I occasionally hear speculation about how the End Times might begin on a certain date on the calendar because of some event or meeting that is scheduled to take place on that date. For instance, I recently heard speculation that the End Times might begin this April, which is the suggested time a former group of 26 E.U. leaders have given to current E.U. leaders to push for a U.N.-led solution for Middle East peace. The speculation is that this particular push for Middle East peace could lead to the confirmation of a seven year covenant, which Daniel 9:27 suggests to us is the event that marks the start of the seventieth week of Daniel (the seven year period that many people call the “tribulation”).
- 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.
I tend to not get too caught up in the speculation concerning certain dates/events because I believe the Bible provides information that we can use to estimate the time of year when the start of the seventieth week of Daniel is most likely going to occur.
- Today I’ll share with you why I believe the start of the seventieth week of Daniel is most likely going to occur at a specific time of year and share with you what time of year that is.
First, here is a background article on Yom Kippur in case you are unfamiliar with this important Jewish Holiday: Link You will see in the article that seeking atonement and reconciliation are two central themes of Yom Kippur.
I believe the seventieth week of Daniel is going to end on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (Tishri 10) because the significance of Yom Kippur aligns perfectly with what is going to take place at the end of the seventieth week of Daniel. Two of the main purposes of the seventy weeks of Daniel is to atone for the sins of Jerusalem and the Jewish people and to make reconciliation for iniquity (Dan 9:24).
- 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.
Since Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement on the Jewish calendar (Leviticus 16:29-30 and 23:27-28) and a day of reconciliation it is fitting that the final atonement of sins and reconciliation is completed on the Day of Atonement at the end of the seventieth week of Daniel...
In addition, there is evidence that a Jubilee Year will begin immediately after the end of the seventieth week of Daniel (Isaiah 61, Isaiah 58, Luke 4:18-21). Jubilee Years begin on Yom Kippur. For more access this link...
The following table displays the next ten potential End Times start dates if the seventieth week of Daniel ends on Yom Kippur. I found these dates by finding when Yom Kippur occurs for each year listed in the table below and then subtracting 2520 days, the length of the seventieth week of Daniel (see the appendix if you’re curious why the seventieth week of Daniel is 2520 days in length).[i] (Here is a link to the table in case you cannot see it: Link)
The above table suggests that we should pay the most attention to the time between late October and middle November each year for the potential start of the End Times. Events that take place outside this time period are unlikely going to be events that initiate start of the seventieth week of Daniel, the confirmation of the seven year covenant (Daniel 9:27).
- I am not saying that every event that occurs outside the late October through middle November period is irrelevant or unimportant. Some events that take place outside this time period can be important because they can be events that eventually lead to the initiation of the seventieth week of Daniel. For instance, all that work that goes into confirming a (new) seven year covenant is unlikely going to take place within just a few weeks because making a seven year or even a three and a half year commitment is a big one for all parties involved. There would likely have to be negotiation sessions that takes place outside of the late October and middle November time period before the covenant is confirmed so the parties involved are comfortable with the long-term arrangement.
Consequently, I do not believe the seventieth week of Daniel is going to start this April. However, it is good to continue watching for signs that the End Times are approaching because they can come at any time of the year.
Appendix
[i] The Length of the 70th Week of Daniel
Gabriel told Daniel that 70 weeks have been given to the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem to end their disobedience, atone for their sins, and to be saved.
- 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.
Most Christians who study Bible prophecy agree that the first 69 weeks of this prophecy was fulfilled over a several-hundred year period with a call to rebuild Jerusalem in the 20th year of Artaxerxes Longimanus’s reign (Nehemiah Ch. 2:1-5) and the death and ascension of Christ. Therefore, Gabriel did not mean 70 literal weeks where each week is 7 days in length. The Hebrew translation of the word “week” in Daniel is shâbûa‛, which actually means “seven”. Therefore we can also refer to Daniel’s prophecy as “the 70 sevens”. The length of a prophetic week can be determined by analyzing the structure of the 70th week of Daniel. Daniel’s 70th week is divided into two halves. In the first half Antichrist will make and keep a covenant with Israel, but will break it halfway through the seven.
