the free gift of the
Holy Spirit. Being filled with the same Holy Spirit who authored
the Bible through the prophets, we are taught all the
things and guided through God's Word for the answers,
all contained therein. So ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your
search for Truth. Keep reading His Word and
searching the scriptures to see what is really True and what is
false teaching, including what you may learn here.
Biblical Astronomy
Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth
his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where
their voice is not heard.
Studying timing necessitates examining
the heavens because time is defined by the movements of the
celestial bodies in the
heavens.
Genesis 1:14-19
And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament
of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let
them be for signs,
and for seasons, and for days, and
years: And let them be
for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon
the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the
greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule
the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the
firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to
rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the
light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And
the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Signs in the heavens
- Chuck Missler
Job 38:31
Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of
Orion? Can you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or can you guide
Arcturus with his sons? Do you know the ordinances of heaven? can you set the
dominion thereof in the earth?
The Hebrew Mazzeroth are the 12 constellations that make up what
modern man calls the Zodiac. Their original meaning has been
corrupted and used for such things as predicting the future. However
the original
meaning of these constellations is revealed in the study of the
Hebrew and Arabic names for the stars. These star names have
remained the same through history and they tell a story, the story of man's redemption written
in the meaning of the names of the stars. Each
constellation also has three decans associated with them that
further tell the story. The pictures associated with these
constellations were not based on how the stars looked, but rather
what the stars said.
For the
purpose of this presentation, I will only focus on two, Virgo and
Leo, the beginning and the end of the story of our redemption.
Virgo - Hebrew: Bethula
- "a virgin" (virgin birth of Christ)
Isaiah 7:11-14
Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in
the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not
ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O
house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but
will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall
give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and
bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6,7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and
the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be
called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government
and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and
upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment
and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the
LORD of hosts will perform this.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel.
- Tsemech - "branch"
- Zavijaveh - "gloriously beautiful"
- Al Mureddin - "who shall have dominion"
Psalm 72:1-8
Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto
the king's son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness,
and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to
the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall
judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the
needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear
thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all
generations. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass:
as showers that water the earth. In his days shall the righteous
flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river
unto the ends of the earth.
Deacans
- Coma, the Desired
- Centaurus, the Despised
Isaiah 53
- Bootes, Coming One
Leo - Hebrew: Arieh -
"lion" (Lion of
the tribe of Judah)
Revelation 5:1-5
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book
written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And
I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is
worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no
man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able
to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much,
because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book,
neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me,
Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root
of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the
seven seals thereof.
- Regulus - "treading under foot"
- Denebola - "the judge cometh"
- Deneb Aleced - "the judge shall reign"
Deacans
The other constellations, through the ancient meanings of the
star names, expound on the story speaking of
purchase, redemption, propitiation, the cross, victim slain, the
crown bestowed, the wounded heel, exalted and the ruler. What began
with the virgin birth of Yeshua at His first coming will end in the
future with His glorious return to rule the earth for 1,000 years,
all foretold by the names of the stars in the heavens placed there
as signs long forgotten until now in the end times. There is even more to
this story that connects it with modern events acting as signs of
the times in which we live as you will see.
Days & Years
When Yeshua spoke the heavens into existence, He placed the
lights in the heavens there to mark our days and years. Our calendars are based on
the orbits of celestial bodies, a year being how long it takes the
Earth to travel around the sun and a day how long it takes for one
full rotation of the Earth, but have these times always been the
same?
360-day Prophetic years
Ancient civilizations all used 360-day year calendars and "the foundation of 12 months of 30 days length
in the Egyptian calendar infers that a 360 days per
year calendar was in use in ancient history before
1000 BC." -
Prophetic Tech
Genesis
7:11
In the six hundredth year of Noah's life,
on the
seventeenth day of the second month--on that day
all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and
the floodgates of the heavens were opened
Genesis 8:3
The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end
of the hundred and fifty days (150
days)
the water had gone down, and on the
seventeenth day of the seventh month (5
months later) the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat
"Based on the book of Genesis, the calendar at
the time of Noah consisted of 12 months of 30 days.
At the beginning of the flood, the water came forth
on the 17th of the month. Five months later on the
17th day of the month, the book of Genesis reveals
that 150 days had passed. Dividing 150 days by 5
months supports that the early calendar contained 12
months of 30 days length." -
Prophetic Tech
Guy Cramer has done some research in his article titled 360 vs. 365,
which can be found online at: (www.direct.ca/trinity/360vs365.html),
the scriptural reasoning is presented here. King Hezekiah was sick
and close to death when Isaiah came and told the king that he would
die. Upon the prayer of Isaiah for the kings sake, the Lord told him
that the king would be healed and live for 15 more years while
defending Jerusalem for His namesake and that of David. This was
before the Babylonian siege and destruction of Solomon's temple.
