How Long is the Tribulation period?

[Travis]

Dispensational theology seems to be the main viewpoint regarding the book of Revelation and the end times in the 'Western' church. Besides Dispensationalism, there is also Covenant Theology and some other alternatives like New Covenant Theology. Within all the categories, there are also different views of the end times, and the meaning of the prophesies we have concerning it. But, to the point.

Many people believe that there is a 7 year time period waiting to happen which will usher in the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. This is known as the Tribulation, or even the Great Tribulation, though some would distringuish between the two.

Is there a given time period that is assigned for the future, where things like the prophesies of the book of Revelation will be played out? If so, how long will this time period be? Where can we find information about how long it will be?

 

[RJ]

• I don't see any where it says exactlyl
• The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. 1260 days = 3 1/2 years. Revelation 12:6
• I plan on being in spirit or my heavenly body and time / space is not relative in the spiritual realm.

 

[B-A-C]

Most of this comes from Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; and Rev 12:6; and Rev 12:14;

Some Bible say 1,260 days. Some use the expression, times, time and a half time. (2yr, + 1 yr, + 1/2 year = 3 1/2 yrs)
The traditional view is the tribulation will last 3 1/2 years, there will be a short interlude while the two witnesses lie in the streets for 3days,
the will come the great tribulation which is worse than the first tribulation.

The events of the tribulation are listed in Revelation as 7 seals, 7 bowls, 7 trumpets, 7 peals of thunder, and 3 woes. There is some overlap in these it seems.

 

[Travis]

I don't see any where it says exactly
The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. 1260 days = 3 1/2 years. Revelation 12:6

Ya, it doesn't seem to just outright say that it is 7 years long. The times, time and half a time, and 1260 days are mentioned quite repetitively though.

Most of this comes from Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; and Rev 12:6; and Rev 12:14;

Some Bible say 1,260 days. Some use the expression, times, time and a half time. (2yr, + 1 yr, + 1/2 year = 3 1/2 yrs)
The traditional view is the tribulation will last 3 1/2 years, there will be a short interlude while the two witnesses lie in the streets for 3days,
the will come the great tribulation which is worse than the first tribulation.

The events of the tribulation are listed in Revelation as 7 seals, 7 bowls, 7 trumpets, 7 peals of thunder, and 3 woes. There is some overlap in these it seems.

Ya, I think the Tribulation must be at least 3 1/2 years long. I guess if you added two of those time periods talked about (approx 3 1/2 years each) you would get 7 years out of them. I'm not sure I see any reason to think they are talking about two different sections of time though, seems like they are all talking about the time of Jacob's Trouble.

The nice thing about pre-trib though, is that one doesn't need to worry themselves about all this stuff, it's all really just an academic endeavor at the end of the day, because all believers will be gone before this stuff goes down. It will just be the Jews and unbelieving (at that moment in time at least) gentiles left to deal with it.

Nonetheless, I would like to know how long this time is going to be. So, where does this idea of a 7 year tribulation come from?

Travis

 

[B-A-C]

Dan 9:24; "Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.
Dan 9:25; "So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.
Dan 9:26; "Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.
Dan 9:27; "And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."

Dan 12:11; "From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
Dan 12:12; "How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!

1,335 days is 190 weeks. (roughly 3.6 years)
If you tie Daniel 12:11; (which says the 1,290 days starts after the abomination of desolation)
to Matt 24:15; (also see Mark 13:14; ) to the previous 194 weeks before the abomination of desolation, it comes out to roughly 7 years.

1,290 days divided by 365.25 = 3.5 years

I have heard the Jacob's troubles theories, and also heard the each prophetic week is year theory, but the Daniel verses make more sense to me at least.

