Calculation For the 2520 Prophecy:

We start with the year 677 BC (from 2 Chron. 33:11). We need to add 2520 years (Leviticus 26:18, 21, 24, 28) Prophecy (7x360=2520) to this date.

Step 1: Calculate the years from 677 BC to 1 BC:

Since there is no year 0, moving from 677 BC to 1 BC covers 676 years.

Ellen G. White on the 1843 and 1850 Prophecy Charts

The 1843 Chart (Charles Fitch and Apollos Hale prepared the 1843 chart)

The chart designed in 1842 by Charles Fitch, a Congregational pastor, and Apollos Hale, a Methodist preacher, quickly gained widespread recognition among the Millerites. It was officially endorsed during their Boston General Conference in May 1842. The chart’s compelling visual elements and carefully organized prophetic timelines became a signature feature of Millerite evangelism, effectively clarifying and presenting the 1843 time prophecies in a visually appealing and understandable format.

Ellen White wrote in Early Writings:

"I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed." Early Writings, p. 74 (1850)

The mistake explained: The discrepancy between 1843 and 1844 in the prophetic charts can be attributed to the absence of a "year zero" in the transition between BC and AD years.

The 1850 Chart

Ellen White mentioned a vision she had regarding the 1850 Habbakuk 2:2-3 Prophecy Chart:

"God shewed me the necessity of getting out a chart. I saw it was needed and that the truth made plain upon tables would effect much and would cause souls to come to the knowledge of the truth." (Letter 26, 1850; 13MR 359)

“there is a prophecy [Habbakuk 2:2-3] of this chart in the bible” (13MR 359)

Endorsement of the 1850 Chart

Ellen G. White did indeed endorse the 1843 and 1850 prophecy charts as being divinely inspired. She believed that the charts fulfilled the prophecy in Habakkuk 2:2, which says, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." According to Ellen White, the charts were created under the guidance of God, and she saw them as essential tools for understanding the prophetic timelines.

Ellen White had a vision in which she saw that the 1850 chart published by Elder Otis Nichols was necessary and that it was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Habakkuk 2:2, which says, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables." She stated:

"I saw that God was in the publishment of the chart by Brother Nichols. I saw that there was a prophecy of this chart in the Bible." Ellen G. White Letters & Manuscripts, June 2, 1853

This statement and the fact that it was a vision from God who showed her that the creation and dissemination of the chart were in accordance with this biblical prophecy:

"And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV)

The Impact of the Year Zero on Prophetic Calculations

The discrepancy between the years 1843 and 1844 in the early prophetic 1843 and 1850 charts, particularly the 2520-year and 2300-year prophecies, can be attributed to the absence of a "year zero" when transitioning from BC to AD years.

Starting Points: 677 BC and 457 BC

The 2520-year prophecy begins in 677 BC (from 2 Chron. 33:11) marking the captivity of Manasseh, and the 2300-year prophecy (from Daniel 8:14) starts in 457 BC, marking the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12-26).

Calculating from BC to AD

When calculating the years from 677 BC to 1 BC, we account for 676 years because there is no "year zero." Similarly, from 457 BC to 1 BC also accounts for 456 years. Moving from 1 BC to 1 AD covers just one year.

Remaining Years After Subtracting BC Years

2520-year prophecy: Subtracting the 676 years from 2520 leaves 1844 years (2520 - 676 = 1844).

2300-year prophecy: Subtracting 456 years from 2300 leaves 1844 years (2300 - 456 = 1844).

Final Calculation

Adding these 1844 years to 1 AD brings us to the year 1844 AD for both prophecies. Therefore, the termination of the 2520-year prophecy from 677 BC and the 2300-year prophecy from 457 BC both correctly point to 1844 AD, not 1843 AD.

