Historical Context for Daniel's Revelation of Messiah:

After King Solomon's death the united kingdom consisting of all of the tribes of Israel were divided in two (931 B.C.); the northern kingdom of Israel consisting of ten tribes, and the southern kingdom of Judah consisting of two tribes (Judah & Benjamin). In the northern kingdom nineteen kings reigned between 931-722 B.C. All of these kings were bad, and no doubt led to the kingdom's downfall in 722 B.C. (2 Kings 17:7, 13). At that time Sargon II of Assyria invaded the ten northern tribes of Israel deporting its population, moving foreigners in to occupy the land, and whom intermarried with many of the minority Jewish population that remained(2 Kings 17:23-24). In the southern kingdom of Judah twenty kings reigned between 931-586 B.C. Eight were good, and twelve were bad. The Bible tells that the good kings, as well as G-d's love for David delayed the southern kingdom's judgment. Even so, the southern kingdom of Judah was also judged for their rebellion, transgressions or sin. (2 Chronicles 36:15-21; cf. Jeremiah 25:3-7; Jeremiah 35:12-15). The pre-exilic prophets make it clear that our beloved Israel was not only as sinful as other peoples, but worse on every level since those chosen by G-d should know better. As a result, King Nebuccadezner was allowed to lead his Babylonian army into Judah in six waves/three seiges beginning as early as 606 B.C., and where Jerusalem and Solomon's temple were finally burned to the ground (586 B.C.). At this time, the majority of the Jewish population that did not die in the invasion were taken back to Babylon in chains . This time interval between 931-586 B.C. has been classified as the first pre-exilic period, which is helpful in considering the significance of what is recorded in the prophetic books in historical context.

________________Who Was Daniel?

Daniel was exiled in 605, and the first temple was destroyed 20 years later in 586 by the Babylonians.

Daniel was a product of one of the few G-dly leaders from the House of Judah during the divided monarchy, King Josiah. However, following Josiah the decline continued until G-d finally uses Nebuccadezner as an instrument of judgement upon Judah. Daniel was one of those many from Judah's royal and aristocratic families taken captive by the Babylonians in 605 BC to insure Judah's submission as a vassal state, and before the temple and city was destroyed for the first time in 586 B.C. Ezekiel, who was himself exiled to Babylon seven years later in the year 598, wrote about Daniel's integrity and wisdom among men (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; 28:3). Daniel longed to return to his home, the land he loved, and to again worship in the city of Jerusalem in peace. He left a young man, and now he was old. It was in his later years while in exile Daniel began seeking G-d regarding His promise to one day restore a remnant of G-d's covenant people back to the promised land. During such a time while Daniel was confessing his sin, the sin of his people, and appealing to G-d through prayer and fasting with hopes that G-d would restore him and G-d's other covenant people back to the land of promise, and specifically to Jerusalem the angel Gabriel was dispatched by G-d to Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 9). Daniel learns from Gabriel that he will not see or experience the second exodus from their present Babylonian captivity, but that it would indeed occur in the future in accordance with G-d's word given to the pre-exilic prophets. The temple built under the leadership of King Solomon, and that was already destroyed in 586 B.C. would remain that way for several of years after Daniel's life. In fact, Daniel would live out the rest of his life in Babylon, but he would be rewarded after physical death (Dan 12:11-13 , Cf. Dan 12:2 ). However, G-d does grant Daniel insight into the times and seasons of this future post exillic exodus. Not only that, Daniel learns the time and purpose of the promised Messiah's visitation, which is recorded in Daniel 9:24-26.

Daniel's Mystery of Sevens   

Gabriel is recorded in Daniel chapter nine of the TaNaCH as saying, " . . . Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophesy and to anoint the most holy. (24) Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler [nagiyd], comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. (25) After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will 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 of it shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined (26).

"62 sevens" + "7 sevens" = 69 Sevens

(62X7)432 Years + (7X7)49 Years=476 Years

Daniel 9:24-26 _____Daniel 9:24-26 Hebrew Interlinear

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In ancient times, our modern calendar system was not in use. In fact, the Etruscans, Myans, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Persians, Chinese, Hindus, Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Babylonians, Teutons, Hebrews, Egyptians all originally had 360 day a year calendars, and typically with twelve thirty-day months. Interestingly, the Babylonian calendar influenced mathematics and the way we divide time to this day, e.g. there are 360 degrees in a circle, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute. There are examples of a 360 day year, and thirty-day month calendar in the TaNaCh, and within the framework of the lunar cycle (Genesis 7:24, Genesis 8:3-4). Allegedly, Hezekiah added a month each leap year to the Hebrew calendar. Even so, certain prophetic passages or events in the TaNaCH employed a 30 day month/360 day year (cf. Daniel 12:11). G-d was never saying to do away with the lunar calendar when employing this prophetic convention because the lunar calendar provides the actual start/end date where this prophetic convention is used AND keeps the schedule of His feasts in accordance with the TaNaCH. In the case of Daniel 9:24-26 G-d employed the use of sevens within a 30-day-month or 360 day year WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK of this lunar calendar for at least two reasons. First, it allows an anniversary date to fall on the same day, date, and month every eighty-four 30 DAY MONTHS (seven prophetic years). For example, Passover in 26 would fall on the same day, date, and month eighty-four 30 DAY MONTHS later in 33. Because this 30 day month 360 day calendar is employed within the framework of the lunar calendar Passover will always occur IN THE SPRING, but nevertheless will fall on the same day/date ONLY every 84 thirty-day months. The ancient wise men pondering the prophetic possibilities of Daniel 9:24-26 most likely realized at least two things when choosing their units: First, "weeks of years" was a common idiom for those familiar with the notion of a sabbatical year in the TaNaCH (Exodus 23, Leviticus 25-1:22; Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 15). On a more practical level rebuilding a temple would take years rather than days. Based upon these facts they simply took the sum of 62 X 7 and 7 X 7, or 432 + 49 = 476 actual years as shown above, and perceived the pattern of sevens that emerges in the chart provided below for your information. IT IS NOT coincidental that the difference between 476 and 444 is 33 in accordance with 69 whole number sevens, and that these 69 sevens ended about 37-40 years prior to the destruction of the second temple in 70 in accordance with Daniel 9:24-26. When that sinks in you will realize no man put something like that together, AND no man can manipulate the outcome due to the 476 year time this Messianic prediction in Daniel 9:24-26 spans. Please consider the chart below at mid-page for clarification.

