It is important to know the biblical information about the devil to fully understand the reasons for God’s permission of evil and the current sad condition of humanity.
Jesus Christ described the devil very concisely: “That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie » (John 8:44). Satan the devil is not the abstraction of evil, but a real spiritual person (Matthew 4:1-11). Likewise, the demons are also angels who have become rebels who have followed the example of the devil (Genesis 6:1-3, to compare with the letter of Jude verse 6: « And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day »).
When it is written, « he did not stand fast in the truth », it shows that God created this angel without sin and without any trace of wickedness in his heart. This angel, at the beginning of his life had a « beautiful name » (Ecclesiastes 7:1a). However, « he did not stand fast » in his integrity, he cultivated pride in his heart, and over time he became « devil », which means slanderer, and Satan, opponent; his old beautiful name, his good reputation, has been replaced by one of the everlasting disgraces. In the prophecy of Ezekiel (chapter 28), against the proud king of Tyre, it is clearly alluded to the pride of the angel who became « devil » and « Satan »: « This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “You were the model of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eʹden, the garden of God. You were adorned with every precious stone —Ruby, topaz, and jasper; chrysʹo·lite, onyx, and jade; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; And their settings and mountings were made of gold. They were prepared on the day you were created. I assigned you as the anointed covering cherub. You were on the holy mountain of God, and you walked about among fiery stones. You were faultless in your ways from the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you » (Ezekiel 28:12-15). Through his act of unrighteousness in Eden, he became a « liar » who caused the death of all of Adam’s offspring (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Currently, it is Satan the devil who rules the world: « Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out » (John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19) .
in Revelation 12: 1-6 (to read), the “woman” of God is described as being about to give birth to a “child » as a symbol of the Kingdom of God, with the King Jesus Christ. However, verse 4 shows that Satan the dragon stood before the “woman”, ready to devour the child. Thus, the logic is to think that the “dragon” has been removed from to protect the “mother” who was giving birth to the “child”.
The heavenly war that expelled Satan and the demons from the heaven, took place before the coronation of the King Jesus Christ. This is confirmed by the repetition of the same sequence of events in Revelation 12: 7-14 (read): it is a repetition of the prophetic vision of Revelation 12: 1-6 (compare the repetition of Revelation 12: 6 and 12:14). In this biblical text, the verses12:7 to 9, it is the description of the heavenly war for to expel Satan and the demons from the heavens.
The verses 12:10-12, it is the description of the victory of Mikael and his angels over Satan and the demons. This heavenly victory has been celebrated by the official establishment of the Kingdom of God in heaven. Thus, it took place the purification of the heavens from the unclean presence of Satan and the demons, and the formal establishment of the Kingdom of God in heaven.
Most Western calendars are solar, with 365 days (Wikipedia Gregorian Calendar), while others use the lunar calendar (Wikipedia Lunar Calendars). The lunar year has between 354 and 355 days. There is therefore a difference of approximately 11 days between the solar calendar (365 days) and the lunar calendar (354 days). Lunar months have approximately 29.5 days. The Hebrew calendar alternates between a 30-day month, followed by a 29-day month, and so on. However, the Hebrew calendar also takes into account the 365-day solar cycle, making it a « lunisolar » calendar (Wikipedia Hebrew Calendar) (Hebrew Calendar – Chiourim).
The key points to know about the biblical calendar, which is similar to the Hebrew calendar, are as follows:
The months of the Hebrew and Biblical lunisolar calendar:
First month: Nisan or Abib (in the Bible) (March-April) (30 days)
Second month: Iyyar or Ziv (in the Bible) (April-May) (29 days)
Third month: Sivan (May-June) (30 days)
Fourth month: Tammuz (June-July) (29 days)
Fifth month: Ab (July-August) (30 days)
Sixth month: Eloul (August-September) (29 days)
Seventh month: Tishri or Ethanim (in the Bible) (September-October) (30 days)
Eighth month: Hesvan or Bul (in the Bible) (October-November) (29 or 30 days)
Ninth month: Chislev (November-December) (29 or 30 days)
Twelfth month: Adar (February-March) (29 or 30 days)
Thirteenth month: Adar II or Veadar (29 days)
In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, an intercalary month is regularly added to compensate for the 11-day difference between the lunar year (354 days) and the solar year (365 days). In this case, this year exceptionally has 13 months; it is a « lunisolar » year. Currently, the adjustment system used by the Hebrew calendar is made according to a Metonic cycle, which is a series of 7 adjustments over a period of 19 years (7 lunisolar years of 13 months), in order to synchronize the lunar years of 354 days, with the solar year of 365 days, over a period of 19 years. The thirteenth month is added in the 3rd year, the 6th year, the 8th year, the 11th year, the 14th year, the 17th year and the 19th year.
In the Bible, days begin in the evening, after sunset. For example, in Genesis 1:5, regarding the symbolic first day of creation, it is written: « And there was evening and there was morning, a first day ».
Months begin at the « new moon » (Psalm 81:3). They have either 30 or 29 days. However, at this stage of the study, there is a significant difficulty regarding the biblical definition of the new moon.
Normally the new moon « is the lunar phase during which the Moon, during its synodic revolution which lasts approximately 29.53 days, is between the Earth and the Sun » (Wikipedia New Moon). This is the astronomical new moon.
Others think that this is the first crescent of the moon , it is the religious new moon, the option chosen by the current Jewish calendar (See the link to the Hebrew calendar – Chiourim).
However, the Bible, based on Psalms 81:3, seems to designate the new moon as the opposite of the full moon, that is, when it is completely invisible (the astronomical new moon) (without the appearance of the first crescent).
In Psalm 81 it is written: « Blow the horn on the new moon, On the full moon, for the day of our festival » (Psalm 81:3). According to the context of this statement, it refers to the blowing of the trumpet on Ethanim (Tishri), 1, the new moon (the seventh month of the year) (Numbers 29:1) and the full moon on 15 Ethanim (Tishri) (Exodus 23:16).
The « day of our festival », seems to poetically indicate according to the context of Psalm 81, the Festival of Booths, being a time of great rejoicing (Psalm 81:1,2): « You should celebrate the Festival of Booths for seven days when you make an ingathering from your threshing floor and from your press for oil and wine. Rejoice during your festival, you and your son, your daughter, your male slave, your female slave, the Levite, the foreign resident, the fatherless child, and the widow, who are inside your cities. Seven days you will celebrate the festival to Jehovah your God in the place that Jehovah chooses, for Jehovah your God will bless all your produce and all that you do, and you will become nothing but joyful » (Deuteronomy 16:13-15).
To know which new moon it is on a biblical point of view, it is enough to consider that the first observable full moon (and even the astronomical full moon) corresponds to the 15th of the lunar month. Then, we must go back 15 days to see, on a lunar astronomical table, which new moon it is (astronomical or religious). (See photo of the lunar table for the month of March 2025).
Based on the lunar astronomical table for March 2025 (see above), the astronomical full moon is March 14. Considering that this day corresponds to the 15th of the lunar month, according to the Bible (Psalms 81:3), we just have to go back 15 days from that day (the 15th), and we arrive at February 28, 2025 (which does not appear in the photo above) which corresponds to the astronomical new moon (a completely invisible moon).
As a second example, in April 2025, the observable full moons are on April 11 and 12, while the astronomical full moon is on April 13. Based on the observable full moons (on the 11th and 12th), we are in the phase of complete invisibility of the moon (on March 28 and 29, 2025), and based on the astronomical full moon, it is the day after the astronomical new moon (March 30, 2025).
As a third example, in May 2025, the observable full moon is on May 11, 2025, while the astronomical full moon is on May 12, 2025. Going back 15 days, we arrive either at the astronomical new moon on May 27, 2025, or in its phase of complete invisibility, on May 28, 2025. Thus, simply by these three examples, we understand that on the biblical basis, the new moon corresponds to the astronomical (non-religious) one.
Is it so important?
« Therefore, do not let anyone judge you about what you eat and drink or about the observance of a festival or of the new moon or of a sabbath » (Colossians 2:16). This text could imply that the issue related to the new moon is not so important to a Christian. According to the context of the Apostle Paul’s letters, Christians are no longer subject to the divine requirements of the Mosaic Law, such as the observance of a mandatory Sabbath or a new moon marking a new month. Indeed, Christians are no longer under the authority of the Law: « For Christ is the end of the Law, so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness » (Romans 10:4). Thus, the above explanations regarding the two kinds of new moon are not to be understood in the context of the application of the Law.
The importance of the matter about the new moon depends on the purpose of this information. If the question is how to determine the date of the next commemoration of Christ’s death on a biblical basis, some will base their calculations on the astronomical new moon, while others will simply rely on the classical Hebrew calendars, which take into account the religious new moon. There is usually a difference of one or two days.
As for the date of the commemoration of Christ’s death, it is all a matter of discernment (Hebrews 5:14 « Their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong »). Based on the discernment of the biblical context, we understand that the commemoration should be celebrated once a year (and not every Sunday): « Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed » (1 Corinthians 5:7). This text shows that the celebration of the commemoration replaced the celebration of the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated, in biblical times, between the two evenings of Nisan 13 and 14 (after sunset on Nisan 13 and before sunrise on Nisan 14).
Nevertheless, the matter of the type of new moon can be very important, even vital. We are currently awaiting the return of Christ to judge all of humanity shortly before the Great Tribulation (Matthew 25:31-42). Regarding this day, in an early statement, Jesus Christ said, no one knows the day or the hour: « Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father » (Matthew 24:36). This statement was made in 33 C.E.
Was such ignorance going to be permanent? Regarding Jesus Christ, it is obvious that it was not, because shortly before ascending into heaven, this is what he declared: « Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth » » (Matthew 28:18). Furthermore, in the book of Apocalypse Jesus Christ is described as a king and high priest who will bring about the great tribulation (Apocalypse 19). How can we imagine that, as a king who has all power, he would have been kept in ignorance by his Heavenly Father of such a Day?
Furthermore, concerning his disciples, here is what we can read in the book of Apocalypse, in his message addressed to the congregation of Sardis, more than sixty years after his first declaration on the ignorance of the day and hour: « Certainly unless you wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you » (Apocalypse 3:3). This text implies that the spiritually awakened disciples would end up at the time chosen by God, knowing the exact day and hour of the coming of Christ: « For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing Unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets » (Amos 3:7).
Returning to the theme of what kind of new moon it is, we are faced with a real dilemma. While Jesus Christ declared that his coming, foreseen by God, would be on a specific day and time, how can we know this when the astronomical new moon is one to two days ahead of the religious new moon. Which one should we choose? The logic is to choose the new moon that is two days ahead (the astronomical new moon), rather than choosing a new moon that is two days behind (the religious new moon). If we have a vital appointment, it is better to be early and, on the lookout, rather than to be late. Moreover, Jesus Christ clearly showed that any delay would have a fatal outcome:
« Then the Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. 3 For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, 4 whereas the discreet took oil in their flasks along with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom was delaying, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 Right in the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Go out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and put their lamps in order. 8 The foolish said to the discreet, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.’ 9 The discreet answered, saying: ‘Perhaps there may not be enough for both us and you. Go instead to those who sell it, and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 While they were going off to buy it, the bridegroom came. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward, the rest of the virgins also came, saying, ‘Sir, Sir, open to us!’ 12 In answer he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you’ » (Matthew 25:1-12).