2
Kings 20:8-11
And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign
that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the
house of the LORD the third day? And Isaiah said, This sign
shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing
that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or
go back ten degrees? And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing
for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow
return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried
unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward,
by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.
Isaiah 38:7,8
And this
shall be a sign unto thee from the LORD, that the LORD will do
this thing that he hath spoken; Behold, I will bring the shadow on the sundial of
Ahaz ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten
degrees on the dial by which it had gone down.
"360 degrees is a circle (on the sundial), divided
by 12 hours of sunlight (average day) is 30
degrees per hour. 1/3 of an hour is 20 minutes
and so 10 degrees would be 20 minutes."
What is termed "degrees" in the English translation is the Hebrew
word ma‛ălâh (mah-al-aw')
meaning stair or step. It is the feminine of ma‛ăleh
(mah-al-eh') meaning ascent, mounting up, stairs. "A modern sundial is round and would only
show a 180 degree change for 12 hours, but the
sundials from this time were not round but a set
of stairs that had two sides that stepped up
towards each other and met in the middle. We
don't know how many steps this particular
sundial of Ahaz had. If it had 360 steps then 20
minutes could be an accurate estimate. A sundial
positioned properly with 360 steps could tell
you not only what hour of the day it was but
also what day of the year it was if the year
had 360 days." As we see in the ancient
calendars and the reckoning of Noah in Genesis, this was the case.
"The earth is currently orbiting the sun at
29.79 km/s (kilometers per second) and has been
doing so for many thousands of years. This
constant speed of 29.79 km/s means that to make
one orbit of the sun (one complete circle or
year) will
take 365.2422 days. If we speed up the orbit of
the earth to 30.22379 km/s we would end up with
a year that is 360 days long.
"The difference in speed between
365.2422 days per year and 360 days per year
is equal to 20.9688 minutes per day. This is
not a difference in our 24-hour time period
but it would take the earth 20.9688 minutes
less time per day to travel that same
distance in the orbit around the sun.
365.2422 days -20.9688 minutes per day = 360
days.
"If the earth had a year of 360 days per
year (= earth's orbital speed of 30.22379
km/s) the moon would now automatically have
a 30 day lunar month without changing the
speed of the orbit of the moon!
"If we changed nothing else except
to increase the speed of the earth's
orbit to 30.22379 km/s to achieve a 360
day year, then the time it takes from
one full moon to the next full moon
would be 29.96785 days (30 days). The
moon would still be making one complete
orbit every 27.3 days but the moon would
now need to travel 2.6785 extra days
(added to the 27.3 days) to become full
again.
This change from 360-day years to 365.2422 days per year occurred
around 799 - 700 BC, the very timeframe
of Hezekiah's rule when this change happened according to the Bible! In the examination of Bible prophecy,
it becomes clear that God's timing has not changed with the changes
in speed of the Earth's orbit. Prophetically, three and one-half
years is forty-two months, which is 1260 days. So prophetic
calculations are converted to days as a common denominator in
determining prophetic timing. Recognizing this key, many amazing and
precise details are revealed as we walk
through history toward the future.
Part 2: Israel:
Prophetic Timepiece
Zechariah 2
I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a
measuring line in his hand. Then said I, Whither goest thou? And
he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the
breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof. And, behold,
the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went
out to meet him, And said unto him, Run, speak to this young
man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without
walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith
the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will
be the glory in the midst of her. Ho, ho, come forth, and
flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have
spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the
LORD. Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter
of Babylon. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory
hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he
that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. For,
behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a
spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of
hosts hath sent me. Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for,
lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the
LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that
day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of
thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me
unto thee. And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the
holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, O
all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy
habitation.
Israel is the apple of God's eye and is therefore
central to understanding Bible prophecy and God's timing for
the end. In Hebrew, the word translated apple is actually the
pupil of the eye and so is the focus of the eye. If the solar system
is the watch that determines time, then Israel is the prophetic
watch God times everything by. Everything about the watch is
Hebrew and Rosh Hashanah is midnight, the New Year. What happens
to Israel is encoded on that watch and it is on that watch the
understanding of the end-times is encoded throughout the Bible
as written by the prophets revealing God's plan for humanity.