Some believe that the abomination of desolation is what sets off the "great" tribulation (the second 3 1/2 years)

Rev 14:9; Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Rev 14:10; he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

The idea is that Jesus won't return right away after the abomination of desolation. (to give more people time to be saved).
I'm not sure that you could say exactly 3 1/2 years to the day, but whenever it is, the advent of the two witnesses and the abomination of
desolation is what kicks off the the "2nd" or "great" tribulation.

Rev 7:13; Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?"
Rev 7:14; I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Rev 11:2 "Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months.
Rev 11:3 "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
Rev 11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Revelation 11 is where we finally see it all put together. 42 months plus 1,260 days = roughly 7 years.
42 months divided by 12 months = 3.5 years.
1,260 days divided by 365 days = (about 3.5 years)

 

[Chad]

Hi @Travis

Good topic and question. I love end times prophecy and the book of revelation. Exciting stuff and ultimately, the greatest news ever: Jesus Wins!

I believe its 3 1/2 years after the first 3 1/2 years of the antichrist's fake peace and reign in the world.

I also strongly believe were living in the age of Revelation, even the end of it. It's drawing nigh based on so many factors.

1. Natural disasters dramatically increasing in numbers and frequency

2. Love among people has drastically waxed cold

3. Increase of violence, children dis honoring parents, God haters, sexual immorality.

4. Internet. The bible says that Christ will not return until the gospel is preached to all the ends of the earth. I believe the Internet has accomplished this especially the last few years with the addition of smart phones and social media. Also, don't forget our little community here Talk Jesus

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

 

[boldncourageous]

Seriously, pick up a history book. If you don't know what has already transpired, then you will think it's futuristic.

Start with Daniel 11, once you understand that it's a time between 529 BC to the time of the Roman Empire, you will be on your way. The High Priest of Israel was able to show Alexander the Great his place in history/prophesy due to this passage... find and read that story. Read the story of Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) and the facts on the first abomination of desolation in 164-7 BC. Study the Jewish Revolt or Roman-Jewish War between 66 and 73 AD hint: 1 week war in which the daily sacrifices and offerings WERE ended in 70 AD.

 

[B-A-C]

Seriously, pick up a history book. If you don't know what has already transpired, then you will think it's futuristic.

Yes the abomination of desolation happened way back in Daniels time. Jesus said it will happen again. ( Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14; )

 

[Brad Huber]

How long do you bring heat to a smelter to purify metals 100%?

 

[boldncourageous]

Yes the abomination of desolation happened way back in Daniels time. Jesus said it will happen again. ( Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14; )

Daniel 12:1.... "AT THAT TIME..." what time is it? Not the one you are suggesting. Think Daniel 11 hint hint.

Matt. 24:3, Mark 13:4, Luke 21:7... What is the common question in these verses? What is the uncommon question in these verses. What is the CONTEXT? And WHY are you IGNORING the common question? AND WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Seriously, your depth of study is not your own, but spoon fed to you by man.

Whats Jesus' warning after the last three references above? What is the CONTEXT of the SUBJECT in which this warning is declared?

Don't fall for the bait and switch!

 

[Chad]

Daniel 12:1.... "AT THAT TIME..." what time is it? Not the one you are suggesting. Think Daniel 11 hint hint.

Matt. 24:3, Mark 13:4, Luke 21:7... What is the common question in these verses? What is the uncommon question in these verses. What is the CONTEXT? And WHY are you IGNORING the common question? AND WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Seriously, your depth of study is not your own, but spoon fed to you by man.

Whats Jesus' warning after the last three references above? What is the CONTEXT of the SUBJECT in which this warning is declared?

Don't fall for the bait and switch!

You have an attitude problem and seriously presumptuous about others, and you just joined yesterday marching in like this? Nice try. Account closed.

You're downright rude to my member here and I won't tolerate it. You're definitely not worthy of teaching anyone anything with that kind of response.

 

[B-A-C]

Daniel 12:1.... "AT THAT TIME..." what time is it? Not the one you are suggesting. Think Daniel 11 hint hint.