Jesus Christ concluded his illustration by saying, « Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour » (Matthew 25:13). This text shows that even if we have solid indications of the day and hour, there is no absolute certainty based on our personal understanding. We must remain vigilant in waiting for this moment so as not to be surprised by the coming of King Jesus Christ to judge humanity (Matthew chapters 24 and 25; Apocalypse 3:3).
The book of Ezekiel mentions that the year in which the Great Tribulation will occur should be lunisolar, with 13 months, according to the Jewish calendar…
This period of 2300 evenings and mornings refers to a period of time lasting several years, which describes a behavior that goes directly against the sacred service rendered to God, in the holy place of the Spiritual Temple Sanctuary…
This study will focus primarily on the 1335 days related to Ethanim (Tishri), 10, beginning the calculation with the latter date and working backward to the original date of the Hebrew biblical calendar…
The Prophecy of the 2300 Evenings and Mornings and the Ethanim (Tishri), 10th
(month of the biblical calendar)
The Meaning
“And I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one speaking: “How long will the vision of the constant feature and of the transgression causing desolation continue, to make both the holy place and the army things to trample on?” So he said to me: “Until 2,300 evenings and mornings; and the holy place will certainly be restored to its right condition »”
(Daniel 8:13,14)
This period of 2300 evenings and mornings refers to a period of time lasting several years, which describes a behavior that goes directly against the sacred service rendered to God, in the holy place of the Spiritual Temple Sanctuary. The understanding of the context of Daniel’s prophecies will allow to know more concretely what situation this may be, as well as the geographical part of the world where this prophecy is being fulfilled. The chronological structure of these 2300 evenings and mornings, will allow to understand when it could begin and when it could end.
It is at the very end of this very concise prophecy that there is a very important information that allows to understand when this period will end: « And the holy place will certainly be restored to its right condition » (Daniel 8:14). When will the holy place be definitively restored to its right condition? It is easy to understand at the end of this system of things, during the Day of Jehovah, the great tribulation or during the time of distress mentioned in the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 12:1). According to several biblical information, the great tribulation should take place on Ethanim (Tishri), 10, in the worldwide fulfillment of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) (Leviticus chapter 16; Hebrews 10:1 « For since the Law has a shadow of the good things to come »). It is the book of Apocalypse that enigmatically reveals that the great tribulation, or the end of this system of things, will take place on of Ethanim (Tishri), 10th: « And the temple sanctuary of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his temple sanctuary. And there were flashes of lightning and voices and thunders and an earthquake and a great hail » (Apocalypse 11:19).
The first part of verse 19 describes the vision of the Ark of the Covenant, which God required to be visible to the high priest only on the tenth day of the seventh month of the year, that is, on the Ethanim (Tishri), 10th: « It will serve as a lasting statute for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth of the month » (Leviticus 16:29).
The second part of verse 19 is an enigmatic and concise description of the Great Tribulation, symbolically evoking the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Apocalypse 11:8, compare with the account in Genesis chapter 19).
What is the biblical evidence that the period of 2300 evenings and mornings ends on the Ethanim, 10th? Starting from the initial hypothesis that the 2300 evenings and mornings end on the Ethanim (Tishri), 10th and going back to the source or the beginning of this period, we arrive at a biblically significant date, linked to the holy place, the 20th of Ziv (Iyar): « Now in the second year, in the second month, on the 20th day of the month, the cloud lifted from over the tabernacle of the Testimony. (…) This was the first time they departed following the order of Jehovah through Moses » (Numbers 10:11).
This date of Ziv (Iyar), 20, is the official moment of the establishment of the holy place in its right condition, symbolized by the tabernacle of the Testimony (see (online) the article in English of Lehrhaus Review of May 3, 2018, entitled « On the importance of the Twentieth of Iyar », written by Ezra Zivan). Starting from 20 Ziv (Iyar), and adding 2300 evenings and mornings, then we arrive at the date of Tishri (Ethanim), 10 (see details of the calculation, below). It is at the end of the 2300 evenings and mornings, that is to say on Tishri (Ethanim), 10, that the holy place will be restored to its right condition (Daniel 8:14). This proves (in another way (than that of Apocalypse 11:18,19)), biblically speaking, that the great tribulation will take place on a Ethanim (Tishri), 10. The demonstration of these two dates is below (from Iyar (Ziz), 20, to Ethanim (Tishri), 10 = 2300 evenings and mornings).
The second point, very strange, but worth mentioning, is the comparison of this period of 2300 days with another period of 2520 days, or 7 prophetic years of 360 days (these two periods appear in different prophecies in the book of Daniel (chapter 4; 8:13,14)). By making the arithmetical difference between the 2520 days and the 2300 days, we obtain the result of 220 days. Now, 220 days represent 7 prophetic months of 30 days and 10 days ((7 x 30 = 210) + 10 = 220) in cardinal numbers). This is, it seems, a cryptic expression of the date of the seventh month and the tenth day (in ordinal numbers), or the date of the 10th of Tishri (Ethanim). This could be a further enigmatic indication that the end of the 2300 evenings and mornings would be the 10th of Tishri (Ethanim).
This date of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the celebration of the Holiness of Jehovah God, the Heavenly Father (Leviticus chapter 16), while the date of Ethanim (Tishri), 15, is the celebration of the Kingship of Jehovah God (Zechariah 14:16,17). Thus, the 2300 evenings and mornings represent an abnormal time that goes against the worship of the Heavenly Father in the Holy Place, it will end with the Day of Jehovah which will celebrate His Holiness and which will set in the right condition, the Holy Place of the Temple Sanctuary.
The Calculation of the 2300 Evenings and Mornings
(Daniel 8:14)
The calculation of the 2300 evenings and mornings allows us to place this time very precisely between the 20th of Ziv (Iyar) and the 10th of Ethanim (Tishri) (the end of the 2300 evenings and mornings). First, here are the simple calculation rule:
– The calculation is based on the biblical (Hebrew) calendar, with the corresponding biblical names of the months (see the Hebrew calendar below).
– The biblical method of calculation considers, empirically, complete years of 360 prophetic days, and months of 30 prophetic days. Thus, the 1260 days empirically correspond to 3.5 years (compare the two verses of Apocalypse 12:6, 14 (3 x 360 days) + (6 x 30 days) = 1080 + 180 = 1260 days) and the 42 months of Apocalypse 11:2 (42 prophetic months: 42 x 30 = 1260 days)).
– Complete years of 360 prophetic days run from date to date. For example, if the calculation begins on the 1st of Nisan of the year « n » (month of the Hebrew calendar), the years will go from 1 Nisan, 1, « n » to Nisan, 1, « n + 1 » for each complete prophetic year (This simple system of calculation of the number of prophetic years and the number of prophetic months is lunisolar, meaning that these years are synchronized, in fact, with the solar years).
– The same is true for prophetic months; they are counted on the empirical basis of thirty days, from date to date, even if the lunar month has only 29 days and the next 30 (see the calendar below) (Apocalypse 11:2, 3; 42 months of 30 days = 1260 days).
– For the number of days less than a month, or thirty days, this is the case in the prophecy of the 1335 days (15 days) and 2300 days (20 days), the count is done day by day, taking into account, this time, the alternation between the month of 29 days and the month of thirty days. Regarding the 2300 evenings and mornings, it is the month of Elul which has only 29 days (see the Hebrew calendar, below). It is therefore necessary to take this into account in the last 20 days, of the 2300 evenings and mornings.
Here is the Hebrew and biblical lunisolar calendar, so that you can follow and understand the calculation. In the Hebrew and Biblical lunisolar calendar, years have 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days. Here are the months of the Hebrew and Biblical calendar to facilitate understanding of the (very technical) explanations that follow:
The biblical Hebrew lunisolar calendar
First month: Nisan or Abib (in the Bible) (March-April) (30 days)
Second month: Iyyar or Ziv (in the Bible) (April-May) (29 days)
Third month: Sivan (May-June) (30 days)
Fourth month: Tammuz (June-July) (29 days)
Fifth month: Ab (July-August) (30 days)
Sixth month: Eloul (August-September) (29 days)
Seventh month: Tishri or Ethanim (in the Bible) (September-October) (30 days)
Eighth month: Hesvan or Bul (in the Bible) (October-November) (29 or 30 days)
Ninth month: Chislev (November-December) (29 or 30 days)
Twelfth month: Adar (February-March) (29 or 30 days)
Thirteenth month: Adar II or Veadar (29 days)
In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, an intercalary month is regularly added to compensate for the 11-day difference between the lunar year (354 days) and the solar year (365 days). In this case, this year exceptionally has 13 months; it is a « lunisolar » year.
The 2300 evenings and mornings are 6 years (6 x 360 = 2160 days), 4 months (4 x 30 = 120 days), 20 days: 2160 + 120 + 20 = 2300 days (evenings and mornings).
The 2300 evenings and mornings also represent 7 years, minus 7 months and 10 days, as the date ending the period of 2300 evenings and mornings (2520 days – 2300 days = 220 days (cardinal numbers)) (A cryptic expression of the date of Ethanim (Tishri), 10 (tenth day of the seventh month (ordinal numbers)).
Calculation from the 20th of Ziv mentioned in Numbers 10:11-13
Starting point of the 20th of Ziv
6 years: Ziv, 20 (plus 6 years).
Plus 4 months:
from Ziv (Iyyar), 20 to Sivan, 20 (1 month).
Sivan, 20 to Tammuz, 20 (2 months).
Tammuz, 20 to Ab, 20 (3 months).
Ab, 20 to Elul, 20 (4 months).
The last 20 days are counted ordinally (and not cardinally because dates are expressed in ordinal numbers) starting from the date of the first day, in this case, the 20th of Elul. The way of counting the 20 days, this time takes into account the precise number of days in each month (see the calendar above). Looking at the Hebrew calendar, the month of Elul has only 29 days. Here is the count of the remaining 20 days:
This calculation is a further confirmation that the Day of Jehovah or the great tribulation will take place on the date of the 10th of Tishri (Ethanim) (Apocalypse 11:19). However, although very interesting, it is necessary to understand the concrete meaning of this prophecy of Daniel (8:14), namely to what kind of current situation, the prophecy refers, which would precede the great tribulation.
