There is significant history and there are many prophecies related to Yahweh's temples and they are intertwined. On the previous page we discovered the three temples. For review:

    1. Solomon's temple (replacing the temporary tabernacle of the Exodus).

    2. The Second temple, rebuilt after the "Return" led by "Yahweh saves", son of Josedech.

    3. The everlasting temple, built by "Yahweh saves", son of Yahweh, without hands.


The Children of Israel were in Egypt 430 years.

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of יהוה [Yahweh, our god] went out from the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:41

Then they wandered in the wilderness for another 40 years.

And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. Exodus 16:35

This makes bondage and wandering (outside the promised land) for 470 years, ten years less than the important number of 480 years or 12 generations (40 years each). We will look at several other time periods of about 12 generations.

Solomon BEGAN building his temple 480 years after the Exodus from Egypt (exactly AT that significant number of 12 generations) and finished it 7 years later (480 and 7 years).

And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of יהוה. I Kings 6:1

Because of their apostasy (idolatry) the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon.

Jeremiah prophecied that the captivity would not be permanent. He even told those who would listen that it would last 70 years (slightly less than two generations, but almost twice as long as the wilderness wandering).

For thus saith יהוה, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. Jeremiah 29:10

Jeremiah's prophecy was fulfilled by King Cyrus' decree (537 B.C.) allowing the Return of the captives and the completion of the temple (516 B.C.).

Solomon's temple was destroyed and Israel taken captive in 586 B.C.. the Second temple was completed in 516 B.C. - 586-516 B.C. = 70 years, fulfillment of several prophecies.

While in captivity in Babylon, Daniel was lamenting and confessing the sins of Israel. He knew that the time, according to Jeremiah's prophecies was near.

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of יהוה came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. Daniel 9:2

Gabriel came to Daniel and said "O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding." Daniel 9:22

Daniel had said that he already understood the time prophecy of Jeremiah, so this prophetic answer included things Daniel DIDN'T know.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Daniel 9:24

70 (7 X 10) is another important Biblical number. As there had been 70 years of captivity, there would be 70 weeks for the people to stop sinning.

70 weeks = 490 days. A prophetic day is a literal year (2 Peter 3:8 referring to Psalms 90:4), so this prophecy is for 490 years. Again, we see a number very near the 12 generations. This number is also 70 X 7. The people of Yahweh were given 490 years to STOP sinning. But when would this time start? Gabriel gave that answer too.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Daniel 9:25

Some people believe this referred to the decree of Cyrus, but Cyrus' decree was too early and included ONLY rebuilding the temple, NOT the city, street and wall as declared in Daniel's prophecy. Cyrus' decree DID end the 70 years of Captivity, right on time.

The start of the 70 week prophecy could only be the decree of Artaxerxes I recorded in Ezra 7:12-26, which restored full rights and rebuilding of all, in 457 B.C.

The angel, Gabriel, left no room for misunderstanding. The time period would start with the commandment (decree) to restore and to build Jerusalem, its street and wall, and proceed until Messiah the Prince which would take seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.

This expressed time period is a little peculiar. Seven weeks, threescore and two weeks. (7 + 60 + 2 = 69 weeks). (note 69 weeks = 483 prophetic days = 483 literal years). Again this is very nearly 480 years or 12 generations. Then another week. Why didn't the angel simply say 70 weeks? We must assume there is some significance to dividing the original 70 weeks into 7 weeks, 62 weeks and 1 week.

The first 7 weeks (49 years) were required to complete the rebuilding, THEN came the 62 weeks (434 years). The final week is divided in half ("in the midst of the week") in order to confirm the covenant (build the 3rd temple in the 3rd promised land).

In the MIDST (middle) of the last week, he shall cause the sacrifice and offering to cease. This was exactly the time of Messiah's execution, His victory over Satan and sin. This victory instituted the new temple, created without hands and a new sacrificial system. Later, the city and sanctuary would be destroyed. This part ot the prophecy came true in 70 A.D.

487 years after the Exodus a new temple was dedicated (Solomon's).

444 years later (one generation less than 487) the Second temple was dedicated.

487 years after the Return from Babylon, another new temple was dedicated, the everlasting temple, built without hands.

Three temples. Three ages. Three Joshuas. 12 generations plus 12 generations plus 12 generations.

As there were 3 Joshuas, there were also 3 Returns from Babylon:

1. The decree of Cyrus recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. (539 or 538 BC) released the people (end of 70 years of captivity) and ordered rebuilding of temple (not city or streets or walls) which allowed the first Return, led by Joshua.

2. Ezra led the 2nd Return around 457 B.C.

3. Nehemiah led the 3rd Return around 444 B.C.

Three deliverances, three promised lands, three temples, three Joshua's and three Returns. AMAZING!