Matt 24:4; And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you.
Matt 24:5; "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
Matt 24:6; "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.
Matt 24:7; "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
Matt 24:8; "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Matt 24:9; "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
Matt 24:10; "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.
Matt 24:11; "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
Matt 24:12; "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
Matt 24:13; "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
Matt 24:14; "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Matt 24:15; "Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
Matt 24:29; "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Matt 24:30; "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.
Matt 24:31; "And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

It seems the time Jesus is talking about here, is defined in the context of the passage above.
There were no false Christ's in the time of Daniel. The gospel had not been preached to the whole world in the time of Daniel.
No one was hated because of Jesus's name in the time of Daniel.
The sun, moon and stars did not fail in the time of Daniel, and the Son of Man (Jesus) did not come to gather up the elect in the time of Daniel.

To me the entire context of the latter part of Matthew 24 is the rapture/tribulation/end of days.

 

[Travis]

Hi @Travis

Good topic and question. I love end times prophecy and the book of revelation. Exciting stuff and ultimately, the greatest news ever: Jesus Wins!

I believe its 3 1/2 years after the first 3 1/2 years of the antichrist's fake peace and reign in the world.

I also strongly believe were living in the age of Revelation, even the end of it. It's drawing nigh based on so many factors.

1. Natural disasters dramatically increasing in numbers and frequency

2. Love among people has drastically waxed cold

3. Increase of violence, children dis honoring parents, God haters, sexual immorality.

4. Internet. The bible says that Christ will not return until the gospel is preached to all the ends of the earth. I believe the Internet has accomplished this especially the last few years with the addition of smart phones and social media. Also, don't forget our little community here Talk Jesus

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Matthew 24:14

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Thanks for the reply Chad,

I love studying end times prophecy too, and also think that we are soon closing in on the end of the age.

I definitely don't have it all figured out yet by any means.

Travis

 

[Travis]

How long do you bring heat to a smelter to purify metals 100%?

I think with certain precious metals, where you want that 99.9% purity, you will often heat the metal up to a liquid state about 7 times or so, with some processing in between each stage to purify that metal. I hear it's when you heat up something like silver and you can see your reflection almost perfectly in the surface of the liquid that it's reached purity, all the impurities have been burnt off and removed.

Likewise, I think when Christ looks down into the crucible and sees his face reflected back to him perfectly by his bride, is when he will say that the 'silver' is pure enough. I don't think the church is there yet. We've got some more sanctification to undergo. But, it will be more than worth it in the end.

Travis

 

[Travis]

Ok, so B-A-C pointed out some things that might point towards the tribulation period being 7 years long.

One can say some of the different ~3 1/2 year periods could be added together to make 7 years, but I think this is only reasonable to suggest this if there are at least some other scriptures that points to a 7 year period that needs to be fulfilled. Otherwise, I think it's best to assume that all the ~3 1/2 year periods are talking about the same relative time frame, just from different perspectives with a lot of overlap. So, where does the idea of a 7 year period come from? Well, I think, as it has been mentioned, it has to come from Daniel's seventy weeks prophecy. There is one other place I know of that mentions a seven year period that could be analogous to a 7 year tribulation period (Joseph and the 7 year famine), but other than that, I think the whole idea of a 7 year tribulation comes from the book of Daniel.

Daniel 9
23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. 24 "Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. 25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator."​

Here's how I understand this explanation given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel:

1. The seventy weeks mentioned are "to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place." This tells us that there are seven (number of completion) things which will be accomplished by the end of the seventy weeks. So, we know that these 70 weeks are not complete yet, because not everything is completely accomplished. There is still more vision and prophecy to be "sealed" up (fulfilled).
   
   Matthew Henry says it well:
   
   
   The times here determined are somewhat hard to be understood. In general, it is seventy weeks, that is, seventy times seven years, which makes just 490 years. The great affairs that are yet to come concerning the people of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem, will lie within the compass of these years. (. . .)
   
