The Day-Year Principle and the 2300 days

[Chomsky]

The 2300-day prophecy ended in October 1844 with the cleansing of the sanctuary, which, in the Old Testament, occurred during the Day of Atonement (a single day). Using the same principle that a day represents a year (Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6), we would assume that Christ would return in this Day of Atonement (between Oct. 22, 1844, and Oct. 22, 1845). Can someone explain, or give insights, as to why this did not occur?

 

[Chief]

I recommend you read this thread

The Bible is filled with prophetic timelines, but few are as significant as the 2300-day prophecy found in Daniel 8:14. This prophecy not only marks the longest timeline in Scripture but also raises important questions: What does it signify, and can we truly comprehend its meaning?

Understanding biblical prophecy may be more accessible than one might assume. By examining the context and correlating it with other scriptural passages, we can begin to unravel the mysteries of the 2300-day prophecy. This timeline spans from 457 BC to AD 1844 and culminates in a pivotal event known as the Investigative Judgment.

What is the 2300-Day Prophecy?​

The 2300-day prophecy, as outlined in Daniel 8:14, spans a significant period of 2300 years and is crucial for understanding God's plan for His people. It begins in 457 BC and extends to AD 1844.

Adventist scholars have established these dates by examining scriptural references to the commencement of the prophecy and applying the day-for-a-year principle, as articulated in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:5-6. This principle suggests that each prophetic day represents a literal year.

The Context of the 2300-Day Prophecy​

This prophecy was revealed to Daniel through a vision from the angel Gabriel, as recorded in Daniel 8:14: “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed” (NKJV). While various Bible translations refer to these as 2300 "mornings and evenings," they ultimately signify the same duration.

Daniel received this prophecy while in Babylonian captivity, offering hope to the Israelites during a time of despair. God assured them of eventual liberation and a brighter future through the revelations bestowed upon Daniel.

The 2300-day prophecy is one of three significant prophecies within the book of Daniel, alongside those found in chapters 2 and 7. Each prophecy outlines the rise and fall of empires, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom at the Second Coming of Christ.

Comparing the Prophecies in Daniel​

To fully grasp the meaning of the 2300-day prophecy, it is beneficial to compare it with the other prophecies in Daniel.

Daniel 2​

In this chapter, Daniel foretells four successive world empires, ultimately leading to the establishment of God's everlasting kingdom. The empires are symbolised as follows:

• Gold (Daniel 2:37-38) – Babylon (626 BC to 539 BC)
• Silver (Daniel 2:39) – Medo-Persia (539 BC to 331 BC)
• Bronze (Daniel 2:39) – Greece (331 BC to 146 BC)
• Iron (Daniel 2:40-44) – Pagan and Papal Rome, extending to modern/divided Europe (145 BC) until the Second Coming
• Great stone (Daniel 2:44-45) – God’s eternal kingdom established upon the Second Coming of Jesus

Daniel 7​

This chapter reiterates the same kingdoms using different symbols and introduces the concept of a heavenly judgment that occurs just before God's kingdom is established.

• Lion (Daniel 7:4) – Babylon
• Bear (Daniel 7:5) – Medo-Persia
• Leopard (Daniel 7:6) – Greece
• Dreadful beast (Daniel 7:7-8, 11, 19-21, 23-25) – Pagan and Papal Rome, then modern Europe that will persecute God’s people
• Kingdom of God given as possession to His victorious people (Daniel 7:22, 27)

The judgment is emphasised in several verses, indicating a divine assessment of those deemed worthy of God's eternal kingdom.

Daniel 8​

This vision continues the narrative of world empires but begins with Medo-Persia, omitting Babylon due to its impending fall. The key figures in this chapter include:

• Ram (Daniel 8:3-4, 20) - Medo-Persia
• Goat (Daniel 8:5-8, 21-22) - Greece
• Little Horn (Daniel 8:9-12, 23-25) - Rome, representing a powerful entity that opposes God and oppresses His people

The 2300-day prophecy signifies the reign of religio-political powers on earth, after which the sanctuary will be cleansed, marking the end of the little horn's dominion. Daniel is troubled and wants to know when this prophecy will take place (Daniel 8:26-27). The angel returns to him to explain in Daniel 9:22-23 “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand … therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision”.

Identifying the Beginning of the 2300-Day Prophecy​

Adventist scholars pinpoint the commencement of the 2300-day prophecy to 457 BC, correlating it with the 70-week prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27. This prophecy addresses the Jewish nation, detailing the timeline from Jerusalem's restoration to the appearance of the Messiah.

The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem is the pivotal moment that initiates the 490-day (or year) prophecy, which is cut from the longer 2300-day timeline (Daniel 9:25). Historical records indicate that the decree was issued by King Artaxerxes in the autumn of 457 BC (Ezra 7:1-26), marking the starting point for both the 70-week and the 2300-day prophecies. Even through two decrees had been issued earlier (first by King Cyrus in 537BC (Ezra 1:1-4) and the second by King Darius I in ~520BC (Ezra 6:1-12)), only the third decree gave the Jews full autonomy to restore Jerusalem.

