Biblical explanation
presents a ram, a goat, and other prophetic symbols. The angel explicitly identifies the ram as representing Media and Persia and the goat as Greece. The prophecy then reaches the sanctuary: “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” (). says the vision concerns “many days,” and follows with the 70-week prophecy. The connection between and is important because the 70 weeks are described as being “determined,” or cut off, in connection with the larger prophetic vision. Using the day-for-a-year principle, 2,300 prophetic days represent 2,300 years. The traditional calculation begins the prophetic period in 457 BC, associated with the decree to restore Jerusalem recorded in . The 2,300 years then reach 1844. The significance is not that Christ returned to earth in 1844. Rather, the interpretation understands as pointing to a phase of Christ's heavenly ministry involving the sanctuary and judgment. describes a heavenly judgment in which “the judgment was set, and the books were opened” (). The Son of Man then comes before the Ancient of Days and receives His kingdom. also announces: “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come” (). Daniel explicitly gives the 2,300-day figure and connects it with the sanctuary. The identification of the 2,300 days as years and the calculation to 1844 depend upon the prophetic day-year framework and the starting point derived from and .
In brief
presents a ram, a goat, and other prophetic symbols.
Bible references
Go deeper into this topic Bible Prophecy: A Roadmap to the Future Start the studyThis answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.