Dispensation:
Divine ordering of earthly
affairs (Israel in Bible prophecy/church in Bible prophecy)
Israel has never stopped being a part of God's plan. However
there was a time of judgment upon Israel that had to be completed
for the end to come. During the last almost 2,000 years since Yeshua
departed to prepare a place for His bride at the Father's house,
Israel has been scattered across the earth while the Gospel has been
spread with much opposition from our mutual spiritual enemy. Both of
these two groups have been used for His purposes and in God's timing
their appointed times will come. The timing of all things are in
God's control and beginning with the examination of Israel's
judgment history and the precision of God's Word, we are given
insight into that timing so we are not in darkness.
Previous predictions about the timing of the end prior to 1948
were missing the context of Israel's re-emergence as foretold
in
Ezekiel 36-37,
Isaiah 11:11,12 and
elsewhere. Some good articles on Israel's prophesied
reappearance are available in the
March-April 2008 Lamplighter Magazine.
Zechariah 12:1-3
The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD,
which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of
the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I
will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round
about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and
against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a
burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with
it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be
gathered together against it.
As we progress through history in examining the Biblical
record, it will become even more apparent that God is not
done with Israel and His plans for the end revolve around
this tiny nation hated by much of the world. However
Yeshua's return in glory to take the kingdoms of the
earth at Armageddon is dependent upon Israel's recognition
of Yeshua as the Meshiach Nagid.
Matthew 23:37-39
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! Behold, your
house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye
shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed
is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Considering the central nature of Israel to Bible prophecy, this is a
look at the history of Israel from the Bible focusing on the
precision of certain fulfilled prophecy to build faith in God's Word
regarding yet unfulfilled prophecy and show precedent that God says
what He means and means what He says.
Jeremiah 31:35-37
Thus saith the LORD,
which giveth the sun for a
light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the
stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the
waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: If those
ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the
seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before
me for ever. Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be
measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out
beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all
that they have done, saith the LORD.
Romans 11:1-5
I say then,
Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I
also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe
of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he
foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how
he maketh intercession to God against Israel saying, Lord,
they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars;
and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith
the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven
thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of
Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a
remnant according to the election of grace.
So let's examine some of Israel's history and the precision of
God's Word regarding these events. As scripture unfolds in line with
history revealing the future plans of God, let us give Him glory for
the promises our loving God has made and will keep!
Israel's History: Observing God's Timing
Wilderness Wandering:
14,000 Days (Sinai
1470's BC [~ 3,500 years ago])
Around 1400 BC, Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt
as God used His power to free His people. This time prior to 800 BC
was a 360-day year and using mathematics and diligent record-keeping
of the Hebrews during that Exodus from Egypt, the first example of
the precision of God's Word comes to light thanks to the research of
Charlie at www.wonderful1.com --
study.
Numbers 10:11,12
And it came to pass
on the
twentieth day of the second month, in the second year,
that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the
testimony. And the children of Israel took their journeys out
of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the
wilderness of Paran.
It was two years, two months and twenty days from the time the
Israelites left Egypt until they left Mt. Sinai. This was just prior
to the twelve spies entering the Promised Land. When the twelve
entered in, only two came back with a good report while the other
ten were afraid of the giants in the land. Because Israel grumbled
and did not have faith in God's provision to supply them the
victory, that generation was sent into the wilderness to die and the
next generation would then enter into the Promised Land. In the
fortieth year following the Exodus from Egypt, the next generation
entered into the Promised Land trusting in God to give them the
victory.
Deuteronomy 1:1-3
These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel
on this
side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the
Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and
Dizahab. (There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way
of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.) And it came to pass
in the fortieth year, in the
eleventh month, on the first day of the month,
that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all
that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
Joshua 4:15-19
And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Command the priests that
bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of Jordan.
Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out
of Jordan. And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the
ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of
Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto
the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their
place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before. And the people came up out of Jordan on the
tenth day of the first month,
and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
It was the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year
after leaving Egypt when Moses addressed Israel prior to crossing
the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It was the tenth day of the
first month when Israel came up out of the Jordan River meaning that
from leaving Egypt to crossing the Jordan River there were forty one
years, one month and ten days.
