More on Knowing the Day and Hour
As a follow-up to my post http://fulnessoftimes.blogspot.com/2017/07/no-man-knoweth-day-or-hour.html
First, I am aware that the Prophet studied Hebrew, and others were taught it as well. If I remember right it was part of the instruction given in the School of the Prophets. However, he received even greater instruction and understanding through the Spirit and directly from the Lord.
However, regarding a knowledge of Hebrew/Jewish metaphors, figures of speech etc. I don't think the Prophet had much knowledge of them in January or May of 1831, when sections 39 and 49 were recorded, and which both state that the day and hour "no man knoweth." This was a statement of fact--not a figure of speech--from the Lord, reinforcing what the Lord told his disciples, that no one at that present time knew when the Second Coming will be.
As Joseph's knowledge and understanding grew, he learned that the day and hour will eventually be made known to the Lord's prophets, but at that present time nobody knew it. In the general conference in 1843, the Prophet still did not know when the Second Coming will be. He had some opinions, but did not know for sure. One statement he did make was that the Lord will reveal to his servants the prophets when the Second Coming will be (Amos 3:7). (See the notes under "James Burgess Notebook in this link
https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/words-joseph-smith-contemporary-accounts-nauvoo-discourses-prophet-joseph/1843/6-april-1843).
Incidentally, it was most likely misinterpretations/misunderstandings of what the prophet said that made many people of that time believe the Prophet had prophesied that the Second Coming would happen in 1890, when the reality was the Prophet was drawing his own conclusions based on what had been revealed to him, and he "took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time Jesus he would make his appearance." One person's notes state the Prophet said "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God.—& let it be written. that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old 48 years hence or about 1890." But in other places of conference notes it clearly states it was Joseph's personal conclusion, and that the actual prophesy should probably be stated along the lines that the Second Coming would not happen before 1890.
I have not stated that nobody would ever know the hour and/or day of the Second Coming. In a previous post I mentioned that I doubt anyone who actually has this information (the day and hour of the Second Coming) revealed to them by God would openly reveal it. Doing so would violate the trust God placed in them, and, unless they are the prophet, it is not their priesthood stewardship to announce when the Second Coming will be.
If the source of when the Second Coming is going to happen does not come from one of the Lord's anointed prophets, I try to find the good--the nuggets of truth--which it might contain, but I mostly use it to remind myself I need to do more to be ready and, while the cited date may be a possibility, it probably won't happen then.
It is my personal belief that we will likely be told by our prophet when to look for the Second Coming. We might not be given an exact day and hour (but maybe we will), and we may only be given a few years' (like Samuel the Lamanite announcing when the birth of the Savior would be), or a few months', notice. I don't think it would be announced until the New Jerusalem is being built, and it may not be a worldwide announcement, just given to the faithful members.
Something else to consider is the Second Coming is a worldwide event, so the actual hour will be different across the world, and even the actual day may be different. If everyone sees it at the same instant, the hour (and even day, due to the international date line) will be different across the world. If it rolls across the earth like the rising sun, the hour will be definitely be different if referenced to a single place (such as using Greenwich Mean Time).
I am aware of the fact that many of the great events of the restoration of the Gospel have occurred on Jewish holy days (and many even correspond to holy dates on sacred calendars of other people), which is why I said in an earlier post that the "Jewish holidays and seasons will probably be a factor." I am actually very certain they will be.
I appreciate the additional insights that others bring to the discussion. I know I am far from a doctrinal scholar, as I've only read the Book of Mormon about a couple dozen times, the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price only about 8 times or so, the New Testament about the same (although I've studied the Book of Revelation much, more more), and, while I've read several of the books in the Old Testament several times, I've only read the OT from beginning to end once. So, I have far to go. Additionally I know there are hundreds of books by General Authorities, prophets, and other inspired individuals of which I have barely scratched the surface in my studies. I know there are many others who have dedicated a greater portion of their time and energy to gospel study than I have.
Over the past few years I have collected hundreds of articles that show fulfillment of prophesies, as well as indicating we are getting very close to even bigger events of the last days.
I've read various interpretations as how one event or another supposedly matches some part of one seal, sign, or trump mentioned in the Book of Revelation. I've read, or heard, of various statements or articles--usually backed up by fairly compelling scriptural interpretation or analysis--of how the Second Coming would/will be in 2000, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and other years. I've even heard of 2033 (2,000 years after the Lord's atoning sacrifice) as a viable time.