- 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 2nd half of the week is a period of severe persecution. This period of time will last for “time, times, and a half”. The Hebrew word for “time” is “mô‛êd”, which also can mean “a year”. Nearly every commentator who analyzes Daniel’s 70 week prophecy agrees that “time, times, and a half” means 3 ½ years. Therefore, a prophetic week is a seven year period.
- Dan 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
In Revelation 12:14 we learn that 3 ½ prophetic years is the equivalent of 1260 days. If we divide 1260 days by 3 ½ years we will find that a prophetic year is 360 days long.
- Rev 12:14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
- Rev 12:6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
Similarly, 3 ½ years is also defined as 42 months since seven years is the equivalent to 84 months. Therefore a prophetic month is 30 days long since 1260 days divided by 42 months equals 30 days/month.
- Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
- Rev 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Given this information, we can confirm that the 70th Week of Daniel will be 2520 days long three different.
- 30 Days (in a Prophetic Month) x 42 Prophetic Months (in Half a Prophetic Week) x 2 Halves = 2520 Days
- 7 Prophetic Years (in a Prophetic Week) x 360 Days (in a Prophetic Year) = 2520 Days
- 1260 Days in “Time, Times, and Half” x 2 Halves = 2520 Days.
13 comments: (+add yours?)
First, the end times began with Jesus's death on the Cross. With this, the end times started, and will be fulfilled at His return. We very well may not know when everything starts, but we will know who the anitchrist is by the agreement he makes with Isreal. It will be one man that makes the agreement, and probably at the same time part of the agreement will be to allow the rebuilding of the 3rd temple. As for all of the other parts of revelation, here is my question. Do they apply just to Isreal, are we watching for things with just effect the holy land, or are all of these things on a global scale? Many of the prophesies throughout the Bible effect only Isreal and its people, so does that carry through to the book of Revelation, or is the book of Revelation more broad? Just my thoughs, and some food for thought, keep up the good work, this is a great site!!
You pose a question that I'll probably address in an upcoming article. Thanks for the comment.
This is an attempt to address your question: http://bit.ly/gRknPo
I apologize in advance if there is any misunderstanding.
Sabbath years should include an additional 30 days or 13th month. That's why the final 3 1/2 years of Daniel's final week speaks of "1290", even 1335 days (Daniel 12:10-12).
If Christ were to return after a Jubilee date, then we should include an additional 30 days for the 49th and 30 days as well for the 50th week of a Jubilee period.
The final 2 years of a Jubilee period therefore have 60 additional days, giving us 1260+60 days = 1320 days.
There still is a difference of 15 days (Daniel 12:12) between Daniel's 1335 days and 1320 days mentioned above.
If we count the remaining 15 days into the new Jubilee cycle, we land on the 15th day of the 1st month, which is Passover, also historically known as the officical start day of the EXODUS and rebirth date of Isreal.
That is why those who are able to hold out until the 1335th day are considered "blessed" by Daniel.
Assuming there is going to be a period in the future with 7 years....Do you have any ideas about why the FIRST 3 1/2 years seem relatively calm compared to the final 3 1/2 years?
I am thinking that this may give those true believers enough time to sell their apartments and homes in the big cities and move to a quiet farming town. Enough time to learn to grow/harvest your own fruits and veggies and start a small chicken farm.
Once the final 3 1/2 years are upon us, most christians will not be able to buy goods or services or work without the mark of the beast.
I think it is time we start developing at a step by step 'tribulation survival guide' not only for believers, but for those left behind as well.
With all these foreclosures....it sure makes it more affordable than ever to buy a piece of land.
To anonymous at January 13, 2011 11:46 AM:
The issue I have with adding an addition 30 days to the 49th year is that would imply that the second half of the seventieth week of Daniel is 1290 days long. Revelation 12 states that the woman would be in the wilderness for 3 1/2 years (Rev 12:14) which is equated to 1260 days (Rev 12:6).
