The 7-Year Tribulation Period – According to Scripture. We’re Almost There, Do You Know the Details?

The 7-Year Tribulation Period is one of the most intense, prophetic times described in Scripture—a period of judgment, deception, and divine intervention that leads to the return of Jesus Christ. This period of time will be the final 7 years upon the earth, and will end with the return of Jesus Christ. Today, I will walk you through the timeline, events, and scriptural support for the Tribulation as found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

So, where do we get the time period of 7 years. The amount of time that the Tribulation period lasts is a key indicator as to the year that the Savior will return to the earth.

The Foundation: Daniel’s 70 Weeks Prophecy

Daniel 9:24–27 (KJV) is the cornerstone prophecy:

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”
“…he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…” (Daniel 9:27)

In Hebrew, the word translated as “weeks” is “shabuim”, meaning sevens. So, 70 weeks = 70 sets of 7 years = 490 years.

Let’s take a look at where these 70 weeks fit into a timeline, since they occur at different times.

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Daniel’s 70 weeks refer to 490 prophetic years for Israel. 69 weeks (483 years) have already been fulfilled, ending with Jesus’ crucifixion. The final 70th week (7 years) is yet in a future time and will be fulfilled during the 7-year Tribulation Period, ending with Christ’s Second Coming.

Be patient here, because the 70 weeks mentioned are not sequential, and it can be a bit confusing as to when they occur.

Daniel’s 70 Weeks Starts around 445 BC – It begins with the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

445 BC – 30 AD 69 Weeks (483 years)

During the “Age of the Church”, the 70-week period stops, and does not pick up until later, at the end of the church age.

Church Age (Gap) Begins around 30 AD to Present Day. The pause between week 69 and 70 are not part of the 70 weeks mentioned in the scripture. The 69 weeks have been concluded, and the 70^th week will happen sometime in the future.

30 AD to 2025?

70^th Week – Starts at the Tribulation Period – Final 7 years before the millennium. This could very likely begin in the year 2025. This period again starts with Israel signing a 7-year peace agreement.

Coming of Christ ends the 70^th week which has been written in the scripture above.

With all of this now understood, this scripture is key in two very important aspects of the Tribulation Period:

*How long it lasts – 7 years (1 week).

*How to know when it begins – By the signing of a 7-year Peace Agreement.

Those of us who study end-times writings are keyed in on this peace agreement. There isn’t anything more definite in all of the end-times writings of the scriptures, that identifies when Christ will return, more than the signing of this Peace deal with Israel.

So, how will we know that the specific Peace Deal with Israel is the same one as referred to in the scriptures?

*The peace agreement with Israel must specifically note the period of time being

7 years.

*The language in the agreement must allow the “Jewish” temple to be built on the

Location of the “Temple Mount” in Israel.

How do we know this information about the temple is critical?

For the Antichrist to “cause the sacrifice to cease,” sacrifice must have been resumed first — and that implies the temple needs to rebuilt. Remember the Jewish people are a big part of the “End-Times” teachings and the return of Jesus Christ.

Their temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans, (located upon that same spot, the Temple Mount). Since that time, Sacrifices stopped being performed and have ceased all together.

The Second Temple in Jerusalem was the only place where sacrifices could be lawfully offered according to the Law of Moses (see Deuteronomy 12:13–14, where God commanded Israel to offer sacrifices only in the place He chose). After the destruction of that Temple, there was no longer a proper location to conduct the sacrificial system outlined in the Torah.

A point of truth here. Remember, the Jewish people are still waiting for the Messiah to return. They do not believe Jesus was the Messiah. They are currently living under “Old Testament” and Jewish law. Sacrifices are part of their religion.

Currently, they have found several “Unblemished” Red Herford cows that are now in Israel. These cows will be used in the sacrificial cleansing of this new temple that will be built prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

Numbers 19:1–3 (KJV)

1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
2 This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
3 And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:

Purpose of the Red Heifer Sacrifice:

• It was not a sin offering or a burnt offering like those offered regularly in the Temple.
• The ashes of the red heifer were used to purify those who had become unclean, particularly from touching a dead body (Numbers 19:9, 13).
• This ritual was unique in that the heifer was slaughtered outside the camp, and its ashes were mixed with water for use in ceremonial cleansing.

Requirements of these red heifers:

• Red in color (traditionally understood as completely red)
• Unblemished
• Never used for labor (never wore a yoke)

This sacrifice is symbolically important in both Judaism and Christianity:

• In Judaism, the red heifer is a requirement for future temple purification, and finding one is considered crucial for resuming temple worship.
• In Christian theology, the red heifer is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who was also “without blemish” and sacrificed “outside the camp” (cf. Hebrews 13:11–12).