   He came to seal up the vision and prophecy, all the prophetical visions of the Old Testament, which had reference to the Messiah. He sealed them up, that is, he accomplished them, answered to them to a tittle; all things that were written in the law, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning the Messiah, were fulfilled in him. Thus he confirmed the truth of them as well as his own mission. He sealed them up, that is, he put an end to that method of God's discovering his mind and will, and took another course by completing the scripture-canon in the New Testament, which is the more sure word of prophecy than that by vision, 2 Pt. 1:19; Heb. 1:1.
   
   He came to anoint the most holy, that is, himself, the Holy One, who was anointed (that is, appointed to his work and qualified for it) by the Holy Ghost, that oil of gladness which he received without measure, above his fellows; or to anoint the gospel-church, his spiritual temple, or holy place, to sanctify and cleanse it, and appropriate it to himself (Eph. 5:26), or to consecrate for us a new and living way into the holiest, by his own blood (Heb. 10:20), as the sanctuary was anointed, Ex. 30:25, etc. He is called Messiah (v. 25, 26), which signifies Christ-Anointed (Jn. 1:41), because he received the unction both for himself and for all that are his.​
   
   So, Christ fulfilled the Messianic prophecies, and perfectly fulfilled the law, atoning for our sin. But, there is still much vision and prophecy yet to be fulfilled.
   
   
2. So, if the seventy weeks is yet to be completely fulfilled, then we can accurately say that the 7 and 62 weeks mentioned right afterwords are parts/pieces of the full 70 weeks, broken down to give us more accurate detail; not additions to, or on top of, the previously mentioned seventy weeks. I find this in bible prophecy quite often, especially the book of Revelation, that God's word will repeat itself from different angles to give us a better perspective. Things are repeated often, but with somewhat different details each time, to give us a better idea of what is going on.
   
   70 - (7 +62) = 1
   
   There is 1 remaining week. That is the where the 7 year period comes from, that one remaining week.
   
   
3. That being said, let's take a closer look at that last week of years, or 7 year period.
   
   
   And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing.​
   
   After, the 62 weeks, the anointed one (Jesus) will be cut off (death on a cross), and shall have nothing (He is King of the Jews, but did not come the first time to physically reign on Earth). So, sometime after the 62 weeks, but before the end of the last week, the Messiah would be cut off. Exactly when that is, is yet to be determined. But we know that it is sometime in this 7 year period. What does the next verse say though:
   
   
   And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering...​
   
   Who shall make a strong covenant with many for one week? Who else but Jesus Christ. Jesus put an end to sacrifice and offering half way through the week as well. His ministry (the start of which I believe was the start of the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy) lasted ~3.5 years. At the end of that time, he became our sacrifice, the perfect sacrifice. There is no reason for any more sacrifice after Christ's atonement, for it was sufficient for all. Thus, in the middle of the week, the Messiah was cut off, and put an end to sacrifice and offering. Jesus fulfilled the first half of the 70th week of Daniel, and broke the middle of the week wide open for us.
   
   That strong covenant with many for one week is still going on to this day because Jesus put a gap, or a pause, in the middle of the 70th week of Daniel. But, that also means there is ~3 1/2 years left to finish the week out, to fulfill all vision and prophecy. I believe that's what this 3.5 years of tribulation the scriptures talk about consist of. The culmination of such being Christ's second coming where he will throw the Beast and the False Prophet into the lake of Fire, and tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
   
   How do I know this is reffering to the Messiah, and not the little horn (or son of perdition)? Well the rest of the verse reads:
   
   
   And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.​
   
   If the first part of the verse was already talking about this man, there would be no reason for the second part of the verse to introduce him here. The fact that the one who makes desolate is mentioned here denotes that the previous part of the verse was talking about a different individual altogether (namely Christ). The "antiChrist" as understood today as a single man who will some day come, is not the one who puts an end to sacrifice and offering, it is Jesus Christ who already put an end to sacrifice and offering by his blood which he shed on Calvary.
   
   tetelestai - It is finished - John 19:30
   

That was a lot of writing... Kudos to anyone who read through it all. Hopefully more to come.

