70 Years Of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures

70 years of Desolation By M.S.Mariadas and Y.R.Dinakaran Bible Students, M.B.S.A

About The “Desolation” of the city of Jerusalem and Judah and of the Babylonian captivity, and the people, Prophet Isaiah warned in the days of Hezekiah about BC 701, 2 kings 20:16-18, In the days of Manasseh , 2 Kings 21:12,13 In the 18th year of Josiah. BC 622 -621, prophetess Huldah warned also about the coming destruction 2 kings 22:16,19, prophet Habakkuk warned Hab 1: 6-9, Finally Prophet Jeremiah warned in the accession year of Jehoiakim BC 609-608, Jer 26:1,9. Though Jeremiah prophesied, he was unaware of the time of the beginning of desolation, and the length of the time of captivity. In the 3rd year of Jehoiakim BC 606-605 (which was 20th year of reign of Nebopolassar).Nebuchadnezzar as commander in chief of Babylonian army came and besieged Jerusalem. Jehoiakim surrendered him part of the vessels of the temple and also few captives. This was the First deportation of the captives from Jerusalem to Babylon, and Daniel was one among them Dan 1:1, 2. Thus Jeremiah came to know in the 3rd year of Jehoiakim that the captivity and DESOLATION began. God is revealer of secrets and makes known what shall come to pass Dan 2:28, 29, Is 43:12. he will not hide the secrets from his servants Gen 18:17, but he reveals Amos 3:7, John 5:20, Eph 3:3. Because it is the character of God to reveal secrets to his servants, God revealed to Jeremiah in the 4th year of reign of Jehoiakim BC 605 – 604 that the captivity, which took place in the 3rd year of Jehoiakim, would last for FULL 70 years Jer 25:1, 11. In Jer25:1 the Hebrew word ‘Rishony’ is Translated ‘First” (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar though the meaning of the word is ‘first’, it was used in the sense of ‘Beginning’. This adjective is derived from ‘Rishown’, used in Isa41:4 “I the Lord the first …. i.e. the beginning”, Where accession year system is followed, Beginning” of reign points to accession year. When a king comes to throne on a certain day in a year after the end of reign of a previous king, from that day (date) of coming to throne, to the end of that calendar year, the time span is called accession year. And his first year of reign starts from the (first day) of the next calendar year to the end of that year. The word in Jer25; 1 ‘first’ was used in the sense of Beginning”, if we read it therefore as the year of Nebuchadnezzar, instead of “first’ year of Nebuchadnezzar, we maintain harmony with other scriptures and facts. It makes a lot of difference in saying “first” than saying “accession year”. Let us take the reign of Nebuchadnezzar as an example. Babylonian chronicles are preserved in British museum.

70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures Tablet #21946 #9#9-11 records

“For 21 years Nebopolassar had been king of Babylon. On the 8th of the month Ab he died (lit ‘the fate’), in the month of Elul Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon. And on the first day of the month Elul, he sat on the Royal throne in Babylon” According to our calendar, Nebopolassar died on 15th Aug 605 BC. And Nebuchadnezzar sat on the throne on 7th Sep 605BC.The accession year and the first year of Nebuchadnezzar appears as follows. • ACCESSION YEAR 1st Elul (first day) BC605 to he end of the month Adar 604BC Our calendar 7ht September BC 605 to 1st April 604BC. • FIRST YEAR OF REIGN Beginning of the next year Nisan 1st BC 604 to he end of Adar 603 BC Our calendar April2nd 604BC to 21st March 603 BC We have the record of both ‘Accession’ year and ‘First’ year of Nebuchadnezzar. Now we require the accession year of Jehoiakim, the key to open some scriptures, which are otherwise shut –up. To know the accession year of Jehoiakim, we need to know the month in which Josiah died, to construct the regnal years of Jehoiakim. Megiddo Battle took place between Josiah and Pharoah Nechoh in the year BC 609. Let us know brief history of it. Pharaoh Nechoh is well known to us both from secular historians and from Egyptian monuments. He was king of Egypt for 16 years from BC 610-594, According to Babylonian chronicles Tablet # 21901(# 5858-63) ::- “Nebopolassar in his 16th year of reign BC 610-609, captured Haran, where

the Assyrian King ASSUR- UBALLIT sat on the throne as king though the Egyptian army came in help of ASSUR – UBALLIT Nebopolassar drove him out of Haran” B.M. Tablet # 25127(#14 25127(#14, 7(#14, 15): 15):):- records “On the 26th day of the month of Marcheswan, Nebopolassar