41 years | 1 month | 10 days
- 2 years | 2 month | 20 days
38 years | 10 month | 20 days
38 x 360 = 13,680
10 x 30 = 300
+ 20_________
=
14,000 days
The math from these scriptures
and the 360-day year of that time gives us a very precise number for
the generation of the men of war that passed away in the wilderness
wandering.
Deuteronomy 2:14,15
And
the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea
[Kadesh = holy | barnea = desert of
wandering], until we were
come over the brook Zered, was
thirty and eight years;
until all the generation of the men of war
were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them. For indeed
the hand of the LORD was against them, to destroy them from among the host,
until they were consumed.
This timeframe for a "warrior" generation of 14,000 days, from
ages twenty to sixty, is found in two other times in history related
to Israel at highly significant times in God's prophetic plan. But
historically, there were some other relevant prophetic events given
to the nation of Israel that hold great significance as well that
will be covered first.
For the next eight centuries, Israel dwelt in the Promised Land
conquered by Joshua through the times of the judges and King David
leading to the building of Solomon's temple on the Temple Mount. It
was this temple that would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar some three
hundred fifty years later because of Israel's disobedience.
Jeremiah 25:7-13
Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might
provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own
hurt. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have
not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the
families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadnezzar the
king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this
land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these
nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make
them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.
Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice
of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the
bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.
And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an
astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon
seventy years. And it shall come to pass, when seventy
years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon,
and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the
land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have
pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book,
which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.
Ezekiel's 430 Days
(606/537 BC | 587/518 BC
[~2,500 years ago])
Chuck Missler's study
Fulfilling God's Word to Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar came against
the nation of Israel in the summer of 606 BC laying siege to
Jerusalem. There were actually three sieges by Nebuchadnezzar, the
first and third separated by nineteen years. At the first siege, the
servitude of the nation begins as many are taken captive to
Babylon while a vassal king is set up in Judea to manage those
not taken back to Babylon. Nine years after the first siege of
Jerusalem, the vassal king left in Judea rebeled against
Nebuchadnezzar causing a second siege after which Zedekiah is
appointed to the throne. It was also at this time of the second
siege in 597 BC that Daniel and Ezekiel were taken captive into
Babylon.
Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel warned against the continued rebellions
against Nebuchadnezzar or the city of Jerusalem would be destroyed,
but king Zedekiah listened to the false prophets instead. This led
to the third siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC, nineteen years after the
first siege, and its destruction as warned of by the prophets of
God. And so in this final siege, the prophesied desolations of
Jerusalem came to pass. This brings up a good point, why was
Zedekiah's rebellion against God as well? God had already said
through the prophet Jeremiah what was to take place. He prophesied
seventy years under Babylon after which time God would take them out
of bondage. By rebelling against the king of Babylon, he was
rebelling against God's judgments and therefore trying to counter
God's Word and decrees. This highlights how God says what He means
and means what He says. There is a purpose behind what we might not
understand and God's Word will work to glorify Him. As we will see,
God did fulfill His Word with great accuracy.
While captive in Babylon, Ezekiel was given this prophecy
connected to the sieges regarding Israel's judgments decreed by God.
Ezekiel 4:1-8
Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee,
and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: And lay siege
against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against
it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against
it round about. Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set
it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face
against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege
against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. Lie thou also upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the
house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that
thou shalt lie upon it thou shalt bear their iniquity. For I
have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the
number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And
when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side,
and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah
forty
days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.
Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem,
and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against
it. And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not
turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days
of thy siege.
This iniquity laid on Ezekiel for Israel and Judah totals four
hundred thirty days and is explicitly given to be a day for a year
meaning four hundred thirty years. There are two distinct sieges
that stand out because the time that follows them is exactly seventy
years as prophesied by Jeremiah after which God would punish the
king of Babylon and restore Israel. These are the first siege that
began the servitude of the nation in 606 BC and the third siege
which began the desolations of Jerusalem in 587 BC.
Servitude of the Nation (Begins at the 1st siege of Nebuchadnezzar)
While we don't know the exact day, we know the year of the first
siege that resulted in the captivity of many in Israel into Babylon
in the third year of the reign of Johoiakim king of Judah.
Daniel 1:1
According to scripture, the end of the 70 years would mark the
punishment of the king of Babylon and the release of the Jews back
to the Promised Land. The fall of the Babylonian Empire to
Medo-Persia as prophesied by Daniel was written on the wall and the
king of Babylon was brought down in his pride and his kingdom given
over to Cyrus, the king of Persia.
