Chapter 1

Chapter One -  

By John “Jay” Steinman MTh Co-Author

At my brother’s request, it is my honor to write some of my thoughts in this first chapter. Readers of any book may rightly ask the question, “What was the author’s purpose?” It is an important question. Our answer in part, is to who the Scriptures absolutely trustworthy by finding and highlighting divine patterns and timelines in prophecy. Many want to dismiss prophecy to at least some secondary level of value. To the contrary, we believe both the quantity and quality of Biblical prophecy is divinely deliberate and for us in these days. No author or book can compare to Holy Writ. Finally, comparable specificity and details regarding future events is not found in any writings known to man. We trust our efforts here continue in some small way to build on the firm foundation of so many others from the past, a majestic quest of all those who have loved God’s Word.

We begin with the profound, unshakeable belief in the absolute Divine Inspiration of the Holy Scripture and the absolute accuracy of the days, dates, times, seasons and time-frame patterns! It is our purpose to show the extreme accuracy of God’s recorded events past, present and future. The Bible is completely dependable in its history, its science, and its psychology. It is always ahead of human discovery, and its under-standing of human nature is without peer. It is the pinnacle of theology and its exclusive soteriology is immutable and perfect. This would be enough, but Holy Writ offers more. Amazingly, it offers Headlines before Human events even occur. It contains inexplicable Eschatology! In other words, it addresses all important questions about man and God, then goes on to tell, all who would read, about the future and the end of human government. It can do this because the author is “The Alpha and Omega!” tells us a great deal about what is yet to come. For this reason, it is correctly called GOD’S REVELATION, an apocalyptic under-standing of the future (an unveiling) reserved for an age referred to as ‘the end times.’ The day of Jacob’s trouble and the great and notable day of the Lord. We count ourselves among those who believe the ‘end times’ is now, knowing we can be like the’ Men of Issachar’, digging deep into God’s Word, applying it and discerning the times!

We stand on the shoulders of so many, with so much greater intellect, yet with the same thrilling motivation, approved by God, the right, and the strong desire, to search out a matter, and know to some degree the mind of God for our time. We have been promised a guide, none other than the Trinity, our Elohim; embodied in the person of the Holy Spirit. We have His promise to guide us into all truth. In Biblical history, this reminds us of the role of the ‘Men of Issachar.’ They played a key role at a crucial time. As men of the Torah, the men were also politically astute, understanding the times and current events. Their discernment helped to guide Israel (the twelve tribes) as to God’ plan for a new leader for the nation. In the beginning of Israel’s monarchy King Saul fell into disobedience and a schism developed regarding who would be king. The question was whether or not, David was God’s choice to replace Saul. Many among the tribes were divided on this question. Wisdom and understanding were in great demand. Discernment of the times and wisdom regarding this issue was needed. Scripture records, “And the children of Issachar, were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs; and all their kinsmen were under their command”, I Chronicles 12:32. The men of Issachar were completely united in the courageous decision to support the governmental change from Saul to David. They understood what God was doing and stood unanimously firm in their commitment.

Moving much further forward in time, we find the great scientist, astronomer, mathematician, eschatologist, Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). He is considered by most, as one of greatest scientists of all time, a genius. What they don’t know is that he spent much of his time writing and studying the Bible. It is said that he left some ten million words in his papers. Fully one half, or five million were biblical in subject matter, primarily the prophetic, and focusing on the book of Daniel! Three million were on Math and Science. One million on his searches in Alchemy. Like Thomas Jefferson, Newton was not always religiously orthodox, and both denied the Trinity. However, both were known to be avid readers of scripture and held it in the highest regard.

Despite his doctrinal issues, Newton loved the prophetic books and his contribution to this field is immeasurable. He believed the scriptures could guide him to conclusion about the future. He believed in the return of the Jews to their land of Israel and read in Daniel about Israel’s call to return & rebuild Jerusalem. He further believed in God’s seven thousand year (day) plan culminating in the 1,000 year Sabbath, God’s day of rest, the Millennium. He further knew about God’s 120 Jubilees of 50 years each or 6,000 years (days). Forty-nine years plus one, celebrated in the 50th year. Newton proposed adding one ‘Jubilee’ past the event of rebuilding Jerusalem. We know today that Jerusalem was retaken by the Jews in 1967. Newton wrote about adding 49 years to that future event. I would say that is a very informed biblical suggestion (guess), though the celebration/conclusion of a Jubilee is really the 50th year. That said, you do the math. Either way, you come up with A.D. 2016-17.

