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Considering the Date when Lazarus was Risen from the
Dead
“And when [Yeshua] thus had spoken, he cried with a
loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and
foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith
unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44 (KJV)
Abstract:
May
the time of Lazarus’ being risen from the dead be exactly pinpointed? Two
scenarios are presented, each of which apparently harmonizes with the
Scriptural text passages. Though none of
them may be considered conclusive, seven arguments are listed below in favor of
Scenario #1.
The
prime key for dating this event is the fact that Martha is quoted as saying,
not “for he hath been dead four days” as translated in KJV, but “for it is the
Fourth Day [of the week]” (cf. the Greek Textus Receptus version of John
11:39.) It is worth emphasizing that ‘the Fourth’ occurs ‘after three full
days’ while ‘after four full days’ you have ‘the Fifth Day.’ Cf.: “Then when
Jesus came, he found that [Lazarus] had lain in the grave four [full] days
already.” John
Thus,
in accord with the best available Greek text, it seems certain that Yeshua
called Lazarus from the grave some time between sunset Tuesday night and sunset
Wednesday night, i.e. on the Fourth Day.
The more difficult question remaining is: The Fourth Day of which week?
Each
of the two scenarios below presents Lazurus’ arousal from death as occurring in
Aviv, i.e. in the First Moon. However, it could have taken place on the Fourth
Day of a week preceding Aviv.
Prior
to Passover, in the month of Aviv, 18 CE, the Fourth Day of the week occurs
twice: Aviv 8 and Aviv 1.
Yeshua
may have observed the New Moon crescent of Aviv 1 prior to his arrival into
“And
in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode
in the mount that is called the mount of Olives” Luke 21:37-22:1.
Argument
#1 in favor of Scenario #1: The fact
that the Scriptures indicates that “a great multitude” followed Yeshua out of
Jericho towards Jerusalem may be an indication that Passover was very close at
hand and that the month of Aviv had already arrived when Yeshua left Jericho
for Jerusalem. This is presented as Scenario #1 (the first table below.)
Argument
#2 in favor of Scenario #1: Supposing
Yeshua did indeed observe the New Moon crescent of Aviv 1 from the
Argument #3 in favor of Scenario #1: Was there a particularly important reason for
Yeshua’s two day delay prior to his returning with the messengers calling him
to help the dying Lazarus? John writes: “3 Therefore his sisters sent unto
him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick… 6 When he had heard
therefore that he was sick, he
abode two days [or ‘within Day Two
of the week’] still in the
same place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to
his disciples, Let us go into
Argument #4 in favor of Scenario #1: Arriving into Jericho, and thus into Judea where the
New Moon, i.e. Aviv, is not yet officially recognized, Yeshua met a blind man
by the name “Bartimaeus” whom he told “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee
whole” (cf. Mark 10:46, 52.) Interestingly, especially in the context of
Arguments #5 and #6 below, the name Bartimaeus means “son of Timaeus” and the
name “Timaeus” means “to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral
sense (contaminated,)” (cf. Strong’s #2930-31.) Is this a hidden cue to
the impure Calendar used in Judea?
Argument #5 in favor of Scenario #1: What is the meaning of the name Jericho? According to
Strong’s #3405, #3394, and #3391, the name Jericho is derived from a word
meaning “its month,” “the moon,” and “a lunation, i.e. month.” Shouldn’t the meaning of this name focus our
attention, as it probably did Yeshua’s, upon the basis, i.e. the beginning, of
the lunar month and the corresponding year?
Argument #6 in favor of Scenario #1: Could it be that Zacchaeus’ promises after Yeshua’s
visit with him is a reflection of Yeshua celebrating with Zacchaeus the New
Moon of a new Sacred Year, perhaps even of a Sabbath Year (cf. Deut. 15:1-18)
and a Year of Jubilee (cf. Lev. 25:10) relative to the absolute Sacred Calendar
of the Creator relative to the beginning of time as recorded in Genesis? Is
this perhaps a hidden key for pinpointing more exactly the Creator’s Sacred
Calendar? The name Zacchaeus means, according to Strong’s #2140, ‘pure.’ The
same Hebrew word comes from a root, Strong’s #2141, meaning ‘to be transparent
or clean.’ Is this a hint towards
helping us find the Sacred Calendar based upon the original Genesis Creation? A
hint helping us correct, make “pure,” our errant ways, as based upon various
other calendars, one of which may well be represented by the great sin of king
Jeroboam in setting up the two “golden calves” in Bethel and Dan? The Hebrew words corresponding to
“golden” and “calves” means, respectively, “shimmer, gold… something gold
colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky” and “to revolve, circular” (cf.