sat upon the throne of Babylon (this was) the ‘Beginning of reign’ of Nebopolassar” The accession year of Nebopolassar was from 23rd Nov BC 626 to the end of Adar 625 BC. His first year of reign was from 1st Nisan 625 BC to the end of Adar 624BC , his 16th year of reign was from 1st Nissan 610 BC to the end of Adar 609BC.During 17th year of reign of Nebopolassar i.e. the nest year 609 -608 BC, Pharaoh Nechoh went to help ASSUR- UBALLIT, to recapture haran. Nechoh followed the usual coast route through Philistia and Sharon, from thence intending to cross by Megiddo into Jezreel plain. To prevent Nechoh from passing through his territories, Josiah went up against Pharaoh Nechoh. The archers of Nechoh shot Josiah, and Josiah was mortally wounded at Megiddo, and was carried back to Jerusalem in his second chariot 2 kings 23:29, 30, 2 Chro 35:22-24. Immediately after Megiddo battle Pharaoh Nechoh went to help Assur – uballit in the attack of Haran (that month was Tammuz). B.M. Tablet # 21901(#6221901(#62-69) records: - “that from the month of Tammuz until Elul, the city Haran was attacked [the battle of Megiddo might have taken place in the end of sivan or in the beginning of tammuz with regard to time and speed of those days about the Horses are swifter than the leopards” (Hab 1:18) Egyptian horses and their chariots were more famous. Solomon brought forth out of Egypt 2 Chro 1:17. Pharaoh’s chariot was drawn by a company of horses S.Sol 1:9. Keeping in view the swiftness of horses we can imagine the shortness of time taken by pharaoh to reach Haran]. Josiah did not die at Megiddo. After returning from Megiddo to Jerusalem, how many days he lived are not given 70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures in scriptures. But we know that he died in peace according to the prophecy of the prophetess Huldah. 2 kings 22:20. By reasons we can now conclude that Josiah did not die in the month of Sivan but died in the month of Tammuz. After the death of Josiah people made his son Jehoahaz as king by anointing him. Jehoahaz was the fourth son of Josiah 1 Chron 3:15, He was also called Shallum compare Jer 22:11. He was 2 year younger to his elder brother Jehoiakim 2 kings 23:31-36. There was some irregularity in anointing Jehoahaz as king over looking Jehoiakim’s right (Nechoh did not approve Jehoahaz) After the three months attack on Haran from Tammuz to Elul, Nechoh returned to southern Syria, and learnt of the irregularity that occurred at Jerusalem, in his absence of 3 months. He sent orders to Jehoahaz to attend the court, which he was holding at Riblah. Jehoahaz fell into the trap which Nechoh plotted against him 2 kings 23:33; Ezek 19:3, 4. In Ezek 19:4 the Hebrew word ‘Shachath’ translated “PIT’ means TRAP (to catch). Pharaoh removed Jehoahaz, and his 3 months of reign (Tammuz to Elul) came to an end. Jehoiakim was made king, in the month of Tishri, and Jehoahaz was taken to Egypt as captive without return according to the prophecy of Jeremiah (Jer 22:11, 12). Josiah followed Tishri to Tishri year. During Josiah’s 18th year the book of the law was found (BC 622621) 2 kings 22:3, 8 and Passover was celebrated on the 14th Nisan (after well educating People, teaching the Law) but still it was the 18th year 2 kings 23:23 Had Josiah followed Nisan to Nisan year, by Nisan first day, there would have been a change in the year. This Tishri year continued up to 4th year of Jehoiakim. From 5th year of Jehoiakim followed Nisan to Nisan year. It was Tishri to Tishri year during Jehoahaz’s reign therefore Jehoahaz’s reign as well as the year ended with the end of Elul Jehoiakim was made king in the month of Tishri by Pharaoh Nechoh.

Accession year 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year

Jehoiakim’s Regnal years ( up to 4th year) Tishri 609 BC to the end of Elul 608 BC 1st Tishri 608 BC to the end of Elul 607 BC 2nd Tishri 607 BC to the end of Elul 606 BC 3rd Tishri 606 BC to the end of Elul 605 BC 4th Tishri 605 BC to the end of Elul 605 BC

The Accession year of Nebuchadnezzar 1st Elul BC 605 to the end of Adar BC 604. Now it is proved beyond doubt that the 4th year of Jehoiakim was the accession year of Nebuchadnezzar, but not the ‘First’ year, according to Jer 25:1 4th year of Jehoiakim is an important year (BC605 (BC605BC605- 604) 1. 2. 3. 4.