Over and above his unequaled intellect, Newton was an able linguist and ardent Bible scholar. He was fluent in the ancient languages, including Greek and Hebrew. He translated the book of Daniel from the original Hebrew. His interpretations are the basis of his book, NEWTON’S PROPHECIES OF DANIEL. The following are two of his many famous quotes. First, “About the time of the end, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the Prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation, in the midst of much clamor and opposition.” Second, “Amongst the Interpreters of the last age there is scarce one of note who hath not made some discovery worth knowing; and thence seem to gather that God is about opening these mysteries. The success of others put me upon considering it; and if I have done anything which may be useful to following writers, I have my design.” Sir Isaac Newton

Next, in my mind would be noted head of Scotland Yard for many years, Sir Robert Anderson (1841-1918). Sir Robert’s contributions in several books on Prophecy are also without peer. His classic is ‘The Coming Prince.’ He is of course, in the title, referring to the Anti-Christ. This coming false Messiah is central in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Anderson understood the Prophetic Year concept. In his chapter 15, Anderson wrote: “If the book of Daniel might be read by itself no question could ever arise. ‘The Coming Prince’ is there presented as the head of the revived Roman empire of the future, and a persecutor of the saints.” Chapter 1 is more exclamatory, it begins with the claim that the Lord Jesus Christ will return to rule and reign over the earth in the Millennium, the (1,000 yr.) Seventh Day of Rest (Sabbath). Anderson wrote quoting Psalms: “But the day is coming when our God shall come and shall not keep silence” [Psalm 50:3]. This is not a matter of opinion, but of faith. He who questions it has no claim whatever to the name Christian, for it is, as essential a truth of Christianity, as is the record of life and death of the Son of God. The old Scriptures teem with it, and of all the writers of the New Testament, there is not so much as one who does not expressly speak of it. It was the burden of the first prophetic utterance which Holy Writ records; [‘And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints’ (Jude 1:14)] and the closing book of the sacred Canon, from the first chapter to the last, confirms and amplifies the testimony.”

More powerfully, in my opinion, he says: “It was a calamity for the Church of God when the light of prophecy became dimmed in fruitless controversy, and the study of these visions, vouchsafed by God to warn, and guide, and cheer His saints in evil days, was dismissed as utterly unprofitable. They abound in promises which God designed to feed His people’s faith and fire their zeal, and a special blessing rests on those who read, and hear, and cherish them. One of the most hopeful features of the present hour is the increasing interest they everywhere excite; and if these pages should avail to deepen or direct the enthusiasm even of a few in the study of a theme which is inexhaustible, the labor they have cost will be abundantly rewarded.” Sir Robert Anderson

Anderson broke new ground in his belief that calculations can be done from the Scriptures using the prophetic 360 day year. In the footsteps of Newton, Anderson knew the 360 day year had been used by all nations and cultures before about 705 B.C. This is verified in the work of Immanuel Velikovsky and his book, ‘Worlds in Collision’(1950). He also discovered that China had a “long night” at the same time as Joshua had his “long day”. Today, we have computers to assist us when calculating in solar or lunar calendar days. All these calendars shed light, including the now famous but misunderstood Mayan Calendar. Using the 360 day year, Anderson, like Newton, wanted to calculate from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the Crucifixion (Nisan 14). In modern times, Harold Hoehner, in his book, The Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ, closely emulates Anderson’s work. Both arrive at the basic established day count of 173,880, their proposed prophetic timeline. However, in every calculation they need additional days.  Each has a different count, suffice it to say, both are very close. There are still valid questions as to the beginning date and year of the Crucifixion. The very latest computer analysis and Pilate’s letter (British Museum of History) indicate the assumption of a Friday crucifixion is incorrect. In fact, a Wednesday crucifixion meets all criteria, including four days of observation of the Lamb and the fact of two Sabbaths in one week. Still, their work laid the ground work for what we see today. Time does not permit a further discussion here. I will say a Wednesday crucifixion and in a 30 AD year impact calculations greatly.

Coming into the nineteenth century (1886), we have Dr. Grattan Guinness, and his book titled, “Light for the Last Days,” in which he calculated that Jerusalem would be taken from the Ottoman Empire in A.D. 1917. That bold assertion was concurred with and followed by Dr. H. Aldersmith, in 1898, who wrote a book, ‘Fullness of the Nations,’ in which he too said that Great Britain would be the nation to end the occupation by the Ottoman Empire and free Jerusalem. Aldersmith predicted from scripture as had Guinness that the calculation from scripture pointed to the year 1917! Even more amazingly, he told friends and associates that he believed the deliverance would be by some sort of flying machine. That idea was based on verses in Isaiah. The airplane was not invented until 1903, Aldersmith wrote in 1898. The Wright Brothers would not fly until more than 5 years later.