Strong’s #2091 and #5696.) Thus isn’t “solar calendar” an equal or better
translation of the Hebrew words translated “golden calves?” Cf. also the many
references to the sin(s) of Jeroboam in the following passages: 1 Kings 14:16,
15:30, 34, 16:2, 16, 26, 31, 22:52, 2 Kings 3:3, 10:29, 31, 13:2, 6, 11, 14:24,
15:9, 18, 24, 28, 17:22.
Argument #7 in favor of Scenario #1: The Greek name Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name
Eleazar which means “God (is) helper” (Strong’s #499.) Could this be yet another subtle hint of
Jahwe’s, relative to ‘arising’ for us, at the end times, the ‘help’ we need
from the ‘Creator’ in reestablishing true time reckoning relative to the Creation
and the true beginning of time? Perhaps to Yeshua the messengers bringing the
news about Lazarus’ illness was also understood in terms of the “ill” time
reckoning distancing the people from realizing the blessings otherwise inherent
in “God [as a] helper?” Cf.: “And ye shall cry out in that day because of your
king [cf. Jeroboam and his “golden calves,” i.e. his “solar calendar”] which ye
shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day” 1 Sam 8:18
(KJV.)
Argument #1 in favor of Scenario #2: Verses 20 and 30 of John chapter 11 makes it clear
that Yeshua was waiting in a certain spot, while apparently not being in any
great rush to get to Martha, Mary, Lazarus, and the grave. It is my
understanding that Bethany and the home of those friends of Yeshua was located
very close to, or even on, the Mount of Olives.
Possibly Yeshua was waiting for sunset and/or the appearance of the New
Moon crescent of Aviv 1 in this location? If so he would likely have given
preference to this important event before going on to the home of Martha and
Mary, wouldn’t he?
Cf.
also the Apostle
Peter’s Tomb (especially some of the scanned pages out of Gli Scavi
del Dominus Flevit at the bottom of this link,) Martha’s, Mary’s, and
Lazarus’ Burial Cave and &c.
and etc.
web sites!
None
the less, so far I find both of the following scenarios re the rising of
Lazarus consistent with the extant Scriptures:
Scenario #1
|
Julian weekday (midnight
to midnight) |
Julian date in
18 CE |
Jewish date (sunset to
sunset) |
Yeshua’s date &
biblical date |
Events |
|
|
October, 17 CE – April, 18 CE. |
|
|
The time frame for the events leading up to the
raising of Lazarus: The last Feast of Dedication prior to 18 CE occurred
on Friday December 3, 17 CE. The experiences of Yeshua at the Feast of
Dedication ends with the following words: “39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he
escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the
place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.” John 10:39-40
(KJV.) Luke’s recording of events
indicates that Yeshua spent some time in Galilee and Samaria during the time
between his visits at Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication and the Passion
Week. This fact necessarily places the meeting with Zacchaeus and the raising
of Lazarus towards the end of that time period: 1.
Transfiguration event:
Luke 9:28-37 - Friday night after sunset Tishri 22, 17 CE [October 1.] 2.
Heading towards Jerusalem (and
the Feast of Dedication): Luke 9:51 3.
Visiting with Martha and Mary [at Bethany during the Feast of Dedication (on Kislev [the 9th moon] 25, 17 CE [Friday December 3, 17
CE] )?]: Luke 10:38-39 4.
The reporting to Yeshua “of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had
mingled with their sacrifices”: Luke 13:1 5.
Teaching in a certain synagogue on the Sabbaths:
Luke 13:10 6.
Heading again towards Jerusalem: Luke13:22 7.
Tax collecting season: Luke 15:1 8.
Passing through Samaria and Galilee: Luke 17:11 9.
Drawing near to Jericho: Luke 18:35 10.