Sacrifices were used in Old Testament teachings to prepare the world for a Savior who would be sacrificed for us. It was elementary teachings to explain what was to come. When Jesus returned to earth, this ended the need for any religious sacrifices, but since the Jewish people do not recognize Him as the Messiah, they still need to sacrifice to allow the Messiah to come to earth. This is the reason that they need the new temple.

The temple is an important part of the 7-year tribulation period, which is why I have gone in so much detail here about it.

We have now established the time period of the Tribulation period as being 7 years. But what else happens during this period of time?

The Division: Two Halves of Tribulation

Scripture consistently divides the Tribulation into two 3½-year segments:

First Half (3½ Years)

• Peace and false security (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
• Antichrist rises in power (Revelation 6:1–2)
• Two witnesses begin their ministry (Revelation 11:3)
• The third temple is rebuilt (Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4)

Midpoint Event – The Abomination of Desolation: (Second 3½ Years)

“…when ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet…” (Matthew 24:15, also Daniel 9:27)

A major event happening midway in the tribulation is this Abomination of Desolation.

The Antichrist, who many people have seen as this peacemaker, will enter the new temple that has been built on the temple mount, and sit upon the throne inside. He will then desecrate the Jewish Temple, likely by placing an idol in the holy place, demanding worship and declaring his true identity…satan.

The Antichrist setting up an image of himself (see 2 Thessalonians 2:4, Revelation 13:14–15).

The Tribulation Intensifies.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world…” – Matthew 24:21 (KJV)

• Antichrist breaks the covenant
• Satan is cast down to earth (Revelation 12:9)
• Persecution of believers and Jews intensifies (Revelation 13:7)
• Judgments from God are unleashed (Trumpets and Bowls – Revelation 8–16)

Let’s discuss Gods Bowl of Wrath

The 7 Bowls (Vials) of God’s Wrath – Revelation 16 (KJV):

1. First Bowl – Grievous sores

Revelation 16:2 – Poured on those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.

2. Second Bowl – Sea turns to blood

Revelation 16:3 – Every living thing in the sea died.

3. Third Bowl – Rivers and fountains become blood

Revelation 16:4 – God’s judgment for the blood of saints and prophets.

4. Fourth Bowl – Scorching sun

Revelation 16:8-9 – People were scorched with fire and still did not repent.

5. Fifth Bowl – Darkness and pain

Revelation 16:10-11 – Poured on the seat of the beast; his kingdom became full of darkness.

6. Sixth Bowl – Euphrates River dries up

Revelation 16:12 – Makes way for the kings of the east; demonic spirits gather armies for Armageddon.

7. Seventh Bowl – Earth-shattering judgment

Revelation 16:17–21 – A voice says “It is done”; massive earthquake, cities fall, islands vanish, and 100-pound hailstones fall from heaven.

God’s “fight” is not with His church or believers. It is against satan and his followers. So, if you have chosen to follow evil, please reread the 7 things that God has planned for you above.

This punishment is seen as His last effort to bring people to Him, as well as punish the evil doers who mock and ignore Him.

While the sequence of these bowls is clearly ordered (1st through 7th), the exact timing or length between each bowl is not specified.

Here’s what we can know from Scripture (KJV):

The Bowls Come After the Trumpets

• The bowl judgments (Revelation 16) occur after the seven seal judgments (Rev 6–8) and seven trumpet judgments (Rev 8–11).
• The bowls are part of the final phase of God’s wrath.

The Bowls Are Poured Out in Order

• Revelation 16 lists each bowl in numbered sequence:
  • “The first… the second… the third…” etc., which shows a deliberate progression.

They Occur Quickly and Intensely

• Unlike the seals and trumpets, which have intervals and pauses (e.g., Revelation 7, 10), the bowls are described without any interruption.
• Their effects seem cumulative and escalating:
  • Example: the sea turns to blood (2nd bowl), then all fresh water also turns to blood (3rd bowl), then intense heat (4th), then total darkness (5th), then Armageddon preparation (6th), and final collapse (7th).
• Most scholars view the bowls as being poured out within a short time frame, possibly within weeks or months near the very end of the Tribulation.

No Exact Time Intervals Given:

• Nowhere in Revelation does it say how many days/weeks pass between each bowl.
• The focus is more on severity and completeness than timing.

Then, when all of this has been completed, Jesus will return.