Scroll Down

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Daniel Chapter Nine

Chronology

1. The issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
2. Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
3. The Messiah, or Anointed One comes
4. The Anointed One will be cut off, but not for himself.
5. The city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary will be destroyed again.

Daniel 9:24-26 Interlinear _____Daniel 9:24-26

The Mystery of Sevens In Perspective  

It is important to understand that the holy temple and Jerusalem HAD ALREADY BEEN destroyed by the Babylonians at the time Daniel was given this insight indicating the temple/city would be rebuilt before the coming of the Anointed One in Daniel 9. Daniel also learns that after the temple and city of Jerusalem would be rebuilt, the Anointed One would visit Jerusalem and that this Anointed One would subsequently be "cut off," and that both the rebuilt temple and city of Jerusalem would again be destroyed after Messiah's appearing from Daniel's historical vantage point. The fact that the coming Messiah would be cut off, and that the rebuilt city and temple would again be destroyed did not square with the popular eschatological hope of the time (cf. Isaiah 53:1). Can you imagine being informed that a remnant of your people "for his name's sake," but not you, would one day be brought back to a rebuilt city and temple, the Messiah would come and he would be "cut off," and that the temple would be destroyed again? This is evidence in the TaNaCH for a two part, two role, and two time messianic visitation since the temple that was built under Solomon was already destroyed, would be rebuilt, then Messiah would come and be cut off, and what became Herod's temple would be destroyed before a third rebuilt temple, and the anticipated golden messianic age that would come to pass in the end of things. It is my opinion Daniel properly understood the penalty of sin upon the soul, and that important aspect of Messiah's mission to redeem us as transgressors from the curse for sin upon the soul under law Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 53:11 (cf. Daniel 9:5-15, Ezekiel 18:4, Leviticus 17:11, Daniel 12:2). Nevertheless, Gabriel goes on to explain the precise time of messiah's visitation indicating the Anointed One would appear sixty-nine sevens from the issuing of a decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. Interestingly, the decree to REBUILD THE CITY was issued by the Persian King Artexerxes on April/Nissan 444 B.C. (Nehemiah 2:1-8), and well after Daniel died. Nehemiah was a Jewish cup bearer that served King Artaxerxes who became King of Persia in 464 according to historical records. It was "in the month of April/Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes" that the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem was issued. 464 - 20 = 444 B.C. But, what is the relationship between this decree and the mystery of sevens passed on by the angel Gabriel?

The temple was rebuilt in 516 B.C. under the leadership of Ezra, or Zerrubabal.

Mystery of Sevens Time Table

Mel Miller and the late Sir Robert Anderson shows how G-d had it in mind for cycles of seven to be calculated using the solar, lunar, and 360-day-year prophetic calendar together, and beginning in 444 B.C. in order to pinpoint exactly when the Jewish Messiah for the nations would appear in accordance with Artexerxes' decree, Daniel 9:24-26, and the Biblical calendar of special days instituted by G-d, e.g. Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits, etc. This is important as Passover only fell on Friday-Saturday once every seven years (84 months) WHEN USING A 360 DAY CALANDAR, and yet the prophesy had to be fulfilled by the 483rd anniversary of Artexerxe's decree (69 x 7). Only YHVH (G-d) could have set the universe in motion for the precise number of prophetic days overlaid on a solar and lunar calendar!!! Examine the following chart Mel Miller helped me construct:

When you count the number of years from a child's age at year 5, you do not say the child was five years from year one to year five. From year one to year five is four years. Moreover, there is no year numbered 'zero' AD. So you do not count year AD 1 but subtract it from 444 and then add 33, which equals 68 sets of seven on a solar calendar, 69 sets of seven on a Biblical calendar, and in either case ends on the same day of the anniversary date exactly 476 years later! Isn't that amazing!!!

2,520 X 69 Sevens = 173,880 days

1 Biblical Seven (7 X 360) = 2,520 days

BIBLICAL CALANDAR

_________________________________________

2, 556.75 X 68 = 173, 859 days (solar calendar)

1 Solar Seven (7 X 365.25) = 2,556.75 days

SOLAR CALANDAR

______________________________________________

444

-7

1

69

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

437

- 7

2

68

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

430

- 7

3

67

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

423

- 7

4

66

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

416

- 7

5

65

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

409

- 7

6

64

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

402

- 7

7

63

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

395

- 7

8

62

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

388

- 7

9

61

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

381

- 7

10

60

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

374

- 7

11

59

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

367

- 7

12

58

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

360

- 7

13

57

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

353

- 7

14

56

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

346

- 7

15

55

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

339

- 7

16

54

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

332

- 7

17

53

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

325

- 7

18

52

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

318

- 7

19

51

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

311

- 7

20

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

304

- 7

21

49

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

297

- 7

22

48

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

290

- 7

23

47

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

283

- 7

24

46

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

276

- 7

25

45

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

269

- 7

26

44

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

262

- 7

27

43

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

255

- 7

28

42

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

248

- 7

29

41

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

241

- 7

30

40

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

234

- 7

31

39

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

227

- 7

32

38

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

220

- 7

33

37

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

213

- 7

34

36

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

206

- 7

35

35

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

199

- 7

36

34

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

192

- 7

37

33

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

185

- 7

38

32

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

178

- 7

39

31

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

171

- 7

40

30

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

164

- 7

41

29

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

157

- 7

42

28

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

150

- 7

43

27

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

143

- 7

44

26

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

136

- 7

45

25

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

129

- 7

46

24

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

122

- 7

47

23

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

115

- 7

48

22

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

108

- 7

49

21

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

101

- 7

50

20

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

94

- 7

51

19

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

87

- 7

52

18

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

80

- 7

53

17

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

73

- 7

54

16

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

66

- 7

55

15

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

59

- 7

56

14

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

52

- 7

57

13

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

45

- 7

58

12

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

38

- 7

59

11

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

31

- 7

60

10

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

24

- 7

61

9

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

17

- 7

62

8

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

10

- 7

63

7

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

3

- 7

64

6

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

5

- 7

65

5

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

12

- 7

66

4

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

19

- 7

67

3

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

26

- 7

68

2

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,556.75 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 365.25 days).

