The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

Our next inquiry logically is with regard to the forty-two months. Are we to understand
this to refer to literal or symbolical time? We answer, the very fact that it is used in
connection with a symbolic vision would seem to be sufficient evidence that symbolical
time is referred to. Another evidence that this is correct is that the vision refers to the
earthly, preparatory state of the Church--a time during which it has seemed to be God's
purpose to hide, in a large measure at least, an understanding of prophetic visions until
the events symbolized in the visions would, to a considerable extent, have unfolded
themselves in history.
Another evidence, and one that cannot be successfully controverted, is that the fulfillment
of the vision is associated with great events of past history--events which require the use of
symbolical time. In this connection we call attention to the fact that the same mystical
period of time is employed in the prophecies of Daniel, although stated in a different form,
namely a "time, times and the dividing of time." (Dan. 7:25.) Its use in this prophecy of
Daniel is in connection with a politico-religious power, symbolized by a "little horn" that
comes up after and among the "ten horns" of the fourth beast of Daniel's vision. It is agreed
by all historical students of Daniel and Revelation that the beast referred to represents the
Roman Empire; and its ten horns represent the divisions of that Empire which took place
in the fourth and fifth centuries. There is also a general agreement that the "little horn," in
connection with which this mysterious number (time, times, and a half) is used, is the
Papacy, its rise occurring about 539 AD. The prophecy states that the saints (the Lord's
consecrated ones) would be given into his hand for "a time, times and a half," which
interpreted, symbolically, would represent twelve hundred and sixty years --a "time,"
representing 360 years; "times," (two) representing 720 years; and "a half," 180 years; the
sum of which is 1260 years. Indeed, in the vision we are considering, we have it so stated:
"And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two
hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." (Verse 3.) The period referred to in the
prophecy of Daniel in which it is stated that the saints should be given into his (Papacy's)
hand for this length of time, ended in 1799, when the Papacy ceased to have power to
persecute Christ's true followers. The same great evil power and the same period of time
are doubtless referred to in the vision we are now considering. The meaning then of the
statement, "the holy city shall they tread forty-two months," is that during a period of
twelve hundred and sixty years, the Sanctuary, the Truth, and the things pertaining to the
true worship, would become perverted and trodden down of the nations, the civil powers,
the ten kingdoms over which the Papacy would exert a controlling influence; and the
saints of God in their efforts to proclaim the truths of the Scriptures would be out of favor
with both the civil and religious powers. Other prophecies show, however, that before the
1260 years run their full course, there would be a revolt on the part of some of these
kingdoms from Papal control.--See Rev. 11:13; 17:16.
Adore and Praise the Lord