I’m sure most Christians have heard the term – Daniel’s 70th week. It’s a term that describe the last seven years of human government on this earth. It’s taken from chapter 9 of the book written by the prophet Daniel. Verse 27 in this chapter describes a “week”(7-year period-Hebrew- “heptad”) coming at the end of the second Jewish exile which is currently nearing its conclusion. It is often referred to as “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 12:1). This seven- year period is when the individual known as the antichrist makes his appearance. Occurring mid-week, (at the 3.5-year mark) his unveiling is known as the abomination that causes desolation. (Daniel 11;31, 12:11), (2Thessalonians 2:3,4). (For more on this AOD scroll back to my earlier post “The Abomination of Desolation”). These seven years are also spoken of familiarly as the tribulation of which the last half (final 3 1/2 years) is termed the “great tribulation”. (Matthew 24:21, Daniel 7:25, 12:11).
This seven- year period is jam-packed with prophesied end-time events that will be challenging for the Christian. The four horsemen are released causing havoc on the earth through wars, famine and disease causing the death of 1/4 of the world’s population. (Rev. 6:8). Not only will the antichrist be given his time to reign on the earth, but two witnesses (prophets) from God will also be on the earth. We must be able to determine their legitimacy so that we can follow their God-given advice while resisting the antichrist and his economic system that will require allegiance in order to buy and sell. Yes, the mark of the beast. There also will be at least two horrific wars, the sixth trumpet war that will kill up to 3 million people (Rev. 9:13-21), and, of course, the final war Armageddon. (Rev. 16:16, 19:19). Add to these the judgments (plagues) from God on evil mankind described by the trumpets and bowls in Revelation detailing other wars, monster earthquakes, large hail, demonic infestations, fire, huge meteor impacts, cosmic turmoil, and it becomes a truly grim outlook.
It’s not a pretty picture, is it? As Christians we should be prepared in every respect for the onset of Daniel’s 70th week. It will require deep faith and trust just to physically survive this time if, in fact, we are not martyred. I know these are very strong words, but we absolutely must expect and prepare for the worst. If you’ve been following this blog, you know I believe we are very close to the start of the tribulation. So, as the time is short, don’t be among the last-days scoffers predicted by Peter. (2Peter 3:3). Be ever watchful, ready, and studying your bible so you’re not surprised by these things.
Take heart, however, because it’s a relatively short period culminating with the glorious arrival of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ when we will be rewarded with entry into His kingdom. We know that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us and that we can overcome any trial the world throws at us due to His Holy Spirit residing within us. “He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world” (1John 4:4). Yes, we’re overcomers, and I pray that we all don the full armor of God so that we can stand against the evil one during the 70th week. (Ephesians 6:13)
Maranatha, Jim