PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
BIBLE
PROPHECY
PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
(Subjects in this Section)
1-THE
PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE
2-IS ISRAEL THE FIG TREE?
3-A BIBLICAL GENERATION
4-A
BIBLICAL GENERATION CAN (IN SOME CASES) BE FROM THE AGE OF TWENTY TO
SIXTY OR LONGER
5-THE PARABLE OF
THE FIG TREE AND THE GENERATION
6-SOME
WAYS THE BIBLE GIVES US TO KNOW THE TIMES WE ARE IN
7-THE TRIBULATION LENGTH
8-THE
LORD SHORTENED THOSE DAYS: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
(Scripture)
NOW
LEARN A PARABLE (or lesson) OF THE FIG TREE; WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET TENDER (or
begins to sprout), AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (and leaves appear), YE KNOW THAT
SUMMER IS NIGH (or approaching): SO LIKEWISE YE (or in the same way), WHEN YE
SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, (you are to) KNOW THAT IT (the time) IS NEAR, EVEN
AT THE DOORS. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU (the truth), THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS
(away), TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED (or happen)-Mt 24:32-34.
NOW LEARN A PARABLE (or this lesson) OF THE FIG TREE; WHEN
HER BRANCH IS YET TENDER (or begins to sprout), AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (or
leaves appear), YE KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NEAR (or approaching): SO YE IN LIKE
MANNER (or in the same way), WHEN YE SHALL SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, (you
are to) KNOW THAT IT IS NIGH (or near), EVEN (right) AT THE DOORS. VERILY I
SAY UNTO YOU, THAT THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS (away), TILL ALL THESE THINGS
BE DONE (or have happened)-Mk 13:28-30.
Jesus had just given a list of things to look for culminating
with His return. Then He continued, AND WHEN THESE THINGS "BEGIN"
(or start) TO COME TO PASS (or happen),THEN LOOK (or stand) UP, AND LIFT UP
YOUR HEADS (high); FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH (you are about to be liberated-JNT6).
AND HE SPAKE TO THEM A PARABLE; BEHOLD (look at) THE FIG TREE, AND ALL THE TREES;
WHEN THEY NOW SHOOT FORTH (or as soon as they sprout leaves-JNT7),
YE SEE AND KNOW OF YOUR OWN SELVES THAT SUMMER IS NOW NIGH (or near) AT
HAND. SO LIKEWISE (or even so) YE WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, KNOW
YE (you are to know) THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH (or near) AT HAND. VERILY
I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION (or people) SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, TILL ALL BE
FULFILLED (or all these things have happened-NIV)-Lk 21:28-32.
The
word "fig" is mentioned in the Scriptures sixty-four times. THUS SAITH
THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL; LIKE THESE GOOD FIGS, SO WILL I ACKNOWLEDGE THEM
THAT ARE CARRIED AWAY CAPTIVE OF JUDAH, WHOM I HAVE SENT OUT OF THIS PLACE INTO
THE LAND OF THE CHALDEANS FOR THEIR GOOD-Jere 24:5. We see the word "figs,"
being used to represent the Jews that are carried away.
THE LORD SHOWED ME, AND, BEHOLD, TWO BASKETS OF FIGS...ONE
BASKET HAD VERY GOOD FIGS, EVEN LIKE THE FIGS THAT ARE FIRST RIPE: AND THE OTHER
BASKET HAD VERY NAUGHTY FIGS, WHICH COULD NOT BE EATEN, THEY WERE SO BAD. THEN
SAID THE LORD UNTO ME, WHAT SEEST THOU, JEREMIAH? AND I SAID, FIGS; THE GOOD
FIGS, VERY GOOD; AND THE EVIL, VERY EVIL, THAT CANNOT BE EATEN, THEY ARE SO
EVIL. AGAIN THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME UNTO ME, SAYING, THUS SAITH THE LORD,
THE GOD OF ISRAEL; LIKE THESE GOOD FIGS, SO WILL I ACKNOWLEDGE THEM THAT ARE
CARRIED AWAY CAPTIVE OF JUDAH, WHOM I HAVE SENT OUT OF THIS PLACE INTO THE LAND
OF THE CHALDEANS FOR THEIR GOOD. FOR I WILL SET MINE EYES UPON THEM FOR GOOD,
AND I WILL BRING THEM AGAIN TO THIS LAND: AND I WILL BUILD THEM, AND NOT PULL
THEM DOWN; AND I WILL PLANT THEM, AND NOT PLUCK THEM UP. AND I WILL GIVE THEM
A HEART TO KNOW ME, THAT I AM THE LORD: AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL
BE THEIR GOD: FOR THEY SHALL RETURN UNTO ME WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART. AND AS THE
EVIL FIGS, WHICH CANNOT BE EATEN, THEY ARE SO EVIL-Jere 24:1-8. The word "figs"
is used here eight times denoting the Jews.