Now must come, as brief as possible, the 30 year British involvement in the Middle East, as a result of WW I.  This period of time, is prophetically binary to the 30 years Joseph ruled as though he were the Pharoah.  Once the Pharoah died, his successor “knew not Joseph”, meaning he no longer recognized the authority placed in Joseph by his predecessor.  Jerusalem would become a focal point of the world in war, politics and prophecy. In 1917, after 400 years of Muslim occupation (1517 - 1917), the most important city to Jews and Christians was once again in non-Muslim hands. Here is the story in brief.

Despite some successes by the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in the latter half of 1916, early 1917 was proving difficult for the home front and for military morale. Lt. General Sir Archibald Murray’s plan was making a successful eastward push across the barren Sinai desert where there were no natural resources. His development of a 120 mile wire netting road, standard-gauge railway and pipeline carrying water from Egypt were brilliant, but the rate at which these three logistical elements could be built was slow. Worse however would be his defeats at Gaza.

Little did he know the Arabs had a saying, “When the waters of the Nile flow into Palestine, then will a prophet of the Lord deliver Jerusalem from the Turkish yoke!” Little did he know, that though his water pipe had fulfilled Arabic prophecy, his defeats at Gaza would result in his dismissal. My view is that Murray was a Moses crossing the desert and Allenby was to be a Joshua taking over leadership and taking the ‘Promised Land.’ In any event, once in Palestine (Israel), Murray suffered two successive and decisive defeats in March and April. His two costly offensives, against the Turkish stronghold of Gaza. His command and control was weak and the distance away probably contributed to his defeats. Prime Minister Lloyd George was under pressure and wanted a new Commander. The powerful build and unique personality of Sir Edmund Allenby came to his attention and became his choice to replace Murray. Knick-named “the Bull”, Allenby was asked to leave the British Third Army (France) and was promoted to Commander of the British Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in the Middle East and ordered to take Jerusalem before Christmas. Allenby had mixed emotions at first. In a conversation, in London, with General Sir Beauvoir de Lisle, Allenby reputedly said, “The last man failed, and I do not see why I should succeed.” Sir Beauvoir was a strong Biblical scholar and preacher. He revealed to Allenby his strong conviction that Bible prophecies predicted the deliverance of Jerusalem, in 1917, by the Lion of Britain.  Allenby was greatly shocked, but none the less some-what consoled regarding his new appointment.

Before setting sail for Cairo, Allenby was summoned to a most unusual briefing with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord Fisher. In what must have seemed a strange military conference of war, Allenby was told he would be God’s instrument to deliver Jerusalem after 400 years; furthermore it would be on December 9-11 of 1917.  Allenby was stunned at the Admiral’s expectations and strong beliefs. They spent several hours discussing the Biblical prophecies upon which Lord Fisher was relying. Allenby was a devout Christian of the Plymouth Brethren denomination, but this kind of Bible interpretation he had not experienced ever before.

Allenby arrived at EEF headquarters in Cairo June 28, 1917. As a man of devout faith he daily consulted the Bible for spiritual direction. Now he was beginning to use it for geographical military direction. He would frequently ask his staff officers to bow their heads and pray with him for success in battle, and for a minimal number of casualties. He would get credit for Murray’s pipeline, making the waters of the Nile flow into Palestine (thanks to the Royal Engineers). The Arabs came to call him “Allah en Nebi” meaning prophet of God, yet still, he knew he must have a difficult military victory as a leader against Gaza. Where General Murray had failed, he must succeed. Having understood the failure of Murray’s two frontal attacks, Allenby chose to outflank the Turks and attack Beersheba. This diverted attention from his main force, which would attack on October 31, with mounted cavalry against men primarily in trenches. Allenby took Gaza on November 16 and the road to the prize, Jerusalem, was now open before him. At this point he divided his forces between Jaffa and Jerusalem, and despite his weary soldiers and unfavorable weather (December rain), he used the appeal of Christmas-time capture of the Holy City to motivate and invigorate his troops. Jaffa fell on November 16th, but still ahead was a well defended, Jerusalem, a difficult and perplexing objective.