Travis

 

[Brad Huber]

Exactly Travis, basically we dont know for sure, but it will be worth the wait.

 

[NoHype]

Our Lord Jesus did tell us more. In Matt.24 He also said that the tribulation would be 'shortened' for His elect's sake. I must assume that means the latter 3.5 years of the 7 years ("one week") prophecy of Daniel 9:27 is to be shortened.

In Rev.9 our Lord Jesus showed the locusts there stinging those not sealed for "five months", Also in His Olivet Discourse of Matt.24 and Mark 13, He gave a metaphor of winter, spring, vs. summer about the fig, pointing to the time of summer harvest.

There also is to be a major event during the tribulation involving the testimony given by His elect, which involves the idea of The Gospel going out to all peoples before the end. The meaning of Mark 13:10 in the Greek can also point to the idea of a herald, like a town crier who reveals news in the public square. Mark 13:10 is being given in-between the subject about His elect that are delivered up to councils and synagogues in the end to give a testimony for Him, so that v.10 must be kept in context with that to get the full meaning.

 

[norapture]

Ok, so B-A-C pointed out some things that might point towards the tribulation period being 7 years long.

One can say some of the different ~3 1/2 year periods could be added together to make 7 years, but I think this is only reasonable to suggest this if there are at least some other scriptures that points to a 7 year period that needs to be fulfilled. Otherwise, I think it's best to assume that all the ~3 1/2 year periods are talking about the same relative time frame, just from different perspectives with a lot of overlap. So, where does the idea of a 7 year period come from? Well, I think, as it has been mentioned, it has to come from Daniel's seventy weeks prophecy. There is one other place I know of that mentions a seven year period that could be analogous to a 7 year tribulation period (Joseph and the 7 year famine), but other than that, I think the whole idea of a 7 year tribulation comes from the book of Daniel.

23 At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. 24 "Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. 25 Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27 And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator."​

Here's how I understand this explanation given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel:

1. The seventy weeks mentioned are "to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place." This tells us that there are seven (number of completion) things which will be accomplished by the end of the seventy weeks. So, we know that these 70 weeks are not complete yet, because not everything is completely accomplished. There is still more vision and prophecy to be "sealed" up (fulfilled).
   
   Matthew Henry says it well:
   
   
   The times here determined are somewhat hard to be understood. In general, it is seventy weeks, that is, seventy times seven years, which makes just 490 years. The great affairs that are yet to come concerning the people of Israel, and the city of Jerusalem, will lie within the compass of these years. (. . .)
   
   He came to seal up the vision and prophecy, all the prophetical visions of the Old Testament, which had reference to the Messiah. He sealed them up, that is, he accomplished them, answered to them to a tittle; all things that were written in the law, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning the Messiah, were fulfilled in him. Thus he confirmed the truth of them as well as his own mission. He sealed them up, that is, he put an end to that method of God's discovering his mind and will, and took another course by completing the scripture-canon in the New Testament, which is the more sure word of prophecy than that by vision, ; .
   
   He came to anoint the most holy, that is, himself, the Holy One, who was anointed (that is, appointed to his work and qualified for it) by the Holy Ghost, that oil of gladness which he received without measure, above his fellows; or to anoint the gospel-church, his spiritual temple, or holy place, to sanctify and cleanse it, and appropriate it to himself (), or to consecrate for us a new and living way into the holiest, by his own blood (), as the sanctuary was anointed, , etc. He is called Messiah (v. 25, 26), which signifies Christ-Anointed (), because he received the unction both for himself and for all that are his.​
   
   So, Christ fulfilled the Messianic prophecies, and perfectly fulfilled the law, atoning for our sin. But, there is still much vision and prophecy yet to be fulfilled.
   