NOW IN THE MORNING AS HE RETURNED INTO THE CITY, HE HUNGERED.
AND WHEN HE SAW A FIG TREE IN THE WAY, HE CAME TO IT, AND FOUND NOTHING
THEREON, BUT LEAVES ONLY, AND SAID UNTO IT, LET NO FRUIT GROW ON THEE HENCEFORWARD
FOR EVER. AND PRESENTLY THE FIG TREE WITHERED AWAY-Mt 21:18,19; ref Mk 11:12-14,20,21.
The fig tree withered away, as it was producing no fruit. It may be noted that
the word "fig" here represents Israel, and the word "tree"
represents nation.
The nation of Israel did wither and was destroyed. Nevertheless,
the nation of Israel was reborn and will fulfill God’s mission during the Tribulation.
THEREFORE HIS HEIGHT WAS EXALTED ABOVE ALL THE TREES OF THE
FIELD (or nations)…THE CEDARS IN THE GARDEN OF GOD COULD NOT HIDE HIM: THE FIR
TREES WERE NOT LIKE HIS BOUGHS, AND THE CHESTNUT TREES WERE NOT LIKE HIS BRANCHES;
NOR ANY TREE IN THE GARDEN OF GOD WAS LIKE UNTO HIM IN HIS BEAUTY. I HAVE MADE
HIM FAIR BY THE MULTITUDE OF HIS BRANCHES: SO THAT ALL THE TREES OF EDEN, THAT
WERE IN THE GARDEN OF GOD, ENVIED HIM. AND STRANGERS, THE TERRIBLE OF THE NATIONS,
HAVE CUT HIM OFF, AND HAVE LEFT HIM…TO THE END THAT NONE OF ALL THE TREES (or
nations) BY THE WATERS EXALT THEMSELVES FOR THEIR HEIGHT…AND I CAUSED LEBANON
TO MOURN FOR HIM, AND ALL THE TREES OF THE FIELD FAINTED FOR HIM. I MADE THE
NATIONS TO SHAKE AT THE SOUND OF HIS FALL-Ezek 31:5,8,9,12,14-16. It may be
noted, the word "tree" is often used as a symbol for a nation.
(Scripture with commentary)
NOW
LEARN A PARABLE (or a lesson) OF THE FIG TREE (of the Israeli nation). (Note,
the Israeli nation had to be reborn. Without this key event being in place,
no other prophecy of the latter days meant anything.) WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET
TENDER, AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (the branch on the tree becomes tender after
the long, cold winter. When Israel is yet tender and puts forth leaves—this
indicates the spring time), YE KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NIGH. (When one would see
the Israeli nation come forth, and his branches tender, and leaves coming forth,
you would know summer is near or you would know that certain things are near.)
SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS (the list of things that
Jesus just gave in the previous verses), KNOW THAT IT IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS.
(Again, we see the command to know that certain events are at the doors and
are going to happen almost immediately, as already covered in previous pages.)
VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION (the generation of
the fig tree, the generation of the Israeli nation) SHALL NOT PASS, TILL ALL
THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED. ("All these things" includes the rebirth
of Israel, the Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, the return of Jesus Christ,
and the gathering together of the elect. All these things would happen during
the period of this generation.)-Mt 24:32-34; ref Mk 13:28-30.