Allenby was determined not to have a long siege or loss of life. But how could this be done? He continued to pray. Although he was in position both on land and in the air, he ordered no one to fire on the city. Instead he cabled Prime Minister Lloyd George for orders. He was told the Cabinet authorized him to do whatever he thought best. That answer didn’t help. As the story goes, he then cabled the King, George V, for instructions. King George replied, “Pray about it.” So, gathering his staff together, he did just that. This brings us to Saturday (Sabbath) December the 8th, Kislev 23, two day before the Feast of Hanukkah, which commemorates an earlier deliverance of the City of Jerusalem by Judah Maccabee, two hundred years before Christ. The chaplains were stunned at the printed lesson from their Morning Prayer Book. The lesson was taken from Isaiah chapter 31. The printed lesson and prayers were the very prophecy about to be fulfilled on that morning. They read, “For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof. AS BIRDS FLYING, SO WILL THE LORD OF HOSTS DEFEND JERUSALEM; DEFENDING ALSO HE WILL DELIVER IT; AND PASSING OVER, HE WILL PRESERVE IT.” Isaiah 31:4-5

In the Lesson Reading for December 8th, taken from the book of Isaiah, General Allenby saw the lion as representing Great Britain and the young lion as his ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand) troops. When he heard the phrase “as birds flying”, he knew exactly what he needed to do. Knowing he had complete air superiority over the whole region, he ordered all planes, British, captured German planes, everything that could fly, he ordered to assemble. On the morning of December 8th, what must have seemed like hundreds of planes, in tight formation, flew at a very low altitude over the Holy City. As they flew over, they had strict orders not to take any other military action, nothing. They dropped no bombs, fired no guns, instead pilots dropped ‘leaflets’ signed by General Allenby, demanding the surrender of the city. The fly-over was very frightening to the Turkish soldiers and the Mayor of the city. Reports indicate that Allenby’s personal signature looked like Allah “beh”, in other words, Arabic for messenger of God. First the city occupants see more planes than they had ever seen before, then leaflets appearing to be signed by the messenger of God! Observing all these things had the desired effect. The mayor was willing to surrender, and the final formal Surrender was to General Allenby who entered Jerusalem on foot in humility on (Gregorian calendar) December 11, 1917.  Jerusalem had not yet changed calendars, so the Julian calendar was still in effect. The corresponding date on the Julian calendar was November 29th, 1917, and it will have great significance as we will when we examine future events in Israel. God both delivered and preserved the city without a shot being fired and no siege, perfectly fulfilling to the very words of scripture in Isaiah 31:4-5.

To summarize, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had invaded the Kingdom of Judah in the month of Kislev, our November/December in 604 BC. Jerusalem surrendered in early December. Does that sound familiar? Leviticus 26:28 describes the 7 times punishment for national apostasy that would run for 2520 years. It would come to an end in AD 1917. (1 year added between BC and AD) There is no zero, the math is exact. Admiral Lord Fisher and others saw this prophecy in the Bible before it was fulfilled and had the confidence in Scripture to tell others. As mentioned earlier, Daniel’s “Seventy Weeks” prophecy follows a similar pattern. There is still a lack of agreement on the specifics of beginning and ending, but the basic numbers prove true. We believe that Daniel’s 69th week ended with the Baptism of Jesus, this was followed by 40 days in the wilderness being tempted by Satan.

Jesus had a 3 1⁄2 year ministry, culminating in His crucifixion. Now follow this simple math. We start with 40 days of testing, and we add 1260 days for his ministry. In any 3 1⁄2 year period of a Hebrew calendar you would have an additional 30 day month, Veadar II. This brings us to 1330 days. When you add the 5 days from Triumphal Entry to Christ death and burial after the Crucifixion, you arrive at 1335 days. This date was at sunset, the 14th/15th day of Nisan. This is the number spoken of by Daniel, Some would argue that the forty days in the wilderness are part of His 3 1⁄2 year ministry. In that case, we know He ministered for another 40 days before His ascension. This was just 10 days before His promise of the Holy Spirit on Shavuot/Pentecost on the 50th day. (49+1=50). These numbers would still add up to 1335 days. “Blessed is he who waits and comes to 1335 days”

Remember the November 29, 1917 date for Allenby capturing Jerusalem? You also know the official date for the rebirth of Israel is (Gregorian) May 14, 1948. In doing research on this event, I learned the technical date of U.N. Resolution #181 creating the two state partition. This Resolution created and established Israel and Jordan. The date was November 29, 1947. At the urging of a number of nations the U.N. in 2012 voted to establish an honorary Palestinian Nation status. What date do you think they chose? Yes, November 29th.

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2

“By measure hath He measured the times, and by number hath He numbered he times: and He doth not move nor stir them until the said measure be fulfilled.” II Esdras 4:37

“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7