In this year Nebopolassar died BM Tablet Tablet # 21946(#10) 21946(#10 Nebuchadnezzar sat on the Royal throne BM Tablet Tablet # 21946(#11 21946(#11) The Length of the time of Babylonian captivity was revealed to Jeremiah ( Jer 25:1, 11) Jeremiah dictated to Baruch, the words of the Lord, to be written upon a roll of a book Jer 36:1-4 5. The Battle of carchemish took place Jer 46:2 6. It clarifies Daniel 1:1, 5, 18, 2:1 70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures 7. It averts mis – interpretation of 70 years of captivity and the year of return of Jews to their land 8. Finding 4th year of Jehoiakim as the accession year of Nebuchadnezzar, and the year as BC 605604 is like a key in our hand that helps us to open some other scriptures and glorify God, that his word is TRUTH John 17:17, purified seven times Ps 12:6, Ps 119:148. Pro 30:5 Daniel and few others of the first deportation (Dan1:1) were appointed 3 years training in all sciences Dan 1:5, and were tested by Nebuchadnezzar at the end of three years Dan 1;18, and after that in his second year Nebuchadnezzar dreamed 2:1 some interesting clarification made to be cleared here. Clarification of Dan1:1, 5, 18 and 2:1 Reference

Reign of Jehoiakim

Dan1: and 5 3rd year Training

Training

4th year

Training

5th year

• •

Babylonian Kings Nebopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar

BC Year

20th year of Nebopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar commander in chief st 21 year of Nebopolassar & accession year of Nebuchadnezzar 1st year of Nebuchadnezzar

606 BC to 605

Period Of Training 1st year

605 BC to 604 2nd year

604 BC to 603

3rd year

Dan 1:18:- They were examined at the end of 3 years training i.e. at the end of the first year of Nebuchadnezzar. Dan 2:1:- Nebuchadnezzar dreamed in his second year BC 603 to 602 BC

If we count 4th year of Jehoiakim as the ‘First’ year of Nebuchadnezzar, according to Jer 25:1 the trainees will have only two years left with and it leads to misinterpretation. We have already mentioned of Jer 25:1 in Hebrew is “Rishony” means “Beginning” i.e. accession year Jehoiakim from his 5th year of reign followed Nissan to Nisan year. According Jer 36:9, 22, 23.He was in his winter house sitting before fire i.e. in the ninth month BC 604, from Nisan ninth month is Kislev (Nov/ Dec winter). It was in Kislev BC 604 Jehoiakim cast the book (Roll) written by Baruch by the mouth of Jeremiah, in fire. Jehoiakim died in Dec 9, BC 598

th

4 year 5th year 6th year 7th year 8th year 9th year

70 years of Desolation

Jehoiakim’ Regnal years 1st Tishri 605 BC to the end of Elul 604 BC 1st Tishri 604 BC to the end of Elul 603 BC 1st Tishri 603 BC to the end of Elul 602 BC 1st Tishri 602 BC to the end of Elul 601 BC 1st Tishri 601 BC to the end of Elul 600 BC 1st Tishri 600 BC to the end of Elul 599 BC

Reasoning The Scriptures 10th year 11th year

1st Tishri 599 BC to the end of Elul 598 BC 1st Nisan 598 BC to 22nd Marcheshwan 598BC ( Dec 9. 589BC)

Johoiachin son of Jehoiakim came to throne on 9th Dec BC 589(marcheshwan 22nd) BM Tablet # 21946 “ In the seventh year , the month of Keslev, the King of Akkad mustered his

troops marched to the Hatti-land , and encamped against the city of Judah and on the second day of the month of Adar he seized the city and captured the king. He appointed there a king of his own choice ( lit heart) received its heavy tribute and sent (them) to Babylon” Johoiachin was captured on 2nd Adar i.e. 16th march 597 BC . He ruled fro 3 months 10 days from Dec 9 to March 16th 2 chro 36:9 ( Marcheshwan 22 to Adar 2) He came to the Throne on Marchehwan – 22( Dec 9, 598 BC )and was dethroned on Adar – 2 (March 16th 597 BC) Hebrew Calendar Marcheshwan2229 Kislev 1-30 Tebet 1- 29 Sebat 1-30 Adar 1-2 Total No of Month and days

