The Prophesied Restoration of Judah After 7 Times, Part 1: 1878 – 1897 AD

On August 8, 1878 AD, Petach Tikvah (Door of Hope) was founded, the first Latter-Day Jewish agricultural settlement in Palestine. In 1879 (5874 AA), it produced the first Jewish harvest in that land to be sold in Jerusalem since the destruction of the Temple by the Romans. Three years later, in 1882 AD (5877 AA), the first large Aliyahs (“Ascents”/Returns) of Jews to their ancient homeland began.

7 times before 1878-79 AD, in 606 BC (3354 AA), the first dispersion of the Jews from Jerusalem took place, when Nebuchadnezzar carried off the vessels of the Temple, and also some selected Jews of noble lineage, Daniel included. Jer. 25:1; 2 Kings 24:1; Antiquities X:vi:1; Dan. 1:1ff. Three years later, in 603 BC (3357 AM), Nebuchadnezzar sent the enemies of Judah against the land, by which substantial numbers of Jews began to be “removed.” 2 Kings 24:1-3

In sum, 7 times after the beginning of the final decline and dispersion of the Kingdom of Judah, the Jews began to regather and return to their ancient homeland.

On August 29, 1897 AD (5893 AA) the First Zionist Congress convened in Basel, Switzerland. This congress, organized in 5892 AM, was established to promote the return of the Jews to their ancient homeland. It was the first independent governing body by and for all of the Jews since 588 BC.

7 times earlier, in mid-588 BC (3372 AA), Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar, and the Kingdom of Judah was extinguished. The remnant of Jews who had been allowed to remain in the land thereafter fled to Egypt in late 588 BC (early 3373 AA). Jer. 42-43:7

In sum, independent Jewish self-government began to be restored exactly 7 times after it had been extinguished.