As a side note, and in relation to my personal study, I am also familiar with the fact that there will be at least three appearances of the Lord, all of which are often categorized into the "Second Coming." And at least one of the earlier appearances will not be known to the world.
My concern is when people jump onto a bandwagon of how one year or another is when "the" Second Coming will be.
Part of the problem is the Jubilee. So many people want to cite why we must be in a Jubilee year, or why we aren't. But the truth is, without prophetic guidance, we don't actually know when a Jubilee is supposed to be because the Jews apparently didn't observe it anciently as they were commanded to. From my research, the Jewish observance of Sabbath years are probably accurate, but knowing which Sabbath year corresponds to the 49th year in the original Jubilee cycle, so the next year can be proclaimed a Jubilee, is difficult due to the Jew's failure to follow the Lord's commandments, and so many years of captivity and scattering across the nations. The best we can do is guess, hopefully with spiritual guidance.
One common misinterpretation is that the Jubilee occurs every 50 years, when, according to the Bible and many Jewish scholars, it is the fiftieth year from the start of the previous Jubilee (which Jubilee year is also the first year of the next 7-year cycle). But, there are actually only 49 years (or a week (7) of 7-year periods) from the start of one Jubilee until the next. It's kind of like seven days (a week) from Saturday to Saturday, and after 49 days (seven weeks), you observe a special holiday on the 50th day (which, in this case would be a Sunday). If another holiday is observed seven weeks later, on the Sunday following that seventh Sabbath, that Sunday would still be considered the 50th day, but it will only have been 49 days since the previously celebrated Sunday holiday. In the Jubilee cycle, that "Sunday" year is the Jubilee year, but it is also still the first year of the next seven year period and there are 49 years between the Jubilee years.
Many proponents of 2017 being a Jubilee year want to point to 1917 (Balfour Declaration), then 50 years later to 1967 (reunification of Jerusalem), and 50 years later to 2017. This seems fairly convincing for those advocating 50-year Jubilee cycles (50 years from Jubilee to Jubilee). But, there is a big problem with this.
The first thing to keep in mind is the Hebrew calendar begins (new year) in the fall on 1 Tishri, which is usually late September. Tishri is actually the 7th month in the calendar, but is considered the beginning of the year. You might recall that for the Jews the day actually begins with the setting of the sun the evening before. Likewise, the new year begins as the old year sets (in the fall). The first month of the year is Nissan, which begins late March or April. Nissan is the month when Passover is held (Nissan 15th-22nd). Because it heralds the arrival of spring, it is similar to the rising of the sun in the morning of the day and it is considered the first month (even though it is not the beginning of a new year). I'll admit I don't fully understand the Hebrew calendar.
Anyway, we need to keep in mind that the Hebrew new year begins in the fall of one year in our calendar and the Hebrew year continues through the following summer (the next year). So, the current Hebrew year (which some believe is a Jubilee year) began in September 2016 and continues to September 2017.
Let's look back in time. The Balfour Declaration happened in December 1917. So, for it to have been a Jubilee year, that Jubilee would have had to started on 17 September 1917 (1 Tishrei 5678). That Hebrew year would continue until about 6 September 1918. If that year were a Jubilee, and using a 50-year Jubilee cycle, the next Jubilee year would have begun on 5 October 1967 (1 Tishrei 5728). Unfortunately for the proponents of the 50-year cycle, the Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem happened in June 1967, before the beginning of their Jubilee cycle.
A problem also shows up if the 49-year cycle is introduced. From 17 September 1917, the next Jubilee would've started on 15 September 1966 (1 Tishrei 5727). Using this cycle the Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem fits into a Jubilee year, as the Jubilee year would not end until 4 October 1967 (29 Elul 5727) and June falls within the time period. However, the problem comes in the next Jubilee cycle, which would have started on 14 September 2015 (1 Tishrei 5776) and ended on 2 October 2016 (29 Elul 5776). Suddenly we realize that 2017 cannot possibly be a Jubilee year using the 49-year cycle because it is a full year off.
Using the Savior's birth as a starting point, I believe the last Jubilee year began in the fall of 2008 (30 September 2008), with the Jubilee year ending 18 September 2009. The next Jubilee year would then begin at sundown on 28 September 2057 (see footnote 39 at this link http://www.josephsmithforum.org/research/papers/joshuas-seventieth-jubilee/) and go into 2058. For some of my musings on the final Jubilee period you can read them here, http://fulnessoftimes.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-final-jubilee-period.html
An interesting consideration, if fall of 2008 is when the last Jubilee began, it also corresponds to the great recession (although the great recession had its "official" start in December 2007, it lasted into 2009). Incidentally, fall 2007-2008 was a Sabbath year, a Shemittah. A Jubilee year beginning in fall of 2008 would match the pattern of a Jubilee after a Sabbath year. The Shemittah and Jubilee years would also cover the nearly two-year period of the great recession. For the proponents of 2017 being a Jubilee year, seven years after 2007-8 would be 2014-15 (the next Sabbath year), so, if a Jubilee were to come after a Sabbath year then 2015-16 should've been the Jubilee year, not 2016-17.