The verses, in Lk 21:28-32, can be broken down into
four parts. First, your redemption drawing near is referring to the Rapture.
It is then followed by the second part, which is seeing and knowing certain
things such as the times we are in, when the nation of Israel and other nations
shoot forth. (It is interesting to note that the Rapture and the nations shooting
forth are both referred to.) All of this is prior to the Tribulation. These
nations have now come forth.
The third part is when you see certain other things come
to pass to know that the kingdom of God is at hand. The fourth part is showing
that the generation of the fig tree shall not pass till all the things Jesus
told us about are fulfilled.
AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN TO COME TO PASS (we are to see
or look for certain things to come to pass), THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR
HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION (or the Rapture) DRAWETH NIGH.
AND HE SPAKE TO THEM A PARABLE (or a lesson); BEHOLD THE
FIG TREE, AND ALL THE TREES; WHEN THEY NOW SHOOT FORTH. (Behold the Israeli
nation and all the nations that were to shoot forth.) Thus, the rebirth of the
nation of Israel had to take place. In addition, other nations had to also be
in place. The primary list of other nations are listed in Ezekiel chapter 38,
but there are also others such as Isa chapters 17-19. These nations would include
Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Jordan,
and other nations. Every tree (or nation) is now in place. YE SEE AND KNOW OF
YOUR OWN SELVES THAT SUMMER IS NOW NIGH AT HAND. In other words, when you see
the Israeli nation and the other nations come forth, you KNOW summer is at hand.
You should know the times we are in. There should be no doubt. Note, first the
Rapture is mentioned (your redemption), which is connected with the Israeli
nation and the other nations shooting forth. By this, know the times we are
in, know the Rapture is at hand, and know the next events will follow, which
include the Tribulation. We are also reminded when these things "begin"
to come to pass. Thus, we can look for some of the events of the Tribulation
to begin to come to pass, even as birth pangs of a women.
Then there is the next category of two parts. This includes
the list of events Jesus gave, which consists of the Tribulation and His second
coming. The gathering of the elect is omitted. And when these come to pass,
you know that the kingdom of God is near at hand. Mt 24 and Mk 13, include the
elect being gathered, but the kingdom of God is omitted. In Lk 21, the gathering
of the elect is omitted, but the kingdom of God is included. The elect are gathered
during the time that is referred to as "the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."
SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS (these
things are including the long list Jesus had given prior to this parable), KNOW
YE THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND. (Jesus shall reign on the earth.)
VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS AWAY (the generation of
the fig tree, the Israeli nation), TILL ALL BE FULFILLED (which includes the
Tribulation and the second coming of Jesus).
"Forty
years" is mentioned in the Bible forty times. The number "forty"
is mentioned in the Bible one hundred and forty-six times.
AND THE LORD’S ANGER WAS KINDLED AGAINST ISRAEL, AND HE MADE
THEM WANDER IN THE WILDERNESS FORTY YEARS, UNTIL ALL THE GENERATION THAT HAD
DONE EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, WAS CONSUMED-Num 32:13. It may be noted
that "forty years" and "the generation" is mentioned. FORTY
YEARS LONG WAS I GRIEVED WITH THIS GENERATION-Ps 95:10. Again, it may be noted,
"forty years" and "this generation." HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS,
AS IN THE PROVOCATION, IN THE DAY OF TEMPTATION IN THE WILDERNESS: WHEN YOUR
FATHERS TEMPTED ME, PROVED ME, AND SAW MY WORKS FORTY YEARS. WHEREFORE I WAS
GRIEVED WITH THAT GENERATION-Heb 3:8-10. Again, it can be noted, "forty
years" and "that generation."