33

-7

69

1

2,520 days (7 years X 12 mo = 84 mo X 360 days)

2,520 X 69 Sevens = 173,880 days

(Biblical calendar)

2, 556.75 X 68 = 173, 859 days

(solar calendar)

_________________________________________

The 360 Biblical-day countdown that consist of 30-day months as shown in this column is for the purpose of counting sevens from the decree issue date of March 28 or Nissan 9, BC 444 on the Jewish calendar, which required its "last day" to occur on March 28, or Nissan 9 of AD 33. There are 69! Technically, the same day ended both the 68 Sets of Solar Sevens and the 69 Sets of Biblical Sevens!

______________________________________________

The 365.25-day/year countdown as shown in this column is for the purpose of setting a historical starting and ending date only. This column shows there ere exactly 476 years between 444 and 33!

The difference between 173,880 (left column) and 173,859 (this column) is 21. And, 30 - 21 is 9. Yeshua rode into Jerusalem on a colt twenty one days prior to the end of the conclusion of anniversay month 476 years after the decree was made by Artexerxes, and was cut off five days after the 69th seven (left column)!

 

NOTE (s):

Understanding the prophesy in Daniel 9 is not an issue of subtracting 444 (decree issue date) from 483 solar years (69 X 7), but a matter of fulfilling 483 (69 X 7) after 444 BC in accordance with Nehemiah 2:1-8. The 483 is not SOLAR years. If the number 483 does not represent SOLAR years, what does the number 483 represent? 483 represents the Biblical years that are perfectly equal to 483 X 360 days, and divided into groups of seven in accordance with the Biblical calendar and seven major annual Jewish feasts.

These 483 biblical sevens perfectly fit between the 444 BC starting date and 33 AD ending date, which cover a period of 476 years. Moreover, a pattern emerges whereby a given feast, or event would fall on the same date and day once every seven years. This pattern of sevens can not occur using a lunar or solar calendar ALONE. It can only occur using the Biblical 30 X 12, or 360 day year within the framework of the lunar/solar calendar (See chart above).

G-d instituted seven primary feasts that occur at different times during those 360 days. Again, any given day and date repeated itself exactly 2,520 days, 84 months or seven Biblical years from its original date. For example, April 3 occurring on Friday in the year 26 would not happen again until 33 A.D. (33-26=7 years, or 84 months). Pinpointing Messiah's first visitation can be achieved using Daniel 9 if one knew or knows the secular date of 444 that is alluded to in Nehemiah 2:1-8, and this understanding of sevens.

Since a given day and date repeated itself only once every seven years, or 2,520 days, it is also true the same day and date repeated itself 173,880 days on the 69th seven in 33 AD. In other words, Nissan 9 occurred on Friday in 444, and again on Friday, 173,880 days later on 33 AD.

"Counting 476 years from 444 BC, and remembering that there is no year numbered 'zero' AD, we discover what Gabriel told Daniel: the Messiah would be cut off in 33 AD." If you start counting on the first month following Nissan/April, which is Iyar/May, the 69th seven ended on Nissan 9, 33 AD, which was March 28, 33 on the solar calendar. This is precisely when Yeshua (Jesus) rode into Jerusalem riding a colt (male donkey), and that event is known as “Palm Sunday” among those familiar with the New Testament, or "New Covenant" writings.

Yeshua was “cut off” on the Day of Preparation, which occurred on the Eve of of high Passover on the year 33 in accordance with Leviticus 23:5 just five days after fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.

The Jewish Talmud confirms that Yeshua was executed on the Eve of Passover, which was on Friday, April 3/Nissan 14, in 33 AD. This is significant because the last time the eve of Passover falling on a Friday, April 3/Nissan 14, occurred was in 26! Passover falling on Friday-Saturday, April 3-4/Nissan 14-15 only occurs once every 84 months. Any anniversary date during the month of Nissan/April was exactly 173,880 days from its original date in 444 BC.

If you work back from 33 applying the principle of sevens you will find that Yeshua was executed five days after the completion of the sixty-ninth Biblical seven and that was issued in April 3rd/Nissan 9 444 BC. A person counting 69 sevens back from 33 in accordance with the chart above arrives at 444 B.C. On the other hand, a person counting 69 Biblical sevens from 444 arrives at 33.

 

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On Sunday, March 28th, 33 AD, or Nissan 9, 33 AD on the Jewish calendar, the New Testament records Yeshua (Jesus) entering Jerusalem riding a male donkey, and pausing he “ . . . beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.” in accordance with Daniel 9:26 “ The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” (cf. Luke 19:41-44 & Zechariah 9:9). Yeshua was "cut off" five days later on April 3rd or Nissan 14 on the Jewish calendar. Thirty-seven years later, General Titus (who later became a Roman ruler) destroyed Jerusalem and the second temple. Moreover, each block was removed by the romans, and scraped in order to salvage the melted gold from the fire. Only the western retaining, or "Wailing Wall" remains.

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Mathematical Rationale:

There are 2536.75 solar days per seven year cycle (365.25 solar days X 7 years), or 173,859 24-hour solar days (68 seven-year cycles X 365.25 solar days). On the other hand, there are 2,520 Biblical days per seven year cycle (360 days X 7 years), or 171,360 24-hour Biblical days.

The 365.25-day/year countdown is for the purpose of setting a historical starting and ending date only. The 360 Biblical-day countdown that consist of 30-day months is for the purpose of counting Biblical sevens from the decree issue date of March 28 or Nissan 9, BC 444 on the Jewish calendar, which required its "last day" to occur on March 28, or Nissan 9 of AD 33. There are 69!

69 X 7 = 483. But! These are not solar years. They are 483 Biblical years, divided in groups of seven in accordance with feast cycle patterns. Moreover, these 483 sevens are perfectly equal to 483 X 360 days in accordance with the Biblical calendar/Jewish feast cycle. That is why understanding Daniel 9:24-26 is not an issue of subtracting 444 decree issue) from 483 solar years (69 X 7), but a matter of fulfilling 483 "sevens" (69 X 7) after 444.

The decree to rebuild Jerusalem was issued on Nissan 444 BC. Yeshua was crucified in the year 33 according to the New Testament, the Jewish Talmud, and other sources. 444 - 1 + 33 = 476 years.

476 solar years and Biblical years had passed from the issuing of the decree by Artexerxes until the crucifixion of Yeshua. 476 divided by 7 is 68 sets of seven. There were 68 solar sevens from the 444 decree until 33.