Then comes another concern, when people want to proclaim they "know" we are in a Jubilee year and that, supposedly, means some event (usually the Second Coming) is coming in a specific year, and maybe a specific time period during that year. The problem is most people claim to "know' or state things as factual, when it is really their own, or someone else's, conclusion/opinion/thoughts. I know those statements are often based in extensive study and research, or a belief in someone else's study, but it still does not make them a true authority to make an absolute statement of fact.
Then we have another cog in the works. Last year the Jewish Sanhedrin declared we are in a Jubilee cycle. Suddenly people understood it to mean they were declaring the year as a Jubilee year. But that isn't what actually happened. The council decided that based on past events, the 2015-16 year qualified as the first year of Jubilee cycle, and 2016-17 is the second year. Based on that, 2015-16 could be interpreted as a "Jubilee" but they are beginning the count towards a Jubilee. They will actually celebrate a Jubilee year in 2065.
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/76354/sanhedrin-revives-2000-year-old-blessing-counting-jubilee-year/#xj52Pc4dApPexpMr.97
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/218856
Additionally, I don't see the Sanhedrin as spiritual authority, particularly when it pertains to the coming of the Messiah. Nor do I believe they are able to make an actual determination of when the Jubilee cycle should begin. Their decision was based more on the interpretations and philosophies of man, and they decided when the Jubilee should begin instead of trying to determine when it should be. But, without historical records or spiritual guidance, it would be difficult to make an actual judgment regarding what the original Jubilee cycle should be. So, it's easier just to make the decision based on what they do know. I expect they will be very surprised when the Savior makes an appearance during a year that they don't believe is a Jubilee.
2020 would be awesome if the Lord makes his appearance. But, what would happen to your faith if he doesn't come then? What if it's an appearance that the world doesn't know about? What if things don't happen as you expect them to? Will your faith get tried even more? Will you doubt what you have been led to believe? Or, is your testimony rooted in things deeper than some philosophy of when the Second Coming will be. The scriptures do say that in the last days there will be those whose hearts will fail them and those who will say the "Lord delayeth his coming."
So, while I do believe it is possible for us to know when the Second Coming will be (most specifically the season, and maybe the year--and from that we might be able to make an educated guess when a possible day might be, particularly based on Jewish holiday observances and their meanings), I believe it is irresponsible for any person of faith, other than the Prophet, to proclaim they know when the Second Coming will be, without giving a disclaimer, and then present their opinion/thought/understanding/etc as the truth. It is vital that others know when opinions are given, just as Bruce R. McKonkie and Joseph Fielding Smith apparently gave their "personal opinion" that the Second Coming would be in 2020 (I'd like actual references to these statements). Without that disclaimer the person making the statement is acting as if they know, but the prophet doesn't.
This is why we must be careful in following after some philosophy of man regarding when the Second Coming will be, we risk alienating ourselves from the Spirit, we risk not following the prophet, and we risk being led astray by very cunning, and very experienced evil spirits.
Our responsibility is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, to be examples to all around us, to encourage others to come unto Christ, to repent and return to God. While I believe we can discuss other tenets of the Gospel with other believers, we must be careful to never set ourselves or someone other than the prophet up as an "authority" of when the Second Coming will be, and we must be careful to identify what is our own personal thoughts and opinions, making sure to inform others when there is no scriptural or prophetic statement to back up our statements. And we must be able to provide authoritative references whenever possible. If we are not careful, we risk leading others (and even ourselves) astray.
Supposedly the Heavenly Prince Melchizedek Dead Sea Scroll has a reference to the Second Coming as occurring during Rosh Hashanah, (the first two days of the month of Tishrei) during a Jubilee year. I haven't read that reference, nor have I read interpretations that supposedly indicate 2017 (or any other year) is the year referenced by the scroll. While I find the Dead Sea Scrolls very interesting, I wonder what Joseph Smith would think about them. I suspect they would get the same answer as the Prophet received regarding the Apocrypha, found in Doctrine and Covenants section 91 (feel free to insert "Dead Sea Scroll" in the place of "Aprocrypha"):
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.