FOR DAVID, AFTER HE HAD SERVED HIS OWN GENERATION (note the
word "generation") BY THE WILL OF GOD, FELL ON SLEEP-Acts 13:36. How
long did David serve? It is written, THUS DAVID THE SON OF JESSE REIGNED OVER
ALL ISRAEL. AND THE TIME THAT HE (David) REIGNED OVER ISRAEL WAS FORTY YEARS;
SEVEN YEARS REIGNED HE IN HEBRON, AND THIRTY AND THREE YEARS REIGNED HE IN JERUSALEM-1
Chr 29:26,27. AND THE DAYS THAT DAVID REIGNED OVER ISRAEL WERE FORTY YEARS:
SEVEN YEARS REIGNED HE IN HEBRON, AND THIRTY AND THREE YEARS REIGNED HE IN JERUSALEM-1
Ki 2:11. Many times we are seeing the term "generation" being associated
with "forty years."
AFTER THIS LIVED JOB AN HUNDRED AND FORTY YEARS, AND SAW
HIS SONS, AND HIS SONS’ SONS, EVEN FOUR GENERATIONS-Job 42:16. This verse would
figure out to thirty-five years. We might consider that a generation is forty
years, yet may be as little as thirty-five years.
VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, ALL THESE THINGS SHALL COME UPON THIS
GENERATION. BEHOLD, YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO YOU DESOLATE-Mt 23:36,38.
AND JESUS WENT OUT, AND DEPARTED FROM THE TEMPLE: AND HIS
DISCIPLES CAME TO HIM FOR TO SHOW HIM THE BUILDINGS OF THE TEMPLE. AND JESUS
SAID UNTO THEM, SEE YE NOT ALL THESE THINGS? VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THERE SHALL
NOT BE LEFT HERE ONE STONE UPON ANOTHER, THAT SHALL NOT BE THROWN DOWN-Mt 24:1,2.
The words "this generation," as appear in Mt 23:36, are the same words
that appear in "this generation," in Mt 24:34; Mk 13:30; and Lk 21:32.
It is written, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS AWAY, TILL
ALL BE FULFILLED. Jesus had said, "THESE THINGS SHALL COME UPON THIS GENERATION."
One of the things was the temple would be destroyed. The question arises, was
the temple destroyed within forty years? The answer is yes. The temple was thrown
down approximately 70 A.D. Jesus was crucified approximately forty years earlier.
Clearly, we can see that a "Bible generation" is
forty years.
A
generation, as outlined in the Scriptures, was from the age of twenty years
old and upward. Add forty years, and we come to sixty years old. From the age
of twenty to sixty was considered as a generation.
YOUR CARCASSES SHALL FALL IN THIS WILDERNESS; AND ALL THAT
WERE NUMBERED OF YOU, ACCORDING TO YOUR WHOLE NUMBER, FROM TWENTY YEARS
OLD AND UPWARD-Num 14:29. EVERY ONE THAT PASSETH AMONG THEM THAT ARE
NUMBERED, FROM TWENTY YEARS OLD AND ABOVE, SHALL GIVE AN OFFERING
UNTO THE LORD-Ex 30:14. FROM TWENTY YEARS OLD AND UPWARD, ALL
THAT ARE ABLE TO GO FORTH TO WAR IN ISRAEL-Num 1:3.
SURELY NONE OF THE MEN THAT CAME UP OUT OF EGYPT, FROM
TWENTY YEARS OLD AND UPWARD, SHALL SEE THE LAND WHICH I SWEAR UNTO ABRAHAM,
UNTO ISAAC, AND UNTO JACOB; BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT WHOLLY FOLLOWED ME-Num 32:11.
A biblical generation has been shown to be forty years. It
can (in some cases) also be from the age of twenty years to sixty years. It
is written AND THY ESTIMATION SHALL BE OF THE MALE FROM TWENTY YEARS
OLD EVEN UNTO SIXTY YEARS OLD-Lev 27:3.
Some prophecy scholars believe the countdown of the generation
began at Israel's rebirth (May 14, 1948). This would appear to be supported
by Scripture. Others believe the countdown began when Israel regained all of
the city of Jerusalem (June 1967).
Then there is the question: Should the 40 year generation
be figured from 0 or the age of 20?
Other prophecy scholars may consider that the generation
could, in some cases, be 70 or 80 years. It is written, Ps 90:10-THE DAYS OF
OUR YEARS ARE THREESCORE YEARS AND TEN (70 years); AND IF BY REASON OF STRENGTH
THEY BE FOURSCORE YEARS (80 years), YET IS THEIR STRENGTH LABOR AND SORROW;
FOR IT IS SOON CUT OFF, AND WE FLY AWAY.
