Understanding the 1843 and 1850 Prophetic Charts

Yes, the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord and remains an accurate fulfillment of prophetic instructionExV 61.1+1.

The Origin and Purpose of the Prophetic Chart

The 1843 chart was developed in 1842 by Charles Fitch, who was moved by the Spirit of God to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the RevelationGC 392.2+1. This act was recognized as a direct fulfillment of the command in Habakkuk 2:2 to "write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it"GC 392.2+1. The Lord directed the work, ensuring the figures were exactly as He wanted them for that specific time in historyExV 61.1+1.

The "Mistake" and the Tarrying Time

While the 1843 chart was divine in its origin, God’s hand purposely hid a mistake in some of the figures so that it could not be seen until His hand was removedExV 61.1+1. This led to a brief period of disappointment, but this was also foretold in the same prophecy which stated that if the vision should tarry, believers must wait for it because it would surely come Habakkuk 2:3HST April 24, 1844, page 92.23. The apparent delay occurred because the calculation of 2300 years, beginning in 457 B.C., would actually terminate in the autumn of 1844 rather than 1843, due to the way years are reckoned from the autumn decreeLUJ 196.1+1.

The Correctness of the Message

The chart served as a vital tool to awaken the world to the hour of God's judgmentHST February 14, 1844, page 4.1+1. Although some people later rejected the dates, the message given in 1843 and 1844 was a blessing to those who received it, just as the disciples were blessed even when they misunderstood the nature of Christ's first advent Luke 10:23-24DAR1909 343.2.

• Divine Guidance: The Lord has shown that the 1843 chart should not be altered because it was directed by His handExV 61.1+1.

• Unfolding Truth: The symbols on the chart are considered correct and "written in a table forever and ever," providing a permanent foundation for understanding the sanctuary and the third angel's message Revelation 14:6-12ARSH March 29, 1864, page 142.10.

• Encouragement to Study: Just as a sailor must examine the chart for himself rather than relying solely on a captain's explanation, every believer is encouraged to take the Word of God as their counsel to avoid spiritual shipwreck Psalms 119:105HST February 14, 1844, page 4.1.

The truth presented on these tables was designed to prepare a people for the coming of the Lord and the cleansing of the sanctuaryFEE 191.2+1. Following these instructions helps us to find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man Proverbs 3:1-4.

The prophecy of the 2520 years, also known as the "seven times," is a vital chronological period that marks the long duration of the displacement of God's peopleHST May 1, 1844, page 100.7. This period is based on the prophetic principle that a day represents a literal year in symbolic prophecy Numbers 14:34+1GC88 324.1.

The Scriptural Foundation of the 2520

The "seven times" of punishment mentioned in the law of Moses is understood as a specific prophetic period of 2520 years Leviticus 26:18HST May 1, 1844, page 100.7. In symbolic prophecy, a "time" represents 360 days; therefore, seven times equals 2520 days, which, following the year-day principle, translates to 2520 literal yearsLUJ 167.3+1.

Historical Commencement and Termination

The calculation of this great period is anchored in established historical events and dates:

• The Starting Point: This period commenced with the captivity of Manasseh, the king of Judah, which occurred in B.C. 677HST May 1, 1844, page 100.7.

• The Termination: When reckoning 2520 years from B.C. 677, the period terminates in the year 1843HST March 13, 1844, page 44.8+1.

• The Significance: This timeline aligns with other major prophetic periods, such as the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 and the 1335 days of Daniel 12:12 all of which were understood to reach their conclusion around the same era of the great Advent awakening Daniel 8:14+1HST May 1, 1844, page 100.7.

The Role of Divine Providence

While there was a disappointment regarding the specific events expected at the end of these periods, the chronology itself remains a pillar of prophetic interpretationADTE March 1846, page 5.2+1. The Lord guided the students of prophecy to these conclusions to arouse the world and prepare a people for the hour of His judgment Revelation 14:6-7SDP 131.2+1.

These periods were given by the Holy Ghost with the design that they should be studied and eventually fully understood by the faithfulGC88 324.1+1. Although human chronology may vary slightly, the integrity of God’s word is maintained through the fulfillment of these appointed times Habakkuk 2:3ADTE March 1846, page 5.2+1. 🛡️✨