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PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN THE BIBLE

God’s Criteria for Words coming from Him:

There are hundreds of Prophecies in the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament that were fulfilled. These show that the Bible we have today is the same Word of God revealed thousands of years ago.

Yahweh our Lord God made the criterion that any prophet who speaks in His name and if his words were not fulfilled He has not sent him. Through the prophet Isaiah God challenges anyone who is claiming another god to declare the past and the future so we could know if they are truly gods.

Deut 18:20-2220'But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.'  21"You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?' 22"When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

Isa 41:21-24“ Present your case,” the LORD says. “Bring forward your strong arguments,” The King of Jacob says. 22 Let them bring forth and declare to us what is going to take place; As for the former events, declare what they were, That we may consider them and know their outcome. Or announce to us what is coming; 23 Declare the things that are going to come afterward, That we may know that you are gods; Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. 24 Behold, you are of no account, And your work amounts to nothing; He who chooses you is an abomination.

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Bible Prophecies Fulfilled in Israel Below is a selection of prophecies involving the birth, exile, preservation and re-gathering of the people of Israel.

1. Israel as a nationBible Passage: Gen. 12:1-3 w/ Ex. 1:1-9Around 1875 – 1450 BC

Prophecy Genesis 12:1-3

 1Now the LORD said to Abram,         "Go forth from your country,         And from your relatives         And from your father's house,         To the land which I will show you;     2And I will make you a great nation,         And I will bless you,         And make your name great;         And so you shall be a blessing;     3And I will bless those who bless you,         And the one who curses you I will curse          And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."

Fulfillment Exodus 1:1-9

1Now these are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob; they came each one with his household:  2Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah;  3Issachar, Zebulun and Benjamin; 4Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.  5All the persons who came from the loins of Jacob were seventy in number, but Joseph was already in Egypt.  6Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.  7But the sons of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly, and multiplied, and became exceedingly mighty, so that the land was filled with them.  8Now a new King arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9He said to his people, "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are more and mightier than we.

Fulfillment of Gen 12:3

Romans 4:13, 16 13For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 16For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

Romans 9:88That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.

Galatians 3:2929And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.

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2. Israel Enslaved 400 years and Set FreeBible Passage: Gen. 15:13-14 with Exodus 3:3-7, 12:33-41Around 1875 - 1400 BC

Prophecy Genesis 15:13-14

13God said to Abram, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14"But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions.

Fulfillment Exodus 3.7-9

7The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings. 8"So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 9"Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them.

And Exodus 12.33-41

33The Egyptians urged the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We will all be dead." 34So the people took their dough before it was leavened, with their kneading bowls bound up in the clothes on their shoulders. 35Now the sons of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, for they had requested from the Egyptians articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing; 36and the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have their request. Thus they plundered the Egyptians. 37Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. 38A mixed multitude also went up with them, along with flocks and herds, a very large number of livestock.  39They baked the dough which they had brought out of Egypt into cakes of unleavened bread. For it had not become leavened, since they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves. 40Now the time that the sons of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years.  41And at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

3. Enemies would move into the land of IsraelBible passage: Leviticus 26:32-33Written: As early as 1400 BC

In Leviticus 26:32-33, as well as in other prophecies of the Bible, the people of Israel would be persecuted in the nations to which they would be driven during their exile, and that the land of Israel would be in ruins.

Leviticus 26:32-33 speaks of the punishment through exile and destruction, other verses within the 26th chapter of Leviticus speak of forgiveness and restoration..

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Leviticus 26:32-33:

32 I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. 33 I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out my sword and pursue you. Your land will be laid waste, and your cities will lie in ruins.

4. God will never forget the children of IsraelBible passage: Isaiah 49:13-17Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 49:13-17, the Lord makes it clear that even though the people of Israel are to be exiled from their land, the Lord will never forget them, and the Lord would eventually bring the exiles back to their homeland.

Isaiah lived about 2700 years ago. At about that time, the Assyrians invaded the northern part of the land of Israel and had scattered many of the people. More than a century later, the Babylonians conquered the southern part of the land of Israel, bringing an end to sovereignty, destroying Jerusalem and the Temple, and forcing people into exile.

With these events in mind, it can be easy to understand the sentiment of Verse 14: "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me."

But Verses 15 and 16 remind us that the Lord will never forget the people of Israel. In fact, it says that even if a mother could forget her child, the Lord would not forget his children, for they are "engraved" on the palms of his hands. And, verses 17 and 18 show that the descendants of Israel would return, as they did after the fall of the Babylonian Empire.

Isaiah 49:13-17:

13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. 14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." 15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. 17 Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you.

5. The people of Israel will never be completely destroyedBible passage: Leviticus 26:44Written: As early as 1400 BC

In Leviticus 26:44, the Bible said that God would never allow the people of Israel to be completely destroyed.

During ancient times, 10 of the 12 Tribes of Israel were decimated by the Assyrians. And the Babylonians had persecuted what was left of the people of Israel.

Instead of assimilating or perishing, some of the people eventually were able to

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return to their homeland and recover their way of life.

The recovery was complete enough that Jerusalem again had been restored as the center of Jewish life. And the followers of Jesus were able to begin a process in Jerusalem by which Christianity eventually spread throughout the world.

Leviticus 26:44:

Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them. I am the Lord their God.

6. The Jews would survive Babylonian rule and return homeBible passage: Jeremiah 32:36-37Written: Sometime between 626-586 BC

Jeremiah was one of the prophets who warned the people of Judah that they would be forced into exile by the Babylonians. In Jeremiah 32:36-37, he prophesies to the people that they will survive that their exile in Babylon and return home.

Babylon had defeated the Assyrians in a decisive battle, ending in 612 B.C., at Nineveh. And then, in 609 B.C., the Babylonians captured and killed the last Assyrian king. The Assyrians had an empire that had included the land of Judah but now the Babylonians had seized control of the empire.

In an effort to show the people of Judah that Babylon was now their new master, they began a process of forcing key residents into exile, as early as 605 B.C. More deportations took place in later years, culminating with the wholesale destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 B.C.

Jews began returning to their homeland after the Babylonian Empire was toppled in 539 B.C., by a coalition of Medes and Persians.

Prophecy Jeremiah 32:36-37:

36 "You are saying about this city, 'By the sword, famine and plague it will be handed over to the king of Babylon'; but this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 37 I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety.

The people of Israel would return to "their own land"Bible passage: Ezekiel 34:13Written: Between 593-571 BC

Like Jeremiah, the prophet Ezekiel also lived during the time that the Babylonians ruled over the people of Judah, and he himself was one of the Jews who were taken to Babylon as captives. In Ezekiel 34:13, he prophesied that God would gather the exiles from the various nations to which they had been scattered and that he would restore them to "their own land."

Prophecy Ezekiel 34:13:

I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will

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bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.

Prophecy Isaiah 45:1-4

1Thus says the LORD to Cyrus His anointed, Whom I have taken by the right hand, To subdue nations before him And to loose the loins of kings; To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: 2“I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. 3“I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. 4“For the sake of Jacob My servant, And Israel My chosen one, I have also called you by your name; I have given you a title of honor Though you have not known Me.”

