Jacob and his family moved to Egypt because of a severe famine in the land. God used Joseph so seventy grows into millions that would possess the Promised Land. The children of Israel were free 95 years and enslaved for about 120 years. God sent ten plagues on Egypt and then destroyed their army at the Red Sea. After this great deliverance, the people were given two tests to see if they were ready to take the land: Mt. Sinai and Kadesh Barnea. These were Israel's days of decision.

You [Moses] have seen what I [God] did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (Exodus 19:4-6).

The first test was at Mt. Sinai. Fifty days after crossing the Red Sea, the people camped at the foot of the mountain. Moses went up to meet God and receive the covenant for Israel. After forty days, Moses returned from Mt. Sinai, saw the children of Israel worshiping the golden calf and became so angry that he broke the stone tablets. Forty days after Weeks/Pentecost was the 17th of Tammuz (June/July).

It came to pass, as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount (Exodus 32:19).

The second test was at Kadesh Barnea. One year after God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, twelve spies were sent to explore the land forty days. The Hebrews had a choice to follow God's plan and take the Promised Land or believe the evil report and rebel against God. Because of a lack of faith, ten spies rebelled against God, discouraged the people and they all wander in the wilderness forty years. The Kadesh Barnea rebellion occurred on the 9th of Av (July/August).

Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it [the Promised Land]; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we (Numbers 13:30-31).

Mt. Sinai and Kadesh Barnea are ancient historic days in Israel's history. However, seven holy days are fulfilled by Jesus Christ. These major and minor days are being fulfilled in our time. See Calendar. In 586, Babylon began their final attack against Jerusalem. On the 17th of Tammuz, the walls were breached. In 70 AD, Rome breached the walls of Jerusalem on the same day. On July 4, 1776, thirteen British colonies declared independence from the United Kingdom and the United States was born.

The 9th of Av is a Jewish fast day. In 586 the Babylonians and in 70 AD the Romans destroyed the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Jew were persecuted by the Romans (70, 135), English (1290), French (1306), Spanish (1492), Russian (1914) and Germans (1942, 1943) on this date.

In 1914, German declared war on Russian and World War I begins. In 1990, Iraq and Kuwait broke off talks and Iraq War I (Persian Gulf War) began two days later. In 2005, the United States pressured Israel to evacuate Gaza and four settlements in Samaria. On the 9th of Av, Tropical Depression Ten forms, dissipates and later reforms. Americans evacuated the coast of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi because of Hurricane Katrina. Later, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive stroke and US President George W. Bush's party lost a majority in the US House and Senate.

Throughout history, the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av have been tragic days for Israel and the world. Watch as these days are fulfilled in the Tribulation. In 2017, the 17th of Tammuz is July 10-11 and the 9th of Av is July 31-August 1.

References: 21st Century Revelation: World Wars, Iraq Wars and End Wars Chapter 13 - Minor Feasts, Major Events, Chronology of Man, 9th of Av