The answer is in the whole context of Daniel’s prophecy, which is literally centered on the dramatic events in the Middle East, particularly in the prophecy of the king of the north and the king of the south, in Daniel chapters 11 and 12. The symbolic meaning of the 20th of Iyyar (Ziv), could allow us to focus on an important date for Palestine, and particularly for the present state of Israel. For example, concerning what constitutes the dramatic conclusion of the conflict between the king of the north and the king of the south, here is what is written: « During that time Michael will stand up, the great prince who is standing in behalf of your people. And there will occur a time of distress such as has not occurred since there came to be a nation until that time » (Daniel 12:1a). This time of distress seems to have the Middle East, particularly the state of Israel, as its epicenter.
What could be the significance
of the 2300 evenings and mornings today?
To obtain a precise answer, it is necessary to research the current date of the beginning of this 2300-day period. This research is crucial to fully understanding the meaning of this prophecy. The important indication regarding the beginning of this period is that it alludes to the founding of the nation of Israel, through the establishment of the holy place in its right condition, represented by the Tabernacle, on the 20th of Ziv (Numbers 10:11-13). This date has either a literal and temporal value, or a more symbolic and simply event-related value. Therefore, it will be appropriate to start from the current estimates of the date (there are currently three (*see below)) and empirically apply (without detailed calculation) the 2300 days, going back 6 years earlier, to make it correspond directly (or empirically) to the 20th of Ziv (Iyar) of the year in question and translate it into a date of the Gregorian solar calendar, to see if we arrive at a significant date concerning current events linked to the state of Israel, making at the same time, the direct connection with this event of the past mentioned in Numbers (10:11-13).
Doing this experiment, in a completely empirical way, from date to date (without calculation) from Tishri,10, and going back 6 years earlier, to Iyyar (Ziv), 20, (converting it at the same time, into a date of the Gregorian calendar), there is absolutely no determining event, in Israel, or in Palestine, linked to the statement of the prophecy of Daniel (8:13,14).
What is the solution? It would be appropriate to look for a significant historical date for the current state of Israel, similar to the 20th of Ziv (Iyyar) (Numbers 10:11-13). The reasoning in terms of significant dates for the current state of Israel, is that they are in fact expressed on the basis of the Gregorian calendar when it comes to a historical event and then commemorated on the basis of the Hebrew calendar. Now, an important date for the current state of Israel is that of its independence: May 14, 1948. For information, by converting this date, it corresponds to the 5th of Ziv (Iyar) 1948. The reminder of the importance of the 20th of Ziv is that this date represented the founding of the nation of Israel, by the institution of the holy place in its true condition, represented by the Tabernacle (Numbers 10:11). These two dates are similar in their symbolism: the establishment of the nation of Israel, as representative of God’s people on earth (in appearance (for the current state of Israel)).
Therefore, since this significant date of May 14, 1948 (5 Ziv (Iyar)), is expressed on the basis of the Gregorian calendar, one could, this time starting from the 10th of Tishri of a given year, convert this date into a day of the Gregorian (solar) calendar, and then go back 6 years, 4 months and 20 days and apply the method of chronological calculation, in order to see if one arrives at a significant date like a certain Ziv (Iyar), 5, as the current beginning of the 2300 evenings and mornings.
And that is what we are going to do with the three *hypothetical dates, below. By explaining in a very simplified way, we arrive at a surprising result: starting from the hypothetical date of Tishri, 10, converting it into a date from the solar calendar, and going back six years, 4 months and 20 days, with the biblical method of calculation, we arrive at the surprising date. By converting the date from the solar calendar, into a date from the Hebrew calendar, we obtain the result of the date of 5 Iyar (Ziv), 5, the anniversary date of Israel’s independence (Iyyar (Ziv), 5, May 14, 1948 (original date)).
This means that the biblical starting date of Ziv, 20, is an event-based (and not temporal) prophetic indication that announces a similar historical situation, namely the founding of the nation of Israel, by the inauguration of the holy place (established in its right condition, in accordance with the will of God (Numbers 10:11-13)), being replaced in our days by the celebration of the anniversary date of the independence of the current nation of Israel, this time Ziv (Iyyar), 5, which represents the holy place in an abnormal situation before God (Daniel 8:13,14).
According to Daniel’s prophecy (8:13,14), this situation is completely abnormal, from God’s point of view, because it suggests that the holy place is not in its right condition (or in accordance with his will), according to verse 13, because it causes desolation around it. It is written in this verse 13, that it is a period of serious transgression which will result in a trampling, or a destruction, then restoring the holy place to its right condition, a condition in accordance with the will of God (in its right condition (mentioned in Numbers 10:11,13)), on the 10th of Ethanim (Tishri), during the Day of Jehovah, the great tribulation, at the end of the 2300 evenings and mornings: « And I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one speaking: “How long will the vision of the constant feature and of the transgression causing desolation continue, to make both the holy place and the army things to trample on?” So he said to me: “Until 2,300 evenings and mornings; and the holy place will certainly be restored to its right condition” » (Daniel 8:13,14).
To thoroughly verify the validity of the date of Iyar (Ziv), 5, as the current starting point, by seeing if it corresponds with Ethanim (Tishri), 10, applying the 2300 evenings and mornings, it is appropriate to use the same method mentioned above (between Ziv, 20 and Tishri, 10). The calculation begins, this time, with the date of Iyyar (Ziv), 5 (and not Ziv, 20) of a specific year, then converting it to the Gregorian calendar date, and applying the 6 years, 4 months and 20 days, to obtain the Gregorian calendar date, and then converting it back to the Hebrew calendar date, in order to see if it corresponds very precisely to the date of Ethanim (Tishri), 10 of the year in question. What is the result? It is an amazing result…
Calculation of the 2300 Evenings and Mornings in Our Time
(Daniel 8:13,14)
Before proceeding with the experiment, it should be noted that the estimated dates below were calculated before the current study of Daniel’s prophecy (8:13,14) of the 2300 evenings and mornings, and without knowing that this would result in the determination of the date of Iyyar (Ziv), 5 (the anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel on May 14 (5 Ziv (Iyyar) 1948). Therefore, before calculating the 2300 days, there will be a detailed explanation of how the following three hypothetical dates were obtained, in order to solidly prove that they have a real lunar astronomical basis:
* Currently estimated dates are Ethanim, 10, 2025 (September 30, 2025/October 1, 2025), Ethanim, 10, 2026 (September 19/20, 2026), and Ethanim, 10, 2028 (September 27/28, 2028). These three dates are calculated from the astronomical (not religious) new moon, which has a proven biblical basis (Psalm 81:3).
Details of the calculation of the three hypothetical dates. The process is quite simple, for a specific month, such as September 2025, 2026, 2028, just do a quick search (online) on the precise dates of the astronomical new moon, to the nearest hour (this is very important). You should have an astronomical table of lunar months corresponding to the months of September in different years, in order to carry out a double check. There are some important things to take into account: the lunar astronomical tables are based on days that go from midnight to midnight, which is a difference between the way of counting days in the biblical and Hebrew systems, where the beginning of the day is counted from sunset (Genesis 1:5). The time of the astronomical new moon is generally in Universal Time (UTC). The time in Jerusalem is UTC plus three (UTC+3). This means that three hours must be added to UTC time (if UTC time is 8 p.m., in Jerusalem it will be 11 p.m. (8 p.m. + 3 p.m.)). To know in which lunar day the astronomical new moon is to be placed, you must know the time of sunset in Jerusalem.
– Ethanim 10, 2025 (September 30, 2025/October 1, 2025): Date and time of the new moon in September 2025: September 21, 7:54 p.m. (UTC). This means that it will occur at 10:54 p.m. in Jerusalem (UTC + 3). The astronomical new moon will occur *between the two evenings of September 21 and 22, 2025. Based on the biblical and Hebrew lunisolar calendar, the new moon will occur, not on September 21, but on September 22, 2025, in Jerusalem. Tishri 1 (Ethanim) (based on the astronomical new moon) will be September 21/22, 2025, and Tishri 10 will be September 30 (after sunset in Jerusalem)/October 1, 2025.
* The expression « between two evenings » means between sunset and sunrise, the time when the moon is generally visible (with the exception of the new moon).
– Ethanim 10, 2026 (September 19/20, 2026): Date and time of the astronomical new moon, in September 2026: September 11, 2026 at 3:27 a.m. UTC (6:27 a.m. UTC + 3 in Jerusalem). The new moon will occur between the two evenings of September 10 and 11. Tishri 1 will be September 10/11, 2026, and Tishri 10 will be September 19/20, 2026.
– Ethanim 10, 2028 (September 27/28, 2028): Date and time of the new moon in September 2028: September 18, 2028 at 6:21 p.m. UTC (9:27 p.m. in Jerusalem UTC + 3). The new moon will occur between the two evenings of September 18 and 19. Tishri 1 will be September 18/19, 2028, and Tishri 10 will be September 27/28, 2028.
By checking the dates of the 10th of Tishri in 2025, 2026 and 2028, let us move on to the most difficult part, the verification of the three dates, with the period of 2300 evenings and mornings (Daniel 8:13,14).
Verifying the date of Tishri 10, 2028 (September 27/28, 2028)
with the period of 2,300 evenings and mornings
(Daniel 8:13, 14)
Let’s start with the year 2028. Here’s the calculation method, starting from Iyyar 5, which, as a reminder, is the anniversary of the independence of the current state of Israel (reminder: 2,300 days = 6 years + 4 months + 20 days):
From the year 2028, we should go back 6 years: Iyyar 5 (Ziv), 2022, or May 5/6, 2022, as the starting date for calculating the 2,300 evenings and mornings, applying the biblical rules of counting: Iyyar 5 (Ziv), 2022 + 6 years = 5/6 May 2028.
Regarding the solar calendar’s month count, there is a small additional difficulty: an adjustment is required. Indeed, the biblical rule is that months have 30 days, not 31 days, for some months of the solar calendar. This means that counting the months from May to September 2028, there are three months with 31 days: May, July, and August have 31 days, or three additional days that affect the date of September and distort the result. Therefore, a three-day readjustment is required. How?
In the normal (biblical) count, months have thirty days. Regarding the month of May, if we apply day 31, this means that the following June 1st (taking into account the 1-day shift) should correspond to June 2nd (in the biblical count of a month of 30 days). Similarly, between the passage of July 31st and August 1st, taking into account the 1-day shift, it should correspond to August 2nd (in the biblical count of a month of 30 days). Similarly, between the passage of August 31st and September 1st, taking into account the 1-day shift, it should be September 2nd (in the biblical count of a month of 30 days). Thus, cumulatively, the regularization at the level of the month of September should be 3 additional days, to adjust the exact date at the level of the month of September, in order to correspond exactly to the four months of 30 days:
May 5/6, 2028 + 4 months = September 5/6, 2028.
September 5/6, 2028 + 20 days + 3 days (to adjust the three months by 1 extra day) = September 27/28, 2028 (Tishri 10, 2028). This corresponds perfectly.
That is, from Iyyar 5, 2022 (May 5/6, 2022) to Tishri 10 (Ethanim), 2028 (September 27/28, 2028) (astronomical new moon) = 2,300 evenings and mornings.