Thus, these biblical days are used within the framework of Biblical Jewish feast cycles to pinpoint the time "The Anointed One Comes" and is "cut off." There are 2,520 Biblical days per seven year cycle (360 X 7 years), or 173,880 days (69 seven-year cycles X 2,520 Biblical days). Since the 84th month of all 69 sets of 7 was the month of Nissan from the decree issue date, any anniversary date during that month was exactly 173,880 days from its original date in BC 444!

This is significant because 173,880 days from Artexerxes decree to rebuild Jerusalem issued Nissan 9, 444 B.C. is Nissan 9, 33 AD, which is the 483rd anniversary date as described to Daniel by the angel Gabriel (sixty-nine sevens). In other words, the 483 - 444 being 39 and not 33 is reconciled using 360 day years within the Biblical prophetic framework of sixty-nine sevens.

Thus, G-d's foreordained word was not only given in view of three accounts, but it came to pass, and can be confirmed on three accounts; the feast cycle including their symbolic significance, the anniversary of the Artexerxes' decree itself, and to the precise day! Clearly, Yeshua (Jesus) fulfilled all in accordance with the scriptures as history affirms.

 

The New Testament supports a 33 AD crucifixion date for Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Click Here for the evidence.

 

The New Testament, Astrology, and the dating crucifixion of Messiah Yeshua ___________________The Star of Bethlehem

Disagreements Over Start Date

There is disagreement regarding which start date should be used in accordance with the 483 sevens (7X69) prophesy in Daniel 9:24-26 and Nehemiah 2:1-8. The correct start date is 444 B.C. since the decree was made in "the the twentieth year of Artexerxes" and Artexerxes assumed the throne in 467 B.C. Other dates people have used as the start date include the date 537 under Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-3; Ezra 6:3), and during the ninth year of Artexerxes in 458 (Ezra 7). These all had to do with rebuilding the temple that the Babylonians destroyed in 586 BC; NOT THE CITY OF JERUSALEM. Even so, this would mean Messiah would appear sometime between -5 and 39, which all still points to Yeshua most reasonably. If one follows Daniel 9:24-26 and uses the start date TO REBUILD THE CITY OF JERUSALEM the decree of Artexerxes occured between 445-444 (Nehemiah 2:1-8; verse 5). (See previous paragraphs for a better explanation of dating for Daniel 9:24-26). EACH DATE COMES BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION OF HEROD'S TEMPLE, which occurred in 70 AD under General Titus of Rome.

It is noteworthy that Daniel 9:24-26 is chronological. The 'anointed one' is cut off before the armies destroy the sanctuary in 70 AD. "That would make the theory that Daniel nine is about 'anointed temple workers' or 'cohen' being "cut off" and the separate 'sanctuary destroyed' prophecy disappear -if they were the same event. The destruction of the temple naturally meant end to temple workers, yet Daniel has divided these not only into two separate prophetic events but has shown chronologically that one event occurs before the other. The passage is giving a marker that AFTER anointed one is cut off, the temple and city will then be destroyed. How many years that pass between anointed one being cut off and temple being destroyed aren't given in the immediate context of Daniel 9:24-26. So, the cohen or anointed Levites managing the temple were not cut off 'until' the temple was destroyed and the cohen, or Levitical priests handling temple services weren't cut off until after the allotted time for this prediction had passed. The cohen simply do not fulfill the prophecy of the 'anointed one' - Yeshua does." In other words, the Messiah would be cut off BEFORE the temple destruction according the TaNaCH. Therefore, "Messiah" can not refer to anointed temple workers in Daniel 9, the Messiah had to come before 70 AD, and either dating method brings you to the life and times of historical Yeshua (Jesus), the Jewish Messiah for the nations. Do you see how important it is to understand Daniel 9:24-26 in historical context for yourself before blindly embracing a theory or application made by others out of context?

Daniel's Mystery of Sevens & Historical Context   

After Daniel died the Persians conquered the Babylonians, and the Jews in captivity were eventually allowed to return to Jerusalem at different times. It was King Cyrus of Persia that issued a degree allowing Zerubabul (Ezra) to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (completed 516 B.C), and King Artexerxes that later issued the foretold decree allowing Nehemiah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem (444 B.C.). Subsequently, Yeshua "The Anointed One" appeared and was indeed "cut off" on the precise day foreordained in order to "finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophesy and to anoint the most holy" (Daniel 9:24, Isaiah 53). Neither King Agrippa or Menachem Ben Amiel of this era qualified as messiah; nor did they "finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness." However, Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) was crucified on the eve of passover, Nissan/April 14, AD 33; five days after the 69th seven and twenty-one days prior to the end of 483rd or anniversary month of Artexerxes' decree. No wonder the Jewish apostle of Yeshua remarked, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Moreover, the holy temple and city was again destroyed in 70 A.D. by General Titus and his roman legions after the Messiah's visitation in accordance with Daniel's prophecies (Daniel 9:26).

Yeshua (Jesus) Qualifies Daniel's Mystery of Sevens   

During Jesus' earthly ministry he referred to Daniel's prophesy, and made the connection with the gospel of the kingdom (cf. Isaiah 40-60). After arriving in Jerusalem at the foreordained time as described in Daniel's book (Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44), Jesus tells his disciples that he would be "cut off" in advance as Daniel and Isaiah described centuries before (Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 8:31-33; Luke 18:31-33; cf Isaiah 53). It is noteworthy Jesus attributes the title "Son of Man" to himself in these texts (cf Dan 7:13; & Daniel 8:15-17). Moreover, Jesus explains the temple that had already been rebuilt by the time of Jesus' ministry would indeed again be destroyed in accordance with the pre/post exilic prophets, and Jesus began to explain the end of the current age as well as the end time when Jesus would return never again to be "cut off." This is especially important to those not recognizing Messiah Yeshua's (Jesus) messianic visitation fulfilling the the suffering servant passages in AD 33. While many are rightfully perceiving G-d's hand in bringing Jews dispersed throughout the world back to the land of promise today, many are wrongfully looking forward to another messiah after the temple that was destroyed by Titus in AD 70 is rebuilt and its institutions reinstated in our day! (Cf. Daniel 12:11). In other words, many will embrace a false messiah who is surrounded by political turmoil but presents himself, and/or perceived to be fulfilling the messianic suffering servant passages in our day, which is compatible with the "Rule of God perfected" framework held by those who perceive the coming Messiah fulfilling the suffering servant passages after the messiah comes as a triumphant world king! (cf. Mechilta, p. 75; Yalkut, Vol 2, p. 14a last line). Jesus makes it clear that his second coming will not only meet, but exceed the first century messianic expectations. Having fulfilled Isaiah 61:1-2a as a suffering servant on Nissan/April 14, AD 33, Jesus will fulfill Isaiah 61:2b in his messianic role on "the day of vengeance" with his second coming. Not only will his second coming be clear to all, but "They will look on the one they pierced and mourn for him as one mourns for and only child" (Zechariah 12:10ff). Yeshua/Jesus cited Daniel three times as recorded in the New Testament. Consider Messiah Jesus' insights on Daniel's prophecies as recorded in the New Testament, Matthew 24 4-31.