The Return of Christ – End of Tribulation

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven…” – Matthew 24:30 (KJV)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse…” – Revelation 19:11–16 (KJV)

• Jesus returns in glory with His saints
• The Battle of Armageddon occurs (Revelation 16:16; 19:19)
• Antichrist and False Prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20)
• Satan is bound for 1000 years (Revelation 20:2)

The Tribulation Period will be unlike any time the world has ever seen. But the message is not fear—it’s urgency. The gospel is still being preached, and God’s invitation to salvation remains open:

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13 (KJV)

So, now you know the specifics of the 7-year Tribulation Period. These events that I have listed are all necessary to occur before the return of our Savior. This again compliments the prophetic timeline regarding the end-times, and final days for those who dwell upon the earth.

We have all been conditioned to look for the “Signs” of His coming. Our focus has been celestial signs, earthquakes, etc., but in all reality, when you understand the 7 Year Tribulation period, the only defining sign to look for is the signing of the 7-year peace agreement…everything else falls into place, and further signs are not necessary, other than to serve as reassurance that Jesus is on His way.

Now let’s deal with a very “respected” statement that I hear: “Why hasn’t my church said anything about all of this? I think that I’m going to wait until I hear this from my church.” Again, I would like to address this with the utmost respect.

I can’t answer why they have not discussed this with their congregation. Out of respect for them, I won’t even guess. But let me share something that is VERY important.

I personally have never been a big fan of the plan, “Well, let’s just wait and see.” So, let’s address it right now.

When you here about all of these things that are planned to happen in the final 7 years, what are your emotions? How do you feel about it? I’m willing to guess that these things produce some fear and anxiety, right?

This is the key reason of why it is important that you are “in the know” about the final 7 years. FEAR is not the emotion that God wants you to have. You are His child, and as your father, He seeks to comfort you, especially during scary times. You can simply choose to just not think about it, but you would be losing a very effective tool in dealing with this. So… how can you not have fear? (And this is the key).

Two years ago, when I started to study the end times, I too was faced with fear. But the more that I studied about it, the fear began to lesson until finally REMOVED. The reason it left was due to the time that I spent studying what God has planned for His children during this time. Have you studied this? If not, that might be why you have some fear. Knowing His plans is indeed a fear squasher!

Let me approach this through a different angle. Do you trust God? I can hear an overwhelming amount of you screaming… “YES.” This being the case, you already have the faith necessary that you will need to overcome your fear of the Tribulation period. The trust required is already there, the only thing that you need now is to study what He plans to do to protect you.

I’d like to break this down even further. Do you believe the story about God parting the Red Sea that is written in the bible, allowing the Israelites to escape to freedom? Again, I hear a resounding “YES”.

So, what if you were present right along side of the escaping Israelites, and had no idea about God’s intentions to part the sea to help you escape. Would you have the necessary faith to know that God would take care of you, even as you see the armies getting closer with the intent to eliminate you? You are pinned in, with no reasonable escape possible. What would your level of faith be then?

God’s solution that day was outside anyone’s imagination, or thought that was running through their heads. Yet… He saved them. This is the level of faith that I am pleading with you to reach in your life right now. It might require some work, but that’s why we are talking about it right now, and not in the midst of chaos that will surely come. Faith and Trust are the answers.

For those of you who are already there, I say well done. For those of you who are not at that level, that is why you need to know about the final 7 years on the earth. Not just the scary stuff, but to study how God intends to watch over you. Study this…Pray about it…Ask God to help you increase your faith so that you are not afraid. Build your faith if it’s not at the level that you desire. By putting on this armor, you will see that you are prepared for anything that is to come.

To assist you further in your faith journey, think about all of the experiences that you have had in your life where God has watched over you. Build on these. Relate these times to you TRUSTING Him! Listen to other people’s stories about being protected. Even realize experiences that you have had in life where you prayed for help and comfort so that you would not be afraid. He was there for you then, and that’s a big part about these 7 years…Pray to be comforted, and to not be afraid. Prayer is another tool to overcome your fear.

I love all of you. I pray each day to know what I can write to help all of you who are searching for something spiritual. I hear His answers frequently, which again strengthens my Faith in Him. He hears us…You know that.

For those of you who might be seeking spiritual information that I have not yet addressed in my writings, please reach out to me through my email, [email protected]. We can discuss it then, or I’d be happy to write something for the entire group on my blog, (certainly confidentiality applies here).

Please join me each day online at www.riverwilde.blog as we study the writings of the End-Times. May God be with you today, and always.

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