Fulfillment Ezra 1:1-4

Cyrus's Proclamation

 1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying: 2"Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  3'Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem. 4'Every survivor, at whatever place he may live, let the men of that place support him with silver and gold, with goods and cattle, together with a freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.'"

And 2 Chronicles 36:21-23 

21to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete.

Cyrus permits return

22Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah--the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 23"Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!'"

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Bible Prophecies Fulfilled in Israel in the New TestamentMany of these Bible prophecies either found fulfillment during the first century or began to find fulfillment at that time. They include the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of the people from the land of Israel.

1. Jesus prophesied that the Temple would be destroyedBible passage: Matthew 24:1-2Written: During the first century AD

In Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus prophesied that the Temple of Jerusalem would be destroyed and that its destruction would be so complete that not one stone would be left standing on top of another. His prophecy was fulfilled about 40 years later when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and tore down the Temple.

Matthew 24:1-2:

1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

2. Jesus prophesied that the Jews would be exiledBible passage: Luke 21:24Written: During the first century AD

In Luke 21:24, Jesus said that Jerusalem would be trampled upon by foreigners and that the people of Israel would be forced into exile.

About 40 years after Jesus delivered that prophecy, it began to find fulfillment. The Romans destroyed Jerusalem in the year 70, and again in the year 135.

During the first destruction, Josephus, an historian who lived during the first century, claimed 1.1 million Jews died and hundreds of thousands were forced out of the country and into exile and slavery. During the second destruction, Cassius Dio, an historian who lived during the second century, claimed that 580,000 Jews were killed, 50 fortified towns and 985 villages were destroyed. The exiled Jews were taken to countries throughout the Roman Empire and eventually scattered and re-scattered throughout the world.

Luke 21:24:

They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

3. Jesus explained why Jerusalem would be destroyedBible passage: Luke 19:41-44Written: During the first century AD

In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus prophesies that Jerusalem would be destroyed because of the

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rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.

Although some people did accept Jesus as the Messiah, many people rejected him. In fact, the rejection was strong enough that Jesus was executed a short time after uttering the prophecy.

Luke 19:41-44:

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

4. Daniel foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the TempleBible passage: Daniel 9:24-26Written: About 530 BC

During the time of Daniel, who lived about 2600 years ago, the Babylonians invaded Judah (the southern part of the land of Israel) and took many Jews, including Daniel, as captives to Babylon. The Babylonians also destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the Temple, in 586 B.C.

In Daniel 9:24-26, Daniel delivers a prophecy that Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, again. Within these verses, Daniel provides a chronology by which certain events would occur. First, the Jews would return from captivity and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Afterwards, an "anointed one," or Messiah, would appear, but he would be rejected. Then, Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed, again. Centuries later, these events played out during the century in which Jesus had announced that he was the Messiah.

Daniel 9:24-26:

24 "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.

5. Zion would be "plowed like a field"Bible passage: Micah 3:11-12Written: Sometime between 750-686 BC

In Micah 3:11-12, the prophet Micah said that Jerusalem would be destroyed and that

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"Zion" - a central part of Jerusalem - would be "plowed like a field." Micah's prophecy is believed to have been delivered in about 730 BC (about 2700 years ago). Since that time, Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC by the Babylonians and by the Romans in 70 AD. The Romans destroyed it again in 135 AD to crush a Jewish rebellion for independence. According to a text in the Gemara - a collection of ancient Jewish writings - the Romans ran a plow over Zion on the 9th day of the Jewish month of Ab. The Gemara said that Turnus Rufus, a Roman officer, plowed the area of the Temple. This prophecy was fulfilled in literal detail. Incidentally, there was a Roman coin minted during that era that shows an image of a man using a plow. The coin was intended to commemorate the founding of the pagan Roman city called Aelia Capitolina on the site of Jerusalem. The Romans sometimes minted coins showing the plowing motif as a symbol of the establishment of a new Roman city.

The Jews fast (go without food) on the 9th day of the Jewish month of Ab (sometimes spelled Av) in remembrance of five historic events that are recorded as occurring on that date. One of those events is the plowing of all or part of Jerusalem by the Romans.

Micah 3:11-12:

11 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us." 12 Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.

6. The Bible foreshadowed Rome's destruction of IsraelBible passage: Deuteronomy 28:49-52Written: As early as 1400 BC

The Bible has several prophecies foretelling the destruction of the land of Israel, including one in the book of Deuteronomy that coincides with the manner in which the Roman army conquered Israel during the first and second centuries:

"The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down . . . They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land until the high fortified walls in which you trust fall down." (Portions of Deuteronomy 28:49-52 NIV).

The Romans oppressively ruled over the land of Israel for a century before the Jews waged two wars for independence, the first beginning in 67 AD and the second beginning in about 132 AD. Both wars resulted in great destruction to the land and people of Israel.

The ancient historian Dio Cassius claimed that the Roman army had razed to the ground 985 villages throughout Israel. If the figure is to believed, then it might be including settlements, along with cities and towns, throughout the land. The writings of Cassius, along with those from Josephus, another first-century historian, indicate that the Roman army's destruction of Israel was very complete.

The prophecy also speaks of an eagle in reference to the army that would swoop down upon Israel and reduce it to a state of desolation. As we learn from historians, including Tacitus who lived during the first century, the Romans marched with standards - long poles adorned with the eagle figurines - held high above their heads,

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as though the eagles were in flight.

Another feature of the prophecy is that it speaks of armies being gathered from the ends of the earth. The Romans had armies scattered throughout parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. To quell the Jewish uprising, some troops had to be called in from as far away as the British Isles.

Deuteronomy 28:49-52:

49 The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, 50 a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young. 51 They will devour the young of your livestock and the crops of your land until you are destroyed. They will leave you no grain, new wine or oil, nor any calves of your herds or lambs of your flocks until you are ruined. 52 They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land until the high fortified walls in which you trust fall down. They will besiege all the cities throughout the land the LORD your God is giving you.

7. Israel would become a wastelandBible passage: Deuteronomy 29:23Written: As early as 1400 BC

In Deuteronomy 29:23, the Bible said Israel would become a wasteland. This prophecy certainly was fulfilled. The land has been described many times as having been a sparsely populated wasteland, as recently as the late 1800s. American writer Mark Twain wrote this, in 1867, about the land of Israel, which at the time was called Palestine: "Palestine sits in sackcloth and ashes… the spell of a curse that has withered its fields and fettered its energies… Palestine is desolate and unlovely… It is a hopeless, dreary, heartbroken land." - from Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad.

Deuteronomy 29:23:

The whole land will be a burning waste of salt and sulfur—nothing planted, nothing sprouting, no vegetation growing on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in fierce anger.

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by BabylonThe Bible prophecies below are a selection from the Bible that involve the Babylonian Empire, which had rose to power for a second time about 2600 years ago.