   
2. So, if the seventy weeks is yet to be completely fulfilled, then we can accurately say that the 7 and 62 weeks mentioned right afterwords are parts/pieces of the full 70 weeks, broken down to give us more accurate detail; not additions to, or on top of, the previously mentioned seventy weeks. I find this in bible prophecy quite often, especially the book of Revelation, that God's word will repeat itself from different angles to give us a better perspective. Things are repeated often, but with somewhat different details each time, to give us a better idea of what is going on.
   
   70 - (7 +62) = 1
   
   There is 1 remaining week. That is the where the 7 year period comes from, that one remaining week.
   
   
3. That being said, let's take a closer look at that last week of years, or 7 year period.
   
   
   And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing.​
   
   After, the 62 weeks, the anointed one (Jesus) will be cut off (death on a cross), and shall have nothing (He is King of the Jews, but did not come the first time to physically reign on Earth). So, sometime after the 62 weeks, but before the end of the last week, the Messiah would be cut off. Exactly when that is, is yet to be determined. But we know that it is sometime in this 7 year period. What does the next verse say though:
   
   
   And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering...​
   
   Who shall make a strong covenant with many for one week? Who else but Jesus Christ. Jesus put an end to sacrifice and offering half way through the week as well. His ministry (the start of which I believe was the start of the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy) lasted ~3.5 years. At the end of that time, he became our sacrifice, the perfect sacrifice. There is no reason for any more sacrifice after Christ's atonement, for it was sufficient for all. Thus, in the middle of the week, the Messiah was cut off, and put an end to sacrifice and offering. Jesus fulfilled the first half of the 70th week of Daniel, and broke the middle of the week wide open for us.
   
   That strong covenant with many for one week is still going on to this day because Jesus put a gap, or a pause, in the middle of the 70th week of Daniel. But, that also means there is ~3 1/2 years left to finish the week out, to fulfill all vision and prophecy. I believe that's what this 3.5 years of tribulation the scriptures talk about consist of. The culmination of such being Christ's second coming where he will throw the Beast and the False Prophet into the lake of Fire, and tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
   
   How do I know this is reffering to the Messiah, and not the little horn (or son of perdition)? Well the rest of the verse reads:
   
   
   And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.​
   
   If the first part of the verse was already talking about this man, there would be no reason for the second part of the verse to introduce him here. The fact that the one who makes desolate is mentioned here denotes that the previous part of the verse was talking about a different individual altogether (namely Christ). The "antiChrist" as understood today as a single man who will some day come, is not the one who puts an end to sacrifice and offering, it is Jesus Christ who already put an end to sacrifice and offering by his blood which he shed on Calvary.
   
   tetelestai - It is finished -
   

That was a lot of writing... Kudos to anyone who read through it all. Hopefully more to come.

Travis

Hey Travis maybe this will help on some things.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the mist of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, and ( for) the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be pour upon the desolate.

The Antichrist will make a covenant for one week which will bring peace.
But in the middle of the week he will stop the sacrifice and set up the abomination, of desolation . Ok This time after he takes away the daily sacrifice,or breaks the covenant and sets up the abomination, will be the times of the Gentiles (unbelievers) to trodden under foot.
Ruled by the Antichrist. (His army).
That's why we see in Revelation 11:2 the Gentiles tread under foot forty and two months. Also its giving to him for a time=1 year and times =2 years, and dividing of times= a half of a year, so 3 and half years.

Daniel 12:11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination; that maketh desolate set up there shall be a 1290 days.
This tell us the sacrifice will be take away with only 1290 days left.
So this wasn't Jesus who takes away this sacrifice.
And also the covenant Christ made is a everlasting covenant, not one week. This man makes a covenant for one week(7 years).

Daniel 8:11 Yea he magnified himself even to the prince of the host , and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away
And the the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 ---- he will boast that he is God.

