More Evidence for a 3½-Year Tribulation

In the previous article, we delved into the foundational belief of a 3½-year tribulation, contrasting it with the widely accepted teaching of a seven-year period. The purpose of this follow-up is to provide more evidence from Scripture, reinforcing the idea that the tribulation lasts for 3½ years, with specific markers and prophetic timelines that point to this duration.

The misunderstanding of the length of the tribulation stems from centuries of traditional interpretations, but God has promised that, in the end times, knowledge will increase, and what has been sealed will be unsealed. As Daniel was told:

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)

This progressive revelation is crucial for believers today, as it aligns with what we see unfolding in the world. Let’s examine more closely why the case for a 3½-year tribulation is biblically sound.

The Division of Daniel’s 70th Week

The basis for the tribulation period comes from Daniel 9:24-27, known as the prophecy of the 70 weeks. This prophecy outlines a period of 490 years (70 weeks of years), with one remaining “week” still unfulfilled. Many interpret this final week as a seven-year period, with the tribulation marking its entirety. However, a closer reading of Scripture reveals that this final week has already been divided.

Jesus’ ministry, lasting 3½ years, fulfilled the first half of the 70th week. This is evident when we read Daniel 9:27, which states:

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…”

This “he” refers not to the Antichrist, as traditionally taught, but to Jesus Christ. During His ministry, He confirmed the covenant with many (Matthew 26:28), and His death on the cross in the “midst of the week” caused the sacrificial system to become obsolete, as His sacrifice replaced the need for continual offerings (Hebrews 10:12).

Confirming the First Half of the 70th Week

It’s important to understand that Christ’s 3½-year ministry was the fulfillment of the first half of the final “week.” His crucifixion “cut Him off” in the midst of this week, just as Daniel 9:26 predicted:

“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself.”

This was the point when Jesus caused the sacrificial system to cease, as His death marked the end of the old covenant and the establishment of the new covenant. The veil in the temple was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the cessation of the old way of worship.

The Pause in the Prophetic Clock

After Christ’s death, the prophetic timeline paused. The final 3½ years of the 70th week remain to be fulfilled, and this period is what we refer to as the tribulation. Revelation 12:6 and Daniel 12:7 provide further evidence of a 3½-year period, often referred to in Scripture as “time, times, and half a time” or 1,260 days.

This time will resume when the abomination of desolation is set up, marking the beginning of the final tribulation period. Jesus Himself pointed to this event as a sign of the tribulation:

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” (Matthew 24:15)

Revelation and the 3½-Year Period

The book of Revelation provides numerous references to this 3½-year period:

1. Revelation 11:2-3 speaks of the 42 months (3½ years) during which the Gentiles will trample the holy city, and the two witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days.
2. Revelation 12:6 mentions that the woman (symbolizing the remnant of Israel) will be nourished for 1,260 days in the wilderness.
3. Revelation 13:5 states that the beast (Antichrist) will be given power to continue for 42 months.

Each of these references clearly indicates a period of 3½ years. Nowhere in Revelation is a full seven-year tribulation explicitly described.

The Importance of Understanding the Duration

The length of the tribulation is not a trivial matter. Misunderstanding it could lead to spiritual deception. Jesus warns that in the last days, false Christs and false prophets will arise to deceive many (Matthew 24:24). Knowing the true timeline helps believers stay vigilant and avoid the schemes of the enemy, including the mark of the beast.

If Christians are misled into believing they won’t witness the events of the tribulation (due to the pre-tribulation rapture theory, for example), they may be caught off guard. The mark of the beast will be mandated during this final 3½-year period, and those who misunderstand this timing could be more vulnerable to accepting it.

Conclusion

The case for a 3½-year tribulation is strongly supported by Scripture. Jesus’ ministry fulfilled the first half of Daniel’s 70th week, and the final 3½ years will occur in the last days, as described in Revelation and Daniel. This understanding not only clarifies the prophetic timeline but also prepares believers for what lies ahead.

We urge you to continue studying the Word with an open heart, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the truth in these crucial matters. As knowledge increases in these last days, let us be found watching, waiting, and ready for the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:13)