1. Babylon would rule Judah for 70 yearsBible passage: Jeremiah 25:11-12Written: Sometime between 626-586 BC

In Jeremiah 25:11-12, the prophet said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination. Jeremiah also said Babylon would be punished after the 70 years. Both parts of this prophecy were fulfilled. In 609 BC, which is about 2600 years ago, Babylon captured the last Assyrian king and took over the holdings of the

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Assyrian empire, to which the land of Israel previously had been subjugated. Babylon later asserted its domination by taking many Jews as captives to Babylon, and by destroying Jerusalem and the Temple. The domination ended in 539 BC, when Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon and brought an end to its empire. Cyrus later offered the captive Jews the freedom to return to their homeland. The prophecy also might have been fulfilled in another way too: The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem's Temple in 586 BC, and the Jews rebuilt it and consecrated it 70 years later, in 516 BC. Having the Temple again showed, in a very important way, that the effects of Babylonian domination truly had come to an end.

Jeremiah 25:11-12:

11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 "But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt," declares the LORD, "and will make it desolate forever.

2. Babylon's gates would open for CyrusBible passage: Isaiah 45:1Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 45:1, the prophet said God would open the gates of Babylon for Cyrus and his attacking army. Despite Babylon's remarkable defenses, which included moats, and walls that were more than 70-feet thick and 300-feet high, and 250 watchtowers, Cyrus was able to enter the city and conquer it. Cyrus and his troops diverted the flow of the Euphrates River into a large lake basin. Cyrus then was able to march his army across the riverbed and into the city.

Isaiah 45:1:

"This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:

3. Babylon's kingdom would be overthrown, permanentlyBible passage: Isaiah 13:19Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 13:19, the prophet said Babylon would be overthrown, permanently. History confirms that when Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, it never again rose to power as an empire. Before the time of Cyrus, however, Babylon had been defeated by the Assyrian Empire but was able to recover and later conquer the Assyrian Empire. However, like Isaiah said 2700 years ago, the Babylonian Empire never recovered from Cyrus' conquest.

Isaiah 13:19:

Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

4. Babylon would be reduced to swamplandBible passage: Isaiah 14:23Written: Between 701-681 BC

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In Isaiah 14:23, the prophet said that Babylon, which had been a world power at two different times in history, would be brought to a humble and final end. It would be reduced to swampland. After Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, the kingdom never again rose to power. The buildings of Babylon fell into a gradual state of ruin during the next several centuries. Archaeologists excavated Babylon during the 1800s. Some parts of the city could not be dug up because they were under a water table that had risen over the years.

Isaiah 14:23:

"I will turn her into a place for owls and into swampland; I will sweep her with the broom of destruction," declares the Lord Almighty.

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by TyreThese Bible prophecies involve Tyre, a Phoenician city that had had great animosity with the people of Israel.

1. Tyre's fortresses would failBible passage: Amos 1:9-10Written: About 750 BC

In Amos 1:9-10, the prophet said that God would cause Tyre's protective fortresses to fail, as punishment for the way that Tyre treated Israel. That prophecy was fulfilled in 586-573 BC when Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar attacked the mainland of Tyre, and in 333-332 BC when Alexander the Great conquered the island of Tyre. Alexander's army built a land bridge from the mainland to the island so that they could use a battering ram to break through the island's fortress.

Amos 1:9-10:

This is what the Lord says: "For three sins of Tyre, even for four, I will not turn back [my wrath]. Because she sold whole communities of captives to Edom, disregarding a treaty of brotherhood, I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre that will consume her fortresses."

2. Tyre would be attacked by many nationsBible passage: Ezekiel 26:3Written: Between 587-586 BC

In Ezekiel 26:3, the prophet said that Tyre, the Phoenician Empire's most powerful city, would be attacked by many nations, because of its treatment of Israel. At about the time that Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, Babylon had begun a 13-year attack on Tyre's mainland. Later, in about 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the island of Tyre and brought an end to the Phoenician Empire. Tyre later fell under the rule of the Romans, the Crusaders and the Moslems, who destroyed the city, again, in 1291.

Ezekiel 26:3:

Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will

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bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves.

3. Tyre's stones, timber and soil would be cast into the seaBible passage: Ezekiel 26:12Written: Between 587-586 BC

In Ezekiel 26:12, the prophet said that Tyre's stones, timber and soil would be thrown into the sea. That probably would have been a fitting description of how Alexander the Great built a land bridge from the mainland to the island of Tyre when he attacked in 333-332 BC. It is believed that he took the rubble from Tyre's mainland ruins and tossed it - stones, timber and soil - into the sea, to build the land bridge (which is still there).

Ezekiel 26:12:

They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise; they will break down your walls and demolish your fine houses and throw your stones, timber and rubble into the sea.

4. Tyre would lose its power over the seaBible passage: Zechariah 9:3-4Written: Between 520 and 518 BC

In Zechariah 9:3-4, the prophet said that the Phoenician city of Tyre would lose its status as a powerful nation on the Mediterranean Sea. Today there is a city called Tyre that is either on, or near, the original Phoenician site. But this Tyre is a small city in modern-day Lebanon. It is certainly not the powerful nation that it was in the days of Zechariah.

Zechariah 9:3-4:

Tyre has built herself a stronghold; she has heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.    But the Lord will take away her possessions and destroy her power on the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.

5. Tyre would never again be foundBible passage: Ezekiel 26:21Written: Between 587-586 BC

In Ezekiel 26:21, the prophet said that the Phoenician city of Tyre would be brought to an end and would never again be found. When Alexander the Great destroyed the city in 332 BC, he brought an end to the Phoenician Empire. The Empire was never revived or "found" again. As for the city itself, it has been torn down and built upon by a succession of world powers. Today, finding artifacts from the original Phoenician Tyre is difficult. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition: "The principal ruins of the city today are those of buildings erected by the Crusaders. There are some Greco-Roman remains, but any left by the Phoenicians lie underneath the present town."

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Ezekiel 26:21:

I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more. You will be sought, but you will never again be found, declares the Sovereign Lord."

6. Tyre would never be rebuiltBible passage: Ezekiel 26:14Written: Between 587-586 BC

In Ezekiel 26:14, the prophet says the Phoenician city of Tyre would be destroyed and never be rebuilt. This was fulfilled when Alexander the Great conquered Tyre in 332 BC. His conquest brought an end to the Phoenician Empire. The empire never recovered from the attack. And so, it could never rebuild Tyre. Other nations and empires have built cities on or near the original Phoenician site.

Ezekiel 26:14:

I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread fishnets. You will never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by NinevehThe selection of Bible prophecies below involve Nineveh, which served as the capital for the Assyrian Empire about 2600 years ago.

1. Nineveh's army officers would desertBible passage: Nahum 3:17Written: About 614 BC

In Nahum 3:17, the prophet said Nineveh's army officers would flee rather than fight. Babylonian records claim that Assyrian army members did flee from the battle.

Nahum 3:17:

Your guards are like locusts, your officials like swarms of locusts that settle in the walls on a cold day-- but when the sun appears they fly away, and no one knows where.

