SEVEN TIMES THAT AFFECT US

As represented by the great tree, Nebuchadnezzar symbolized world rulership.  But remember, the tree stands for rulership and sovereignty far grander than that of Babylon's king.  It symbolizes the universal sovereignty of Jehovah, "the King of the heavens," especially with respect to the earth.  Before Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians, the kingdom centered in that city with David and his heirs sitting on "Jehovah's throne" represented God's sovereignty with reference to the earth. (1 Chronicles 29:23) God himself had such sovereignty chopped down and banded in 607 B.C.E., when he used Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem.  Exercise of divine sovereignty toward the earth by a kingdom in the line of David was restrained for seven times.  How long were these seven times?  When did they begin, and what marked their end? 

During Nebuchadnezzar's madness, "his very hair grew long just like eagle's feathers and his nails like bird's claws." (Daniel 4:33) This took longer than seven days or seven weeks. Various translations read "seven times," and alternatives are "appointed (definite) times" of the Old Greek (Septuagint) reads "seven years" by the first  century Jewish historian Josephus.  (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 10, paragraph 6) And certain Hebrew scholars have viewed these "times" as "years." "Seven years" is the rendering in the American Translation, Today's English Version, and the translation by James Moffatt.

Evidently Nebuchadnezzar's "seven times" involved seven years.  In prophecy, a year averages 360 days, or 12 months of 30 days each.  (Compare Revelation 122:6, 14) So the king's "seven times," or "seven years, were 360 days multiplied  by 7, or 2,520 days.  But what about the major fulfillment of his dream?  The prophetic "seven times" lasted much longer than 2,520 days.  This was indicated by Jesus' words:  "Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nation are fulfilled." (Luke 21:24) That 'trampling'  began  in 607 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was destroyed and the typical kingdom of God ceased to function in Judah.  When would the trampling end? At "the times of restoration of all things," when divine sovereignty would again be manifested toward the earth through symbolic Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God. -Acts 3:21 

Next time: Conclusion of: SEVEN TIMES THAT AFFECT US

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999