2 Chronicles 36:22,23
Now in the first year of Cyrus
king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by
the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the
LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia,
that he made a proclamation throughout all his
kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus
saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the
earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he
hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem,
which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his
people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go
up.
Ezra 1:1-4
Now in the first year of Cyrus
king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the
mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD
stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that
he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom,
and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus
king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me
all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged
me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in
Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his
God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem,
which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD
God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in
Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth in any place
where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help
him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and
with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the
house of God that is in Jerusalem.
On July 23, 537 BC Cyrus gave a decree releasing the Jews
following his defeat, seventy years from the summer of 606 BC when
Israel was first taken captive as God foretold. Keep in mind that
these were 360-day prophetic years so 70 years at 360 days (69
years) is a year less than 70 years at 365 days.
Desolations of Jerusalem (Begins at the 3rd siege of
Nebuchadnezzar)
Nineteen years following the first siege and the beginning of the
servitude of the nation came the third siege due to Zedekiah's
rebellion and on August 10, 587 BC, the 9th of Av, the temple of
Solomon was destroyed. This was just one of a series of Hebrew
tragedies that have occurred through history on this fateful date
that may have profound relevance to the near future as well.
Zechariah 7:1-5
And it came to pass
in the fourth year of king Darius,
that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the
ninth month, even in Chisleu; When they had sent unto the house of God
Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD, And to
speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and
to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating
myself, as I have done these so many years? Then came the word of the LORD
of hosts unto me, saying, Speak unto all the people of the land, and to
the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh
month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even
to me?
An interesting parallel to the promised return of the Jews after
seventy years of captivity occurred on August 16, 518 BC. The Jews,
having been released by Cyrus nineteen years earlier, began to work
to rebuild the temple according to Cyrus's decree. However, the
antagonists around them didn't want this.
Ezra 5:1-5
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo,
prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of
the God of Israel, even unto them. Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of
Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of
God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping
them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them,
Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Then
said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that
make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the
Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to
Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
Ezra 5:6-17 is that letter sent
to Darius I making sure he was aware the Jews were rebuilding the
temple. They wanted Darius to double-check the king's treasure house
and make sure the decree of Cyrus was really there. They were trying
to cut the support for rebuilding the temple and justify stopping
this work. Darius responded quite differently than they hoped.
Ezra 5:13-6:12
But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon
the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this
house of God. And the vessels also of gold and
silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar
took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and
brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did
Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon,
and they were delivered unto one, whose name was
Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; And said
unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into
the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house
of God be builded in his place. Then came the
same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the
house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that
time even until now hath it been in building, and
yet it is not finished. Now therefore, if it
seem good to the king, let there be search made in
the king's treasure house, which is there at
Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of
Cyrus the king to build this house of God at
Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us
concerning this matter. Then Darius the king made
a decree, and search was made in the house of the
rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that
is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein
was a record thus written:
In the first year of
Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree
concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the
house be builded, the place where they offered
sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be
strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits,
and the breadth thereof threescore cubits; With
three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber:
and let the expenses be given out of the king's
house: And also let the golden and silver vessels of
the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth
out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought
unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto
the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his
place, and place them in the house of God.
Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river,
Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the
river, be ye far from thence: Let the work of this house of God alone;
let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house
of God in his place. Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do
to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of
the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses
be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which
they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for
the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and
oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at
Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: That
they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of
heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Also
I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let
timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him
be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for
this. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there
destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to
alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I
Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
So with the decree of Darius, the Jews were given confirmation
and the antagonists were put down to allow the rebuilding of the
temple to continue.
Side note: The Ark of the Covenant:
2 Chronicles 35:3 is the
last reference to the
Ark of the Covenant and verse 19
places the time of its mention around 621 BC. It was at this
time of the siege of Jerusalem, that the Babylonians built a
siege wall around the city not allowing anything in or out.
In the detailed listing of what was taken to Babylon from
the temple, there is no mention of the Ark of the Covenant,
which means that during the siege the Ark was most likely
hidden within the extensive cave system inside the siege
area.
In light of the 430 years of judgment for Israel and Judah at
this point 70 years have been paid leaving 360 years yet to be
accomplished. There is more of this that applies to recent history
connecting the final week of another prophecy given to Daniel
regarding his people and his holy city Jerusalem given to him while
in Babylonian captivity.
69 Weeks of Daniel
(445 BC - 32 AD [~2,453 -
~1,976 years ago])
2 Chronicles 36:19-21
And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of
Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and
destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had
escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where
they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of
the kingdom of Persia: To fulfil the word of the LORD by the
mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths:
for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil
threescore and ten years.