Verification of the date of Tishri 10, 2026 (September 19/20, 2026)with the period of 2300 evenings and mornings
(Daniel 8:13, 14)
Iyyar 5, 2020, corresponds to April 28/29, 2020 + 6 years = April 28/29, 2026.
April 28/29, 2026 + 4 months = August 28/29, 2026.
August 28/29, 2026 + 20 days + 3 days to adjust the three months by 1 additional day = September 19/20, 2026 (Tishri 10, 2026). This corresponds perfectly.
That is from 5 Iyar 2020 (April 28/29, 2020) to 10 Tishri (Ethanim) 2026 (September 19/20, 2026) (astronomical new moon) = 2300 evenings and mornings.
Verification of the date of Tishri 10, 2025 (September 30, 2025/October 1, 2025)with the period of 2300 evenings and mornings
(Daniel 8:13, 14)
Iyyar 5 (Ziv), 2019, corresponds to May 9/10, 2019 + 6 years = May 9/10, 2025.
May 9/10, 2025 + 4 months = September 9/10, 2025.
September 9/10, 2025 + 20 days + 3 days to adjust the three months by 1 additional day = October 1/2, 2025 (Tishri 11, 2025 (astronomical new moon)). It does not correspond, based on the astronomical new moon, with 1 additional day.
However, it corresponds to the 10th of Tishri (October 1/2, 2025) of the religious new moon, a date appearing in the Chiourim calendar as Yom Kippur 2025.
That is, from Iyyar, 5, 2019 (May 9/10, 2019) to Tishri (Ethanim), 10, 2025 (October 1/2, 2025 (religious new moon)) = 2300 evenings and mornings. A date that remains to be monitored, as well as that of the astronomical new moon.
In conclusion of this very technical study, we can say that the three hypothetical dates are truly to be taken seriously. The two dates calculated on the basis of the astronomical new moon correspond exactly to 2300 evenings and mornings for the years 2026 and 2028, but do not correspond, to within a day, for the year 2025. However, it is adjusted on the basis of the calculation of the religious new moon. Incidentally, as for the year 2027/2028, it does not correspond to the period of 2300 evenings and mornings because there is the addition of the intercalary month (Adar II), in the spring of the year 2027.
However, in the study of the Metonic cycles and lunisolar years, the observation is the following: there is a 1-year gap and delay between the empirical Metonic system and the year-by-year verification, based on the autumnal equinox (see the detailed explanations above). The observation is the following: based on this year-by-year verification, the year 2025/2026 (autumn to autumn), should be lunisolar, but in the Metonic system applied by the classical Jewish calendars, it is not. This is the reason why the date of Tishri 10, 2025, was included in the chronological calculations. According to the classical Jewish calendars, the year 2026/2027 is considered lunisolar (with a one-year delay). This is why the date of Tishri 10, 2026, was included in the chronological calculations. Finally, in classical Jewish calendars, which empirically apply the Metonic system, the next lunisolar year will be 2029/2030. However, based on the date of the autumnal equinox, it should rather be the year 2028/2029 (fall to fall), which should logically be lunisolar. This is why the date of 10 Tishri, 2028, was included in the chronological calculations.
Ultimately, the year 2028 offers the most reliable option, with its two perfect correspondences with the 2300 evenings and mornings and the 1335 days, and furthermore, it is not shifted (unlike the dates of the lunisolar years 2026 and 2029):
September 27/28, 2028
Of course, the dates of the Tishri, 10, of previous years will be monitored. As Jesus Christ said, concerning the day and hour where there is no certainty. Therefore, it is appropriate to remain constantly spiritually vigilant (Revelation 3:3). The presentation of the chronological studies of the 2300 evenings and mornings, as well as the 1335 days, are part of the expression of this vigilance and it is an encouragement to remain so until the end: « But the one who has endured to the end will be saved » (Matthew 24:13). Further explanations will be given later, concerning the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel’s prophecy, taking into account the current events (Daniel 12).
Now we have a better idea of the meaning of this prophecy of the 2300 days, showing that the situation in the Middle East is completely abnormal from God’s point of view. He disapproves of all the murderous violence, all the destruction and transgression of God’s laws (written in the Bible), generated by present-day Israel. In due time, the Heavenly Father will put an end to this transgression and restore the spiritual holy place to its right condition, in a Ethanim (Tishri), 10: « And I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one speaking: “How long will the vision of the constant feature and of the transgression causing desolation continue, to make both the holy place and the army things to trample on?” So he said to me: “Until 2,300 evenings and mornings; and the holy place will certainly be restored to its right condition” » (Daniel 8:13,14).
Jesus Christ taught well that the future worldwide Israel will be spiritual and symbolic, encompassing all nations and languages, respecting their ethnic differences. Jesus Christ designated the future twelve tribes of Israel as being, for the most part, the millions, even billions of future earthly resurrected ones: « Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to you, in the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel » (Matthew 19:28). The true Israel is the Israel of God: « Peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God » (Galatians 6:16).
In Psalm 80, Israel is compared to a vine: « You made a vine depart from Egypt. You drove out the nations and planted it » (Psalms 80:8-11). Years later, during his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ referred to himself as the vine and his followers as the branches: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. 2 He takes away every branch in me not bearing fruit, and he cleans every one bearing fruit, so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in union with me, and I will remain in union with you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you unless you remain in union with me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in union with me and I in union with him, this one bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing at all. 6 If anyone does not remain in union with me, he is thrown out like a branch and dries up. And men gather those branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you. 8 My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples. 9 Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. 10 If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love” (John 15:1–10).
From now on, this vineyard of God with its branches constitutes the Israel of God, the Christian congregation (Galatians 6:16; Acts 11:26). This congregation or church is made up of both Jews in the flesh and people of all nations, with the spiritual circumcision of the heart (which represents obedience to God and to Christ (Deuteronomy 10:16)): “For not all who descend from Israel are really “Israel”” (Read Romans chapter 9 and 11:17–24; John 10:16). It is in this sense that at the end of the 2300 evenings and mornings, on a Tishri (Ethanim), 10, the holy place will be restored to its right condition (Daniel 8:13,14).
The book of Ezekiel mentions that the year in which the Great Tribulation will occur should be lunisolar, with 13 months, according to the Jewish calendar…
This study will focus primarily on the 1335 days related to Ethanim (Tishri), 10, beginning the calculation with the latter date and working backward to the original date of the Hebrew biblical calendar…
« Happy is the one who keeps in expectation and who arrives at the 1,335 days! »
(Daniel 12:12)
This study will focus primarily on the 1335 days related to Ethanim (Tishri), 10, beginning the calculation with the latter date and working backward to the original date of the Hebrew biblical calendar.
This period lasts three years, six months (1260 days), 30 days (1290 days), and 45 days (1 month and 15 days) (1335 days). Thus, cumulatively, this period of 1335 days lasts three years, eight months, and 15 days.
Here is the Hebrew and Biblical lunisolar calendar, to understand the calculation:
The biblical Hebrew lunisolar calendar
First month: Nisan or Abib (in the Bible) (March-April) (30 days)
Second month: Iyyar or Ziv (in the Bible) (April-May) (29 days)
Third month: Sivan (May-June) (30 days)
Fourth month: Tammuz (June-July) (29 days)
Fifth month: Ab (July-August) (30 days)
Sixth month: Eloul (August-September) (29 days)
Seventh month: Tishri or Ethanim (in the Bible) (September-October) (30 days)
Eighth month: Hesvan or Bul (in the Bible) (October-November) (29 or 30 days)
Ninth month: Chislev (November-December) (29 or 30 days)
Twelfth month: Adar (February-March) (29 or 30 days)
Thirteenth month: Adar II or Veadar (29 days)
In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, an intercalary month is regularly added to compensate for the 11-day difference between the lunar year (354 days) and the solar year (365 days). In this case, this year exceptionally has 13 months; it is a « lunisolar » year.
Using the Hebrew calendar above, we will proceed with the chronological calculation, without necessarily going back three years, because what matters is the origin date of this period:
Reminder regarding the chronological calculation: for the number of days less than one month, or thirty days, as is the case in the prophecy of the 1335 days (15 days) and the 2300 days (20 days), the count is done day by day, taking into account, this time, the alternation between the month of 29 days and the month of thirty days. Regarding the 1335 days, it is the month of Tebeth that is concerned because it has only 29 days (see the Hebrew calendar above).
10 Shebat, minus 15 days (the calculation is detailed day by day): Shebat, 10 (15), Shebat, 9 (14), Shebat, 8 (13), Shebat, 7 (12), Shebat, 6 (11), Shebat, 5 (10), Shebat, 4 (9), Shebat, 3 (8), Shebat, 2 (7), Shebat, 1 (6), Tebeth, 29 (the month of Tebeth has only 29 days) (5), Tebeth, 28 (4), Tebeth, 27 (3), Tebeth, 26 (2), Tebeth, 26 (1).
Therefore, Tebeth, 25 is the date of the beginning of the period of 1335 days, and ends three years, 8 months, and 15 days later, on the 10th of Tishri. Does this date have any biblical meaning or significance in Jewish religious customs? This full date does not appear in the Bible. The month of Tebeth is referred in the Bible as the tenth month. There was a fast in the tenth month, in the month of Tebeth (Zechariah 8:19). The fast was observed as a sign of mourning, perhaps, in this case, to commemorate the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonian armies (2 Kings 25:1; Ezekiel 24:1,2; 33:21). Since this date does not appear directly in the Bible, it must be sought in Jewish religious tradition based both on the Bible (the Torah) and the Talmud (commentary on the Torah).
In this case, the date of Tebeth, 25, is a commemorative day, called Parsha Vaera, which celebrates the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:2 to 9:35). Therefore, without being dogmatic, one could think that the Tebeth, 25, which celebrates the release of God’s people from slavery in Egypt, is entirely in line with the message of encouragement linked to the end of the 1,335 days: « Happy is the one who keeps in expectation and who arrives at the 1,335 days! » (Daniel 12:12).
Jesus Christ described the end of this system of things as a liberation: « But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near » (Luke 21:28). The proclamation of the Jubilee and the liberation of slaves in Israel took place on the 10th of Tishri, the tenth day of the seventh month (Leviticus 25:8-12). Therefore, one could say that the date of the 10th of Tishri, the end of the 1335 days, echoes the date of the 25th of Tebeth, the beginning of this period of 1335 days, and which also celebrates a liberation.
The 1335 Days in Our Time
This part of the study will be similar to that of the prophecy of the 2300 evenings and mornings, comparing it with the three hypothetical dates of the 10th of Tishri. Initially, we will rely exclusively on the Hebrew calendar, with the religious new moon, to verify whether the 1335 days beginning on the 25th of Tebeth end on the Yom Kippur of year n+3. Here are the three hypothetical dates, in the religious new moon:
Calculation of the 1335 days with Yom Kippur on Tishri 10, 2025: October 1/2, 2025, starting from Tebeth 25, 2022:
Tebeth, 25 (for the year 2022) (December 29, 2021) + 3 years = Tebeth, 25, 2025.