All things considered,
we can only say that we are in a locked countdown. Israel has been reborn as
was prophesied. We are now in the latter years-ref Ezek 38:8. We are in the
generation in which the Rapture will occur, followed by the man of sin coming
forth (known as the Antichrist). He will confirm a covenant with Israel and
others which begins the Tribulation-ref Dan 9:27. After the Tribulation of those
days, Armageddon explodes. Jesus Christ returns to this earth with power and
great glory. We cannot say what year it will be. We can say, 1 Thes 5:6-THEREFORE
LET US NOT SLEEP, AS DO OTHERS; BUT LET US WATCH AND BE SOBER. Be ready, for
it will be soon. We are to occupy till He returns-ref Lk 19:13.
(Scripture)
THE FIG TREE; WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET TENDER, AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES, YE KNOW
THAT SUMMER IS NIGH: SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE THINGS, KNOW
THAT IT IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION SHALL
NOT PASS, TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED-Mt 24:32-34; ref Mk 13:28-30.
AND WHEN THESE THINGS "BEGIN" TO COME TO PASS,
THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH. AND
HE SPAKE TO THEM A PARABLE; BEHOLD THE FIG TREE, AND ALL THE TREES; WHEN THEY
NOW SHOOT FORTH, YE SEE AND KNOW OF YOUR OWN SELVES THAT SUMMER IS NOW NIGH
AT HAND. SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS, KNOW YE THAT
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION SHALL
NOT PASS AWAY, TILL ALL BE FULFILLED-Lk 21:28-32.
In Mt 24:4 to 24:28, events of the Tribulation are described.
In Mt 24:29-31, Jesus Christ returns immediately after the TRIBULATION
OF THOSE DAYS, and the elect are gathered. The very next verse, number 32, then
gives us the following, NOW LEARN (this comes forth as a command, "learn").
The next words tell us what to learn, A PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE (or the Israeli
nation). Thus, the Israeli nation had to be reborn. This rebirth of the fig
tree is outlined in Isa 66:8,9. WHEN HIS BRANCH IS YET TENDER (a new branch,
a tender branch, a branch that has just come forth, a branch that has just sprung
forth in tenderness after the winter), AND PUTTETH FORTH LEAVES (springs to
life, people multiply, leaves come forth on the branches), YE KNOW (note the
word "know") THAT SUMMER IS NIGH. You know certain things are going
to happen. You know and recognize the times. You know that summer is near. SO
LIKEWISE YE (in other words or in the same way), WHEN YE SHALL SEE ALL THESE
THINGS. We may ask, "All what things?" The answer is, all the things
that have just been described, which cover from Israel’s rebirth to the Tribulation,
the return of Jesus to the earth, and the gathering of the elect. KNOW (again,
we see the command to "know," or to recognize, or to be aware) THAT
IT IS NEAR, EVEN AT THE DOORS-Mt 24:33. Then in verse 34, it concludes with
this, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION. One may ask, "What generation
has Jesus just been talking about?" The answer is the generation that would
begin with the rebirth of Israel and see all these signs. "This generation"
SHALL NOT PASS, TILL ALL THESE THINGS BE FULFILLED.
In Lk 21:8-27, God has given a picture of the Tribulation
and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then, in Lk 21:28-32, it is written,
AND WHEN THESE THINGS BEGIN (note the word "begin") TO COME TO PASS,
THEN LOOK UP, AND LIFT UP YOUR HEADS; FOR YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH. These
things are coming to pass. Watch and be ready.
AND HE (Jesus) SPAKE TO THEM A PARABLE; BEHOLD THE FIG TREE
(behold, Israel as a nation, behold Israel’s rebirth, which is outlined in Isa
66:8,9), AND ALL THE TREES (and all the nations) (these were covered previously);
WHEN THEY NOW SHOOT FORTH (when Israel and the other nations shoot forth), YE
SEE AND KNOW (note "we know") OF YOUR OWN SELVES THAT SUMMER IS NOW
NIGH AT HAND (you know that certain things lie ahead or you know the times).