(4) Watch out that no one deceives you. (5) For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. (6) You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still not come . (7) Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are the beginning of birth pains. (9) Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (10) At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, (11) and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (12) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (13) but he who stands firm to the end will be saved (14) And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come . (15) So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken by Daniel . . . (16) let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (17) Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. (18) Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. (19) How dreadful it will be in those days for the pregnant women and nursing mothers! (20) Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. (21) For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never be equaled again. (22) If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, [Daniel 12:] but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (23)At that time if anyone says to you 'Look, here is the Messiah!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. (24) For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. (25) See, I have told you ahead of time. (26) So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. (27) For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (28) Wherever there is a carcus, there the vultures will gather. (29) Immediately after the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. (30) At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. (31) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Among other things Jesus says the "Gospel of the Kingdom" as presented in the Holy Bible alone will be preached to all people groups of the nations as a testimony before the end of time as we know it, and those who persevere in the gospel of the kingdom by grace through faith unto the end will be saved; hence Jesus' warning against deception, the real possibility of falling away, and/or consequences of embracing another messiah/gospel. This is consistent with the gospel teaching of the apostles as articulated in the New Testament books.

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Critics of Yeshua Being the Fulfillment of Daniel 9

Daniel 9:24-26 is problematic for those who maintain "Yeshua is not the Jewish Messiah for the nations" since Yeshua indeed lived, was hailed Messiah by many Jewish people, and was cut off in death thirty-seven to forty years before Herod's temple was destroyed. This is documented in Jewish, Christian and secular sources. Moreover, calculations using reasonable decree issue dates all point one to the life and times of historical Yeshua of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem of the tribe of Judah. As a result, several efforts to explain Daniel 9:24-26 away are being made.

One effort to "prove" Daniel 9:24-26 can not refer to the Jewish Messiah for the nations is the argument that there is no Hay Hai'yadiem preceding the word messiah in Daniel 9:24-26 in Hebrew. They reason it should read "The messiah" and not "messiah" if the text in this passage intended to mean the Jewish Messiah for the nations, or "Righteous Branch" and not a messiah in the sense of a lesser person merely anointed by G-d to fulfill some purpose. What people making that argument fail to mention, however, is that vowels and punctuation were not invented until modern times, and since the original Hebrew had no punctuation such a point is moot. On the other hand, if we practice what we preach and "get back to the Bible" we will find the same word nagiyd that was used to describe King Saul is used in the immediate context of Daniel 9:24-26 to describe a king mashiyach who would be "cut off." These are sound reasons why "The Messiah" or literally"Messiah the king" is the proper interpretation in Daniel nine and not merely a case of an ordinary person anointed by G-d to fulfill some purpose. In addition, some of the ancient rabbis perceived the Messiah would be, in part, a suffering-servant Messiah, such as Rabbi Moshe el Sheikh, chief rabbi of Safed, and Rabbi Abraham ben Ezra (12th century): "All the heathen shall look to me to see what I shall do to those who pierced Messiah, the son of Joseph." This notion of a Messiah-king being cut-off is clearly in the immediate context, and has been embraced, although its future fulfillment disputed, by rabbis coming before/after historical Jesus of Nazareth. That aside, there are several other problems with the false notion that Daniel 9:24-26 does not refer to The Messiah, and anyone seriously verifying what some of these "teachers" are presenting today will find it is based upon a post first century prejudice that "We Jews don't believe in Yeshua, or Jesus" as if you stop being Jewish for embracing the Jewish Messiah. It also misleads people who are ignorant about those who do embrace Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah for the nations, and especially those with a Jewish heritage. Another effort to "prove" this passage can not refer to Yeshua is the claim that Daniel 9:24-26 refers to the ancient king Cyrus of Persia and/or Alexander Yannai since this prophesy clearly places "a" messiah before the destruction of Herod's Temple by Titus. Go to this site and you will see the Biblical response to such arguments. I believe you will find it informative, and it fairly and adequately addresses those issues made by those trying to "prove" Daniel nine has nothing to do with the Jewish Messiah for the nations-Yeshua who was indeed "cut off" as if he were wicked, "but not for himself" in accordance with Isaiah 53:6 and many others. Keep in mind, as long as there was a temple we had blood sacrifices for OUR sin. That originated with Jewish people not gentiles. The first "Christians" were predominately Jews who rightfully perceived Yeshua as the ultimate fulfillment of that sacrificial system for sin in keeping with Jewish thought up to that time.