Reminder regarding chronological calculation: for the number of days less than one month, or thirty days, as is the case in the prophecy of the 1335 days (15 days) and the 2300 days (20 days), the count is done day by day, taking into account, this time, the alternation between the month of 29 days and the month of thirty days. Regarding the 1335 days, it is the month of Elul that is affected because it has only 29 days (see the Hebrew calendar, above).
Elul, 25, 2025 (September 18, 2025) + 15 days = Elul, 25 (1) + Elul, 26 (2) + Elul, 27 (3) + Elul, 28 (4) + Elul, 29 (5) (the month of Elul has only 29 days) + Tishri, 1 (6) + Tishri, 2 (7) + Tishri, 3 (8) + Tishri, 4 (9) + Tishri, 5 (10) + Tishri, 6 (11) + Tishri, 7 (12) + Tishri, 8 (13) + Tishri, 9 (14) + Tishri, 10 (15) 2025 (1/2 October 2025). The calculation of the 1335 days for the 10th of Tishri 2025, corresponds to the Hebrew calendar, as well as for the years 2026 and 2028 (Yom Kippur of the 10th of Tishri 2026: September 20/21, 2026; Yom Kippur of the 10th of Tishri 2028: September 29/30, 2028). This calculation is made on the basis of the religious new moon, which, in this case, is 1 day behind the date, compared to the astronomical new moon. The chronological calculation of the 1335 days that will follow, this time, will be made from the astronomical new moon, in order to see if it coincides with the three dates of the 10th of Tishri (2025, 2026 and 2028).
It would be advisable to test this period based on the astronomical new moon, to the day and hour, to determine the appropriate date to begin the count. The three hypothetical dates based on the astronomical new moon are listed below. They are generally 1 day ahead of the classical Jewish Hebrew calendar (these three dates have been astronomically verified, to the day and hour):
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2025: September 30, 2025/October 1, 2025 (astronomical new moon) (only 1 day ahead of the religious new moon date). In order to test the three dates, it will be enough to start from the count of the last 15 days (of the 1335 days), basing it on the astronomical new moon, which precedes them, that is to say the astronomical new moon of Elul, 1, 2025, to then obtain the Elul, 25, (starting point of the last 15 days): The astronomical new moon of August 2025, is August 23, 2025 at 8:07 am. Therefore, it must be counted between the *two evenings of August 23/24, counting as Elul, 1. To this date of August, 24, we must add 25 days starting from August 24 and we arrive at September 16/17, 2025, which represents the 25 Elul based on the astronomical new moon.
* The expression « between two evenings » means between sunset and sunrise, the time when the moon is generally visible (with the exception of the new moon).
Now, we must count 15 additional days, starting with the date of September 16/17 (the date is calculated in ordinal days), to check if we arrive at the date of Tishri, 10, based on the astronomical new moon. We arrive at the date of September 30/October 1, 2025, which corresponds, day for day, to the evaluated date.
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2026: September 19/20, 2026 (astronomical new moon) (only 1 day ahead of the religious new moon date). Day and time of the astronomical new moon in August 2026, corresponding to Elul, 1: August 12, 7:37 p.m. Therefore, it occurs between the two evenings of August 12 and 13, 2026. Elul, 1, is August 12/13, 2026, adding 25 days from this date gives September 5/6, 2026, which corresponds to Elul, 25, 2026 (based on the astronomical new moon). 15 days must be added starting from the date of September 5/6, 2026, to arrive at the result: September 19/20, 2026. This corresponds to the estimated date. Which means that this date, based on the astronomical new moon, corresponds day for day.
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2028: September 27/28, 2028 (astronomical new moon) (only 1 day ahead of the religious new moon date (above)). Day and time of the astronomical new moon in August 2028, corresponding to Elul, 1: August 20, 12:44 p.m. Therefore, it must be counted between the two evenings of August 20 and 21, 2028. Elul, 1, is August 20/21, 2028, add 25 days from this date and we arrive at September 13/14, 2028, which corresponds to Elul, 25, 2028 (based on the astronomical new moon). We need to add 15 days starting from the date of September 13/14, 2028, to arrive at the result: September 27/28, 2028. This corresponds to the estimated date.
To conclude the two chronological calculations, the two periods of 2300 evenings and mornings (Daniel 8:13, 14) and 1335 days (Daniel 12:12), based on the three dates of the 10th of Tishri (astronomical new moon), the results are as follows:
10th of Tishri (astronomical new moon) 2025: September 30/October 1, 2025.
The period of 2300 evenings and mornings: the calculation does not correspond to this date (it has an additional date of 1 day, namely October 1/2, 2025 (see calculation of 2300 evenings and mornings)).
The period of 1335 days: the calculation corresponds to the date above.
10th of Tishri (astronomical new moon) 2026: September 19/20, 2026.
The period of 2300 Evenings and mornings: the calculation corresponds to the date above.
The period of 1335 days: the calculation corresponds to the date above.
10 Tishri (astronomical new moon) 2028: September 27/28, 2028.
The period of 2300 evenings and mornings: the calculation corresponds to the date above.
The period of 1335 days: the calculation corresponds to the date above.
Thus, the dates 10 Tishri 2026 and 10 Tishri 2028 are truly to be taken into consideration. These are two dates whose years should be lunisolar.
However, in the study of the Metonic cycles and lunisolar years, the observation is the following: there is a 1-year gap and delay between the empirical Metonic system and the year-by-year verification, based on the autumnal equinox (see the detailed explanations above). The observation is the following: based on this year-by-year verification, the year 2025/2026 (autumn to autumn), should be lunisolar, but in the Metonic system applied by the classical Jewish calendars, it is not. This is the reason why the date of Tishri 10, 2025, was included in the chronological calculations. According to the classical Jewish calendars, the year 2026/2027 is considered lunisolar (with a one-year delay). This is why the date of Tishri 10, 2026, was included in the chronological calculations. Finally, in classical Jewish calendars, which empirically apply the Metonic system, the next lunisolar year will be 2029/2030. However, based on the date of the autumnal equinox, it should rather be the year 2028/2029 (fall to fall), which should logically be lunisolar. This is why the date of 10 Tishri, 2028, was included in the chronological calculations.
Ultimately, the year 2028 offers the most reliable option, with its two perfect correspondences with the 2300 evenings and mornings and the 1335 days, and furthermore, it is not shifted (unlike the dates of the lunisolar years 2026 and 2029):
September 27/28, 2028
Of course, the dates of the Tishri, 10, of previous years will be monitored. As Jesus Christ said, concerning the day and hour where there is no certainty. Therefore, it is appropriate to remain constantly spiritually vigilant (Revelation 3:3). The presentation of the chronological studies of the 2300 evenings and mornings, as well as the 1335 days, are part of the expression of this vigilance and it is an encouragement to remain so until the end: « But the one who has endured to the end will be saved » (Matthew 24:13). Further explanations will be given later, concerning the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel’s prophecy, taking into account the current events (Daniel 12).
The book of Ezekiel mentions that the year in which the Great Tribulation will occur should be lunisolar, with 13 months, according to the Jewish calendar…
This period of 2300 evenings and mornings refers to a period of time lasting several years, which describes a behavior that goes directly against the sacred service rendered to God, in the holy place of the Spiritual Temple Sanctuary…
In the Hebrew and Biblical lunisolar calendar, years have 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days. Here are the months of the Hebrew and Biblical calendar to facilitate understanding of the (very technical) explanations that follow:
The biblical Hebrew lunisolar calendar
First month: Nisan or Abib(in the Bible) (March-April)(30 days)
Second month: Iyyar or Ziv(in the Bible) (April-May)(29 days)
Third month: Sivan(May-June)(30 days)
Fourth month: Tammuz(June-July)(29 days)
Fifth month: Ab(July-August)(30 days)
Sixth month: Eloul(August-September)(29 days)
Seventh month: Tishri or Ethanim(in the Bible)(September-October) (30 days)
Eighth month: Hesvan or Bul(in the Bible) (October-November)(29 or 30 days)
Ninth month: Chislev(November-December)(29 or 30 days)
Tenth month: Tebeth(December-January)(29 days)
Eleventh month: Shebat(January-February)(30 days)
Twelfth month: Adar(February-March)(29 or 30 days)
Thirteenth month: Adar II or Veadar (29 days)
In the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, an intercalary month is regularly added to compensate for the 11-day difference between the lunar year (354 days) and the solar year (365 days). In this case, this year exceptionally has 13 months; it is a « lunisolar » year.
In the Bible there is no direct mention of the regular addition of this intercalary month in order to adjust the lunisolar calendar to the solar year. However, indirect evidence shows that this was indeed the case. For example, certain months regularly coincided with seasonal harvests, either spring (Abib (Nisan) and Sivan: spring) or autumn (Ethanim (Tishri): autumn) (Exodus 23:15). It is evident that the Israelites of biblical times made this adjustment by the addition of the intercalary month (Veadar (or Adar II)). The festivals celebrated in the spring months remained spring throughout the years. And all the autumn festivals of the month of Tishri remained autumnal throughout the years (Leviticus 23:37).
Currently, the adjustment system used by the Hebrew calendar is made according to a Metonic cycle, which is a series of 7 adjustments over a period of 19 years (7 lunisolar years of 13 months), in order to synchronize the lunar years of 354 days, with the solar year of 365 days, over a period of 19 years. The thirteenth month is added in the 3rd year, the 6th year, the 8th year, the 11th year, the 14th year, the 17th year and the 19th year. This system, although reliable, is completely empirical. So where is the problem?
Lunar cycles require adjustments based on observation. However, during these seven periods mentioned above, there is no verification to see if there is a shift from one year to the next, in order to know if it would be necessary to adjust the year which would be (on a biblical basis) lunisolar.
The Metonic empirical system is based on the need for a good adjustment of lunar years to solar years by the regular addition of the intercalary month and in this sense, it is completely reliable. It is an astronomical adjustment system which main objective is the synchronicity of the lunisolar calendar to the solar year (this is not a spiritual or timeless purpose). This explains why there is no verification by observation, because if there were to be a shift, it would be compensated the following year, within the same cycle (there will be examples to illustrate this abstract idea). Why should this be important?
The book of Ezekiel mentions that the year in which the Great Tribulation will occur should be lunisolar, with 13 months, according to the Jewish calendar. Therefore, it is necessary to check by comparison, to the nearest year, to know which is the correct lunisolar year. In doing so, it is appropriate not to rely on the empiricism of the Metonic system, which could be a year behind, but rather to check year by year, whether, for example, the years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 would possibly be lunisolar years (It will be explained later why these four years are mentioned). Moreover, incidentally, the Metonic system has existed only since the 6th century BC, which means that patriarchs such as Noah, Abraham, Moses and so on under the administration of judges and kings in Israel, and up until the exile in Babylon, this empirical lunisolar system did not exist.