Correction of the Issue

The original charts, which calculated the end of these prophecies in 1843, did not account for the absence of a "year zero." This oversight (which God had his hand over during the Great Disappointment test for God's people - same as the apostles who expected Christ to rule but instead died and arose from the dead, their expectations were corrected in 31 AD (on the chart) as well) was later corrected, and the accurate end date of 1844 AD was established, aligning with the prophetic understanding of significant events occurring in that year.

The 2520 (7 times) Prophecy, started when Manasseh as taken captive by Babylon in 2 Chron. 33:11.

In 677 BC, the start of the 2520 "seven times" (Leviticus 26:18, 21, 24, 28) Prophecy (7x360=2520) "Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon." 2 Chronicles 33:11, King James Version (KJV)

The 2520 prophecy is a concept rooted in the interpretation of Leviticus 26, where the term "seven times" is associated with a period of judgment and punishment for Israel due to their disobedience. This period is understood to represent 2520 years, beginning with the captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel and extending to the restoration of God's people. The prophecy was illustrated in the early Millerite movement and prominently featured on the 1843 and 1850 prophetic charts used by William Miller and the early SDA Protestant pioneers.

Here's the 2nd Marriage Covenant, Habbakuk 2:2-3, 1843 Prophecy Chart prepared by Elder Charles Fitch and Elder Appollos Hale:

The 1843 Prophetic Chart, a significant tool in the Millerite movement, displayed the 2520 years alongside the more commonly emphasized 2300 days of Daniel 8:14. The 2520 years were seen as a timeline marking the scattering of Israel due to their rebellion against God, as foretold in Leviticus 26:18, 21, 24, and 28, which mentioned the multiplication of their punishment "seven times" for their sins. This period was calculated from the time of Manasseh's captivity (2 Chron. 33:11; circa 677 B.C.), a date that marked the beginning of God's punishment upon the nation.

The 1850 chart, which followed the Great Disappointment of 1844, continued to include the 2520 prophecy as part of the broader prophetic framework understood by early Adventists. This chart highlighted the fulfillment of various time prophecies, with the 2520 years confirming the period of Israel's scattering and their eventual gathering (starting October 22, 1844) as God's chosen people during the selection of the Bride of Christ, the 144,000. The conclusion of the 2520 years was believed to align with the end of the Gentile dominion and the beginning (October 22, 1844) of the final restoration and preparation for Christ's second coming.

The Bride of Christ loves her husband. Hosea 2:16 NRSW "On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband,” and no longer will you call me, “My Baal.”g 17 For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned by name no more. 18 I will make for youh a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety. 19 And I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. 20 I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord."

Hosea 2:16 KJV 16 "And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi [husband]; and shalt call me no more Baali [master]."

"The preaching of definite time called forth great opposition from all classes, from the minister in the pulpit down to the most reckless, heaven-daring sinner. "No man knoweth the day nor the hour," was heard from the hypocritical minister and the bold scoffer. Neither would be instructed and corrected by those who were pointing to the year when they believed the prophetic periods would run out, and to the signs which showed Christ near, even at the doors. Many shepherds of the flock, who professed to love Jesus, said that they had no opposition to the preaching of Christ's coming, but they objected to the definite time. God's all-seeing eye read their hearts. They did not love Jesus near. They knew that their unchristian lives would not stand the test, for they were not walking in the humble path marked out by Him. These false shepherds stood in the way of the work of God. The truth spoken in its convincing power aroused the people, and like the jailer, they began to inquire, "What must I do to be saved?" But these shepherds stepped in between the truth and the people, and preached smooth things to lead them from the truth. They united with Satan and his angels, crying, "Peace, peace," when there was no peace. Those who loved their ease and were content with their distance from God would not be aroused from their carnal security. I saw that angels of God marked it all; the garments of those unconsecrated shepherds were covered with the blood of souls.