3 Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated.
4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.
As for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) being when the Second Coming might be, it is an interesting statement that being a two-day celebration we won't know which of the two days, or what hour of that 48-hour period, the Lord would come. However, it could equally be stated that he might come 10 days after the start of the new year on Yom Kippur, which is the holiest day of the year, the day of atonement (http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-Is-Yom-Kippur.htm).
Similarly, what if the Second Coming occurs during the Passover, a period of eight days, in the spring time (Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are in the fall)? We would not know which day or what hour he might come. Would it not be symbolic for the Lord to come at that time, the time when he performed the great atoning sacrifice, and at the time of the year that is like the rising of the sun at the dawn of day?
If you are familiar with what the Jubilee is, then you know it is, among other things, a time when the slaves are set free, when debts are completed forgiven, and lands are restored to their rightful owners--very symbolic of the Lord's atonement. It is my personal opinion that the Second Coming will be symbolic of the atonement, the Jubilee, and the Passover. It is also my opinion, based on my research, that the Second Coming (not the earlier appearances) will most likely happen in a Jubilee year. But, since most people seem intent on some other year as being the Jubilee, they will be surprised when it happens.
Based on my research, I believe most people have calculated (or perpetuated/promoted) the wrong year as the Jubilee year. Yes, I know I know I'm making it sound like I know something others don't, but my main reasoning is I believe the Lord was born in a Jubilee year. And, if he was, there is no way (using either a 50-year or 49-year period) 2017 would be a Jubilee year. I believe the Jubilee is very symbolic of the Savior and it would have been just as symbolic if he were born during a Jubilee year. Similarly, that symbolism is extended if the Lord returns during a Jubilee year. But that is my opinion.
I think the most important issue at hand is as I stated in an earlier post, "when" the Second Coming is, is not as important as being ready for it, whenever it happens, whether it happens this year, in 2020, or some future year.
--
Some notes...
As a side note, Bruce R. McKonkie and Joseph Fielding Smith probably expressed their opinion of the Second Coming being in 2020 based on the understanding that the seventh seal (the seventh 1,000 years) would begin in the year 2000. The opening of the seventh seal has a "silence in heaven about the space of half an hour" (Revelation 8:1), which equates to about 20.83 years (if you take 1,000 years and divide it into a 24-hour period, then one heavenly hour is 42.67 earth years). Using that calculation, 2020 would be the logical assumption for the Second Coming, assuming all the events in the seventh seal occur during that "half an hour" period.
However, I am still trying to find evidence that the big event of the sixth seal has occurred, described as a "great earthquake" where "every mountain and island were moved out of their places" (Revelation 6:12-17). If anyone has reference to such an event, I'd appreciate knowing it. I would not be surprised if there was a "cover-up" or rewriting of history so we're not aware of this event. But, I find it hard to believe that something of that magnitude could be effectively covered up for so long, especially since it would have effected the world and the globalists would have had a major challenge trying to cover up history in all places of the world. If it that "great earthquake" happened in the earlier part of the sixth 1,000 years (such as in the 1000 to 1400 AD time frame), then it might have been more easily covered up, and more difficult to uncover the truth.
It is my opinion that this "great earthquake" of the sixth seal has yet to occur, which, if that is the case, would mean any event of the seventh seal has not taken place yet, and all the wars, disasters, calamities, etc. are just precursors to what is coming. That said, it would be nice to learn that this "great earthquake" of the sixth seal has happened, mostly because it would mean events of the seventh seal can happen much sooner, or might have already started.
The calling of the 144,000 high priests also occurs during the sixth seal, but most people (including most members of the Church) will probably not know about when this happens. There doesn't seem to be any requirement that all 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes must all be ordained before the Seventh Seal is opened (although Revelation chapter 7 could be interpreted that way). Some have made it a point that foreordination might count. In any case, the actual calling and ordaining in this mortal life does appear to at least start during the sixth seal, and it appears to happen after the "great earthquake". It is my opinion that the calling and ordination of theses high priests probably has not started yet, but it will begin before the opening of the seventh seal, and will likely continue after the lost 10 tribes come to help build the New Jerusalem (without them it might be a challenge to get 12,000 from every tribe). Again, I'm open to references (especially verifiable ones) that this may have already started to happen, and I welcome opinions, thoughts, and other insights.
Two articles that are interesting reading regarding the Jubilee
First, I am aware that the Prophet studied Hebrew, and others were taught it as well. If I remember right it was part of the instruction given in the School of the Prophets. However, he received even greater instruction and understanding through the Spirit and directly from the Lord.