The Great Tribulation and the Thirteen-Month Year
Returning to the prophecy of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, we have the prophetic account of events before, during, and after the Great Tribulation. It is written that there will be a seven-month period of cleansing the Earth after the Great Tribulation: « The house of Israel will spend seven months burying them in order to cleanse the land » (Ezekiel 39:12-14). How would this simple information make us understand that it would be a lunisolar year of 13 months?
According to Revelation 11:19 the great tribulation will take place on the 10th of Tishri (Ethanim). Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 also give the prophetic account of the Day of Jehovah or the great tribulation. Then, at the end of the seven months, mentioned in Ezekiel 39:12-14, it is written that the prophet had the vision of the Temple which represents the rule of the Kingdom of God on earth, on the 10th of Abib (Nisan): “In the 25th year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the 14th year after the city had fallen, on that very day the hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he took me to the city » (Ezekiel 40:1; the expression “beginning of the year” refers to the month of Abib (Nisan) because after the Exodus Jehovah God had decreed that this month would be the first of the year, while the month of Ethanim (Tishri) would be the seventh month (read Exodus 13:4-6)).
The simple cross-referencing of the information of the 7-month period with the fact that from Ethanim (Tishri), 10 (seventh month) to Abib (Nisan), 10 (first month) there are normally only 6 months, suggests that there will be the addition of the intercalary month Veadar (Adar II) (between the months of Adar and Nisan). This allows us to understand that the year in which the Day of Jehovah, the Great Tribulation, will occur should be luni-solar, of 13 months.
How was the addition of an extra month to be decided?
There is no direct indication in the Bible. To obtain a reliable answer, one must proceed by deduction. The fact that Ezekiel’s prophecy mentions that the addition of the intercalary month will take place before the month of Abib (Nisan), the beginning of the year, means that the adjustment must be made (and is made) based on the autumnal equinox (and not on the spring equinox). This deduction is supported by the expressions « the end of the year » and « the turn of the year », which took place during the seventh month of Ethanim (Tishri) at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn (Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Zechariah 14:8).
The adjustment was made with the autumn equinox, on September 22/23 (according to the solar calendar). At the time of the patriarchs, solar calendars were not used, therefore, it was an equinox observed, with natural landmarks or from constructions, in order to measure the length of days and nights or even knowing very precisely where East and West were.
It is likely that the benchmark date for the autumnal equinox according to the Jewish calendar would have been in the period between Ethanim, 1 and Ethanim, 15, to add the intercalary month, the following spring. Based on the information in the book of Exodus, Jehovah God required Ethanim (Tishri), 1 to be a special day, and then designated Ethanim (Tishri), 15 as the exit of the year or turning of the year. Thus, we have two important dates. The decision would normally have been based on the day of the observed autumnal equinox. If the autumnal equinox was between the 1st and the 15th of Ethanim, that is, the date of the of Ethanim (Tishri), 1, was before the observed autumnal equinox, then in the following spring there had to be the addition of the intercalary month Veadar, before the month of Abib (Nisan). If the 1st of Ethanim were to be after the day of the observed autumnal equinox, not being between the period of the 1st and the 15th of Ethanim (Tishri), then there was no need to add an intercalary month (in the following spring).
Let’s take an example: in 2022, the 1st of Tishri was September 26, 2022. The date was after the equinox (September 23), therefore there was logically no addition of the intercalary month in the spring of 2023. Around the fall of 2023, the 1st of Tishri corresponded to September 16 (the date was before the equinox (September 23)), therefore there was the addition of the thirteenth month, in the spring of 2024. So far, everything seems simple and logical.
However, in the two examples that follow, we will observe the (abnormal) one-year delay, which is caused by the empiricism of the Metonic system (without year-by-year verification).
Let’s take an example of the first (abnormal) shift that preceded the year 2022, still from the Chiourim calendar (French edition): the year 2019, the 1st of Tishri (Ethanim) of the lunar year, corresponded to September 30, 2019 of the solar year (the date was after that of the equinox, September 22/23, 2019), there was logically no addition of the intercalary month in the following spring. The following year, 2020, the 1st of Tishri corresponded to September 19, 2020 (the date of the 1st of Tishri was before that of the autumn equinox), and the intercalary month was not added in the spring of 2021, whereas it should have been added in the following spring. The following year, 2021, the 1st of Tishri corresponded to September 7, 2021 (inevitably, the date was well before that of the autumn equinox), therefore, in the spring of 2022 there was logically the addition of the thirteenth month (Adar II), which represented an (abnormal) shift of one year late. In this first example of (abnormal) shift, the lunisolar year should have been the year 2020/2021, and not that of 2021/2022 (according to the Metonic system).
The first observation is that generally (not always) the Metonic system has an (abnormal) shift of one year of delay concerning the exact lunisolar year (which is compensated the following year). This compensation from one year to the next does not alter in any way the Metonic system, in its astronomical purpose of synchronicity of the lunisolar calendar, with the solar calendar. However, it is sometimes inaccurate in certain years, which could lead to error, on the exact determination of a lunisolar year, of 13 months.
The second example, this time, from the years 2024 (autumn) to 2029 (spring). During this period of four and a half years, there should be only one lunisolar year according to the Chiourim calendar which empirically (or automatically) applies the Metonic system: it is the year 2026/2027 (from autumn to autumn). However, the observation is that there is, as in the first example, a shift repeated twice which highlights this famous year of delay of the lunisolar year of the Metonic cycle: in 2025, the 1st of Tishri will correspond exactly to the date of the autumn equinox, September 22/23, 2025. And if we apply the astronomical new moon, this date will be before the date of the autumn equinox (the 1st of Tishri would correspond to September 21/22, 2025 (the astronomical new moon occurs between these two evenings in Jerusalem (at 10:54 pm UTC+3)). This means that the year 2025/2026 should normally be lunisolar, whereas it is not mentioned as such, according to the empirical (automatic) Metonic system (and the Chiourim calendar).
Let’s continue further, until the year 2028 (in autumn): the 1st of Tishri 2028 will correspond to September 21, 2028 (September 18/19 according to the astronomical new moon (occurring between these two evenings in Jerusalem)), the date will be before that of the autumn equinox, but in the spring of 2029, there will not be the addition of the extra month of Adar II (whereas it should be). This means that the year 2028/2029 should also be lunisolar. These two examples are related (or compared) to the year 2023/2024, where Tishri, 1, was before the autumn equinox (like this last example) and in 2024 there was Adar II (while in spring 2029, Adar II is not there in the Metonic system (it is another one-year delay)).
Therefore, both 2025/2026 and 2028/2029 should be lunisolar. If nothing happens on Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2025, then 2026/2027 could be a possible lunisolar year. This means, to summarize, that the date of Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2025, Ethanim, 10, 2026 (if nothing happens in 2025) or Ethanim, 10, 2028 (if nothing happens in 2026 and 2027 (non-lunisolar years)), are lunisolar year dates.
Therefore, the estimates of the date are changing. The year 2025/2026 is worth watching because it should be lunisolar:
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2025:
September 30, 2025/October 1, 2025
(Astronomical new moon)
October 1/2, 2025
(Religious new moon)
If nothing happens in 2025, then the year 2026/2027 is worth watching because it is (potentially) lunisolar:
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2026:
September 19/20, 2026
(Astronomical new moon)
September 20/21, 2028
(Religious new moon)
If nothing happens in 2026, then it is the year 2028/2029, which is worth watching because it is logically lunisolar:
Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2028:
September 27/28, 2028
(Astronomical new moon)
September 28/29, 2028
(Religious new moon)
What about the year 2027/2028? It is not lunisolar, however, as Jesus Christ said, regarding the knowledge of the day and the hour there is no certainty, therefore, it will be appropriate to remain spiritually vigilant (Revelation 3:3). Here are the dates for the year 2027/2028: Ethanim (Tishri), 10, 2027: October 9/10, 2027 (Astronomical new moon). October 10/11, 2027 (Religious new moon).
However, in the study of the Metonic cycles and lunisolar years, the observation is the following: there is a 1-year gap and delay between the empirical Metonic system and the year-by-year verification, based on the autumnal equinox (see the detailed explanations above). The observation is the following: based on this year-by-year verification, the year 2025/2026 (autumn to autumn), should be lunisolar, but in the Metonic system applied by the classical Jewish calendars, it is not. This is the reason why the date of Tishri 10, 2025, was included in the chronological calculations. According to the classical Jewish calendars, the year 2026/2027 is considered lunisolar (with a one-year delay). This is why the date of Tishri 10, 2026, was included in the chronological calculations. Finally, in classical Jewish calendars, which empirically apply the Metonic system, the next lunisolar year will be 2029/2030. However, based on the date of the autumnal equinox, it should rather be the year 2028/2029 (fall to fall), which should logically be lunisolar. This is why the date of 10 Tishri, 2028, was included in the chronological calculations.
Ultimately, the year 2028 offers the most reliable option, with its two perfect correspondences with the 2300 evenings and mornings and the 1335 days, and furthermore, it is not shifted (unlike the dates of the lunisolar years 2026 and 2029):
September 27/28, 2028
Of course, the dates of the Tishri, 10, of previous years will be monitored. As Jesus Christ said, regarding the knowledge of the day and the hour there is no certainty. Therefore, it is appropriate to remain constantly spiritually vigilant (Revelation 3:3). The presentation of the chronological studies of the 2300 evenings and mornings, as well as the 1335 days, are part of the expression of this vigilance and it is an encouragement to remain so until the end: « But the one who has endured to the end will be saved » (Matthew 24:13). Further explanations will be given later, concerning the 1260, 1290 and 1335 days of Daniel’s prophecy, taking into account the current events (Daniel 12).
Why should these years between fall 2025 and fall 2028
be particularly important?
This period is linked to the mandate of the one who could well represent the last king mentioned in Daniel’s prophecy: « And in the final part of their kingdom, as the transgressors act to a completion, a fierce-looking king who understands ambiguous sayings will stand up. 24 His power will become great, but not through his own power. He will bring ruin in an extraordinary way, and he will be successful and act effectively. He will bring mighty ones to ruin, also the people made up of the holy ones. 25 And by his cunning he will use deception to succeed; and in his heart he will exalt himself; and during a time of security he will bring many to ruin. He will even stand up against the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human hand » (Daniel 8:23-25).