SO LIKEWISE YE, WHEN YE SEE THESE THINGS COME TO PASS (when you see all the
events that have been outlined come to pass), KNOW YE (a command to know) THAT
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NIGH AT HAND (know that the Millennium is near at hand).
As mentioned previously, there are two sets of events to
look for. 1-When these things begin to come to pass, we are to know that the
Rapture is about to take place. 2-When these things have taken place then the
followers of Jesus, which got saved during the Tribulation and survived, are
commanded to know that the kingdom of God is near at hand.
Then in verse 32-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, THIS GENERATION (What
generation? The generation of "BEHOLD THE FIG TREE" that will see
all these events.); THIS GENERATION shall not pass away till all be fulfilled.
The last thing to be fulfilled is the gathering of the elect right after the
Battle of Armageddon.
Based on these verses, some bring forth a question, "Is
it possible the Lord has given us a time period to consider?" Some Bible
prophecy scholars do believe the last generation began with Israel’s rebirth
on, May 14, l948.
As
we look at Scripture and world events unfolding, we should know and understand
more deeply as the end draws closer and closer.
This site is "not" attempting to set
any exact year.
But
clearly, we are in the generation of the fig tree: the generation that will
see all these things come to pass.
1.
By the rebirth of the fig tree, Israel.
2. By all the signs Jesus gave us in Mt 24; Mk 13;
and Lk 21.
3. By the many signs given throughout the Scriptures.
There are over 300 things God gave us to look for, from the time of Israel’s
rebirth to the time that the Tribulation is expected to begin.
4. By the time period of Jesus’ birth to now. Many
consider that from the creation of Adam to the first coming of Jesus was 4000
years. From the first coming of Jesus until He comes the second time, 2000 years.
From the second coming of Jesus to the end of the Millennium, 1000 years. Shortly
after the Millennium, the heavens and the earth pass away, and there will come
forth a new heaven and a new earth. The total time, from the creation to the
time the earth passes away, should be 7000 years. This signifies the seven days,
each day for 1000 years.
God tells us of the six days of creation, and the seventh
day He rested-ref Ex 20:11. The seventh day represents the thousand year reign
of Jesus Christ (the Millennium)—a time of rest-ref Heb 4:1-11; 2 Thes 1:7.
Satan is chained for 1000 years, so he can deceive the nations no longer. There
are various understandings of Lk 13:32. I DO CURES TO DAY AND TO MORROW, AND
THE THIRD DAY I SHALL BE PERFECTED. Some consider Jesus is telling us there
will be a two thousand year period (today and tomorrow), and the third day Jesus
will reign. It is written, BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME, THEN THAT
WHICH IS IN PART SHALL BE DONE AWAY-1 Cor 13:10.
Also, it is written, AFTER TWO DAYS WILL HE REVIVE US: IN
THE THIRD DAY HE WILL RAISE US UP, AND WE SHALL LIVE IN HIS SIGHT-Hos 6:2. Some
consider that this verse is talking about two time periods that would come to
pass, and then Israel would be restored for the Millennium. Others consider
this could be talking about a two thousand year period that would come to pass
from the birth of Jesus to the Millennium.
All four methods coincide, which God gave to help us know
the times we are now in. All four testify that Jesus will soon return.
The
seventieth week of Daniel (which is also called the Tribulation) is clearly
outlined as being seven years long. This can be further broken down, through
other verses, into 84 months or 2520 days. It is further portrayed as being
split into parts. The dividing point is when the sacrifices at the temple are
stopped. This is defined by Daniel 9:27, as the "midst" of the Tribulation.
Since seven years consist of 84 months, it can be assumed
that each part of the Tribulation will be 3 ½ years, or 42 months, or 1260 days.
Nevertheless, let us not forget, that God’s calendar (which has already been
covered) should be used.