However, regarding a knowledge of Hebrew/Jewish metaphors, figures of speech etc. I don't think the Prophet had much knowledge of them in January or May of 1831, when sections 39 and 49 were recorded, and which both state that the day and hour "no man knoweth." This was a statement of fact--not a figure of speech--from the Lord, reinforcing what the Lord told his disciples, that no one at that present time knew when the Second Coming will be.
As Joseph's knowledge and understanding grew, he learned that the day and hour will eventually be made known to the Lord's prophets, but at that present time nobody knew it. In the general conference in 1843, the Prophet still did not know when the Second Coming will be. He had some opinions, but did not know for sure. One statement he did make was that the Lord will reveal to his servants the prophets when the Second Coming will be (Amos 3:7). (See the notes under "James Burgess Notebook in this link
https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/words-joseph-smith-contemporary-accounts-nauvoo-discourses-prophet-joseph/1843/6-april-1843).
Incidentally, it was most likely misinterpretations/misunderstandings of what the prophet said that made many people of that time believe the Prophet had prophesied that the Second Coming would happen in 1890, when the reality was the Prophet was drawing his own conclusions based on what had been revealed to him, and he "took the liberty to conclude that if I did live till that time Jesus he would make his appearance." One person's notes state the Prophet said "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God.—& let it be written. that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old 48 years hence or about 1890." But in other places of conference notes it clearly states it was Joseph's personal conclusion, and that the actual prophesy should probably be stated along the lines that the Second Coming would not happen before 1890.
I have not stated that nobody would ever know the hour and/or day of the Second Coming. In a previous post I mentioned that I doubt anyone who actually has this information (the day and hour of the Second Coming) revealed to them by God would openly reveal it. Doing so would violate the trust God placed in them, and, unless they are the prophet, it is not their priesthood stewardship to announce when the Second Coming will be.
If the source of when the Second Coming is going to happen does not come from one of the Lord's anointed prophets, I try to find the good--the nuggets of truth--which it might contain, but I mostly use it to remind myself I need to do more to be ready and, while the cited date may be a possibility, it probably won't happen then.
It is my personal belief that we will likely be told by our prophet when to look for the Second Coming. We might not be given an exact day and hour (but maybe we will), and we may only be given a few years' (like Samuel the Lamanite announcing when the birth of the Savior would be), or a few months', notice. I don't think it would be announced until the New Jerusalem is being built, and it may not be a worldwide announcement, just given to the faithful members.
Something else to consider is the Second Coming is a worldwide event, so the actual hour will be different across the world, and even the actual day may be different. If everyone sees it at the same instant, the hour (and even day, due to the international date line) will be different across the world. If it rolls across the earth like the rising sun, the hour will be definitely be different if referenced to a single place (such as using Greenwich Mean Time).
I am aware of the fact that many of the great events of the restoration of the Gospel have occurred on Jewish holy days (and many even correspond to holy dates on sacred calendars of other people), which is why I said in an earlier post that the "Jewish holidays and seasons will probably be a factor." I am actually very certain they will be.
I appreciate the additional insights that others bring to the discussion. I know I am far from a doctrinal scholar, as I've only read the Book of Mormon about a couple dozen times, the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price only about 8 times or so, the New Testament about the same (although I've studied the Book of Revelation much, more more), and, while I've read several of the books in the Old Testament several times, I've only read the OT from beginning to end once. So, I have far to go. Additionally I know there are hundreds of books by General Authorities, prophets, and other inspired individuals of which I have barely scratched the surface in my studies. I know there are many others who have dedicated a greater portion of their time and energy to gospel study than I have.
Over the past few years I have collected hundreds of articles that show fulfillment of prophesies, as well as indicating we are getting very close to even bigger events of the last days.
I've read various interpretations as how one event or another supposedly matches some part of one seal, sign, or trump mentioned in the Book of Revelation. I've read, or heard, of various statements or articles--usually backed up by fairly compelling scriptural interpretation or analysis--of how the Second Coming would/will be in 2000, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and other years. I've even heard of 2033 (2,000 years after the Lord's atoning sacrifice) as a viable time.
As a side note, and in relation to my personal study, I am also familiar with the fact that there will be at least three appearances of the Lord, all of which are often categorized into the "Second Coming." And at least one of the earlier appearances will not be known to the world.
My concern is when people jump onto a bandwagon of how one year or another is when "the" Second Coming will be.
