MPV Commentary

The number forty-two months in Daniel 7:25 corresponds to the period described in Revelation 11:2. This connection highlights the significance of numbers in the book of Revelation.

Numbers play a crucial role in the Apocalypse, reflecting the harmonies between the natural and supernatural worlds. The number seven represents perfection, as seen in Revelation 1:4; 4:5, where the seven Spirits before the throne are mentioned. Similarly, the Lamb has seven horns and seven eyes (Revelation 5:6). The seven churches in Asia represent the universal Church, while the seven seals, trumpets, and vials each signify a complete series of judgments.

The number three and a half is often associated with opposition to God's perfection. It implies a broken or incomplete entity that ultimately meets its downfall. In contrast, the number four represents the world's extension, as seen in the four beasts of Daniel 7:3, which mimic the four cherubs of Ezekiel 10:9. These symbols reflect creation's subjection to God.

In Revelation, John presents a seven-headed beast that claims divine perfection for itself, but with ten horns, a number characteristic of worldly power. This self-contradiction is marked by the addition of an eighth head and the beast's own number, 666, which falls short of seven. The judgments on the world are complete in six, as seen after the sixth seal and trumpet. However, when seven arrives, it signifies "the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ."

The number six represents the world given to judgment, being half of twelve, the number of the Church (compare Revelation 12:1; 21:12). Six also symbolizes a broken or incomplete entity without solid foundation. The number twelve is associated with completeness, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve gates of new Jerusalem.

The numbers in Revelation are intended to stimulate reverent inquiry rather than satisfy idle curiosity. While there may be a special chronological meaning behind these numbers, their solution remains unclear. They demonstrate God's wisdom in ordering all things in harmonious relations.

Some argue for the year-day theory, where 1260 years correspond to the period described in Daniel 9:24 and Revelation 11:2. This theory is based on passages such as Leviticus 12:5; Deuteronomy 16:9-10, 16, which use "sevens" to refer to days rather than years. However, this interpretation remains uncertain, leaving room for faith and patience.

The year-day theory faces challenges, particularly in interpreting the thousand years mentioned in Revelation 20:6-7 as a literal period of three hundred sixty thousand years. This would require a spiritual interpretation of the first resurrection in Revelation 20:5, which is unlikely. The passage in 1 Corinthians 15:23 confirms the literal view of the thousand years.