Months

1 1 1 3

Days

Total Days

Our Calendar

Days

8

8

Dec 9-31

23

Jan 1-31 Feb 1-29 March 1-16

31 29 leap year 16

2 10

30 29 30 2 99

99

This was the first fall of Jerusalem( 16th March 597) and second deportation of Captive in which Ezek was carried to Babylon. BM Tablets ::- records that it was seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar but in 2 kings 24:12 it reads as 8th year, Fall of Jerusalem and capturing the king occurred in the 7th year, but he was taken to Babylon in the 8th year Adar is the last month of the year only 27 days remained ( from adar 2) for completion of the year, after Adar 2 Nebuchadnezzar went and sent his servants to bring the captives to Babylon. It took time 2 chron 36:9 “ When the year was expired King Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought him to Babylon” so deporting of Johoiachin occurred in the 8th year. Aster the Royal family and other captives taken to Babylon, Jeremiah sent a letter to the captives carried away to Babylon, warning them not be deceived by false prophets, diviners etc. and informed them the captivity would be FULL seventy years Jer 29:2,3, 8-10, The letter was sent in the month of Nisan 597 BC ( April 597 BC) Nebuchadnezzar appointed Zedekiah son of Josiah as king on Adar 2 BC 597, His accession year was from the second day of Adar( 16th march 597BC )To Adar 29 ( April 12 597BC ) Zedekiah reigned 11 years in Jerusalem 2 kings 24:18, In the 9th year of his reign tenth month ( tebeth) 10th day ( 15th Jan 588BC) Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem, up to the eleventh year of King Zedekiah 2 kings 25:1,2) And on the 9th day of the 4th month the city was broken up ( July 587 BC ) Jer 39:2, 2 kings 25:3,4 Zedekiah was captured and carried away to Babylon. After that in the 5th month, on the 7th day of the month, came Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s servant, and burnt the Temple, King’s house and all the houses of Jerusalem. Jeremiah says “In the 5th month in the 10th day of the month Jerusalem was burnt” which was in the 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar 1 kings 25:8,9 Jer 52:12,

70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures 13. From this we understand that Jerusalem was burnt between Aug 25 and 28, 587 BC ( It took time to burn the Temple and Kings house, houses of great men and all the houses of Jerusalem) This was the second Fall of Jerusalem and 3rd deportation of captives about 832 persons were carried away 2 kings 25:11, Jer 52:29. The problem here to be solved is whether 19th year of Nebuchadnezzar was the 11th year of Zedekiah 2 kings 25:2,8 Jer 52:5,12 or whether 10th year of Zedekiah was 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar Jer 32:1. Here Nebuchadnezzar’s accession year also is taken into account as extra one year. Zedekiah’s 11th year was 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar, Jerusalem was broken up on 29th July and the Temple and Jerusalem was burnt between 25th and 28th Aug 587 BC, in the eleventh year of Zedekiah – If Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and the city was broken up on 29th July 11th year of Zedekiah And 10th year of Nebuchadnezzar 2 kings 25:2,4,8, Jer 52:12, how could he carry captives in the 18th year??? One year before the besiege??? Jer 52:29 If we deduct one year the accession year which taken into account then the 11th year of Zedekiah will be 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar and it was in 587 BC the Temple burnt Years Accession Year 1st year 2nd year 3rd year 4th year 5th year 6th year 7th year 8th year 9th year 10th year 11th year

70 years of Desolation

Regnal Years Years of Zedekiah Adar 2 = March 16,597, to Adar 29 = April 12 587 BC Nisan 1= April 13, 597 to Adar 29 =April 2,596 BC Nisan 1= April 3, 596 to Adar 29 =April 21, 595BC Nisan 1= April 22,598 to Adar 30 = April 11, 594 BC Nisan 1=-April 12, 594 to Adar 30 = April 29 ,593 BC Nisan 1= April 30, 596 to Adar 29 = April 18,592 BC Nisan 1= April 19,592 to Adar 29 =April7 ,591BC Nisan 1= April 8, 591 to Adar 30 = April 26 ,590 BC Nisan 1 = April 27, 590 to Adar30 =April 14,589 BC Nisan 1= April 15,589 to Adar 29 = April 3 ,588 BC Nisan 1 = April 4,588 to Adar 29 =April 22 ,587 BC Nisan 1= April 23 ,587 to Jerusalem Broken up on Jul 587 BC Burnt on Aug 25-28 587 BC