Daniel 11:31 And arms shall stand in his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

See the Antichrist stops the sacrifice and sets up abomination and because of it the city will be desolate

Now far as the tribulation time period look at Daniel 8:13 &14.
Consider the daily sacrifice and the transgression (abomination) 2300 days not 7 years but Jesus said he would shorting the days or no flesh would be saved.
Cause after the abomination is set up only 1290 days.
Maybe this can help.

 

[B-A-C]

I personally don't see a problem with the practice of the abomination lasting 2,300 days (or about 6.3 years). I still think the tribulation, and the great tribulation
are split up into about 3 1/2 years each, if the practice of the abomination in the temple continues for longer than 3 1/2 years itself. I don't see that the fact it may
span both of these times periods really causes a problem.

 

[B-A-C]

Much of this post, I admit is speculation. I don't think anyone (except God) knows for sure
what will happen during the end times. But hopefully there are some guidelines here.
If the rapture happens after the tribulation, we can look at his to know what to expect.
If the rapture happens before the tribulation, then perhaps this can be used by those left behind
to know what to expect.

In Revelation 5:1; a book wth 7 seals is mentioned here.

In Revelation 6:1; we see the first seal is broken.
The white horse mentioned in the next verse is often considered to be cold war. Nations
warring against each other, but no physical armies yet.
Revelation 6:3; the second seal is broken.
The red horse mentioned here is usually considered to be limited open war with armies killing eack other.
(Perhaps this could be just a few nations)
Revelation 6:5; the third seal is broken.
The black horse mentioned here is usually taken as limited famine and pestilence. It mentions that
a loaf of bread will cost a weeks wages during this time.
Revelation 6:7; the fourth seal is broken.
The ashen horse mentioned here is often taken as open war, famine and pestilence. Perhaps a world war.
Some think it will even involve nuclear warfare. However it says this will only affect a 4th of the earth.
Revelation 6:9; the fifth seal is broken.
There is some debate about who the saints here are. Are they people who have been martyred since the
beginning of Christianty? Or are they those who were beheaded during the tribulation after a "pre-trib" rapture?
(We will look at another scripture shortly that talks about this also)

Revelation 6:12; the sixth seal is broken.
There is a "great" earthquake. Is this at a specific location? Or is worldwide? The sun becomes pitch black
and the moon becomes bright red. I assume this will be different from what we call a "blood moon" on a hazy day.
many stars "fall from the sky". This could possibly be meteorites hitting the earth.
It says here that every island and mountain will be moved "out of their places".
It says even Kings (Presidents?) Generals, rich and poor people will hide in the mountains and caves. It says
things will be so bad they will beg for the rocks to fall upon them. In verses 16 and 17, it appears that people
will know this is coming from God, and they want to hide from His wrath.

In Revelation 7, it seems there is a pause, some of the storms are held back for a bit while the 144,000 Jews
are sealed with a mark from God on the foreheads. Some believe this mark will protect them from all the things
that are happening during this time. I'm not sure it protects them from everything or kust specific things.
(More about that later).

I mentioned back in the section about Revelation 6:9 and the fifth seal about who the saints might be.
Perhaps the answer is in Revelation 7:13-17;

In Revelation 8:1; he seventh (final) seal is broken.
It says there will be silence in heaven for "about half an hour". Then seven angels will be given seven trumpets.
(More about these 7 trumpets shortly). It mentions a golden altar holding a golden censor (usually a metal container
filled with incense). It says an angel will take the prayers of the saints, and smoke from the incense, and fire
from the altar and throw it to the earth. This will cause thunder, lightning and earthquakes. (Rev 8:5; )

Some ask how long will the tribulaton be? I tend to think 7 years, but in any case it's unlikely all the events above
would happen in a few hours or even a few days or weeks.

In Revelation 8:6; we see the trumpets are getting ready to sound. Stay tuned.