When Does the 2300-Day Prophecy End?​

The conclusion of the 2300-day prophecy is believed to occur in the autumn of AD 1844. By applying the day-for-a-year principle, we calculate that 2300 years from 457 BC leads us to 1843. Accounting for the transition from BC to AD (because year "0" does not exist), we arrive at 1844.

This year is significant as it aligns with the prophecy's assertion that the sanctuary would be cleansed, a term that denotes restoration and vindication. The cleansing of the sanctuary, as described in Daniel 8, parallels the judgment depicted in Daniel 7, both representing the same divine event.

Understanding the Investigative Judgment​

The Investigative Judgment, or pre-advent judgment, involves Jesus examining the records of those who profess faith in Him. This process mirrors the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16, where individuals were expected to confess their sins and seek reconciliation with God. This is the only day during the year when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place in the temple (Hebrews 9:7).

During this judgment, God assesses the sincerity of each individual's relationship with Him. Those who acknowledge their sins and accept Christ's atoning sacrifice will have their names inscribed in the Book of Life, while those who reject this gift face spiritual separation from God. Please remember that the temple on earth is a copy of the temple in heaven (Hebrews 8:2, 5). Christ entered the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary mirroring the Day of Atonement, not with the blood of goats but by His own blood (Hebrews 9:23-26).

The 2300-Day Prophecy and Christ's Work for Us​

The 2300-day prophecy reveals God's intricate plan for humanity and highlights Jesus' role as our compassionate High Priest. As our cases are examined in the heavenly sanctuary, He advocates for us against any accusations (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:1; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 4:14-16).

Ultimately, the prophecy reassures us that judgment will favour those who trust in God, granting them access to His eternal kingdom (Daniel 7:22). Through Christ's sacrifice, we are offered cleansing from sin, and even in our struggles, we can find peace in His promise of forgiveness.

 

[Chomsky]

A very interesting and insightful thread, effectively interpreting the 2300-day prophecy as we understand it. However, my question is, why are we taking the 2300 days as years, but when it comes to the Day of Atonement, we do not use the same "A Day for A Year" principle?

 

[Chief]

A very interesting and insightful thread, effectively interpreting the 2300-day prophecy as we understand it. However, my question is, why are we taking the 2300 days as years, but when it comes to the Day of Atonement, we do not use the same "A Day for A Year" principle?

2300 days is the longest time-based prophecy in the bible. Historical/extra-biblical sources agree with scriptures on evidence, ans so, on the weight of this evidence, we agree that the 2300 days start at the time when the decree to rebuild Jerusalem is made. It expires in 1844. The end of timed prophecy.

The day of atonement involved the priest going into the most holy place once a year. How long he stayed in there is not defined, but we know that a chain was tied to his ankle so that those staying outside would tag on it if he tarried long in there.

Christ says that even He Himself does not know the day or the hour when He'll walk out of the most holy place. Only the father.

For this reason, I do not use a day for a year principle when it comes to the day of atonement.

 

[Chomsky]

I would like to know more about the "Historical/extra-biblical sources agree with scriptures on evidence" you have stated above.

I ask this because of what the Jews of this period (those who were captives in Babylon and later generations) understood regarding the prophecy.
Keep in mind that this was the question posed: “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?”
And the answer was: “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
If we take evidence from the Bible and History, we would look for insights on concepts such as "evenings and mornings" and "Daily sacrifice," and I think we have a clue here:

Exodus 29:38-42: “This is what you are to offer on the altar regularly each day: two lambs a year old. Offer one in the morning and the other at twilight. With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering. Sacrifice the other lamb at twilight with the same grain offering and its drink offering as in the morning—a pleasing aroma, a food offering presented to the Lord. “For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly at the entrance to the tent of meeting, before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you;

I would like to know your thoughts on this.

 

[Chief]

I would like to know more about the "Historical/extra-biblical sources agree with scriptures on evidence" you have stated above.

From archeology and history, King Artaxerxes I reigned between August 465 to December 424 BC. Even though the Jews had been permitted by King Cyrus to rebuild Jerusalem, the official decree was issued in the reign of Artaxerxes I.

“And I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers in the province Beyond the River: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, requires of you, let it be done with all diligence…”

• This decree was issued in the 7th year of his reign, which is chronologically computed to be 457BC.
• Ezra and his associates began their journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month (Nisan) of that same year.
• They arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month (Av/Ab) of that same year, after a four-month journey.

The daily sacrifices pointed to the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ, who by His own blood brought an end to the daily pouring of the blood of animals for the remission of sins, once and for all (Hebrews 9:12-17).