Rabbinic Judaism Today Versus Biblical Judaism

Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 59:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20, and Psalm 49:6-9 , did not originate with man. It was G-d who came up with Ezekiel 18:4 & 20 that says, "the soul that sins will die" and Deuteronomy 24:16 where it says "The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin." In fact you CAN NOT redeem yourself Psalm 49:8-15. Gentiles did not come up Leviticus 17:11 . G-d is after our repentance. However, you need to realize that sacrificial atonement without repentance AND repentance without sacrificial atonement is wrong in the context of the TaNaCH based upon what G-d said, and not what you, I, or anyone else says-and in spite of any lecture to the contrary. You need to realize anything other than is to assume things the TaNaCH does not teach. For some, "getting Biblical" means "getting rabbinical." However, they are not neccesarily the same, and when you elevate rabbinical Judaism above Biblical Judaisim you have created a god in your own image. Our lectures are subject to the word of G-d, and not the word of man, but unfortunately history seems to repeat itself in terms of Jeremiah 8:8. Dear reader, deep down you know this to be true if you have spent any time thinking through the TaNaCH yourself. The sacrificial system and Levitical priesthood was instituted with the Jewish people. Many today imply all of that WAS unnecessary, and fail to see what G-d was teaching us through it. There is a penalty for sin according to YHVH. The Bible teaches that there are none that are righteous except for the righteous servant described in Isaiah 53 among mankind. You and I may be more righteous than others humanly speaking, but the Bible teaches we are still transgressors, and that the best of us are like rags in H-s sight. All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away (Isaiah 64:6). And, the word Isaiah uses for rags is believed to be synonymous with a minstrel cloth. That is nasty, and if you examine the Mosaic law where it speaks of a woman's monthly cycle you will find she was considered very impure (cf. Leviticus 15:19ff). G-d associated the best of our own righteousness with that of a minstrel cloth in H-s sight. That is how righteous we are in our own standing. That is why Isaiah, a great man of G-d, fell on his face and admitted he had unclean lips, and was utterly undone when confronted with the righteousness from G-d relative to his own (Isaiah 6:5- compare with Isaiah 53:9). It is right there in the book. If a man like Isaiah could perceive his utter depravity, who do you think you are? On the other hand, the righteous servant in Isaiah 53 had no guile. Moreover, the notion that Israel the nation is the "righteous servant" in Isaiah 53 is wrong for several of reasons. If you study "for my name's sake" throughout the TaNaCH and the first eight chapters of Jeremiah (and the others) you will not only find our beloved Israel can not be the righteous servant among nations, but you will find scores and scores of references where G-d says preserving a remnant had very little if anything at all to do with any of our own righteousness even among the best of people in our view of things. In fact, those claiming Israel is the Righteous Servant in Isaiah 53 either do not know the TaNaCH in historical context, or are lying (cf. Ezekiel 5:15). I am righteous because I accept G-d's holy substitute by grace through faith, and because I practice a lifestyle of repentance by grace through faith as a result of being justified (Isaiah 53:11) . I am no longer under the Ezekiel 18:4 curse. He, the Sinless One, Messiah Yeshua, Son of Joseph, Son of David, paid the penalty for my sin and your sin in accordance with Isaiah 53:6 and others. You can not afford to stand before G-d in your own righteousness in the end of things (Daniel 12:2). Place your trust in Messiah Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah for the nations.

BEFORE the roman general Titus invaded Jerusalem and destroyed the second temple in 70 the Jewish people were constantly reminded of the penalty of their sin (death) and the personal relevance of a substitute through the Levitical sacrificial system. However, the emphasis had to shift away from sacrifice for sins out of practical necessity when the temple where redemptive-type blood/death sacrifices for sin was destroyed and the Jewish people were again scattered in accordance with Daniel 9:24-26. As a result of this, rabbinical Judaism, among other things, began to justify this shift using 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1, and Hosea 6:6 out of Biblical context. However, 1 Samuel 15:22, Isaiah 1, and Hosea 6:6 were never intended to be used to teach that the penalty/remedy for sin had changed, but were in their original context teaching that atonement without repentance is not efficacious-that the sacrificial system was not intended to be a license to live a G-dless self-centered and idolatrous life (cf Numbers 15:30). Why did prophets like Haggai and Zechariah advocate the rebuilding of the temple so sacrifices could resume (Ezra 5:1-2), and why do some Jews want to rebuild a third temple today if what rabbinical Judaisim is saying is true? So many think they can pay for their own sins based upon such shifts in rabbinical Judaisim in direct opposition to Psalm 49:8-15. Moreover, it saddens me that so many "experts" know so little about the sacrificial system and what G-d was teaching us through it within the context of the TaNaCH (called Old Testament by Gentiles) See Leviticus 17:11 . Yet, any little Jewish boy standing under the door while their father applied the blood of the Passover Lamb or later in history accompanying their family to bring a worthy sacrifice to the temple could better understand the personal relevance and parallels in Isaiah 53. In fact, the context of Isaiah 53:6  is "for the sin of my people."  That is why Israel can not be the "sin offering" (Isaiah 53:5, 10). It seems many understand contemporary Jewish interpretations of other Jewish interpretations but not the TaNaCH itself. Hopefully you will ponder what I am sharing here, and that you will realize that G-d wants to tabernacle with you in accordance with the New Brit, or Covenant cut in his blood as described first in the TaNaCH-although it is there in the New Testament too (Joel 2:28ff, Jeremiah 31:31 , Ezekiel 11:19-20 , Ezekiel 36:26-27).  Why?  He loves you, and you need to be redeemed from the penalty, power, and presence of sin like everybody else except Messiah Yeshua. 

I agree with Ecclesiastes 12:13 where it says " . . .Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." But let's see if you really believe it. Have you kept all the commandments? Stop for a moment and think about your life and be honest with yourself. If you have not kept all the commandments, and you have not, you are a transgressor, and failed in your duty as a man before G-d. What does it say about transgressors in the TaNaCH? See the previous paragraph. I believe we are to reverence G-d, and strive to keep the commandments by grace through faith on one hand. On the other, no one is justified by the law in G-d's sight because we all transgressed it from varying degrees. Moreover, the law itself does not empower one to be/do as G-d intends. The law is good for different reasons. The New Brit speaks of G-d empowering those embracing it with H-m to do the things in the law. That gift of righteousness through Messiah (Isaiah 53:6), and empowering presence from G-d in accordance with the New Brit cut in the blood of Messiah to be/do the things in the law is good news for many reasons. Think about Ecclesiastes 12:13 again. The penalty for transgression "missing the mark" is death-Ezekiel 18:4 says, "the soul that sins will die." The good news is that G-d does not want to kill our souls. He hates transgression, but loves transgressors. In other words, G-d not only wants to get you and I out of Egypt or Babylon, but G-d wants to get Egypt and Babylon out of us for G-d's kingdom is not based upon the world's system, values, and ways. We are to be wise and shrewd like the best the world has to offer, but in the system, values, and ways of G-d and His kingdom characteristics. The kingdom of G-d is not a corporation patterned after the world in spite of some of the leadership books being circulated and embraced in our religious communities! G-d is building a custom house so to speak. Each part is custom, and it is expensive. There are no "throw aways." He intends on using and placing each person as a living stone in that house. Its G-d's house; not Pharaoh's house or Nebuchadnezzar's house. G-d is holy, and He wants us to have circumcised hearts, and lives. Its in the TaNaCH. The New Brit deals with both transgression of transgressors and the transgressors themselves. GOD DOES NOT FORGIVE SIN-HE JUDGES SIN- BUT HE SEPERATES SIN FROM THE SINNER THROUGH SUBSTITUTION IN ORDER TO FORGIVE THE REPENTANT SINNER. That, among other things, is what the sacrificial system teaches us and what G-d ultimately achieved through His Righteous Servant who is Messiah Yeshua on our behalf on Nissan 9, 33 in accordance with Daniel 9:24-26, Isaiah 53:6, 11, and others. G-d separates me from my transgression/sin, and empowers me to be/do the things in the law in accordance with the principles of H-s kingdom. My soul does not die (Ezekiel 18:4, 20 & Daniel 12:2), I get to be with Him for eternity, and He helps/empowers me to be a better person and complete my particular mission as his representative and child now.