Ministers who would not accept this saving message themselves hindered those who would have received it. The blood of souls is upon them. Preachers and people joined to oppose this message from heaven and to persecute William Miller and those who united with him in the work. Falsehoods were circulated to injure his influence; and at different times after he had plainly declared the counsel of God, applying cutting truths to the hearts of his hearers, great rage was kindled against him, and as he left the place of meeting, some waylaid him in order to take his life. But angels of God were sent to protect him, and they led him safely away from the angry mob. His work was not yet finished.EW 234.1

The most devoted gladly received the message. They knew that it was from God and that it was delivered at the right time. Angels were watching with the deepest interest the result of the heavenly message, and when the churches turned from and rejected it, they in sadness consulted with Jesus. He turned His face from the churches and bade His angels faithfully watch over the precious ones who did not reject the testimony, for another light was yet to shine upon them.EW 235.1

I saw that if professed Christians had loved their Saviour's appearing, if they had placed their affections on Him, and had felt that there was none upon the earth to be compared with Him, they would have hailed with joy the first intimation of His coming. But the dislike which they manifested, as they heard of their Lord's coming, was a decided proof that they did not love Him. Satan and his angels triumphed, and cast it in the face of Christ and His holy angels, that His professed people had so little love for Jesus that they did not desire His second appearing.EW 235.2

I saw the people of God joyful in expectation, looking for their Lord. But God designed to prove them. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Those who were looking for their Lord did not discover this mistake, and the most learned men who opposed the time also failed to see it. God designed that His people should meet with a disappointment. The time passed, and those who had looked with joyful expectation for their Saviour were sad and disheartened, while those who had not loved the appearing of Jesus, but embraced the message through fear, were pleased that He did not come at the time of expectation. Their profession had not affected the heart and purified the life. The passing of the time was well calculated to reveal such hearts. They were the first to turn and ridicule the sorrowful, disappointed ones who really loved the appearing of their Saviour. I saw the wisdom of God in proving His people and giving them a searching test to discover those who would shrink and turn back in the hour of trial.EW 235.3

Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with sympathy and love upon those who had with sweet expectation longed to see Him whom their souls loved. Angels were hovering around them, to sustain them in the hour of their trial. Those who had neglected to receive the heavenly message were left in darkness, and God's anger was kindled against them, because they would not receive the light which He had sent them from heaven. Those faithful, disappointed ones, who could not understand why their Lord did not come, were not left in darkness. Again they were led to their Bibles to search the prophetic periods. The hand of the Lord was removed from the figures, and the mistake was explained. They saw that the prophetic periods reached to 1844, and that the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844. Light from the Word of God shone upon their position, and they discovered a tarrying time—“Though it [the vision] tarry, wait for it.” In their love for Christ's immediate coming, they had overlooked the tarrying of the vision, which was calculated to manifest the true waiting ones. Again they had a point of time. Yet I saw that many of them could not rise above their severe disappointment to possess that degree of zeal and energy which had marked their faith in 1843.EW 236.1

Satan and his angels triumphed over them, and those who would not receive the message congratulated themselves upon their farseeing judgment and wisdom in not receiving the delusion, as they called it. They did not realize that they were rejecting the counsel of God against themselves, and were working in union with Satan and his angels to perplex God's people, who were living out the heaven-sent message.EW 236.2

The believers in this message were oppressed in the churches. For a time, those who would not receive the message were restrained by fear from acting out the sentiments of their hearts; but the passing of the time revealed their true feelings. They wished to silence the testimony which the waiting ones felt compelled to bear, that the prophetic periods extended to 1844. With clearness the believers explained their mistake and gave the reasons why they expected their Lord in 1844. Their opposers could bring no arguments against the powerful reasons offered. Yet the anger of the churches was kindled; they were determined not to listen to evidence, and to shut the testimony out of the churches, so the others could not hear it. Those who dared not withhold from others the light which God had given them, were shut out of the churches; but Jesus was with them, and they were joyful in the light of His countenance. They were prepared to receive the message of the second angel.

Although the 2520 prophecy is not as widely known about today, it remains a important point of interest for those studying the prophetic heritage of the early Adventist pioneers and even more importantly our grand future. The prophecy underscores God's long-suffering with His people and His ultimate plan for their redemption, which is intricately tied to the larger narrative of biblical prophecy and the soon 2nd Coming/Advent of Christ.