2. Nineveh would be destroyed, permanentlyBible passage: Nahum 3:19Written: About 614 BC

In Nahum 3:19 (and 1:9), the prophet said that Nineveh, which was the Assyrian Empire's capital and perhaps the most powerful city of the ancient world, would suffer a wound that would never heal. In 612 BC (about 2600 years ago), a coalition of Babylonians, Scythians and Medes conquered the heavily fortified city. According to the Bible, Nineveh was to be punished for the empire's inhumane treatment of Israel. It is unknown as to when Nahum delivered this prophecy - some scholars speculate that it was delivered a few years before the conquest. But, it is known that Nahum was correct - Nineveh and the Assyrian empire never did recover from their defeat. (Incidentally, the Assyrian empire had conquered Babylon many years

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beforehand, but Babylon was able to recover from that defeat).

Nahum 3:19:

Nothing can heal your wound; your injury is fatal. Everyone who hears the news about you claps his hands at your fall, for who has not felt your endless cruelty?

3. Ninevites would be drunk in their final hoursBible passage: Nahum 1:10Written: About 614 BC

In Nahum 1:10 and 3:11, the prophet said that during the final hours of the attack on Nineveh, the Ninevites would be drunk. There is evidence that this prophecy was fulfilled. According to the ancient historian Diodorus Siculus: "The Assyrian king gave much wine to his soldiers. Deserters told this to the enemy, who attacked that night." Siculus compiled his historical works about 600 years after the fall of Nineveh.

Nahum 1:10:

They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.

4. Nineveh would be destroyed by fireBible passage: Nahum 3:15Written: About 614 BC

In Nahum 3:15, the prophet said that Nineveh would be damaged by fire. Archaeologists unearthed the site during the 1800s and found a layer of ash covering the ruins. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: "…Nineveh suffered a defeat from which it never recovered. Extensive traces of ash, representing the sack of the city by Babylonians, Scythians, and Medes in 612 BC, have been found in many parts of the Acropolis. After 612 BC the city ceased to be important…"

Nahum 3:15:

There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and, like grasshoppers, consume you…

5. Ninevites would be wiped outBible passage: Nahum 1:14Written: About 614 BC

In Nahum 1:14, the prophet said Nineveh would have no descendants to carry on the prestige of Nineveh. Nineveh's destruction in 612 BC marked a permanent end to the Assyrian Empire. The city itself never again rose to any significant importance. Today, Nineveh is an archaeological site in Iraq.

Nahum 1:14:

The Lord has given a command concerning you, [Nineveh]: "You will have no

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descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in the temple of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are vile."

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by other NationsThese selected prophecies from the Bible involve ancient nations other than Israel, including Edom and Egypt.

1. Daniel predicted the four great kingdomsBible passage: Daniel 2:32-33Written: About 530 BC

In Daniel 2:32-33, there is a passage that symbolically identified the four great kingdoms that would rise up and control much of world, beginning in Daniel's lifetime. The passage uses symbolic imagery:

1. The head of gold, as Daniel explained, refers to the Babylonian empire that ruled much of the world about 2600 years ago.

2. Daniel said that the head-of-gold empire would be followed by an empire symbolized by arms of silver. Christian scholars have often interpreted this to refer to the Medo-Persian empire which later conquered the Babylonian empire. The scholars say that the two arms refer to the two groups - the Medes and the Persians - who comprised the Medo-Persian empire.

3. The third kingdom was symbolized by the statue's belly and thighs of brass. Some scholars believe that this is a reference to the Grecian empire, which conquered the Medo-Persian empire. The symbol of a belly and thighs of brass suggests that the kingdom was to start out as a united empire but end up as a divided empire. Under the leadership of Alexander the Great, the Grecian Empire was a united empire. But after Alexander's death, the empire was divided into four parts and was later reduced to two parts.

4. The fourth symbol - that of iron legs and feet that were part iron and part clay - has often been suggested to be a reference to the Roman Empire, which later conquered the Grecian Empire. The Roman Empire was very powerful, but it was also very diverse, claiming dominion over a wide variety of different nations. That diversity later contributed to the downfall of the empire.

These four kingdoms ruled over much of the world, and each of the four ruled over the land of Israel during times in which a significant number of Jews - and perhaps a majority of Jews - were living in their homeland. Before the collapse of the Roman Empire, Jerusalem was destroyed and hundreds of thousands of Jews were forced into exile. Even today, a majority of Jews still live outside of Israel.

Daniel 2:32-33:

32 The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay.

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2. Edom would be toppled and humbledBible passage: Jeremiah 49:16Written: Sometime between 626-586 BC

In Jeremiah 49:16, the prophet said that Edom, a long-time enemy of Israel, would be destroyed. Edom's capital city, Petra, was carved out of a mountain side and had great natural defenses. Nonetheless, it was destroyed and the kingdom of Edom no longer exists. Today, Petra is part of Jordan. The city was conquered by the Romans in the year 106 AD but flourished again shortly after that. But a rival city, Palmyra, eventually took most of the trade away and Petra began to decline. Moslems conquered Petra in the 7th Century and Crusaders conquered it in the 12th Century. Petra gradually fell into ruin.

Jeremiah 49:16:

The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down," declares the Lord.

3. Egypt would never again rule over nationsBible passage: Ezekiel 29:15Written: Between 593-571 BC

In Ezekiel 29:15, the prophet says that Egypt would recover from a desolation (perhaps Babylon's attack about 2600 years ago), but that it would never again rule over other nations. Up until the time of Ezekiel, Egypt had been a world power for centuries, dominating many nations, including Israel. But for most of the past 2500 years, Egypt has been controlled by foreign powers, including the Romans, Ottomans and Europeans. Today, Egypt is an independent nation again. In 1948, 1967 and 1973, Egypt tried to dominate Israel but was unsuccessful each time, despite the fact that Egypt is 10 times larger than Israel. Egypt today, in many respects, is an impressive nation. But since the time of Ezekiel, it no longer rules over other nations.

Ezekiel 29:15:

… I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations.

4. The Jews would avenge the EdomitesBible passage: Ezekiel 25:14Written: Between 593-571 BC

In Ezekiel 25:14, the prophet said that the Jews would one day take vengeance on Edom, a nation that had often warred with the Jews. When Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, he and many other Jews were living as captives in Babylon. They didn't have control of their own country, let alone anyone else's. But, about 400 years later, Jews regained independence for Jerusalem and the surrounding area during the "Hasmonaean Period." During this time, the Jewish priest-king John Hyrcanus I defeated the Edomites. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition: "Edomite history was marked by continuous hostility and warfare with Jews… At the end of the second century B.C., they were subdued by Hasmonaean priest-king John Hyrcanus I…"

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Ezekiel 25:14:

I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my wrath; they will know my vengeance, declares the Sovereign Lord.'"

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus' Birth 1. Isaiah foreshadowed the virgin birth of JesusBible passage: Isaiah 7:14Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet delivers what many Christians consider to be a dual prophecy, one that was fulfilled symbolically 2700 years ago, and one that was fulfilled literally with the birth of Jesus about 2000 years ago. The symbolic part of the prophecy correctly stated that a political alliance that threatened Jewish sovereignty about 2700 years ago would fail in a short amount of time. That amount of time was defined as the amount of time that it takes for a child to learn right from wrong. But, Christians believe that this prophecy has a second meaning, that there would be someone born of a virgin, who would be referred to as "Immanuel," which means, "God with us." According to the New Testament, Jesus was born of the virgin Mary and is the Son of God. Because He is the Son of God, Jesus literally can be referred to as "God with us."  