Jeremiah 29:10
For thus saith the LORD, That
after seventy years be
accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my
good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Seventy years of captivity were prophesied for Israel
because they did not keep the Sabbaths
for the land. Daniel knew the prophecy and the promised
return to Israel and recognizing the 70 years were almost up.
It's important to note that Daniel took the prophet Jeremiah's
prophecy literally and had faith in God's Word, recognizing the need
for repentance, and
requested understanding of God's plans for Israel.
Daniel 9:1-3; 20-23
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of
the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;
In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the
number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to
Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in
the desolations of Jerusalem. And I set my face unto the Lord
God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and
sackcloth, and ashes:
And whiles I was speaking, and praying,
and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and
presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy
mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even
the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,
being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the
evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and
said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and
understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the
commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art
greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider
the vision.
What God showed Daniel is one of the most fascinating prophecies
covering a vast period of time and pointing out with great precision
the day the Messiah would present Himself to Israel.
Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks
are
determined upon thy people
[Daniel's people, national Israel]
and upon thy holy
city [Jerusalem],
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.
The Hebrew word for "weeks" is
H7620
meaning a week (specifically of
years). This is seven years and there are
seventy sevens in this prophecy, four hundred ninety years in total.
Within this time the things listed will be accomplished.
- Finish the transgression: Finish is H3607 meaning to restrict or prohibit and transgression is H6588 meaning
a revolt (national, moral or religious). At Christ's
return in glory this is accomplished as He rules with a rod of
iron.
- make an end of sins: To make an end is H2856 meaning
to close up, seal and sins is H2403 meaning an offence
(sometimes habitual sinfulness); also an offender (sin offering).
This could have been accomplished when Yeshua died for the sins
of mankind taking away the need for a sin offering.
- make reconciliation for iniquity: To make
reconciliation is H3722 meaning to cover or to cancel and
iniquity is H5771 meaning perversity or evil. I believe
this also was accomplished at the cross.
- bring in everlasting righteousness: To bring in is
H935 meaning to bring to pass and everlasting is H5769
meaning eternity, always and righteousness is H6664
meaning right, equity. Until the cross there was no
eternal righteousness in man's future. It was made possible at
the cross.
- seal up the vision and prophecy: To seal up is H2856
meaning to close up, seal and the vision is H2377 meaning
a mental sight, dream or revelation and prophecy is H5030
meaning a prophet or inspired man. Almost all of
Revelation is contained within the 70 weeks timeframe. There are
explanations of what will happen after the 70 weeks, but mostly
descriptive of what it will be like. Not the kind of prophecy we
see describing, in great detail, the period of time prior to
Christ's return to earth to rule. I believe the sealing of the
vision and prophecy comes when Christ does.
- anoint the most Holy: To anoint is H4886 meaning to rub with oil, by implication to consecrate and most Holy
is H6944 meaning a sacred place or thing, sanctuary. When
Christ returns in glory He will take the throne. The Muslims
sealed up the Golden Gate to the East of the Temple Mount
because of a prophecy that the Messiah will enter into the
temple through it.
The key that determines the scope of Bible
prophecy within this period of seventy weeks of years however is the
sealing up of the vision and prophecy, which can only be completed
when yet unfulfilled prophecy comes to pass. This will be
accomplished when Yeshua returns and sets up His eternal kingdom on
the earth.
Daniel's 70 weeks prophecy is focused on Israel specifically
and timing of the end is tied to that prophecy for Daniel's
people and Jerusalem. This speaks to the central nature of
Israel in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and up until May 14,
1948 there was no nation of Israel to fulfill it and so no solid
foundation to understand Bible prophecy. The words were in effect,
sealed up until the time of the end when Israel would exist as a
nation once again.
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
[Meshiach
Nagid] shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the
street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
This part of the prophecy focuses on the first sixty-nine weeks
of years, or four hundred eighty three years. It begins from the
commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, the streets and walls in
troubled times. This decree was fulfilled March 16, 445 BC, seventy
three years after the order to rebuild the temple by Darius in 518
BC.
