The Time, Times, and Half of Time

 

'These four great beasts are four kings who shall arise out of the earth.  But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, for ever and ever.'  "Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrible, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze; and which devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet;  and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up and before which three of them fell, the horn which had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and which seemed greater than its fellows.  As I looked, this horn made war with the saints, and prevailed over them,  until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints received the kingdom.  "Thus he said: 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces.  As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings.  He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time.  But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. [Daniel 7:17-26]

 

And I said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"  The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the stream, raised his right hand and his left hand toward heaven; and I heard him swear by him who lives for ever that it would be for a time, two times, and half a time; and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be accomplished.  I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, "O my lord, what shall be the issue of these things?"  He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.  Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand.  And from the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.  Blessed is he who waits and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.  But go your way till the end; and you shall rest, and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days." [Daniel 12:3-13]