Part of the problem is the Jubilee. So many people want to cite why we must be in a Jubilee year, or why we aren't. But the truth is, without prophetic guidance, we don't actually know when a Jubilee is supposed to be because the Jews apparently didn't observe it anciently as they were commanded to. From my research, the Jewish observance of Sabbath years are probably accurate, but knowing which Sabbath year corresponds to the 49th year in the original Jubilee cycle, so the next year can be proclaimed a Jubilee, is difficult due to the Jew's failure to follow the Lord's commandments, and so many years of captivity and scattering across the nations. The best we can do is guess, hopefully with spiritual guidance.
One common misinterpretation is that the Jubilee occurs every 50 years, when, according to the Bible and many Jewish scholars, it is the fiftieth year from the start of the previous Jubilee (which Jubilee year is also the first year of the next 7-year cycle). But, there are actually only 49 years (or a week (7) of 7-year periods) from the start of one Jubilee until the next. It's kind of like seven days (a week) from Saturday to Saturday, and after 49 days (seven weeks), you observe a special holiday on the 50th day (which, in this case would be a Sunday). If another holiday is observed seven weeks later, on the Sunday following that seventh Sabbath, that Sunday would still be considered the 50th day, but it will only have been 49 days since the previously celebrated Sunday holiday. In the Jubilee cycle, that "Sunday" year is the Jubilee year, but it is also still the first year of the next seven year period and there are 49 years between the Jubilee years.
Many proponents of 2017 being a Jubilee year want to point to 1917 (Balfour Declaration), then 50 years later to 1967 (reunification of Jerusalem), and 50 years later to 2017. This seems fairly convincing for those advocating 50-year Jubilee cycles (50 years from Jubilee to Jubilee). But, there is a big problem with this.
The first thing to keep in mind is the Hebrew calendar begins (new year) in the fall on 1 Tishri, which is usually late September. Tishri is actually the 7th month in the calendar, but is considered the beginning of the year. You might recall that for the Jews the day actually begins with the setting of the sun the evening before. Likewise, the new year begins as the old year sets (in the fall). The first month of the year is Nissan, which begins late March or April. Nissan is the month when Passover is held (Nissan 15th-22nd). Because it heralds the arrival of spring, it is similar to the rising of the sun in the morning of the day and it is considered the first month (even though it is not the beginning of a new year). I'll admit I don't fully understand the Hebrew calendar.
Anyway, we need to keep in mind that the Hebrew new year begins in the fall of one year in our calendar and the Hebrew year continues through the following summer (the next year). So, the current Hebrew year (which some believe is a Jubilee year) began in September 2016 and continues to September 2017.
Let's look back in time. The Balfour Declaration happened in December 1917. So, for it to have been a Jubilee year, that Jubilee would have had to started on 17 September 1917 (1 Tishrei 5678). That Hebrew year would continue until about 6 September 1918. If that year were a Jubilee, and using a 50-year Jubilee cycle, the next Jubilee year would have begun on 5 October 1967 (1 Tishrei 5728). Unfortunately for the proponents of the 50-year cycle, the Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem happened in June 1967, before the beginning of their Jubilee cycle.
A problem also shows up if the 49-year cycle is introduced. From 17 September 1917, the next Jubilee would've started on 15 September 1966 (1 Tishrei 5727). Using this cycle the Six Day War and reunification of Jerusalem fits into a Jubilee year, as the Jubilee year would not end until 4 October 1967 (29 Elul 5727) and June falls within the time period. However, the problem comes in the next Jubilee cycle, which would have started on 14 September 2015 (1 Tishrei 5776) and ended on 2 October 2016 (29 Elul 5776). Suddenly we realize that 2017 cannot possibly be a Jubilee year using the 49-year cycle because it is a full year off.
Using the Savior's birth as a starting point, I believe the last Jubilee year began in the fall of 2008 (30 September 2008), with the Jubilee year ending 18 September 2009. The next Jubilee year would then begin at sundown on 28 September 2057 (see footnote 39 at this link http://www.josephsmithforum.org/research/papers/joshuas-seventieth-jubilee/) and go into 2058. For some of my musings on the final Jubilee period you can read them here, http://fulnessoftimes.blogspot.com/2017/06/the-final-jubilee-period.html
An interesting consideration, if fall of 2008 is when the last Jubilee began, it also corresponds to the great recession (although the great recession had its "official" start in December 2007, it lasted into 2009). Incidentally, fall 2007-2008 was a Sabbath year, a Shemittah. A Jubilee year beginning in fall of 2008 would match the pattern of a Jubilee after a Sabbath year. The Shemittah and Jubilee years would also cover the nearly two-year period of the great recession. For the proponents of 2017 being a Jubilee year, seven years after 2007-8 would be 2014-15 (the next Sabbath year), so, if a Jubilee were to come after a Sabbath year then 2015-16 should've been the Jubilee year, not 2016-17.