Passing through Jericho and meeting Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-6. |
|
Sunday until Tuesday |
April 3 – April 5 |
Adar 28 (?) & Adar 29 (?): (2nd Day [Sunday night + Monday] +3rd
Day [Monday night + Tuesday] ) |
Adar 28 & Adar 29: (2nd Day [Sunday night + Monday] +3rd
Day [Monday night + Tuesday] ) |
Did Yeshua stay “beyond Jordan” 1. for two
full 24 hour days, 2. until “after”
“Day Two” of the week, 3. until “after” “[the first] two
days” of the week, “or perhaps 4. until after “Day Two” of the
month? “3 Therefore his
sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick…
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two [full?] days [or
‘within Day Two of the week(?) or month(?)’] still in the same
place where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to
his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again” John 11:3-7 (KJV.) If Yeshua “abode two [full] days [the 2nd
and 3rd Days of the week (arriving at Bethany on the 4th)]
still in the same place where he was” after “he had heard… that [Lazarus] was
sick” the messengers from the sisters must have reached Yeshua on the First
Day of the week [i.e. Saturday night or Sunday day] according to the within
Scenario #1. Consequently the
messengers must have left Lazarus this First Day of the week [Sunday] at the
very latest, but more likely some time during the prior week. Thus, according
to Scenario #1, it appears that Lazarus was sick a minimum of five days
before he died (cf. discussion below at Aviv 3.) Because the New Moon crescent, according to this
study, occurred at the end of the 3rd Day of the week [Tuesday
night,] not at the end of the 2nd Day, the present study does not
allow for a “Day Two of the week” translation, nor does it allow for a “Day
Two of the month” translation, i.e. if Yeshua initiated his
return immediately upon having observed the New Moon crescent, and if
Zacchaeus was located in Jericho and Jericho was considered within Judea at
this particular time in history, which it usually is (cf. further discussion
below at “Aviv 1, or 1&2.”) However, consider also the discussion at Aviv
2 below! What about the “two days”
that Yeshua stayed “still in the same place where he was”? Was this delay due
to Yeshua’s desire to observe firsthand – from Mt. Nebo? - the New Moon
crescent, and “after that” to “blow the trumpet” of the New Moon? “6 When he [Yeshua] had heard
therefore that he [Lazarus] was sick, he abode two days [or
‘within Day Two [‘of the week’ or ‘of the month’?]’] still in the same place where he was.
7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea
again” John 11:3-7 (KJV.) Cf. Num. 10:10, 28:10, 1 Sam. 20:5-6, & Ps.
81:3. According to this Scenario #1
it appears as though the Second Day and the Third Day of this particular week
were the “two days” which are being referenced in the above text. When at
sunset at the end of the 3rd day Yeshua saw the New Moon crescent,
he was immediately ready to announce, i.e. “after that” (at the end of the 2nd
and 3rd Days,) “Let us go into Judaea again.” |
|
Tuesday night |
April 5 |
Adar 30 (?) |
Aviv 1 |
Observing firsthand the
new moon crescent defining the Eve of the New Moon and of the New Sacred
Year. Yeshua emphasized the
importance of a direct Father-Son relationship between the Creator and each
of us, thus naturally he recognized the importance of taking responsibility
for observing the crescent of the new moon himself on the Eve of the New Moon
and of the New Sacred Year. As is noted within this study Yeshua’s calendar,
at least for the Passion Week, was based upon his own observation of the
crescent of the new moon (which he may
have seen on this occasion from Mt. Nebo “beyond Jordan” (cf. John 10:39-40
(KJV.)) |
|
Tuesday night & Wednesday, or Wednesday night
& Thursday |
April 5 & 6, or 6 & 7 |
Adar 30 (?) or Adar 30 (?) & Aviv 1 |
Aviv 1 or Aviv 1&2 |
Did Yeshua “blow the
trumpet” of the New Moon at Zacchaeus’ house? “1 And Jesus entered and
passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus… 5
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto
him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy
house.” Luke 19:1-5 (KJV.) Cf. Num. 10:10, 28:10, 1 Sam. 20:5-6, & Ps.
81:3. Was Yeshua’s stay at
Zacchaeus’ house included in the two days or not? Jericho is generally
recognized as located within Judea during the last few years of Yeshua’s
life. If Zacchaeus’s house was located in Jericho it ought also to be within
Judea, and if the events related in Luke 19:1-5 are sequentially correct,
then Yeshua’s words “Let
us go into Judaea”(John 11:7) would
seem out of place. I.e. if we consider Yeshua’s stay in Zacchaeus’ house, on
Aviv 1 or 1&2, as an event within the “two days” of the text below: “6 When he [Yeshua] had heard
therefore that he [Lazarus] was sick, he abode two days [or
‘within Day Two [of the week or month?]’] still in the same place
where he was. 7 Then after that saith he to
his disciples, Let us go
into Judaea again” John 11:3-7
(KJV.) Thus it would appear that the
words “two days” are correctly translated when referencing primarily duration
of time rather than a specific ‘time within which’ (cf. discussion above at
“Last two days of Adar.”) |
|
Wednesday night or Thursday |
April 6 or 7 |
Aviv 1 |
Aviv 2 |
Yeshua’s leaving Jericho
for Jerusalem together with “a great multitude” seems to indicate that
Passover was quite close at hand: “29 And as they departed
from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two
blind men... 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and
immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.” Matt 20:29-34
(KJV.) It seems likely that Yeshua would have set out to
travel on Aviv 2, i.e. some time after “blowing the trumpet” of the New Moon,
and of the New Sacred Year, which Yeshua apparently did at Zacchaeus’ house.