In
Mk 13:6-19, events of the Tribulation are described. Then in verse 20, Jesus
spoke these words, AND EXCEPT THAT THE LORD HAD SHORTENED (or limited the duration
of, or cut short) THOSE DAYS (of the trouble), NO FLESH SHOULD BE SAVED (no
one would survive): BUT FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE, WHOM HE HATH CHOSEN, HE HATH SHORTENED
(or limited) THE DAYS.
Jesus describes the Tribulation and then makes the statement,
"shortened those days." What does this mean? Did He shorten it from
more than seven years down to seven years? Will the 7 x 360 day periods be shortened
to less than this? Will it be shortened only a few hours? It may be noted that
Jesus said, "shortened those days." Days is plural, which may
denote more than one. Could the days represent years? Could He have shortened
the years or number of years?
It may be noted with interest that every time the Scriptures
refer to how many days, months, or years are in either part of the Tribulation,
it always seems to be the second part. The second part is 1260 days. The second
part is 42 months. The second part is 3 1/2 years. Many times in the Scriptures
we are told the length of the second part. We never seem to be told the exact
length of the first part. (Note, some Bible scholars may not agree with the
alignment of events; thus, they might disagree with this statement.)
In Daniel, the Bible indicates seven years or seven time
periods. Then the words "IN THE MIDST" are used, indicating the middle.
From this point on, we are told over and over that it will be 42 months, or
1260 days, or 3 1/2 years. Why do the Scriptures never come out and say the
length of the first part? Since we know the second part is 1260 days and we
know the Scriptures tell us, in Dan 9:27, "IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK,"
we automatically take it for granted that the first part of the Tribulation
will be the exact length as the second part: 1260 days, which equals a total
of 2520 days, or 7 x 360 day periods or years. Yet we are still faced with the
situation that the Bible does not seem to actually say 1260 days for the first
part. Then we are faced with the words "HAD SHORTENED THOSE DAYS"
and "HE HATH SHORTENED THE DAYS"-Mk 13:20.
There seems to be no doubt that, in some way, "THE LORD
HAD SHORTENED (or limited the duration of, or cut short) THOSE DAYS." "Those
days" being referred to here are the Tribulation. But how does He do this,
and by how much?
We might conclude that the shortening could actually come
from the first part of the Tribulation, rather than the second part. This might
be further substantiated in the fact that the Scriptures tell us, BUT WHEN YE
SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION...FLEE TO THE MOUNTAINS-Mk 13:14. Why
didn’t Jesus just say to count 1260 days from the beginning of the Tribulation,
which was the confirming of the covenant?-ref Dan 9:27. It certainly would seem
much simpler to do it this way. When 1260 days approach, then flee. Yet Jesus
did not do this. He said, WHEN YE SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION...FLEE. This indicates
that the abomination will not come at the time we might expect, that is, 1260
days into the Tribulation. If this is true, could it be because the first part
of the Tribulation has been shortened? In such a case, the "elect"
would have to look for this event. They could not calculate, in number of days,
exactly when the abomination would happen. This event may occur after a much
shorter time than 1260 days from the beginning of the Tribulation (if the first
part of the Tribulation is shortened).
This web site is not saying this is the way it will be, but
simply asking the question, is this possible, even probable?
Again, we see, in the Gospel according to Matthew, the words,
WHEN YE THEREFORE SHALL SEE THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, SPOKEN OF BY DANIEL
THE PROPHET...FLEE-Mt 24:15,16. Once more, no mention is made of 1260 days,
or 42 months, or 3 1/2 years. Thus, we ask, is it possible according to the
Scriptures, that the seventieth week of Daniel will be shortened? Will
the part that will actually be shortened be the first part (which we presume
to be 1260 days, yet is never actually stated as being thus)?
The
following verses show clearly that the length of the second part of the Tribulation
is 1260 days, or 42 months, or 3 1/2 years.
Dan 7:25 AND THEY SHALL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND UNTIL A TIME
AND TIMES AND THE DIVIDING OF TIME. This is the second part of the Tribulation,
3 1/2 years. The Antichrist shall make war with the saints, and they
shall be given into his hand.