Then comes another concern, when people want to proclaim they "know" we are in a Jubilee year and that, supposedly, means some event (usually the Second Coming) is coming in a specific year, and maybe a specific time period during that year. The problem is most people claim to "know' or state things as factual, when it is really their own, or someone else's, conclusion/opinion/thoughts. I know those statements are often based in extensive study and research, or a belief in someone else's study, but it still does not make them a true authority to make an absolute statement of fact.
Then we have another cog in the works. Last year the Jewish Sanhedrin declared we are in a Jubilee cycle. Suddenly people understood it to mean they were declaring the year as a Jubilee year. But that isn't what actually happened. The council decided that based on past events, the 2015-16 year qualified as the first year of Jubilee cycle, and 2016-17 is the second year. Based on that, 2015-16 could be interpreted as a "Jubilee" but they are beginning the count towards a Jubilee. They will actually celebrate a Jubilee year in 2065.
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/76354/sanhedrin-revives-2000-year-old-blessing-counting-jubilee-year/#xj52Pc4dApPexpMr.97
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/218856
Additionally, I don't see the Sanhedrin as spiritual authority, particularly when it pertains to the coming of the Messiah. Nor do I believe they are able to make an actual determination of when the Jubilee cycle should begin. Their decision was based more on the interpretations and philosophies of man, and they decided when the Jubilee should begin instead of trying to determine when it should be. But, without historical records or spiritual guidance, it would be difficult to make an actual judgment regarding what the original Jubilee cycle should be. So, it's easier just to make the decision based on what they do know. I expect they will be very surprised when the Savior makes an appearance during a year that they don't believe is a Jubilee.
2020 would be awesome if the Lord makes his appearance. But, what would happen to your faith if he doesn't come then? What if it's an appearance that the world doesn't know about? What if things don't happen as you expect them to? Will your faith get tried even more? Will you doubt what you have been led to believe? Or, is your testimony rooted in things deeper than some philosophy of when the Second Coming will be. The scriptures do say that in the last days there will be those whose hearts will fail them and those who will say the "Lord delayeth his coming."
So, while I do believe it is possible for us to know when the Second Coming will be (most specifically the season, and maybe the year--and from that we might be able to make an educated guess when a possible day might be, particularly based on Jewish holiday observances and their meanings), I believe it is irresponsible for any person of faith, other than the Prophet, to proclaim they know when the Second Coming will be, without giving a disclaimer, and then present their opinion/thought/understanding/etc as the truth. It is vital that others know when opinions are given, just as Bruce R. McKonkie and Joseph Fielding Smith apparently gave their "personal opinion" that the Second Coming would be in 2020 (I'd like actual references to these statements). Without that disclaimer the person making the statement is acting as if they know, but the prophet doesn't.
This is why we must be careful in following after some philosophy of man regarding when the Second Coming will be, we risk alienating ourselves from the Spirit, we risk not following the prophet, and we risk being led astray by very cunning, and very experienced evil spirits.
Our responsibility is to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, to be examples to all around us, to encourage others to come unto Christ, to repent and return to God. While I believe we can discuss other tenets of the Gospel with other believers, we must be careful to never set ourselves or someone other than the prophet up as an "authority" of when the Second Coming will be, and we must be careful to identify what is our own personal thoughts and opinions, making sure to inform others when there is no scriptural or prophetic statement to back up our statements. And we must be able to provide authoritative references whenever possible. If we are not careful, we risk leading others (and even ourselves) astray.
Supposedly the Heavenly Prince Melchizedek Dead Sea Scroll has a reference to the Second Coming as occurring during Rosh Hashanah, (the first two days of the month of Tishrei) during a Jubilee year. I haven't read that reference, nor have I read interpretations that supposedly indicate 2017 (or any other year) is the year referenced by the scroll. While I find the Dead Sea Scrolls very interesting, I wonder what Joseph Smith would think about them. I suspect they would get the same answer as the Prophet received regarding the Apocrypha, found in Doctrine and Covenants section 91 (feel free to insert "Dead Sea Scroll" in the place of "Aprocrypha"):
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly;
2 There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men.
3 Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated.
4 Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth;
5 And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;
6 And whoso receiveth not by the Spirit, cannot be benefited. Therefore it is not needful that it should be translated. Amen.