Isaiah 7:14:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

2. The Messiah would be born in BethlehemBible passage: Micah 5:1-2Written: Sometime between 750-686 BC

In Micah 5:2, there is a prophecy that reveals that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah.

For Christians, the prophecy is very powerful in a very simple way. It eliminates all other cities and towns throughout the world as a place in which the Messiah could be born. It narrows the possibilities to one tiny village just south of Jerusalem.And throughout the span of the past 27 centuries, from the days of the prophet Micah up through the present time, Bethlehem is credited as being the birthplace for only one person who is widely known throughout the world. And that person is Jesus Christ.The New Testament books of Matthew and Luke list Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus. Matthew 2:1-6 describes the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of Micah's prophecy.

Micah 5:1-2:

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1 Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod.

2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

3. The Messiah would come from the tribe of JudahBible passage: Genesis 49:10Written: As early as 1400 BC

In Genesis 49:10, Jacob is blessing his 12 sons. This blessing was also a prophecy. Jacob told his son Judah that his descendants will be rulers and that one of his descendants will be an ultimate ruler. According to the NIV translation: "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his." Christians believe that this is a reference to Jesus Christ who will establish an everlasting kingdom in the future. Jesus was born about 2000 years after Jacob died. Jesus' ancestry is traced back to Jacob's son, Judah, in Luke 3:23-34 and in Matthew 1:1-16. Today, some estimates claim that there are as many as 2 billion Christians worldwide follow the teachings of Jesus.

Genesis 49:10:

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his.

4. The Messiah would be a descendant of King DavidBible passage: Jeremiah 23:5Written: Sometime between 626-586 BC

In Jeremiah 23:5, as well as in other Bible prophecies, we are told that the Messiah will be a descendant of King David.

The books of Matthew and Luke trace back Jesus' geneaology to King David. (Some scholars believe that the geneaology in Matthew is Jesus' legal line, through his adoptive father, Joseph, and that the geneaology in Luke is Jesus' bloodline through Mary).

Jeremiah 23:5:

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus' life1. The Messiah would be preceded by a messengerBible passage: Isaiah 40:1-5,9Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 40:3, the prophet writes about a person in the desert who prepares the way for the Lord. This prophecy foreshadowed the life of John the Baptist, who played an

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important role in preparing the groundwork for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born shortly after John the Baptist about 2000 years ago. The book of Matthew records many events of the life of Jesus and of John the Baptist. In Matthew 3:1-2, it says: "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea, and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Isaiah 40:1-5,9:

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." 9 . . . say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"

2. He would perform miraclesBible passage: Isaiah 35:4-6Written: Between 701-681 BC

Isaiah, who lived about 2700 years ago, prophesied that there would come a time when God would arrive and open the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, the mobility of the the lame, and the voice of the mute.

Jesus did each of these things in a spiritual sense, in offering truth and salvation, and in a literal sense by performing miracles of healing.

Isaiah 35:4-6:

4 say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you." 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

3. God promised another prophet like MosesBible passage: Deuteronomy 18:15-18Written: As early as 1400 BC

In Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Moses told the Jews that God would raise up another prophet like Moses. After Moses, there was a succession of prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, and finally Jesus Christ. Jesus was very much like Moses: Both were delivered from death as infants. Both were prophets. Both performed miracles. Both were leaders. And both were intermediaries between God and man. No other prophet is as much like Moses than Jesus. Moses led the Jews out of the bonds of slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land of Israel. Moses died shortly before the Jews entered Israel. Jesus leads people - anyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior - out of the bonds of sin and into the Promised Land of Heaven. Moses offered to die, if necessary, if God would forgive the sins of the people that Moses was leading (see Exodus 32:30-33). Jesus did die for our sins, so that people could enter the Kingdom

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of Heaven.

Deuteronomy 18:15-18:

15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, "Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die." 17 The LORD said to me: "What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him.

4. The Messiah would enter Jerusalem while riding on a donkeyBible passage: Zechariah 9:9Written: Between 520 and 518 BC

In Zechariah 9:9, the prophet speaks of a future king presenting himself to Jerusalem while riding on a humble donkey. This foreshadowed something that happened about 500 years later: As explained in Luke 19:35-37, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and presented Himself as the Messiah, the King.

The name "Jesus," means "salvation" in Hebrew.

Zechariah 9:9:

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

5. Jesus proclaims that he is the MessiahBible passage: John 4:19-26Written: During the first century

In Matthew 5:17, John 4:25-26, and in other verses, Jesus proclaims that he was the Messiah promised by the Old Testament writers. Jesus later becomes the first and only person in history to be regarded by people throughout the world as the Messiah.

John 4:19-26:

19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."

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6. There would be a Son called GodBible passage: Isaiah 9:6-7Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 9:6-7, which was written about 700 years before the time of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a son who would be called "Mighty God" and "Eternal Father." Isaiah also indicates that this son would reign on the throne of King David and that this reign would be everlasting. King David is the great, God-obeying king who reigned from about 1050 BC to about 1010 BC. God had promised King David that the reign from David's throne would be everlasting. Christians believe this promise is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, whose reign is everlasting. Today, the teachings of Jesus govern the lives of an estimated 2 billion Christians worldwide. The New Testament also says that Jesus will return in the future to establish an everlasting kingdom.

Isaiah 9:6-7:

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

7. The Messiah would be rejectedBible passage: Isaiah 53:1-3Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the prophet foreshadowed the life and mission of Jesus, who was born about 700 years later. In Isaiah 53:3, the prophet said that a servant of God would be rejected and despised. Jesus was indeed rejected by many people living in the land of Israel, and He was later crucified by the Romans.

Isaiah 53:1-3:

1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

8. Daniel predicted when an Anointed One would be rejectedBible passage: Daniel 9:24-26Written: About 530 BC

The prophet Daniel was a Jew who lived during the time of the Babylonian Captivity, about 500 years before the birth of Jesus. During Daniel's lifetime, the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and had taken many Jews as captives to Babylon. Daniel, while in Babylon, delivered a prophecy of what would happen during

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the centuries that followed. Here is our summary of Daniel 9:24-26:

1. There would be a decree to rebuild Jerusalem.2. Jerusalem and the Temple would be rebuilt.3. Then an anointed one (messiah) would be "cut off" (an idiom for "rejected" or "killed").4. Then Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed again.

All of these events later happened, in the same order in which they are described in Daniel 9:24-26:

1. After the Medo-Persians had conquered the neo-Babylonian empire about 2500 years ago, they ruled a vast empire that included the land of Israel. About 2400 years ago (about 445 BC), Persian king Artaxerxes gave permission to the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem, which was still in ruins after having been destroyed earlier by the Babylonians.2. The Jews rebuilt the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.3. Then, about 2000 years ago, Jesus entered Jerusalem as the Messiah who had been promised by Old Testament prophets. But, many people rejected Jesus as the Messiah and He was crucified by the Romans.4. About 40 years after Jesus was crucified, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. (The Temple has not been rebuilt since then).