The term of office of the one who could be the last king of the last world power is from January 2025 to January 2029. During this period, there are potentially three lunisolar years (mentioned above), one of which could correspond to the year of the Day of Jehovah, the date of the Great Tribulation, a certain Tishri (Ethanim), 10. For more information on the fulfillment of this prophecy of Daniel, please click on the link on the following page entitled:
THE LAST KING (click on the link below to access the study article):
This period of 2300 evenings and mornings refers to a period of time lasting several years, which describes a behavior that goes directly against the sacred service rendered to God, in the holy place of the Spiritual Temple Sanctuary…
This study will focus primarily on the 1335 days related to Ethanim (Tishri), 10, beginning the calculation with the latter date and working backward to the original date of the Hebrew biblical calendar…
« Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings »
(Matthew 24:45-47)
The purpose of this study is to see the different ways of understanding of this enigmatic question of Christ. It is not a question of giving a definitive answer to this question, because in the direct context of this quotation, we understand that it will not be given permanently, only during the « coming » of King Jesus Christ to judge humankind, mentioned in Matthew 25:31, shortly before the great tribulation. To better understand this question and to find specific elements of answers, in the direct context of this prophecy of Christ, regarding the last days, it is advisable to examine his chronological description. It is important to understand that the fragmentation in two chapters (24 and 25) of this prophecy, does not exist in the original Greek text, so they constitute the whole of the response of the question of Matthew 24:3: « Tell us, When will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things? ».
The first part begins from verse 4 and ends at verse 22. The peculiarity of this part is that it is geographically centered on Jerusalem and the imminence of its destruction. The other peculiarity is that it is fulfilled in two stages. Matthew 24:23-28 is an important transition with the second part. Jesus Christ said that his first presence on earth would only be understood by humans with an insight comparable to the visual acuity of eagles (the chosen ones) (acuity three times greater than that of humans). Matthew 24:29 is truly a break in the description of the last days: « Jesus Christ said that his first presence on earth would only be understood by humans with an insight comparable to the visual acuity of eagles (the chosen ones) (acuity three times greater than that of humans) ». This period of human dramatic history is just before the arrival of King Jesus Christ, to judge all of humanity, and particularly the administrators of all Christian congregations.
By the expression « Christian congregations », we must understand all the religions which assume their Christian identity and which will be judged on the basis of a simple criterion: will they have made the will of God (Matthew 7:21-23)? On the basis of Acts 11:26, where it is written that it is by divine providence that the members of the Christian Congregation, are called « Christians », therefore the other additional religious names will have no value in the day of the judgment. Also, in one of his last prayers, shortly before his death, Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of the Christian congregation (read John 17). On this basis, on the day of their judgment, how will he consider the different Christian religious denominations?
This second part is in Matthieu 24:29 to Matthew 25:46. The study of this part is to understand, when this faithful and discreet slave is appointed by the Master, and also to understand when he will be rewarded by him, by appointing him over all his belongings.
This very short period is described by Jesus Christ in a repetitive way, however from different ways and situations. Matthew 24:29-31, describes surrealist historical events, which would be just before the judgment of humanity. Verse 30 « They will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory », is obviously repeated in Matthew 25:31 « When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne ». The judgment of humanity is described in the verse (24:31), in this case (a favorable judgment) by a harvest made by the angels, of the chosen ones who will have everlasting life.
Verses 32-35, by the illustration of the fig tree, Jesus Christ explains that during this short period which would very little precede the great tribulation, the attentive observer would understand that the end is very close. To properly prove, depending on the general context of Matthew 24 and 25, that this part is very different from the previous one (Matthew 24:4-22), please compare Matthew 24:32-35 with Matthieu 24:6: « You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars; see that you are not terrified. For these things must take place, but the end is not yet » (in the first part of Matthew 24:4-22). It is also, in this second descriptive part where there is this famous enigmatic sentence regarding the generation that would not pass before the end: « Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur » (Verse 34). Jesus Christ says that when the observers would see these events (From Matthew 24:29), they could consider that the time that remains would be so short, that the generation that would witness them, would not pass before the end.
It is in this part of the description, when Jesus Christ asks this enigmatic question regarding the faithful and discreet slave: « Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings » (Matthew 24: 45-47).
This question is in the context of the second part of Christ description, regarding the last days (Matthew 24:29 at 25:46), which will especially focus on the way of King Jesus Christ to settle his accounts with the administrators of the Christian congregations (Compare with the reading of Apocalypse Chapters 2 and 3 on the seven congregations. This attentive reading will allow to better understand of how this future worldwide judgment of all Christian congregations could happen). With the study of the passage of Matthew 24:45 to Matthew 25:46, we can better understand who could be the faithful and discreet slave (or slaves). All the contextual information above make it possible to understand the moment of the presence of this slave, the moment when he will render an account of his work to King Jesus Christ and the moment of his reward.
Jesus Christ talks about only one slave, that is to say, that it can be only one man? Maybe, particularly if this faithful and discreet slave is the Messenger of Jehovah God who is just before His Day, mentioned in the prophecy of Malachi: « Look! I am sending my messenger, and he must clear up a way before me. And suddenly there will come to His temple the true Lord, whom you people are seeking, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you are delighting. Look! He will certainly come,” Jehovah of armies has said » (Malachi 3:1). This messenger was John, the Baptist, at the time of the first presence of Christ on earth (Matthew 11:14). Since the context of the prophecy of Malachi is part of the proximity of the great tribulation, the presence of this messenger of Jehovah should have a second fulfillment, in our days (Malachi 4:5). Just as John the Baptist has been recognized by very few people, it is very likely that this messenger will suffer the same situation: « However, I say to you that Elijah has already come and they did not recognize him but did with him the things they wanted » (Matthew 17:12). According to the Gospels, it does not belong to the person (or a group of Christians) to proclaim himself to be « faithful and discreet », before the favorable judgment of King Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:47).
In the other hand, the faithful and discreet slave can be, at the same time, a group of good administrators of the Christian congregation, this is then, confirmed by the words of Christ, concerning, this time, the evil slave: « But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be » (Matthew 24:48-51). It is interesting to note that Jesus Christ, describes this evil slave as only one man, beating his fellow slaves (in the plural). Which would suggest that the faithful and discreet slave, beaten by the evil slave, can constitute a group of good administrators of the Christian congregation, working as fellow slaves. The evil slave could constitute a group of Christians having lost their faith, behaving badly towards their brothers in faith (Isaiah 66:5). This understanding is reinforced by the three illustrations of Christ in the continuation of the narrative of Matthew 25.
Let us see first, which represent the domestics. The faithful and discreet slave is obviously an administrator of the Christian congregation, under the orders of King Jesus Christ (Revelation 1-3 (the seven stars in the right hand of Christ)). The domestics represent the disciples of Christ (men, women and children) in each respective congregation.
In the three illustrations that will follow, we could consider that Christ illustrates the insight of the faithful and discreet slave, by the five discreet virgins, the two good administrators of the talents and the sheep who have helped the brothers of Christ.
« Then the Kingdom of the heavens may be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their flasks along with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delaying, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Right in the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Go out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins got up and put their lamps in order. The foolish said to the discreet, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.’ The discreet answered, saying: ‘Perhaps there may not be enough for both us and you. Go instead to those who sell it, and buy some for yourselves.’ While they were going off to buy it, the bridegroom came. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.Afterward, the rest of the virgins also came, saying, ‘Sir, Sir, open to us!’ In answer he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you » (Matthew 25:1-12).
Matthew 25:1-12, is the illustration of the ten virgins, five foolish, five discreet. These virgins are promised in marriage with Christ. They represent the heavenly congregation of the remnant of the 144,000, which will be 7,000, just before the great tribulation, to join Christ in the heaven (Apocalypse 11:11-13). Without necessarily saying that the whole of the group of the 7,000 Christian disciples (men and women) represents the faithful and discreet slave, however, their spiritual vigilance illustrates that of this faithful and discreet slave. It is very likely, that among these 7,000 disciples called to live with Christ, there are currently excellent administrators of the Christian congregation, excellent faithful and discreet slaves.
« For it is just like a man about to travel abroad who summoned his slaves and entrusted his belongings to them. He gave five talents to one, two to another, and one to still another, to each according to his own ability, and he went abroad. Immediately the one who received the five talents went and did business with them and gained five more. Likewise, the one who received the two gained two more. But the slave who received just one went off and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time, the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. So the one who had received the five talents came forward and brought five additional talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I gained five talents more.’ His master said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Next the one who had received the two talents came forward and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me; see, I gained two talents more.’ His master said to him: ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’ “Finally the slave who had received the one talent came forward and said: ‘Master, I knew you to be a demanding man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not winnow. So I grew afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ In reply his master said to him: ‘Wicked and sluggish slave, you knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not winnow? Well, then, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my coming I would have received it back with interest. “‘Therefore, take the talent away from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw the good-for-nothing slave out into the darkness outside. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.’ » (Matthew 25:14-30).
Matthieu 25:14-30, is the illustration of the three talent administrators (1 talent of silver (or gold) is about twenty kilos). Two have done their job correctly, making business, they have been faithful and discreet slaves (Matthew 25:19-23). The third did not do his job. He behaved as a bad slave (Matthew 25:24-30).
« When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right: ‘Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ In reply the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left: ‘Go away from me, you who have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I became hungry, but you gave me nothing to eat; and I was thirsty, but you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, but you did not receive me hospitably; naked, but you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, but you did not look after me.’ Then they too will answer with the words: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying: ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of these least ones, you did not do it to me.’ These will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting life » (Matthew 25:31-46).
Finally, Matthew 25:31-46, is the illustration of sheep and goats. The sheep represent people, or Christians who have helped the brothers of Christ, while the goats are those who have not helped the brothers of Christ. The expression « brothers » of Christ can be understood in two ways. The brothers of Christ can represent those who are part of the wise virgins who will join Christ in the heavens, shortly before the great tribulation. They are called the holy ones or chosen ones (heavenly): « For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering » (Hebrews 6:10). The second complementary way to understand this expression is that the brothers of Christ represent the faithful disciples of Christ. Here, what he said to a certain circumstance: « As an answer he said to the one telling him: “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And extending his hand toward his disciples, he said: “Look! My mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” » (Matthew 12:48-50).
Moreover, in the illustration, we can understand that the actions which will be rewarded by Jesus Christ, actions of assistance to the person, to feed, to give drink, dress, to manifest hospitality, to take care of the sick, to visit prisoners due to persecution. This illustrates in detail the characteristics of the real disciples: « By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves » (John 13:35). So obviously, all the sheep does not represent the faithful and discreet slave. It is obvious that among them, there are excellent administrators who care about both spiritual welfares, but also, if necessary, to help those who need it, in physical necessity, like faithful and discreet slaves.
Was the faithful and discreet slave,
identified and rewarded by King Jesus Christ,
in 1914 or shortly after this date (1918 or 1919)?
The question arises for several reasons. The first reason is biblical. Indeed, in Matthew 25:31, it is written: « When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne ». However, according to the biblical chronological calculations (made by Christians, students of the Bible, during the end of the 19th century), based on the prophecy of Daniel (see the page « Prophecy of Daniel », of the present site), the Kingship of Jesus Christ began in 1914. In Matthew 25:19, it is written about the return of the master to settle accounts with the administrators of the talents, also seems to be referring to this same passage, of Matthew 25:31. However, this last text, mentioned, according to the context, does not refer to the beginning of the Kingship, of Jesus Christ (Apocalypse 11:15), but rather to his function of king who will judge the whole of humanity.