Reasoning The Scriptures

Nebuchadnezzar’s Regnal Years Accession Year Elul (7th Sep) 605 BC to Adar end 604BC 1. Nisan 1 ,604 BC to End of Adar 603 BC 2. ‘’ 603BC ‘’ 602BC 3. ‘’ 602BC ‘’ 601BC 4 ‘’ 601BC ‘’ 600BC 5 ‘’ 600 BC ‘’ 599BC 6 ‘’ 599BC ‘’ 598BC 7 ‘’ 598BC ‘’ 597Bc 8 ‘’ 597BC ‘’ 596BC 9 ‘’ 596BC ‘’ 595BC 10 ‘’ 595BC ‘’ 594BC 11

‘’

594BC

‘’

593BC

12

‘’

593BC

‘’

592Bc

13 14

‘’ ‘’

592BC 591BC

‘’ ‘’

591BC 590BC

15

‘’

590BC

‘’

589BC

16

‘’

589BC

‘’

588Bc

17

‘’

588BC

‘’

587Bc

18 From April 23 ,587 to Jerusalem Broken up on Jul 587 BC Burnt on Aug 25-28 587 BC

Zedekiah’s Zedekiah’s Regnal Years

Accession Year of Zedekiah Nisan 1= April 13, 597 to Adar 29 =April 2,596 BC Nisan1 = April 3, 596 to Adar 29 =April 21, 595BC Nisan1 = April 22,598 to Adar 30 = April 11, 594 BC Nisan 1 =-April 12, 594 to Adar 30 = April 29 ,593 BC Nisan1 = April 30, 596 to Adar 29 = April 18,592 BC Nisan =April 19,592 to Adar 29 =April7 ,591BC Nisan 1=April 8, 591 to Adar 30 = April 26 ,590 BC Nisan1 = April 27, 590 to Adar30 =April 14,589 BC Nisan 1= April 15,589 to Adar 29 = April 3 ,588 BC Nisan 1 = April 4,588 to Adar 29 =April 22 ,587 BC Nisan 1= April 23 ,587 to Jerusalem Broken up on Jul 587 BC Burnt on Aug 25-28 587 BC

Captives carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon 1. 3rd year of Jehoiakim ( first deportation) BC 606 to 605 BC Daniel and others taken Dan 1:3-6 2. After 3 months 10 days of Johoiachin ( 2nd Deportation) Ezekiel and others taken Ezek 1:1-2 and /8th year of Nebuchadnezzar ( 1st fall of Jerusalem) April 597 BC 3. 11th year of Zedekiah which was 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar 2nd Fall of Jerusalem and 3rd deportation Aug 587 BC 4. After Gedaliahs assassination there was disturbance. 23rd year of Nebuchadnezzar 4th deportation (between the 19th year to 23rd year of Nebuchadnezzar comes the 5 years of rule of Gedaliah) BC 582/581.

70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures 2nd Kings Records that 10,000 captives were carried away the men of might i.e. soldiers were 7000 2 kings 24:16 the figure given in Jeremiah against Nebuchadnezzar 8th year’s deportation of captives seems to be very less. Septuagint dropped out the verses 28-30 More captives were carried away that these. In the books of Ezra and Nehemiah we see about 50,000 captives returned Ezra2:64,65, Neh 7:66,67. so 2kings 24:14 account is reasonable. Now from which captivity or year we have to count the beginning of the 70 years? Which year Cyrus made the decree? And when the Jews returned to Jerusalem? The first deportation of captives was in the year BC 606-604 , this year is harmony with others scriptures. The second deportation of captives took place in the year BC 587 and the Temple was also burnt. After the death of Gedaliah, fourth deportation of captives occurred in the year BC 582-581. Daniel the captive of the 3rd year of Jehoiakim, BC 606-605( first captivity) understood from the prophecies of Jeremiah, in the first year if Darius BC 538-537 that God would accomplish 70 years of desolations for Jerusalem( Dan9:1; Jer 29:10) It was 69th year from the year of his captivity and only one more year remained , for the completion of 70 years. There was no sign of deliverance. Daniel therefore prayed to God, and confessing the sins of Israel Dan 9:1,3,20. Daniel surely might have counted from the year of this captivity it is therefore reasonable and scriptural to count from the BC 606-605 Chart of 70 years of Desolation year year year year year BC year BC year BC BC BC BC BC 606-605