Daniel 9:24-26:

24 "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.

25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.

26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.

Bible Prophecies Fulfilled by the Persecution and Crucifixion of Jesus1. Jesus was betrayed by a friendBible passage: Psalm 41:9Written: About 1000 BC

In Psalm 41:9, King David wrote a prayer asking for mercy in his last days. In this prayer, which Jews and Christians believe was inspired by God, David wrote about a betrayal at the hand of a close friend with whom he had shared bread. This foreshadowed something that happened years later with Jesus. As explained in Matthew 26:47-50, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of the 12 apostles, shortly after Jesus and the apostles had shared bread during the Last Supper. Jesus was crucified by the Romans a short time later.

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Psalm 41:9:

Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

2. Zechariah foreshadowed the betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silverBible passage: Zechariah 11:12-13Written: Between 520 and 518 BC

In Zechariah 11:12-13, the prophet spoke of a person being paid 30 pieces of silver to betray someone. This foreshadowed something that happened to Jesus about 500 years later. As explained in Matthew 26:15, Judas was paid 30 silver coins for his betrayal of Jesus. Judas told the Romans when and where they could arrest Jesus without being surrounded by a large crowd of Jesus' followers. But, as explained in Matthew 27:5-7, Judas later tossed the money into the Temple (the house of the Lord) and the money was used to buy a potter's field as a burial place for foreigners.

Zechariah 11:12-13:

12 I told them, "If you think it best, give me my pay; but if not, keep it." So they paid me thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"-the handsome price at which they priced me! So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD to the potter.

3. Jesus was spat upon and beatenBible passage: Isaiah 50:6Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 50:6, the prophet writes about a servant of God who endures abuse at the hands of sinful people. This servant offers his back to those who beat him, his face to those who rip out his beard, and himself to those who mock and taunt him. Christians historically have believed that this Old Testament passage foreshadowed the life of Jesus Christ, who lived about 700 years after Isaiah. Jesus, as explained in the New Testament, was beaten, mocked and taunted shortly before His crucifixion by the Romans. In Matthew 26:67 NIV, for example, it says: Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

Isaiah 50:6:

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.

4. God's Servant would be silent before his accusersBible passage: Isaiah 53:7Written: Between 701-681 BC

In the book of Isaiah, chapter 53, Isaiah the prophet wrote about a servant of God. Many people believe this was a prophecy about the life of Jesus Christ, who lived about 700 years later. In Isaiah 53:7, the prophet said that the servant would be afflicted and accused, but like a lamb being led to slaughter, he would remain silent. As explained in Matthew 27:12-14, which was recorded about 700 years after the time of Isaiah, this is what happened to Jesus. He was falsely accused but remained silent and did not protest the accusations. Jesus was crucified by the Romans a short

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time later.

Isaiah 53:7:

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

5. God's Servant would die for our sinsBible passage: Isaiah 53:4-6Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 53:4-6, prophet described a servant as being punished for the sins of others, and that others would be healed by the wounds of this person. As explained in the Gospel - the four New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - Jesus was crucified for our sins, even though He was sinless. Christians believe that this ultimate sacrifice redeemed us all from sin in the same way that lambs were once sacrificed as a symbolic way of cleansing people from sin. And so, all of us can be accepted into the Kingdom of God, as though we were sinless, if we accept Jesus as our Savior. Christians believe that we are healed through the wounds that Jesus suffered.

Isaiah 53:4-6:

4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

6. Zechariah foreshadowed the crucifixion of JesusBible passage: Zechariah 12:10Written: Between 520 and 518 BC

In Zechariah, chapter 12, the Bible said that there will be a time when the world's nations attack Jerusalem. In Zechariah 12:10, the Bible says that after this attack fails, the people will lament over the one who was "pierced," as one mourns for the loss of a first-born son. Christians traditionally have interpreted this passage as a reference to the return of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was pierced when He was crucified by the Romans about 2000 years ago. Christians believe that Jesus will return in the future to establish an everlasting kingdom.

Zechariah 12:10:

"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

7. God's servant would be "numbered with the transgressors"Bible passage: Isaiah 53:12Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 53:12, the prophet wrote about a servant who would bear the sins of many

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people and be punished side-by-side with criminals. Christians believe that Isaiah's description of this servant was a prophecy that was fulfilled during the life of Jesus Christ. As explained in the book of Matthew, Jesus, though sinless, was "numbered with the transgressors" and crucified along with two criminals.

Isaiah 53:12:

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

8. God's servant would be buried in a rich man's tombBible passage: Isaiah 53:9Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 53:9, the prophet wrote about a sinless servant being put to death with the wicked and buried with the rich. About 700 years after this was believed to have been written, Jesus was put to death along with two criminals and was buried in a tomb owned by a wealthy man, as explained in the New Testament. The New Testament says that Jesus was resurrected three days later and ascended into Heaven.

Isaiah 53:9:

He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Prophecies of Jesus of Nazareth as MessiahNo. Prophecy Event Fulfillment1 Genesis 3:15 Seed of a woman Galatians 4:42 Genesis 12:3, Genesis

22:18Descendant of Abraham Matthew 1:1, Acts 3:25

3 Genesis 17:19, Genesis 21:12

Descendant of Isaac Luke 3:34, Luke 3:23-24

4 Genesis 28:14, Numbers 24:17

Descendant of Jacob Matthew 1:2, Luke 3:23-24

5 Genesis 49:10 From the tribe of Judah Luke 3:23-24, Luke 3:336 Isaiah 9:6, 11:1-5,

Jeremiah 23:5-6Descendant of David Matthew 1:1, Luke 3:23-

247 Isaiah 11:1 Descendant of Jesse Luke 3:23-248 Ezekiel 37:24 Will shepherd His

peopleMatthew 2:6

9 Isaiah 9:7 Heir to the throne of David

Luke 1:32-33

10 Micah 5:2 His pre-existence Colossians 1:1711 Isaiah 9:6, Micah 5:1 Eternal existence John 8:58, 11, 14,

Ephesians 1:3-14, Colossians 1:15-19

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No. Prophecy Event Fulfillment12 Psalms 45:6-7,

102:25-27Anointed and eternal Hebrews 1:8-12

13 Psalms 110:1 Called Lord Matthew 22:43-4514 Isaiah 33:22 Judge John 5:3015 Psalms 2:6 King Matthew 27:3716 Micah 5:2 Born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-5,

717 Daniel 9:25 Time for His birth Matthew 2:1, 16, 19,

Luke 2:1-218 Isaiah 7:14 To be born of a virgin Matthew 1:18, 24, 25,

Luke 1:26-27, 30-31

19 Psalms 72:9 Worshipped by shepherds

Luke 2:8-15

20 Psalms 72:10 Honored by great kings Matthew 2:1-1121 Jeremiah 31:15 Slaughter of children Matthew 2:16-1822 Hosea 11:1 Fight to Egypt Matthew 2:14-1523 Isaiah 40:3-5 The way prepared Matthew 3:1,2, Luke 3:3-

