Seven Times

ByElsie Read-Aitchison

A very interesting subject to study is the time-measures given in the Bible. These are often in code, and require very careful searching of the Scriptures. For instance, consider the term, “Seven Times”, found in Lev. 26:18, 21, 24, 28; and Dan. 4:16, 25, 32.

Now, in order to find the meaning of this term, we must turn to Revelation. In chapter 12, verse 14, we find the expression, “time, times, and half a time”, and in verse 6, the same period is spoken of as 1,260 days. Therefore, 1260 days are equal to “time, times, and half a time”, which is one plus two plus a half, or 3½ times.

Seven times are just twice 3½ times, and equal twice 1260 prophetic “days” or 2520. Now, we remember that in many places in the Bible, the term is used, “a day for a year”. (See Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:5, 6; etc.). Thus we see that “Seven Times” covers a period of 2520 years; and are often referred to as “the times of the Gentiles”.

Returning now to Lev. 26, we read that God warned Israel of seven times punishment if they disobeyed. We know they did disobey, and were exiled for their sin.

The Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken captive to Assyria in 721 B.C. Add 2520 years, and you have 1800 A.D., the beginning of an era of industrial and colonial expansion for Great Britain. Thus we see that the period of punishment had run out.

We recall, also, that part of the tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, did not enter the land of Canaan, but remained on the east of Jordan (Num. 32:33). These were the first of Israel to be taken captive (I Chron. 5:26). This happened about 743-742 B.C. Add 2520 years and you have 1777-1776 A.D., the birth of the United States of America when they became in dependent; and the end of their period of punishment.

One other instance is the subjugation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, 604 B.C. (II Chron. 36:6). Adding 2520 years, you have 1917 A.D., the date of the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Turks in 1917 by the British under Allenby.

You will be able to find other similar periods for yourselves.