The second reason to ask this question is that some Christians think that Matthew 25:19, the return of the master to settle accounts with the administrators of the Christian congregations, occurred in 1914. After a period of judgment, he would have found a group of Christians, as fulfilling the criteria of loyalty and wisdom, of the faithful and discreet slave. After that, he would have established this same group of Christians on all his belongings, that is to say, the worldwide Christian Congregation (Matthew 24:45-47). The important question is not so much to focus on this interpretation itself, but rather on the expressions used by Christ to know when the slave would be rewarded, and what would represent the whole of the belongings of the master.
At the beginning of this study, regarding the question of the identity of the faithful and discreet slave, it was insisted on the context which surrounds this question: in what stage of the description of Christ, he asked this question (namely In the first part (Matthew 24:4-22), that is to say towards the period beginning 1914, or the second part (Matthew 24:29 at 25:46), that is to say the short the period just before the great tribulation). Obviously, this question is in the second part of his description (Matthew 24:29 at 25:46 (24: 45-47)). How does it help us to understand when the slave would be formally identified by King Jesus Christ and he would be rewarded? If Jesus Christ had asked such a question in the conclusion of his first part, also before Matthew’s famous transition (24:23-28), then it would have been actually logical to think that the faithful and discreet slave, would have been identified and rewarded by King Jesus Christ shortly after 1914, and that he would have established him over all his congregation, as all of his belongings. However, according to the context, this is not the case: this identification of the good slave would be during the judgment just before the great tribulation (Matthew 24:45 to 25:46).
On the other hand, the question arises of what represents all the belongings of the master, on which the faithful and discreet slave would be established: is it only the Christian congregation, or all of the nations? It is Jesus Christ himself who answers this question: « All the nations will be gathered before him » (Matthew 25:32). The current King Jesus Christ owns the set of nations, both the living and the dead (which will be resurrected later). This is confirmed by Psalms 2 and 110: « Ask of me, and I will give nations as your inheritance And the ends of the earth as your possession » (Psalms 2:8). Particularly, since 1914, King Jesus Christ has owned the nations (even hostiles (see Psalms 2)). It is logical to think that he was not going to establish the faithful and discreet slave over all his belongings, shortly after 1914, in the context of the current hostility of the nations, mentioned in Psalms 2 and 110.
When the faithful and discreet slave
will be rewarded by the master?
According to the illustrations of the five wise virgins, the talents and sheep and goats, it will be rewarded shortly before the great tribulation, when King Jesus Christ will note the good work of the faithful and discreet slave. In what sense, the faithful and discreet slave will be established over all his belongings? The master’s belongings represent the whole of humanity which will live in the earthly paradise, both the living and the dead ones which will be resurrected (Matthew 19:28 « The twelve tribes of Israel »). Those who will be established over all the belongings of the master are, the 144000 (Apocalypse 14:1-5). Those who will be established over all the belongings of the master are the earthly princes (Isaiah 32:1,2). Those who will be established over all the belongings of the master are the earthly priests, the sons of Zadok (Ezekiel 43:19).
« To the angel of the congregation in Laodicea write: These are the things that the Amen says, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation by God: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, “I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,” but you do not know that you are miserable and pitiful and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes so that you may see.
“‘All those for whom I have affection, I reprove and discipline. So be zealous and repent. Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and take the evening meal with him and he with me. To the one who conquers I will grant to sit down with me on my throne, just as I conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations.’ » (Apocalypse 3:14-22).
The message to the Congregation of Laodicea is particularly severe. When Jesus Christ criticizes this congregation to be « lukewarm », he specifies what it means by saying: « Because you say: “I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all” ». He reproaches this congregation to be proud, its arrogance and its self-sufficiency. In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul warns against the love of money: « But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains » (1 Timothy 6:9,10). And farther on, he shows the need for those who are « rich », not to become proud and arrogant: « Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy » (1 Timothy 6:17).
What is true on an individual level, can be on the scale of a Christian congregation living in a city or a country rich in economic levels. As in the case of the Congregation of Laodicea, such material wealth can make a whole congregation, proud, arrogant and also with a condescending behavior towards other less fortunate congregations, like the material poverty of the Smyrna Congregation. All the Christian congregations that are in the situation of the Laodicea congregation, would do well to open their eyes to their catastrophic spiritual situation, while the judgment before the great tribulation, approach. They should follow this order of Jesus Christ glorified: « I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not be exposed, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes so that you may see ».
It is obvious that when the overseers of this congregation received this letter were greatly saddened in their heart. However, Jesus Christ has shown that behind the great severity of this message, there is an affectionate desire that this congregation will change its behavior: « All those for whom I have affection, I take them back and disciplines « . The Apostle Paul has also shown that discipline, at first, can cause sadness, however, if we take it into account, then we will have many blessings: « You need to endure as part of your discipline. God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? But if you have not all shared in receiving this discipline, you are really illegitimate children, and not sons. Furthermore, our human fathers used to discipline us, and we gave them respect. Should we not more readily submit ourselves to the Father of our spiritual life and live? For they disciplined us for a short time according to what seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit so that we may partake of his holiness. True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but it is painful; yet afterward, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it » (Hebrews 12:7-11).
« To the angel of the congregation in Philadelphia write: These are the things he says who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens so that no one will shut and shuts so that no one opens: ‘I know your deeds—look! I have set before you an opened door, which no one can shut. And I know that you have a little power, and you kept my word and did not prove false to my name. Look! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan who say they are Jews yet are not, but are lying—look! I will make them come and bow before your feet and make them know that I have loved you. Because you kept the word about my endurance, I will also keep you from the hour of test, which is to come upon the entire inhabited earth, to put to the test those dwelling on the earth. I am coming quickly. Keep holding fast to what you have, so that no one may take your crown.
“‘The one who conquers—I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will by no means go out from it anymore, and I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the New Jerusalem that descends out of heaven from my God, and my own new name. Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations.’ » (Apocalypse 3:7-13).
Regarding the Congregation of Philadelphia, it is an accurate name, which means « Brotherly Affection ». By reading the encouragement of Jesus Christ to this congregation, it can be said that he expresses his « Brotherly Affection » toward its faithful members.
Who or which congregation would not want to hear such encouraging words at the time of the last judgment, shortly before the great tribulation, like those written in Matthew 25:34, about the future Sheep to the right of the king and judge Jesus Christ: « Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat; I got thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked, and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous ones will answer him with the words, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and receive you hospitably, or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to you?’ And in reply the king will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me » (Matthew 25:34-40)?
« To the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: These are the things that he says who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your works fully performed before my God. Therefore, continue mindful of how you have received and how you heard, and go on keeping it, and repent. Certainly unless you wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know at all at what hour I will come upon you.
“‘Nevertheless, you do have a few individuals in Sardis who did not defile their garments, and they will walk with me in white ones, because they are worthy. The one who conquers will thus be dressed in white garments, and I will by no means blot out his name from the book of life, but I will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels. Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations.’ » (Apocalypse 3:1-6).
Regarding the congregation of Sardis, Jesus Christ tells something terrible, this congregation is spiritually dead. What does it mean? In Hebrews 6:1, there is the expression « repentance from dead works ». It is logical to think that the dead works represent sinful works, linked to the « old personality », the « works of the flesh » (Ephesians 4:22 (old personality); Galatians 5:19-21 (the works of the flesh)).
« But you did not learn the Christ to be so, provided, indeed, that you heard him and were taught by means of him, just as truth is in Jesus, that you should put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but that you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty » (Ephesians 4:20-24).
« Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning you, the same way as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law » (Galatians 5:19-23).
As written in the letter to the Galatians, « Those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom », or will not have everlasting life. Thus, the spiritual death of a person or the whole of a congregation means that they will not have, everlasting life.
Nevertheless, Jesus Christ adds an encouraging information, concerning some people who kept their integrity in this spiritually dead congregation: « You do have a few individuals in Sardis who did not defile their garments ». Which means that if, in this situation, Jesus Christ gives a group diagnosis, that does not prevent that the last judgment will be individual: « So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God » (Romans 14:12). The « white garments » represent the obtaining of everlasting life, either in Heaven, or on the Earth (apocalypse 6:11 « white robe »; 7:9 (the great crowd of people « dressed in white robes »)).
« To the angel of the congregation in Thyatira write: These are the things that the Son of God says, the one who has eyes like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine copper: ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith and ministry and endurance, and that your deeds of late are more than those you did at first.
“‘Nevertheless, I do hold this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and misleads my slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols. And I gave her time to repent, but she is not willing to repent of her sexual immorality. Look! I am about to throw her into a sickbed, and those committing adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. And I will kill her children with deadly plague, so that all the congregations will know that I am the one who searches the innermost thoughts and hearts, and I will give to you individually according to your deeds.
“‘However, I say to the rest of you who are in Thyatira, all those who do not follow this teaching, those who did not get to know the so-called “deep things of Satan”: I am not putting on you any other burden. Just the same, hold fast to what you have until I come. And to the one who conquers and observes my deeds down to the end, I will give authority over the nations, and he will shepherd the people with an iron rod so that they will be broken to pieces like clay vessels, just as I have received from my Father. And I will give him the morning star. Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations.’ » (Apocalypse 2:18-29).
Regarding the Congregation of Thyatira, Jesus Christ is blaming the congregation about the undesirable presence of a woman who behaves like Jezebel. The historical story of her, at the same time violent and immoral, is in the narrative of the two biblical books of the Kings (see 1 Kings 16:32,33; 17:1-3; 18:4,13; 19:1-4, 14; 21:1-16; 2 kings 9:30-37 (her violent death)). Beyond the bad behavior of this woman, mentioned by Jesus Christ, arises the question of the role of women in the Christian congregation.
In 1 Corinthians 14, the apostle Paul insists that Christian meetings should be conducted in order: « For God is a God not of disorder but of peace » (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let everyone speak for the purpose of spiritually building the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:26). This teaching must be understandable for the whole congregation: « Nevertheless, in a congregation I would rather speak five words with my mind, that I might also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue » (1 Corinthians 14:19).
As part of congregational meetings, in the spiritual sanctuary temple, in the framework of teaching, women are not allowed to speak in any way: « As in all the congregations of the holy ones, let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak. Rather, let them be in subjection, as the Law also says. If they want to learn something, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the congregation » (1 Corinthians 14:33-35). The expression, « As in all the congregations of the holy ones », shows that it is not simply a local decision, or only applying to the congregation of Corinth, but a divine instruction applied to all Christian congregations of holy ones. Moreover, this biblical instruction is repeated in the first letter to Timothy: « Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent » (1 Timothy 2:11,12).