References:

• Leviticus 26:18, 21, 24, 28 (KJV): These verses mention the punishment of Israel being multiplied "seven times" for their sins.
• The 1843 and 1850 Prophetic Charts: These charts were instrumental in illustrating the prophetic timelines significant by early Millerites, including the 2520-year prophecy. These charts can be accessed here on this page and are key to understanding the context in which the 2520 prophecy was taught.

For further study, you can review the original 1843 and 1850 charts and the writings of early SDA Protestant reformer pioneers to verify the information and deepen your understanding of the 2520 prophecy and its role in early Adventist thought.

Explanation:

2520 Prophecy: Integrated as a parallel prophecy running from 677 BC to 1844, highlighting its significance in the judgment process leading up to October 22, 1844.

2300 Prophecy: Emphasized as marking the transition of Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, laying the foundation for the investigative judgment (selection of the 144,000 from those who profess to Keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus in Revelation 14:12).

Theological Integration: Shows how both prophecies align to mark October 22, 1844, as a critical date in 144,000 eschatology, leading to the ongoing process of selecting the 7th day sabbath sealed 144,000 from October 22, 1844 onward until the number is made up, then probation closes.

2300-Day Prophecy Explained

Key Dates in the 2300-Day Prophecy:

1. Starting Date: 457 BC

The prophecy begins in 457 BC, which is marked by the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. This decree was issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia, as recorded in Ezra 7:12-26.

The 2,300 day (day for a year) Prophecy of Daniel 8:14 BEGINS 457 BC

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:

That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.

The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

2. Calculation of the 2300 Years:
In prophetic interpretation, particularly using the day-year principle (where one prophetic day equals one literal year), the 2300 "days" represent 2300 years. Starting from 457 BC, when you add 2300 years, you arrive at the year 1844 AD. Since there is no "year zero" between BC and AD, the calculation goes from 1 BC directly to 1 AD.

3. Ending Date: October 22, 1844
October 22, 1844, is the culmination of the 2300-year prophecy and is to mark the beginning of the "cleansing of the sanctuary", in heaven. Rather than a physical event on Earth, this date represents a significant event in the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ transitioned from the Holy Place to the Most Holy Place, beginning the investigative judgment and the selection of the 144,000, a literal number. This interpretation is based on the study of sanctuary typology in the Old Testament and how it relates to the end-time events.

Theological Significance:

Cleansing of the Sanctuary: The "cleansing" mentioned in Daniel 8:14 is understood by Adventists as the start of the investigative judgment in heaven, where Christ examines the records of believers to determine who will be saved of those who PROFESS to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus (Rev. 14:12). This event is seen as crucial in the process leading up to the Second Coming of Christ.

These dates form the foundation of the early SDA Protestant reformer pioneers of those who restored the 7th day Sabbath became sealed and a part of the 144,000 in number, in the 144,000's eschatology, emphasizing the importance of October 22, 1844 as a turning point in prophetic history and the ongoing work of Christ in the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary.

For further reading on the 2300-day prophecy and its significance, you can consult resources like The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White or detailed studies available through Library of Rare Hidden Manna Books Written By the 144,000 publications.

Comparison of the 2520 Prophecy and the 2300-Day Prophecy

2520 Prophecy

The 2520 prophecy is rooted in Leviticus 26, where the phrase "seven times" is understood to represent a period of 2520 years. This period begins with the captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel (circa 677 B.C.) and extends to the eventual restoration of God's people. This prophecy highlights God's long-suffering with His people and the consequences of their disobedience, culminating in their scattering.

The 2520 years concluded in 1844, coinciding with the end of Gentile dominion and marking the beginning of a restoration period for God's chosen people. This prophecy was prominently featured on the 1843 and 1850 prophetic charts used by the Millerite movement, emphasizing the timeline of Israel’s scattering (2520) and eventual gathering starting October 22, 1844 as the 144,000 in number grows and is completed, probation closes after this number is made up.