As for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) being when the Second Coming might be, it is an interesting statement that being a two-day celebration we won't know which of the two days, or what hour of that 48-hour period, the Lord would come. However, it could equally be stated that he might come 10 days after the start of the new year on Yom Kippur, which is the holiest day of the year, the day of atonement (http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-Is-Yom-Kippur.htm).
Similarly, what if the Second Coming occurs during the Passover, a period of eight days, in the spring time (Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are in the fall)? We would not know which day or what hour he might come. Would it not be symbolic for the Lord to come at that time, the time when he performed the great atoning sacrifice, and at the time of the year that is like the rising of the sun at the dawn of day?
If you are familiar with what the Jubilee is, then you know it is, among other things, a time when the slaves are set free, when debts are completed forgiven, and lands are restored to their rightful owners--very symbolic of the Lord's atonement. It is my personal opinion that the Second Coming will be symbolic of the atonement, the Jubilee, and the Passover. It is also my opinion, based on my research, that the Second Coming (not the earlier appearances) will most likely happen in a Jubilee year. But, since most people seem intent on some other year as being the Jubilee, they will be surprised when it happens.
Based on my research, I believe most people have calculated (or perpetuated/promoted) the wrong year as the Jubilee year. Yes, I know I know I'm making it sound like I know something others don't, but my main reasoning is I believe the Lord was born in a Jubilee year. And, if he was, there is no way (using either a 50-year or 49-year period) 2017 would be a Jubilee year. I believe the Jubilee is very symbolic of the Savior and it would have been just as symbolic if he were born during a Jubilee year. Similarly, that symbolism is extended if the Lord returns during a Jubilee year. But that is my opinion.
I think the most important issue at hand is as I stated in an earlier post, "when" the Second Coming is, is not as important as being ready for it, whenever it happens, whether it happens this year, in 2020, or some future year.
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Some notes...
As a side note, Bruce R. McKonkie and Joseph Fielding Smith probably expressed their opinion of the Second Coming being in 2020 based on the understanding that the seventh seal (the seventh 1,000 years) would begin in the year 2000. The opening of the seventh seal has a "silence in heaven about the space of half an hour" (Revelation 8:1), which equates to about 20.83 years (if you take 1,000 years and divide it into a 24-hour period, then one heavenly hour is 42.67 earth years). Using that calculation, 2020 would be the logical assumption for the Second Coming, assuming all the events in the seventh seal occur during that "half an hour" period.
However, I am still trying to find evidence that the big event of the sixth seal has occurred, described as a "great earthquake" where "every mountain and island were moved out of their places" (Revelation 6:12-17). If anyone has reference to such an event, I'd appreciate knowing it. I would not be surprised if there was a "cover-up" or rewriting of history so we're not aware of this event. But, I find it hard to believe that something of that magnitude could be effectively covered up for so long, especially since it would have effected the world and the globalists would have had a major challenge trying to cover up history in all places of the world. If it that "great earthquake" happened in the earlier part of the sixth 1,000 years (such as in the 1000 to 1400 AD time frame), then it might have been more easily covered up, and more difficult to uncover the truth.
It is my opinion that this "great earthquake" of the sixth seal has yet to occur, which, if that is the case, would mean any event of the seventh seal has not taken place yet, and all the wars, disasters, calamities, etc. are just precursors to what is coming. That said, it would be nice to learn that this "great earthquake" of the sixth seal has happened, mostly because it would mean events of the seventh seal can happen much sooner, or might have already started.
The calling of the 144,000 high priests also occurs during the sixth seal, but most people (including most members of the Church) will probably not know about when this happens. There doesn't seem to be any requirement that all 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes must all be ordained before the Seventh Seal is opened (although Revelation chapter 7 could be interpreted that way). Some have made it a point that foreordination might count. In any case, the actual calling and ordaining in this mortal life does appear to at least start during the sixth seal, and it appears to happen after the "great earthquake". It is my opinion that the calling and ordination of theses high priests probably has not started yet, but it will begin before the opening of the seventh seal, and will likely continue after the lost 10 tribes come to help build the New Jerusalem (without them it might be a challenge to get 12,000 from every tribe). Again, I'm open to references (especially verifiable ones) that this may have already started to happen, and I welcome opinions, thoughts, and other insights.
Two articles that are interesting reading regarding the Jubilee
Read Doctrine and Covenants section 77 for some insights into the Book of Revelation. These include each of the seven seals representing 1,000 year periods (verses 6 and 7), and the 144,000 high priests (verse 11).
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