- The 1260 Days Prophecies:
- Literal Time: 1260 days = 42 months = (time, times and half a time) = three & one half years.
- One day = one day.
- One month = 30 days.
- One time = 30 days * 12 = 360 days.
- Prophetic Time: 1260 days = (42 months * 30) = (time, times and half a time * 360) = 1260 years.
- One day = one year.
- One month = 30 years.
- One time = 30 years * 12 = 360 years.
- The 1260 Years Time Period Prophecies:
- The little horn that arises upon the head of the fourth beast (Roman Empire) to oppress the holy people: Daniel 7:25 (time, times and half a time).
- The little horn that arises after the division of Alexander's empire, concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people: Daniel 8:11-12, Daniel 12:6-7 (time, times and half a time).
- Time the gentiles trample on the holy city: Revelation 11:2 (42 months).
- Time the two witnesses prophecy clothed in sackcloth: Revelation 11:3 (1,260 days).
- Time the woman given refuge in the wilderness: Revelation 12:6 & 14 (1,260 days & time, times and half a time).
- Time the beast that comes out of the sea exercises its authority: Revelation 13:5 (42 months).
- Question is: Why is this time period of 1260 days (or years) expressed using different terms (days, months, & times)?
- Do the time periods cited for these prophecies occur concurrently, or is it possible the usage of different terms suggest different chronologies?
- The little horns of Daniel 7 and 8 have the same atributes and attitudes as the leopard-like beast of Revelation 13.
- It speaks boastfully.
- It makes itself equal with God.
- It blasphemes God and those who dwell in heaven.
- It wages war against the holy people and defeats them.
- These three symbolize the same persecuting power that is present at the time of Jesus' second coming.
- They are analogous with the seventh head on the scarlet beast, that "yet will come." Revelation 17:8
- The people of earth are in awe when they witness the reemergence of both the leopard-like beast and the scarlet beast.
- I believe the prophecies of the gentiles and the two witnesses of Revelation 11, and the woman of Revelation 12 all occur during the same timeline.
- Since the 1260 days (or years) terminate at Jesus' second coming, and we do not know when this will be, it is not possible to know the starting date.
- The 2300 Days Prophecy: Daniel chapter 8
- Daniel hears one "holy one" speaking, and another "holy one" answered:
- "How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled – the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary (NIV) [was cast down KJV, was overthrown RSV] and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?" Daniel 8:13
- "It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated." Daniel 8:14
- The sanctuary refers to the sacred dwelling place of God on Earth, initially the portable tabernacle in the wilderness, later the permanent temple in Jerusalem.
- All of the events described in verse 13 is attributed to the little horn which arose from one of the four on the head of the goat (Alexander's Empire).
- This horn has been identified as the Roman Empire which conquered and occupied the Greek mainland in the second century BC. Rome as a regional power dates back to the sixth century BC.
- Rome conquered and occupied Israel by the mid-first century BC. Judea was a Roman province during Jesus' lifetime.
- Jerusalem and the second temple were destroyed by Roman forces in 70 AD as a result of the first Jewish revolt.
- This brought to an end the practice of Judaism and has never been resumed. The Islamic Dome of the Rock now occupies the Temple Mount.
- Jesus referred to the prophet Daniel when discussing this event with his disciples, specifically the destruction of the temple and a time of great distress. Mathew 24:15-21
- The culmination of the 2,300 days (or years) is when the sanctuary is... (reconsecrated NIV, cleansed KJV, restored RSV).
- How can this be the earthly sanctuary that is to be restored since it no longer exists. This leaves only three possibilites:
- Some Christians and Jews believe a third Jewish Temple will be rebuilt just before Jesus' second coming.
*The Temple Mount is located in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem which presents a problem for this idea.
- Another group of Christians insist the sanctuary in heaven is the one to be restored of which the earthly is a copy. Hebrews 8:2
*It is the earthly sanctuary that is affected (cast down, overthrown), not the one in heaven.
- Lastly, is it possible the sanctuary in question, the one cast down and then restored, is not the temple in Jerusalem?
*The apostle paul declares that "we [the believer] are the temple of the living God." 2 Corinthians 6:16
- Christ came as high priest... through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands... He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption... so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:10-14
- The Seventy 'Sevens' Prophecy: Daniel chapter 9
- "Seventy ‘sevens’are decreed for your people and your holy city."
- To finish transgression.
- To put an end to sin.
- To atone for wickedness.
- To bring in everlasting righteousness.
- To seal up vision and prophecy.
- And to anoint the Most Holy. Daniel 9:24
*This prophecy is clearly Messianic and is in answer to Daniel's prayer. Daniel 9:4-19
- One 'seven' equals seven days (one week). The context of Daniel 9 supports the year-for-a-day principle for the interpretation of Bible prophecy.
- The seventy 'sevens' are divided into three periods: Seven 'sevens', sixty-two 'sevens', and one 'seven'. Daniel 9:25-27
- (Seven 'sevens' = 49 years) + (sixty-two 'sevens' = 434 years) + (one 'seven' = seven years) = 490 years.
- The last 'seven' is further divided in two, with each half equaling three and one half years. Daniel 9:27
- The starting point of the seventy 'sevens' is stated to be "From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem." The decree issued by king Artaxerxes I in 457 BC is generally accepted to be the starting point.
- From this starting point "unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks."
Daniel 9:25 KJV
- Adding the 69 'sevens' = 457 BC + 483 years = 26 AD. This is approximately the date when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist.
- After the 69 'sevens' "shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself." Daniel 9:26 KJV The most recognized dates for the crucifixion of Jesus is AD 30 or AD 33.
- Who are the people of the ruler (prince KJV & RSV) who will come who destroy the city and the sanctuary?
*Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and the second Temple in 70 AD during the first Jewish Roman war. Jesus referred to this prophecy when telling his disciples about the coming destruction of the temple. Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:20-23
- Who is "he" that confirms a covenant, and with whom is it made? Daniel 9:27
- One group say that Jesus is he who confirms the new covenant by his ministry and sacrifical death on the cross.
- Another group claim that this is the antichrist who makes a seven year pact with Israel which he breaks mid-way ushering in the end-time tribulation.
*This idea presupposes the rebuilding of the Jewish temple and renewal of the temple sacrifical rituals.
- Conclusion: The time periods may have a symbolic meaning that cannot be understood or applied either literally or prophetically. It is perhaps more important to grasp the context of these prophecies rather than putting too much emphasis on dating them.
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