I think the 1290 days refers specifically to the time from the establishment of the abomination that causes desolation until its destruction (http://bit.ly/cjr3EF). The 1335th day would be Hanukkah in my timeline (http://bit.ly/fNmzQV).
Not sure if the same person posted between 12:00 PM to 12:12 PM, but I think you've given me an idea for a future article. if I somehow can't think of one in the next few days come back here for a response to your question.
Today's article was an attempt to answer your question: http://bit.ly/eNGuMR
I believe you are right about the 70th week beginning in the fall. You are correct in thinking things wind up at the fall festivals. The 1260 days (which coincides with the end of the 6th trumpet or 3rd woe judgment will probably fall at Yom Kippur. The Lord will be returning somewhere at that time, but we will probably not know what day that is, given that we are told antichrist will change the seasons and times, meaning most likely the calendar will be changed so that the Jewish day of Yom Kippur is unknown to most people, thereby making it impossible for us to know the day and hour, just as Christ said. Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur are traditionally (in Judaism) all about the crowning of the Messiah as King, Judgment Day, the resurrection of the dead, and the blowing of the last trump. They foreshadow the Second Coming, just as the spring festivals foreshadow His first. The feast of tabernacles is also about the harvest of crops (this is when grapes are harvested to be thrown into the winepress). The 1290 days allows for 30 days for the vials of God's wrath to be poured out. From Yom Kippur to Hanukkah is 75 days.
That accounts for the extra 30 days (the 1290 for the vials) and 45 days (Daniels 1335 days) for probably gathering the people, sheep and goat judgment for the millennium, and possibly Christ rebuilding the temple for re-dedication on Hanukkah. The one thing I am puzzled by is everyone's attempt to pinpoint the Jubilee year. There is no Jubilee year nor has there been since way before Christ, according to Jewish rabbis. They say that the Scriptures require that all 12 tribes be in Israel (some say they must even be in their designated land grants) for the count to begin for a Jubilee year. That's why there hasn't been a Jubilee year historically in Judaism (again according to the rabbis of whom I inquired this knowledge) since the 10 tribes were conquered. They say that until Messiah comes and brings all the tribes back to the land they cannot begin a countdown for a Jubilee year. So for everyone to try to ascertain the year of Christ's return based on when a Jubilee year is, is a worthless pursuit, as it is not simply a matter of every 50 years being a Jubilee year. Requirements have to be met for the timeline to commence again, and those requirements will not be met until Christ returns and they can again start counting Sabbath years. I think they may be correct. God did say, "when you enter the land" they should start the count, and He meant all of Israel.
I think the reason people are focused on the Jubilee Year is that Isaiah 58:5-12 and Isaiah 61:1-3 mention details that are consistent with what you would find in a Jubilee Year (i.e. setting prisoners free and the restoration of land to its owner).
Is there a Bible verse where people were instructed to stop counting?
I own a book about the Jewish Holidays written by a Jewish-Christian author and an expert on Hebrew culture. The expert on Hebrew culture raised many of the same issues that you’ve raised about the problems with pinpointing the date of a Jubilee Year. The author actually doubted whether the end of the seventieth week of Daniel will end on a Jubilee year and emphasized the problems of finding a verifiable date that one can use to calculate Jubilee Year dates. The author also noted that if there is a verifiable date that one can use to calculate the timing of other Jubilee Years then the calculation of a future Jubilee date is “highly uncertain” due to the dispersals you mentioned.
I agree that if we attempted calculate the date of a future Jubilee Year we should use Christ’s Jubilee Year proclamation. The best we can end up with is an estimate or a range of potential years where a Jubilee Year could occur if the clock has continued to run. If you utilize estimates concerning the start of Christ's ministry you will get Jubilee Years estimates in the late 2020s. If you subtract seven years from that you’ll get seventieth week of Daniel start dates in the early 2020s.
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