Nehemiah 2:1-8
And it came to pass in the month
Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that
wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it
unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his
presence. Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy
countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing
else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, And
said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why
should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place
of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates
thereof are consumed with fire? Then the king said unto
me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God
of heaven. And I said unto the king, If it please the
king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight,
that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of
my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. And the
king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how
long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it
pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Moreover
I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be
given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may
convey me over till I come into Judah; And a letter unto
Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give
me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which
appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and
for the house that I shall enter into. And the king
granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
Source:
"The exact date of this event was given as being in the month of Nisan
in the 20th year of Artaxerxes' reign. When the day of the month is not
given in Jewish chronologies, then it can be assumed that the first day
is meant. The 1st of Nisan, in the 20th year of King Artaxerxes of
Babylon corresponds to March 16, 445 BC.
Sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years later, the Messiah would
come."
Again calculating time in the 360-day year, 483 years is 173,880
days. Thanks to the work of Sir Robert Anderson in The Coming
Prince and
Jonathan Zachary, the calculations from Artaxerxes decree in 445
BC have been made, correcting for leap years, arriving at April 6,
32 AD. This is the ending date where the Messiah the Prince would be
revealed.
Yeshua had
an enthused crowd that would have called Him King,
John 6:14-15, but it was not under the
timing of the prophecy given to Daniel. There was a
particular time and way that Yeshua knew He had to present Himself
as the Messiah in order to fulfill the Word of God and it was at the
triumphal entry, what we call Palm Sunday, that He presented Himself
as the messiah on April 6, 32 AD.
Luke 19:29-40
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage
and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent
two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over
against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt
tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him
hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall
ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they
that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said
unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof
said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord
hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they
cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when
he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of
Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that
they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the
name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto
him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto
them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the
stones would immediately cry out.
The Pharisees knew that the disciples were presenting the Messiah
and this is why they wanted Yeshua to rebuke His disciples.
Furthermore, the prophesied presentation of the Messiah was
described by the prophet Zechariah
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O
daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold,
thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having
salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt
the foal of an ass.
Yeshua fulfilled the timing of the presentation of the Messiah to
the day as given to Daniel while in captivity in Babylon over five
centuries earlier! More than just the timing aspect, He also
fulfilled the method as well among the hundreds of other prophecies
Christ fulfilled in His time on earth.
Israel's Blindness
Isaiah
29:9-14
Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but
not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.
For
the LORD hath poured out
upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the
prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. And
the vision of all is become unto you as
the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is
learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it
is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying,
Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore
the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people
draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but
have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught
by the precept of men: Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this
people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their
wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall
be hid.
Luke
19:41-44
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept
over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in
this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now
they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come
upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee,
and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And
shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within
thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another;
because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
At the
triumphal entry Christ announced the blindness of
Israel. They don't understand God's Word and rely on the
traditions of men. Having not connected Yeshua as the
Messiah, they have no solid foundation for understanding
what is yet to come from His Word either. Messianic Jews
of course have accepted Yeshua and so are the body of
Christ as well as anyone who just individually accepts
Him. In fact Jews who are drawn to Yeshua and accept Him
as the Messiah have a much better understanding of the meaning of
all the customs God told them to do as shadows of things to come
that are fulfilled in Him. As Chuck Missler says, "The New Testament is in the
Old Testament concealed and the Old Testament is in the
New Testament revealed."
Romans 11:22-26
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which
fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in
his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they
[Israel]
also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in:
for God is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut
out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted
contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall
these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own
olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be
ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own
conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until
the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all
Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of
Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
This blindness is regarding the understanding God's Word. It is a
blindness that is not present only with the Jews, we can be just as
blind to what God meant in His Word. However we have the benefit of
the example of the Jews and the new covenant relationship with
Yeshua.
Romans 11:11,12
I say then, Have they [Israel]
stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but
rather through their fall salvation is come
unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to
jealousy. Now
if the fall of them be the riches of the world,
and the diminishing of them the riches of the
Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
There is a part of Israel that will be reconciled once again to
God! What Jews do now as tradition has been a testimony of what
Christ fulfilled and more specifically the feasts of Israel, which
may have seemed peculiar at one time, are foreshadows of God's
redemptive plan. Once again the Word of God centers on Christ and
what He has done for us and revealing God's plan foretold in the
traditions He gave His chosen people.
Feasts of Israel
This brings up an important point relevant to
understanding the Hebrew connection to God's plans centered
around Christ and the salvation He offers. The sometimes
peculiar things Israel was told to do were foreshadows
pointing to Christ. The feasts of Israel are an example of that and
the seven feasts all relate to God's timing of events
foretold. There are four spring feasts and three fall feasts
and since the spring feasts were fulfilled at Christ's first coming,
it seems appropriate to cover these foreshadows now. They are
Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Pesach Seder), First Fruits
(Wave Sheaf) and Pentecost (Shavuot).