624 Malachi 3:1 Preceded by a

forerunnerLuke 7:24, 27

25 Malachi 4:5-6 Preceded by Elijah Matthew 11:13-1426 Psalms 2:7, Proverbs

30:4Declared the Son of God Matthew 3:17, Luke 1:32

27 Isaiah 9:5-6, Jeremiah 23:5-6

God's name applied to Him

Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:9-11

28 Isaiah 11:2, 61:1, Psalms 45:8

Anointment of Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:16, 17, John 3:34, Acts 10:38

29 Isaiah 9:1-2 Galilean ministry Matthew 4:13-1630 Psalms 78:2-4 Speaks in parables Matthew 13:34-3531 Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah

7:11Temple becomes a house of merchandise instead of prayer

Matthew 21:13

32 Psalms 69:9 Zeal of Jews for the temple instead of God

John 2:17

33 Deuteronomy 18:15, 18 A prophet Matthew 21:11, Acts 3:20, 22

34 Isaiah 29:18, Isaiah 35:5-6

Blind, deaf, and lame are healed by the Messiah

Luke 7:22, Matthew 9:35, 11:3-5

35 Isaiah 40:11, 42:2-3, Isaiah 53:7

Messiah will be meek and mild

Matthew 12:18-20, Matthew 11:29, Hebrews 4:15

36 Isaiah 53:9 Be sinless and without 1 Peter 2:22

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No. Prophecy Event Fulfillmentguile

37 Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 49:1 Will minister to Gentiles Matthew 12:18-21Luke 2:32

38 Isaiah 61:1-2 To bind up the brokenhearted

Luke 4:18-19

39 Isaiah 53:12, Isaiah 59:16

To intercede for the people

Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25

40 Isaiah 53:3, 8:14, 28:16, 63:3, Psalms 69:6, 118:22

Rejected by His own people, the Jews

John 1:11, 7:5,48, Luke 23:18, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:6-8

41 Psalms 118:22 Be rejected by the Jewish leadership

Matthew 21:42, John 7:48

42 Psalms 2:1-2 Plotted against by Jews and Gentiles alike

Acts 4:27

43 Psalms 110:4 Priest after the order of Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:5-6

44 Zechariah 9:9 Enter Jerusalem on donkey

Mark 11:7, 9, 11, Luke 19:35-37

45 Haggai 2:7-9, Malachi 3:1

Entered the temple with authority

Matthew 21:12, Luke 2:27-38

46 Psalms 8:2 Adored by infants Matthew 21:15-1647 Isaiah 53:1 Not believed John 12:37-3848 Zechariah 13:7 Sheep of the Shepherd

scatteredMatthew 26:31, Mark 14:50

49 Psalms 41:9, 55:12-14 Betrayed by a close friend

John 13:18, Luke 22:47-48 Act 1:16-17

50 Zechariah 11:12 Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver

Matthew 26:14-15

51 Zechariah 11:13 Betrayal money used to buy Potter's field

Matthew 27:6-7

52 Psalms 35:11 Accused by false witnesses

Mark 14:57-58

53 Isaiah 53:7 Silent to accusations Matthew 27:12, Mark 15:4-5

54 Isaiah 50:6 Spat on Matthew 26:67, 27:30

55 Isaiah 50:6 Beaten Matthew 26:67, 27:26, 30

56 Micah 4:14 Struck on cheek Matthew 27:3057 Isaiah 49:7, Psalms

35:19, Psalms 69:4Hated without reason John 7:48, 15:24-25

58 Isaiah 53:5 Wounded and bruised Matthew 27:2659 Isaiah 53:5 Vicarious sacrifice John 1:29, , 3:16,

Romans 5:6, 860 Daniel 9:24-26 Cut off, but not for

HimselfMatthew 2:1, Luke 3:1, 23

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No. Prophecy Event Fulfillment61 Isaiah 53:12 Crucified with

malefactorsMatthew 27:38, Mark 15:27-28 Luke 23:33,

62 Zechariah 12:10, Psalms 22:16

Pierced through hands and feet

John 20:25-27

63 Psalms 22:7-8 Sneered and mocked Matthew 27:31, Luke 23:35

64 Psalms 109:24, 25 Fell under the cross Luke 23:2665 Psalms 69:9 Was reproached Romans 15:366 Psalms 38:11 Friends stood afar off Luke 23:4967 Psalm 109:25 People shook their

headsMatthew 27:39

68 Psalms 22:17 Stared upon Luke 23:3569 Psalms 22:16, 69:21 Given vinegar for His

thirstMatthew 27:34, John 19:28-29

70 Psalms 109:4, Isaiah 53:12

Prayer for His enemies Luke 23:34

71 Psalms 22:17-18 Soldiers gambled for His clothing

Matthew 27:35-36, John 19:23, 24

72 Psalms 22:1 Forsaken by God Matthew 27:4673 Psalms 31:5 Committed Himself to

GodLuke 23:46

74 Exodus 12:46, Psalms 34:20

No bones broken John 19:32, 33, 36

75 Psalm 22:14 Heart broken John 19:3476 Zechariah 12:10 His side pierced John 19:3477 Amos 8:9 Darkness over the land Matthew 27:4578 Isaiah 53:9 Buried with the rich Matthew 27:57-6079 Psalms 3:5, 16:10, 49:15 To be resurrected Mark 16:6-7, Acts 2:3180 Isaiah 44:3, Joel 2:28 Sent the Holy Spirit John 20:22, Acts 2:16-1781 Isaiah 55:3-4, Jeremiah

31:31Establishes a new covenant

Matthew 26:28, Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8:6-10

82 Psalms 68:18, Psalms 110:1

His ascension to God's right hand

Mark 16:19, Acts 1:9, 1 Corinthians 15:4, Ephesians 4:8, Hebrews 1:3

83 Psalms 29:11, Micah 4:3 Peace proclaimed by disciples

Luke 2:14, John 14:27, Acts 10:36

84 Isaiah 60:3 "Light" to Gentiles Acts 13:47,4885 Isaiah 11:10, 42:1, 49:1-

12The Gentiles will seek the Messiah

Romans 11:25, 15:10

These prophecies were fulfilled and many are very specific:

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16. Place of birth (Micah 5:2). 17. Date of birth (Daniel 9:25). 18. Manner of birth (Isaiah 7:14). 62. Manner of death (Zechariah 12:10; Psalm 22:16 prophesied before the invention of crucifixion). 76. Piercing in side (Zechariah 12:10). 78. Burial (Isaiah 53:9).

Other Bible Prophecies on Christ1. Jesus foretold his death and resurrectionBible passage: Matthew 20:17-19Written: During the first century

One of the unique qualities about Jesus Christ as a religious figure is that he prophesied his own death and resurrection. One example is found in Matthew 20:17-19. Each of the four Gospels of the New Testament, which were written by his followers and contemporaries, testify that Jesus was resurrected.