1

596-595

11

586-585

21

576-575

31

566-565

41

556-555

51

546-545

61

605-604

2

595-594

12

585-584

22

575-574

32

565-564

42

555-554

52

545-544

62

604-603

3

594-593

13

584-583

23

574-573

33

564-563

43

554-553

53

544-543

63

603-602

4

593-592

14

583-582

24

573-572

34

563-562

44

553-552

54

543-542

64

602-601

5

592-591

15

582-581

25

572-571

35

562-561

45

552-551

55

542-541

65

601-600

6

592-590

16

581-580

26

571-570

36

561-560

46

551-550

56

541-540

66

600-599

7

590-589

17

580-579

27

570-569

37

560-559

47

550-549

57

540-539

67

599-598

8

589-588

18

579-578

28

569-568

38

559-558

48

549-548

58

539-538

68

598-597

9

588-587

19

578-577

29

568-567

39

558-557

49

548-547

59

538-537

69

597-596

10

587-586

20

30

567-566

40

557-556

50

547-546

60

537-536

70

577-576 th

th

Babylon fell to Cyrus on 16 Tishri 12 Oct 539 BC, Cyrus entered the city on Marchewhwan -3, Oct 29th 539BC Cyrus appointed his 62 year old maternal uncle Darius as Governor over Babylon and was made King by Cyrus, Darius ruled for two years Cyrus took charge after Darius. There is a confusion with regard to the reign of Cyrus mentioned in Dan 10:1 and Ezra 1:1, Dan 1:1 sates “In the Third year of Cyrus” Ezra 1:1 states “ In the First year of Cyrus” It is one and the same year BC 536 Ezra counted it from the time Cyrus Took charge and Daniel counted from the Fall of Babylon. Reign of Darius And Cyrus (Ezra and Daniel followed from Nissan to Nisan year) DARIUS (Ezra) CYRUS (Daniel) Accession Year 16th Tishri 539 BC to Adar 538 Accession Year 16th Tishri 539 BC to Adar 538 BC BC st st st st 1 year of Darius 1 Nisan 538 to Adar 537BC 1 year of Cyrus 1 Nisan 538 to Adar 537BC 2nd year of Darius 1st Nisan 537 to Adar 536 BC 2nd year of Cyrus 1st Nisan 537 to Adar 536 BC 3rd year of Cyrus 1st Nisan536 to Adar 535 BC

70 years of Desolation

Reasoning The Scriptures

So Ezra counted it from the time Cyrus Took charge ( 1st year of Cyrus took charge Ezra 1:1)and Daniel counted from the Fall of Babylon ( 3rd year of Cyrus 536 BC Dan10:1).Nisan 1. BC 536 was 1st April New year that was a Sunday 70 years was completed by 31st march 536 BC. From first April the month of Passover started. Jews observe that month with great devotion. 14th Passover, 15th feast of unleavened bread. A Holy day and21st also was a Holy day, the last day of the unleavened bread. Because they were in Bondage they could not observe, the holy Sabbaths. Daniel mourned for three full weeks i.e. from 1st April( Sunday) to 21st April (Saturday).On April 24th Tuesday he was by the river of Heddekel Dan10:4 The sprit Angel sent from God, talked in a vision to Daniel, that the guarding Spirit ( evil angel) of Persia withstood him 21 days (Dan 10:13) not allowing to stir up Cyrus. But Michael came to his help, so that the Angel should remain with the Kings of Persia to Stir them up, to do the needful help to Jews. God is very prompt in fulfilling his promises. He promised Jer 29:10 “ after Seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place” after the 70 years ended God Sent his angel , for that purpose, but 21 days the Angel was not able to do anything. Because of obstacles and hindrance from satanic forces. It is clear from the above that Cyrus did not make a decree up to 24th April 536 BC. After this date Cyrus was STIRRED UP to make a decree to free Jews to go and build the temple of their God. “The Lord STIRRED UP THE SPIRIT OF CYRUS 2 Chron 36:22, Ezra 1:1 The day when Cyrus made the decree is not known he might have made in the month of Iyyar ( second month). The distance between Babylon and Jerusalem is 900 miles. People during those days took 4 months time to cover the distance by walk Ezra 7:9. After the decree they might have started by the end of 2nd month ( May). The first captives returned to Jerusalem by 7th month, they kept the feast of Tabernacles Ezra 3:1,4, Lev 23:34( from 9th Oct to 15th Oct 536BC). God fixed a Beginning and end to the 70 years period. In each besiege, there was destruction, and captives were taken, leaving their houses and and their field and Land lying desolate. It actually means that in the period of 70 years desolations would take place in each successive attack, Likewise desolation took place in the Four attacks and when 70 years were accomplished, Cyrus was Stirred up to make a decree. And the first batch of Jewish volunteers left for Jerusalem and they were in the cities by Tishri -1 25th Sep.

“He that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully. . .” -Jeremiah 23:28

70 years of Desolation