It seems less likely that either Yeshua, or “a great multitude” would have
set out from Jericho for Jerusalem on the morning of the last day of Adar (at
the very latest,) i.e. in time for Yeshua to arrive in time to the Mt. of
Olives to observe the New Moon crescent from there at the beginning of the
Fourth Day [Tuesday night,] while raising Lazarus the very same evening, or
else at the beginning of the Fourth Day [Tuesday night,] one or more weeks
prior. This would have required the visit with Zacchaeus to have occurred at
the beginning of the Third Day [Monday night, April 4] at the very latest,
and this would allow Yeshua to leave for Zacchaeus, Jericho, and Judea, at
the end of “the 2nd Day” of the week as well as after “abiding two
days,” which would also have been “[the first] two days [of the week,]
following his having “heard” the message about Lazarus’ illness sometime
during the Sabbath hours, or else on the First Day of the week. Cf. Mark 10:12, 46, 52,
& 11:1; Luke 17:11, 18:31, 35, 43, &19:1,5, 28; and John 10:22, 40,
& 11:3, 6, 7, 17, 39, 53-55. |
|
Friday |
April 8 |
Aviv 2 |
Aviv 3 |
Lazarus had “lain in the
grave” [“four [full] days” prior to “the fourth [day of the week.]”] (Cf.
John 11:17, 39 (Textus Receptus.)) “Then when Jesus came, he found that he
had lain in the grave four days already.” John 11:17 (KJV) Thus, Lazarus would have
died and been “lain in the grave” no later than sunset at the beginning of
the Sabbath hours, as was later Yeshua. |
|
Tuesday night or Wednesday |
April 12 or 13 |
Aviv 7 |
Aviv 8 |
Lazarus raised from the dead “on the fourth [day of
the week.]” (Cf. John 11:39 (Textus Receptus.)) “Then from that day forth
they took counsel together for to put him to death” John 11:53 (KJV.) |
Scenario #2
(In order to facilitate
for the reader a comparison between the two, all changes, in Scenario #2 below
relative to Scenario #1 above, are indicated with red font. In addition to red font changes the rows, within the
table below, are rearranged in accord with the new set of dates, i.e. “new”
relative to Scenario #1 above.)
|
Julian weekday (midnight
to midnight) |
Julian date in
18 CE |
Jewish date (sunset to
sunset) |
Yeshua’s date &
biblical date |
Events |
|
|
October, 17 CE – April, 18 CE. |
|
|
The time frame for the events leading up to the
raising of Lazarus: The last Feast of Dedication prior to 18 CE occurred
on Friday December 3, 17 CE. The experiences of Yeshua at the Feast of
Dedication ends with the following words: “39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he
escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the
place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.” John 10:39-40
(KJV.) Luke’s recording of events
indicates that Yeshua spent some time in Galilee and Samaria during the time
between his visits at Jerusalem at the Feast of Dedication and the Passion
Week. This fact necessarily places the meeting with Zacchaeus and the raising
of Lazarus towards the end of that time period: 11.
Transfiguration event:
Luke 9:28-37 - Friday night after sunset Tishri 22, 17 CE [October 1.] 12.
Heading towards Jerusalem (and the Feast of Dedication): Luke 9:51 13.
Visiting with Martha and Mary [at Bethany during the Feast of Dedication (on Kislev [the 9th moon] 25, 17 CE [Friday December 3, 17
CE] )?]: Luke 10:38-39 14.
The reporting to Yeshua “of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had
mingled with their sacrifices”: Luke 13:1 15.
Teaching in a certain synagogue on the Sabbaths:
Luke 13:10 16.
Heading again towards Jerusalem: Luke13:22 17.
Tax collecting season: Luke 15:1 18.
Passing through Samaria and Galilee: Luke 17:11 19.
Drawing near to Jericho: Luke 18:35 20.
Passing through Jericho and meeting Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-6. |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday |
April 1 |
Adar 25 (?) |
Adar 25 |
Lazarus “lain in
the grave:” Lazarus had “lain in the
grave” [“four [full] days” prior to “the fourth [day of the week.]”] (Cf.
