Some interesting arguements and opinions here. We ARE informed about the future - Isaiah 44:26, Amos 3:7, and Paul says 'You, my friends are not in the dark". Now in 2011, we can also see that it must be very close to the time that God will act once again in His creation.
Israel redeemed 2012 ? Judah redeemed 2030? Ezekiel 4:4-5 Next, lie on your left side, putting the weight of Israel’s punishment on it, I ordain that you bear their punishment for 390 days, allowing one day for each year of their punishment.
Ezekiel 4:6 When you have completed these days, lie down again, this time on your right side, and bear Judah’s punishment, I ordain for you 40 days, one day for each year.
This passage in Ezekiel has puzzled many people. Here is my explanation of it:The days ordained – 390 for Israel and 40 for Judah, each represent a year of their exile from the Land. But, because they still did not obey the Lord and keep their Covenant with Him, He multiplied the punishment by 7 times for Israel – Leviticus 26:18 and for Judah 7 times 7. Leviticus 26:23&27, Isaiah40:2.for the sins of Judah, double measure.
ISRAEL;
The 390 day/years served by Ezekiel – multiplied by 7 = 2,730 years total exile. The Northern 10 tribes of Israel were conquered by Assyria in 722BC, but their final deportation may have happened in 719BC, after Sargon 2, [reigned from 721-705BC] defeated the Philistines, then he returned to Assyria with all his captives. However, there is no record of exactly when the last of Israel went into exile, so it could have been 718 or 717, but this is 4 and 5 years after being conquered. = 2013 or 2014. Cannot be 722BC, that = 2009, or 721BC = 2010, still time for 720BC, return in 2011? Most likely 719 + 2730 -1 = 2012 when Israel returns to the Land. Minus 1, as BC1 andAD1 are the same year. Jeremiah 31:8-9 I shall bring the Israelites from the far ends of the earth... [ the second Exodus – Isaiah 11:11-13]
JUDAH:
The 40 day/years served by Ezekiel – multiplied by 7 times 7 = 1,960 years total exile.
In 70AD, the Romans exiled the Jewish people, they scattered around the world.
1960 + 70 = 2030 when Judah returns in full to the Land, with King Jesus.
Although some of the Jewish people have returned to a part of the Land, the prophecy in Jeremiah 12: 14-17 says that they will be uprooted, along with the “evil neighbours”, and only allowed back when they acknowledge Jesus as Messiah.
Luke 21:22-23 This is the time of retribution, when all that stands written is to be fulfilled.... there will be great distress in the Land and a terrible judgement on this people. [the Jews, conquered by the Romans in 70AD]
Luke 21:24 They will fall by the sword and be carried captive into all countries and Jerusalem [the Land] will be trampled underfoot by Gentiles, until the day of the Gentiles has run its course. [the end of this age. The 10 lost tribes are also gentiles]
Luke 21:27-28 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory. When this happens, stand up- hold your heads high, because your liberation is near. [Judah rejoins Israel at the Return of Jesus, in 2030]
Isaiah 40:9-11 Proclaim to Judah: your God is here. Here is the Lord, coming to rule with His powerful arm. He will care for His flock. [the Return of Jesus in glory]
Joel 3:1-2 When that time comes, on that Day when I reverse the fortunes of Judah, I shall gather all the nations together and bring them to the valley of Judgement [Armageddon] There I will judge them concerning My people, Israel whom they scattered around the world and divided up My Land. Ref: REB verses abridged.