Here is a chart from the
End Time
Pilgrim website that I found very useful.
Passover (Pesach) - Death of Christ as the
Passover Lamb [Thursday, April 10,
32 AD]
Leviticus 23:4-8
These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall
proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at
even is the LORD's Passover. And on
the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto
the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. In the first day ye shall
have an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall
offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD seven days: in the seventh day
is an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein.
The first Passover was in Egypt leading to the Exodus when the
Israelites
killed a lamb and put its blood over the doorposts so the
angel of death would pass by and their firstborn sons would not be
killed.
John
1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold the Lamb of
God, Who takes away the sins of the world."
Yeshua is the Son of God and the perfect Lamb sacrificed
for the sins of the world. When we have His blood covering
the door to our hearts, we are covered and saved from the
second death, spiritual death. God's only begotten Son died
in our place so we would not have to. All have sinned and fallen
short of the glory of God and nobody will enter the kingdom of God
without accepting the sacrifice of His Son to cover us.
If you have not accepted this sacrifice and received the Spirit
and peace of God in your life, I encourage you to come before Him in
prayer and humility like Daniel repenting and asking forgiveness.
There is not one person that doesn't need Yeshua in their life and I
pray you allow Him into yours.
 The
Ark of the Covenant revisited: According to
Ron Wyatt's account the Ark is waiting in
the cave system under Jerusalem for a particular
time to be revealed. As covered before, the Ark
disappeared some time before the Babylonian siege as it was not
taken to Babylon with the other temple artifacts. What is amazing is its
possible attachment to the events on Passover in 32 AD
when Christ was crucified for our sins. Before
the Babylonian captivity, once a year on Yom
Kippur, the high priest would enter into the
Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood of a
sacrifice on the mercy seat of the Ark of the
Covenant where the shekinah glory of God dwelt.
When Ron Wyatt was excavating around Golgotha,
he discovered a square hole in the rock and upon
further digging down discovered a cave in which
he says he discovered the Ark of the Covenant in
a case. What's amazing is that this Ark, placed
there in the 6th century BC, was under the place
where Christ would be crucified almost seven
hundred years later. Furthermore, when Christ
died and there was an earthquake and the rocks
were rent,
Matthew 27:50-54,
the blood of Christ travelled through those
cracks in the rocks and landed on the mercy seat
of the Ark of the Covenant so that the blood of
the blameless sacrifice, the Passover Lamb of
God, was sprinkled on the mercy seat for the
sins of the world!
Unleavened Bread (Pesach Seder) - Burial of
Christ [Friday, April 11, 32 AD]
Leviticus 23:6
And on the fifteenth day of the
same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; seven days you must
eat unleavened bread.
Bread represents the body and leaven is a symbol of
sin because it puffs up the bread as Satan was 'puffed up' with pride. Christ
took the sins of the world on Him in death with humility
and love.
Matthew 26:26-28
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and
blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the
disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to
them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my
blood of the new testament, which is shed for many
for the remission of sins.
John 6:35,54
35And Jesus said unto them, I
am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall
never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall
never thirst. 54Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh
my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up
at the last day.
Firstfruits (Wave Sheaf) - Resurrection of Christ
[Sunday, April 13, 32 AD]
Leviticus 23:9-14
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of
Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto
you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the
firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf
before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the
priest shall wave it. And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an
he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the
LORD. And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour
mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour:
and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin.
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the
selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a
statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
The Feast of Firstfruits was fulfilled by Jesus in His
resurrection. He was the "firstfruits from the dead."
1
Corinthians 15:20-23
But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the
firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by
Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so
in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the
firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.
Pentecost (Shavuot) - Holy Spirit comes to the
church [Sunday, June 1, 32 AD]
Leviticus 23:15-22
And you shall count to you from the morning after the Sabbath, from the day
that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be
complete: Even to the morning after the seventh Sabbath you shall number
fifty days; and you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD. Ye
shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they
shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the
firstfruits unto the LORD. And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs
without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they
shall be for a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and
their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto
the LORD. Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering,
and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. And the
priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering
before the LORD, with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the LORD for the
priest. And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy
convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a
statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. And when
ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the
corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any
gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the
stranger: I am the LORD your God.
According to Jewish tradition Shavuot, the Feast of
Weeks or Pentecost marks the giving of the Torah at Mt.
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