The Misunderstanding

The disappointed expectations for Christ’s return in 1844 were the result of a misunderstanding as to which sanctuary was to be cleansed. But before we criticize those believers we need to remember that the prophet Daniel misunderstood the same thing. Daniel received the vision of the 2300-day prophecy in 551 B.C. But Gabriel did not provide a full explanation of the prophecy until the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, which was 538 B.C. Chapter nine reveals that during those 13 years Daniel held a misunderstanding as to which sanctuary was to be cleansed. His concern was for the temple in Jerusalem, which he hoped would soon be restored. He certainly did not want to see it lay in ruins for 2300 years. That was the reason for his great anxiety and earnest prayer.

William Miller began preaching on the 2300-day prophecy in the year 1831. Until 1844 people incorrectly assumed that the sanctuary to be cleansed was the earth, which would be cleansed by Christ’s second coming. Just like Daniel, for 13 years they misunderstood which sanctuary was to be cleansed! That was the whole misunderstanding.

Because God may withhold the full light of truth from His people for a time does not mean that He is not leading them. He has a reason for all He does, and He unfolds His secrets as He sees best. Our duty is to walk in the light as He reveals it, and He will guide us into all truth.