John 11:17, 39 (Textus Receptus.)) “Then when Jesus came, he found that he
had lain in the grave four days already.” John 11:17 (KJV) Thus, Lazarus would have died and been “lain in the
grave” no later than sunset at the beginning of the Sabbath hours, as was
later Yeshua. |
|
(Saturday night) until Monday at sunset |
|
(Adar 27 (?) &) Adar 28 (?)
|
(Adar 27 &) Adar 28
|
Did Yeshua stay “beyond Jordan” 1. for two
full 24 hour days, 2. until “after”
“Day Two” of the week, 3. until “after” “[the first] two
days” of the week, “or perhaps 4. until after “Day Two” of the
month? “3 Therefore his
sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick…
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode [the first] two [full?] days [or
‘within Day Two of the week(?) If Yeshua “abode two [full] days In Scenario #2 this paragraph is
irrelevant though technically correct: Because
the New Moon crescent, according to this study, occurred at the end of the 3rd
Day of the week [Tuesday night,] not at the end of the 2nd Day,
the present study does not allow for a “Day Two of the week” translation, nor
does it allow for a “Day Two of the month” translation, i.e. if
Yeshua initiated his return immediately upon having observed the New Moon
crescent, and if Zacchaeus was located in Jericho and Jericho
was considered within Judea at this particular time in history, which it
usually is (cf. further discussion below at “Adar 29 Adar 29
below! What about the “two days”
that Yeshua stayed “still in the same place where he was”? What was this delay due to? “6 When he had heard therefore that he was
sick, he abode [the first] two [full?] days [or
‘within Day Two of the week(?) According to this Scenario #2
it appears as though the Second
Day (or even the first two days) |
|
Monday night
|
April 4
|
Adar 29 (?)
|
Adar 29
|
Did Yeshua “blow the
trumpet” of the New Moon at Zacchaeus’ house? “1 And Jesus entered and
passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus… 5
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto
him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy
house.” Luke 19:1-5 (KJV.) Cf. Num. 10:10, 28:10, 1 Sam. 20:5-6, & Ps.
81:3. Was Yeshua’s stay at
Zacchaeus’ house included in the two days or not? Jericho is generally
recognized as located within Judea during the last few years of Yeshua’s
life. If Zacchaeus’s house was located in Jericho it ought also to be within
Judea, and if the events related in Luke 19:1-5 are sequentially correct,
then Yeshua’s words “Let
us go into Judaea”(John 11:7) would
seem out of place. I.e. if we consider Yeshua’s stay in Zacchaeus’ house, on
Aviv 1 or 1&2, as an event within the “two days” of the text below: “6 When he [Yeshua] had heard therefore that
he [Lazarus] was sick, he abode [within the first] two days [of the week, or else
‘within Day Two [of the week Thus it would appear that the
words “two days” are correctly translated when referencing |
|
|
|
Adar 29 (?) |
Adar 29 |
Yeshua’s leaving Jericho
for Jerusalem together with “a great multitude” seems to indicate that
Passover was quite close at hand: “29 And as they departed
from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two
blind men... 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and
immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.” Matt 20:29-34
(KJV.)
Cf. Mark 10:12, 46, 52,
& 11:1; Luke 17:11, 18:31, 35, 43, &19:1,5, 28; and John 10:22, 40,
& 11:3, 6, 7, 17, 39, 53-55. |
|
Tuesday night |
April 5 |
Adar 30 (?) |
Aviv 1 |
Observing firsthand the
new moon crescent defining the Eve of the New Moon and of the New Sacred
Year. Yeshua emphasized the
importance of a direct Father-Son relationship between the Creator and each
of us, thus naturally he recognized the importance of taking responsibility
for observing the crescent of the new moon himself on the Eve of the New Moon
and of the New Sacred Year. As is noted within this study Yeshua’s calendar,
at least for the Passion Week, was based upon his own observation of the
crescent of the new moon (which he may
have seen on this occasion from the Mt. of Olives. |
|
Tuesday night or Wednesday |
April 5 or 6 |
Adar 30(?) |
Aviv
1 |
Following Yeshua’s observation of the New
Moon crescent from the Mt. of Olives,
Lazarus was raised from the dead “on the fourth [day of the
week.]” (Cf. John 11:39 (Textus Receptus.)) “Then from that day forth they
took counsel together for to put him to death.” John 11:53 (KJV) |
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