The 1843 and 1850 charts were created to illustrate prophetic periods, judgment, and the end of the world, and they have been instrumental in guiding the people of God in understanding these significant truths. They were designed not just for their time but also for future generations, serving as valuable tools to reveal hidden truths in a clear and understandable manner. The charts the work of divine inspiration, reflecting the prophetic insights given to those who prepared them. Their accuracy and divine origin are seen as testimony to their effectiveness in guiding believers in their study of biblical prophecy.

2300-Day Prophecy

The 2300-day prophecy, found in Daniel 8:14, states, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." This prophecy is central to the understanding of the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, which marks the beginning of the investigative judgment when Jesus moved into the Most Holy Place on October 22, 1844.

This date, known as the Great Disappointment, was later understood as the start of Christ’s final work of judgment in the Most Holy Place. The investigative judgment is a crucial phase in salvation history, where the lives of believers are examined, determining who will be sealed for eternity.

The First Angel's Message and the Sealing of the 144,000

The first angel's message in Revelation 14:7 declares, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of HIS judgment is come." This proclamation is directly linked to the 2300-day prophecy, signifying that the hour of God's judgment had indeed arrived with Christ's movement into the Most Holy Place. This message is a call to reverence, obedience, and worship of the Creator in a time of final judgment.

As Jesus conducts the investigative judgment, He identifies those who will be sealed as His own. The 144,000, a special group of believers, are sealed during this time. They are those who, through obedience to all Ten Commandments, including the 7th-day Sabbath, are sanctified and made ready to stand in the presence of a holy God. These individuals are described in Revelation 14:5 as being "without fault before the throne of God."

The Sealing Process and Its Symbolism

The sealing of the 144,000 can be compared to the process of selecting ripe grapes for preservation. God is the husbandman of the vinyard, the gardner, and the canner, and Jesus is the can opener and is the only one worthy to open the seals. These grapes often have a natural white coating, known as the "bloom," which symbolizes the robe of Christ's righteousness that covers and protects them. Just as these ripe grapes are carefully chosen, the 144,000 are selected for their faithfulness and obedience.

In the sealing process, these grapes (believers) are placed in clean jars, and the heating process (symbolizing trials and purification) ensures they are preserved for eternity. The obedience to the 7th-day Sabbath, in particular, is akin to the final sealing of the fruit, marking them as faithful and prepared for the kingdom.

The rotten fruit, representing those who have rejected God's commandments, lacks this protective coating of righteousness and will not endure the sealing process. These individuals are likened to those who will be left for the birds after Christ’s return, unable to stand in the presence of God.

The Final Events: "It Is Finished"

As the investigative judgment concludes, Jesus will stand up in the Most Holy Place and declare, "It is finished." At that moment, the door of mercy will close, and there will be no more intercession for humanity. The 144,000, now fully sealed and clothed in Christ’s righteousness, will stand without a mediator before a holy God. Their faithfulness and obedience will have been perfected, enabling them to stand through the time of trouble that follows.

During this time, the voice of God will announce the day and hour of Christ’s second coming, an event that will resonate with power throughout the earth. To the righteous, it will be a message of hope and fulfillment, but to the wicked, it will sound like thunder.

Final Thoughts

The 2520 and 2300-day prophecies, the sealing of the 144,000, and the investigative judgment are deeply interconnected, representing a divine process of preparation and purification. Just as ripe grapes are covered with a white bloom, symbolizing Christ’s righteousness, believers must be covered by His righteousness through obedience to God’s commandments, particularly the 7th-day Sabbath, to be sealed for eternity. Those who are sealed will stand faultless before God, while the unfaithful will face destruction at Christ's return. This sacred process is a testimony to God’s plan for His people, ensuring their readiness for the final events of earth’s history and their place in His eternal kingdom.