Dan 12:7 THAT IT SHALL BE FOR A TIME, TIMES, AND AN HALF,
AND WHEN HE SHALL HAVE ACCOMPLISHED TO SCATTER THE POWER OF THE HOLY PEOPLE,
ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE FINISHED. Again this is talking about the second
part of the Tribulation, 3 ½ years. The Antichrist shall
have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people.
Rev 12:14 WHERE SHE IS NOURISHED FOR A TIME, AND TIMES, AND
HALF A TIME, FROM THE FACE OF THE SERPENT. Again, we see the length of the second
part of the Tribulation is 3 1/2 years. Israel is told
to flee, when they see the abomination of desolation, to a place where God will
take care of them.
Rev 11:2 BUT THE COURT THAT IS WITHOUT THE TEMPLE LEAVE OUT,
AND MEASURE IT NOT; FOR IT IS GIVEN UNTO THE GENTILES: AND THE HOLY CITY SHALL
THEY TREAD UNDER FOOT FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. Again, we see the length of the
second part of the Tribulation. It is 42 months.
This is the same as the 3 1/2 years already mentioned. The court without the
temple is given to the Gentiles.
Rev 13:5 AND POWER WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM (unto the Antichrist)
TO CONTINUE FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. Once again, we note that the second part of
the Tribulation is 42 months.
Rev 11:3 AND THEY SHALL PROPHESY A THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND
THREESCORE DAYS. This 1260 days relates to the length of time
that the two prophets of God shall prophesy. Again we note, what appears to
be the length of the second part of the Tribulation.
Rev 12:6 AND THE WOMAN (Israel) FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS,
WHERE SHE HATH A PLACE PREPARED OF GOD, THAT THEY SHOULD FEED HER THERE A THOUSAND
TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS. This verse goes with Rev 12:14. This is Israel
fleeing when they see the abomination of desolation. Once more, we see the length
of the second part of the Tribulation is 1260 days.
Over
and over the Scriptures give us the length of the second part of the Tribulation.
Is it possible that the exact length of the first part may not be given, as
it will be shortened? Is it possible this is why the Jews must look for the
abomination of desolation to happen, rather than being able to simply count
1260 days from the beginning of the Tribulation?
Does God give us another verse to back up the verse, "He
hath shortened the days"? It is written, ESAIAS ALSO CRIETH CONCERNING
ISRAEL, THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BE AS THE SAND OF THE SEA,
A REMNANT SHALL BE SAVED: FOR HE WILL FINISH THE WORK (the Tribulation), AND
CUT IT SHORT IN RIGHTEOUSNESS: BECAUSE A SHORT WORK (the Tribulation) WILL THE
LORD MAKE UPON THE EARTH. Note the words, "CUT IT SHORT"-Ro 9:27,28.
AND AS ESAIAS SAID BEFORE, EXCEPT THE LORD OF SABAOTH (or
Lord Almighty) HAD LEFT US A SEED, WE HAD BEEN AS SODOMA, AND BEEN MADE LIKE
UNTO GOMORRHA-Ro 9:29. EXCEPT THE LORD OF HOSTS HAD LEFT UNTO US A VERY SMALL
REMNANT (or some survivors), WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AS SODOM, AND WE SHOULD HAVE
BEEN LIKE UNTO GOMORRAH-Isa 1:9.
This is very much in harmony with Mk 13:20, which has told
us that the days had been shortened for the ELECT’S SAKE. If those days had
not been shortened, NO FLESH SHOULD BE SAVED. In Ro 9:27, we read, A REMNANT
SHALL BE SAVED.
Does God give us a third verse to back this all up? It is
written, Mt 24:22-AND EXCEPT THOSE DAYS SHOULD BE SHORTENED (or if the length
of this time had not been limited-JNT,8 or cut short), THERE SHOULD
NO FLESH BE SAVED (no one would survive): BUT FOR THE ELECT’S SAKE (those who
have been chosen-JNT9) THOSE DAYS SHALL BE SHORTENED (its length
will be limited-JNT10).
In view of all these Scriptures, it might be asked, "How
much has the Tribulation been shortened?" The Scriptures appear to give
us no way to know. Some believe the verses may refer to the length of the days
being shortened.
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