Do not reject G-d's gift of eternal life through Messiah Yeshua because of poor examples of those baring his name that may come to your attention. Granted, there are those who say they are apple trees, but there are no apples. On the other hand, you would never walk into a class of seven year-olds and judge Bach based upon their performance of his work. Likewise, there are those like the seven-year olds trying their best with some difficult things Yeshua taught as disclosed in the New Testament books. If you seriously examine them relative to the TaNaCH you will discover that Biblical Christianity AND Biblical Judaism converge in the Jewish Messiah for the nations-Yeshua our Righteousness.

The Good News of G-d's Kingdom: A Holistic Messianic Mission

We have a tendency to miss the total messianic mission in accordance with G-d's plan in the TaNaCH as we look back, examine ourselves today, and look forward. Some of you reading this have focused ONLY on the messianic passages that deal with the national redemption of Israel and fail to perceive the relevance for personal redemption as it relates to G-d's bigger redemptive plan. On the other hand, some of you have focused on messianic passages that emphasize individual redemption so much that you fail to see the good news of G-d's kingdom also involves Israel's national redemption and ultimately the redemption of all things. We live in exciting times. G-d has a plan and a purpose for your life. He wants to redeem you, the nation of Israel and the world. Specifically, G-d's plan for man is to redeem a remnant of Jews and gentiles through Messiah in accordance with Isaiah 53:6, Daniel 9:24-26 and many others, empower those identifying with H-m in New Covenant hopes to do the things in the law (Joel 2:28ff, Jeremiah 31:31 , Ezekiel 11:19-20 , Ezekiel 36:26-27), and to rein with Him on earth as it is in heaven now through His Holy Spirit, and in the golden messianic age to come. It also includes the total redemption/restoration of Israel. All of this is predicated upon Messiah Yeshua. Above I stated that "G-d not only wants to get you and I out of Egypt or Babylon, but G-d wants to get Egypt and Babylon out of us for G-d's kingdom is not based upon the world's system, values, and ways." G-d will one day purge "Babylon" from the earth altogether. Thus redemption from "Babylon" will be complete individually, to national Israel, and globally. Granted, the lion does not lay down with the wolf YET (cf. Daniel 7:13-27, Isaiah 2:2-5, Isaiah 11:6, Isaiah 65:17-25).  Dear friends, if G-d can bring Daniel 9:24-26 to pass in such detail as I have shown, you can be confident "the I AM" in Zechariah 12:10 will fulfil those outstanding messianic prophesies having to do with the culmination of the good news of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It will happen, and what a wonderful day that will be for Israel and all of us who identify with her in New Covenant hopes cut in the blood of Yeshua-The Jewish Messiah for the nations. I am redeemed by G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Israel.  Israel the nation will indeed be redeemed in the end of things; I hope you, Jew or Gentile, will be too.

The New Covenant that is preached in the New Testament was first Jewish, and should not be confused as merely something originating with gentiles ( Jeremiah 31:31 , Ezekiel 11:19-20 , Ezekiel 36:26-27 & cf Hebrews 8:1-13 ). Moreover, I do not hear church bells when I read the New Testament. I hear the shofar. I do not read about "Easter," but I do find "First Fruits." Even so, there is a sanctifying effect upon me when I read Daniel. It also increases my faith in Yeshua (Jesus) who fullfilled so many, but not all of the messianic prophesies during his first visitation for no mere man can manipulate the outcomes of Daniel's prophesies precisely in accordance with the chronology and timeline given in this book. Moreover, the book of Daniel teaches a messiah that makes two visitations-one to be "cut-off" and one to "come in the clouds." Again, if G-d can bring Daniel 9:24-26 to pass in such detail as I have shown, you can be confident "the I AM" in Zechariah 12:10 will fulfil those outstanding messianic prophesies having to do with the culmination of the good news of His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. In any case, the reason the future remnant of G-d is righteous is because G-d placed the penalty of our sin upon Yeshua, the Righteous Branch, and Jewish Messiah for the nations.

Daniel wrote that the Messiah would come and be cut off like a wicked criminal, but "not for himself." Who was he cut-off for (cf. Isaiah 53:8)? The Jewish Levitical priests of old would place their hands upon the animal sacrifice that was brought to be killed in place of the repentant sinner to signify a transferance of sin and guilt from them and those they represented to the animal substitute. Once the sin and guilt was symbolically transfered from the repentant sinner, and placed upon the substitute, the animal sacrifice was killed, or "judged." Isaiah 53:6 makes sense in its own context at face value, and ecspecially with the Levitical transference rite in mind. In fact, the sacrificial function of the Levitical system typified what the coming Messiah would actualy fulfill on our behalf. We are not justified by animal sacrifice; not because the second temple was destroyed by Titus, but because the Righteous Servant in Isaiah 53:6 who is Yeshua completed what the Levitical sacrificial functions typified. G-d placed our sin upon Yeshua the Messiah, and our judgment fell upon him in our place. GOD DOES NOT FORGIVE SIN-HE JUDGES SIN- BUT HE SEPERATES SIN FROM THE SINNER THROUGH SUBSTITUTION IN ORDER TO FORGIVE THE REPENTANT SINNER, and then empowers him or her to be/do in accordance with the New Covenant, or Brit (See previous paragraph). As a result, you and I are "justified" when we, Jew or Gentile, trust in G-d's one avenue for redemption and identify with His righteous Sacrificial Lamb in life, death, and resurrection life. Its right there in the context of the TaNaCH(Isaiah 53:11). Those claiming this concept of substitution and transference originated with gentiles either do not know the TaNaCH and history prior to 70, or are deliberately avoiding the topic because of the implications as it pertains to the first visitation in 33 by the Jewish Messiah for the nations-Yeshua who was indeed "cut off" but not for himself. He was "cut off" for you and me. We see this in Daniel 9:24-26 and Isaiah's writings with precision, accuracy and confirmed with the translation of the Septuagint at least three centuries before Messiah Yeshua's first arrival and the events leading up to the present! See Isaiah and the Gospel predating historical Yeshua from a Jewish perspective for more.