Matthew 20:17-19:

17 Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18 "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19 and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"

Fulfillment Matthew 26:47-48, 27:22-26, 28:5-6:

MT 26:47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”

MT 27:22 Pilate *said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all *said, “ Crucify Him!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “ Crucify Him!” 24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 25 And all the people said, “ His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

MT 28:5 The angel said to the women, “ Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.

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2. Jesus told Peter that the church would survive and thriveBible passage: Matthew 16:17-18Written: During the first century AD

In Matthew 16:17-18, Jesus told the Apostle Peter (Simon) that he would be the rock or foundation on which Jesus will build his church, and that the church would not be conquered or wiped out by non-believers (as expressed in the phrase "gates of hell" or "gates of Hades"). Within a few decades after the crucifixion of Jesus, Peter was able to see firsthand that the early Christians would endure tremendous persecution. The church endured intense persecution for about three centuries by the Roman Empire. But, the church survived and thrived during that time, even though the Roman Empire itself disintegrated. Although the majority of the world's religions have died out, Christianity flourished to become the first religion to have spread worldwide.

Matthew 16:17-18:

17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

3. The line of kings from David would endure foreverBible passage: 2 Samuel 7:16Written: Samuel lived about 3,000 years ago

This passage, and a few others as well, allude to King David's descendants having an eternal hold on the throne of Israel.

King David lived and reigned about 3,000 years ago. His descendants continued to reign over all or part of the land of Israel until the time of the Babylonian conquest, which was about 2,600 years ago.

But, aside from Jesus, there has been no king of Davidic descent since the time of the Babylonian conquest. Jesus is fully human and fully God. As a human, he is a descendant of King David. As God, he is eternal. Therefore, he is in a unique position to fulfill the prophecy in which David's throne is to be eternal.

2 Samuel 7:16:

Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.

4. The Great Commission, and its fulfillmentBible passage: Matthew 28:16-20Written: During the first century AD

During the first century of this era, there were evangelists who claimed to be eyewitnesses of the resurrected Jesus. These people, including Paul and the Apostles, were willing to risk their lives and travel throughout the Roman world, by land and by sea, to evangelize a religion that wasn't legally recognized by the Roman government.

Their work allowed Christianity to eventually be taught to people throughout the

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world.

Matthew 28:16-20:

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

5. God's salvation would reach the ends of the earthBible passage: Isaiah 49:6Written: Between 701-681 BC

In Isaiah 49:6, the prophet speaks of a servant of God who would be a light to Gentiles (non-Jews) so that God's salvation could reach the ends of the earth. Christians believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise. The followers of Jesus helped spread Christianity about 2000 years ago. Christianity is unique in that it is among the first evangelical religions in history, and the first to be taken to people all over the world. Christians believe that salvation, forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven are available to anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their savior: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." - Romans 10:9-10.

Isaiah 49:6:

"It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth."

6. Jesus said His words would never be forgottenBible passage: Luke 21:33Written: During the first century AD

In Luke 21:33, Jesus said that regardless of what happens to the world, His words will never be forgotten. Here we are 2000 years later and the words of Jesus are all around us: Christianity has spread to people around the world and the Bible is the world's most circulated book. Of all the people who have ever lived, can you think of a single person who could have made this claim more effectively than Jesus - that his words would never be forgotten?

Luke 21:33:

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Bible Prophecies Involving the End Times

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1. Jesus will return (to judge the living and the dead)Bible passage: Matthew 24:29-31Written: During the first century AD

In Matthew 24:29-31, as well as in other places within the New Testament, Jesus revealed about 2000 years ago that he would return in the future. Christians believe that when Jesus returns, he will judge the living and the dead. This belief is reflected in the Apostle's Creed, which is a summary of Christian beliefs that was written many centuries ago. The Apostle's Creed is recited by Christians during Christian worship services.

Matthew 24:29-31:

29 "Immediately after the distress of those days " 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

2. No one will know the hour or the day of Jesus' returnBible passage: Matthew 24:36-37Written: During the first century AD

When Jesus lived in the land of Israel about 2000 years ago, he gave a very simple and concise answer when someone asked him when he would return: He explained that no one knows the hour or the day, except for God the Father (Matthew 24:36).

Even so, many people throughout history have falsely insisted that they knew the day of Jesus' return, only to be proven wrong. During the past few centuries, for example, there have been some very influential people who have misled many people with their false predictions, including:

Matthew 24:36-37:

36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

3. Jesus' return will be unexpectedBible passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18Written: During the first century AD

In 2 Peter, which is the name of an epistle (letter) in the New Testament of the Bible, we are told that the last days will take people by surprise, that "the day of the Lord will come like a thief."

The author, Peter, who was one of Jesus' apostles, reminds Christians to live righteously (2 Peter 3:11 and 2 Peter 3:14) and to view the end times with joy rather than fear (2 Peter 3:12-13).

2 Peter 3:1-18:

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1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6 By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

4. The "day of the Lord" will take people by surpriseBible passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9Written: About 50 AD AD

In a letter addressed to the church of the Thessalonians, from Paul, Silas and Timothy, we are reminded that the end times, which is referenced here as the "day of the Lord," will take people by surprise.

In fact, we are told that the day will come "like a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 5:2), during a time when people were talking about peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

1 Thessalonians 5:1-9:

1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

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3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Before the end comes, the Gospel will be preached to the entire worldBible passage: Matthew 24:14Written: During the first century AD

In Matthew 24:14, the Bible says that the Gospel (the news about Jesus and his offer of salvation and eternal life, as explained in the New Testament of the Bible) will be preached throughout the world. The Bible also says that after this happens, the end times will come. The Bible has been preached throughout the world for a long time. But now, with the increasing worldwide availability of television and the Internet, there is greater potential for the Gospel to be preached to everyone, everywhere.

Matthew 24:14:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

6. There will be false messiahs before Jesus returnsBible passage: Matthew 24:23-25Written: During the first century AD

Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 24 that there would be false messiahs and history has provided us with many examples. Here are some of the more intriguing examples of false messiahs:

Matthew 24:23-25:

23 At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.

7. Jesus spoke of a day of unequaled destruction and sufferingBible passage: Matthew 24:21-22Written: During the first century AD

In Matthew 24:21-22, Jesus says there will come a time when a calamity strikes that will be unequaled by anything that has ever taken place.

Matthew 24:21-22:

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21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. 22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

8. Jerusalem will be trampled uponBible passage: Luke 21:23-24Written: During the first century

Jesus prophesied that the Gentiles, which is a word that refers to non-Jews, would trample upon Jerusalem until the end times.

It is interesting to note that when Jesus gave this prophecy during the first century of this era, the Jews had considerable control over the city of Jerusalem, even though they were forcibly incorporated into the Roman Empire. The Jews had a Temple in Jerusalem and were able to carry out various functions associated with Judaism.

But, about 40 years after Jesus prophesied about Gentiles trampling upon Jerusalem, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and forced Jews into exile. Even today, nearly 2,000 years later, the Jews still do not have enough control over Jerusalem to rebuild their Temple on the Temple Mount.Luke 21:23-24:

23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

9. All who believe in Jesus will be savedBible passage: John 3:16Written: During the first century

In John 3:16, Jesus says that anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved.

John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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