Zechariah 12:10

Have you carefully considered the particular branch of descendants of David mentioned in the immediate context following Zechariah 12:10 in the TaNaCH? Who is speaking in verse 10?

Those of you thinking the genealogy of Yeshua disqualifies him from being the Messiah are welcome to email me, and I will be happy to explain using the TaNaCH. One reason people claim Yeshua is disqualified is the issue of Solomon. The royal promise was extended to Solomon by G-d, but it was conditional on the basis that Solomon continue to do right. Solomon did not end well at all, sinned in gross ways, and arguably planted the seeds of civil war through his ungodly lifestyle. He started well, but ended very poorly. Study the life of Solomon in the TaNaCh in all the passages referencing him. Critics saying Messiah had to spring from Solomon leave the ignorant with an unbiblical impression that this promise was unconditional, which is a lie.

He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 6 “And He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon is the one who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be a son to Me, and I will be a father to him. 7 ‘And I will establish his kingdom forever, if he resolutely performs My commandments and My ordinances, as is done now . (1 Chronicles 28:5-7)

And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked even to do according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances, 18 then I will establish your royal throne as I covenanted with your father David, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to be ruler in Israel.' (2 Chronicles 7:17).

Messiah had to spring from David, but not necessarily Solomon. . . I am familiar with all the other seemingly air-tight arguments, but do not have time to address these in writing at this time. I can hardly wait to develop this further for if we take the TaNaCh literally where it speaks of the Messianic line-There really is only one option. Until then, "Let's get Biblical" in spirit and in truth. ~ Shalom

 

Textual History   

Daniel was written by an eyewitness (Daniel 5), and this eye witness is Daniel (Daniel 12:4). Daniel was a contemporary of Nebuccadezner (Daniel 1-2), Darius (Daniel 9:1), and served under Belshazzar (co-regent with his father Nabonidus according to cuneiform records) before Cyrus conquered the city of Babylon. The book of Daniel not only deals with Israel the nation, but all of Gentile history. Daniel was multi-lingual, and educated in the court of Babylon during his captivity, and continued to serve when the Persians later emerged as the super power of the known world among nations. Therefore, it is not unusual that chapters 2-4 (2:4b -7:28) are written in Chaldean/Aramaic as these chapters deal with the Gentile nations whereas chapters 1, and 8-12 are written in Hebrew as Daniel was writing to the Jews in these chapters. This is also the reason why it is not problematic that fifteen Persion and three Greek terms in common use, and mostly words naming musical instruments used in royal functions, were included in the book of Daniel. If anything, it authenticates Daniel who was assigned to the court of Babylon. The prophetic relevance is in keeping with theme of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God through the Jewish Messiah for the nations in this book. Many Jews living throughout the known world following the Babylonians and Persians were not fluent in Hebrew, but knew Greek. They may have memorized some prayers in Hebrew, but the majority of the Jewish population really did not know the language. It would be analagous to the majority of non-Arabic speaking Muslims memorizing portions of the Qur'an in Arabic without really knowing or understanding Arabic. So there was a demand for the TaNaCH (known as the First or Old Testament by gentiles) to be translated into the common language. Six representatives from each Jewish tribe, or 70-72 Jewish scholars were sent to Alexandria Egypt to translate the TaNaCH from Hebrew into the Greek language between 285-270 BC in what we know today as the Septuagint, which is a Latin derivitive of a word meaning "seventy." Greek was the international language throughout the known world as a result of Alexandar the Great's policy of encorcing the learning of the Greek language in the lands he conquered. This fact alone not only proves its authenticity since the Septuagint includes the book of Daniel, but are among proofs for its existence well before the events predicted in the book of Daniel occurred. Furthermore, Daniel was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is significant because the Daniel manuscripts found in Qumran are identical in substance to the Septuagint in wide circulation. This is comparable to the oldest manuscript of the book of Isaiah predates Jesus the man by a hundred years (dated 100 B.C.), and is kept at the Shrine of the Book Museum in Jerusalem. For information about the Dead Sea Scrolls select the image to the right, or visit Isaiah & the Dead Sea Scrolls-Book of Isaiah published by AllAboutGOD.com Ministries, M. Houdmann, P. Matthews-Rose, R. Niles, editors, 2002-06. Used by permission. Moreover, the links below will direct you to the English Greek interlinear, and concordance for the book of Isaiah. Prior to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scroll manuscripts one could appeal to other ancient records confirming what Old Testament books were intended for doctrine and how they were discovered/recognized to be canon. For example, Josephus (Against Apion 1.41), rabbinic literature , and Melito of Sardis 170 A.D. as cited by Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History 4.26.14 (325 A.D.) held that the Old Testament canon was complete by 400 B.C. Interestingly, Melito of Sardis, Athanasiaus of Alexardria, and Origen list only those Old Testament books that match what the Jewish people accepted as scripture predating Christianity, and what we find in the Bible today with the exception of Esther (Melito did not include Esther in his list). In each case, the book of Isaiah was unanimously recognized as scripture as is in the Old Testament canon. Moreover, all scriptural references cited in the New Testament are from among the Old Testament books that were regarded as Biblical canon before Jesus the man! This internal/external "paper trail" allows one to examine the textual integrity of the Bible as we have it, confirms that modern English translations of Isaiah are substantially the same, and has remained in tact. The Dead Sea Scroll manuscript of Isaiah combined with preserved writings of the early church leaders   citing passages that concur with the same passages found in modern translations of the Holy Bible affirms the book's integrity. Therefore, we can have confidence in its integrity. We should also seriously heed the message of this book where Isaiah states the unredeemed alienated from God and dying in their sin will experience everlasting torment where "their worm will not die, nor will their fine be quenched" (Isaiah 66:24), and urges to "Seek the Lord while he may be found" (Isaiah 55:6). Click here for more.

Pray for The Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6)