What is the prophecy of 1,260 days in Revelation?

Response

In the book of Revelation chapters 11 and 12, John refers to 1,260 days in two prophecies about a future persecution of the Jewish people in the end times. In the book of Daniel chapter 8, there is a mention of 2,300 days in a prophecy concerning the persecution of the Jewish nation during the intertestamental period. The key distinctions between these two prophecies are: 1) Daniel’s prophecy has already been fulfilled, while John’s is yet to be fulfilled; and 2) Daniel’s prophecy pertains to the actions of Antiochus Epiphanes, whereas John’s prophecy relates to the Antichrist.

The prophecy of 1,260 days is referenced in two sections of the book of Revelation. Firstly, Revelation 11:2-3 states,

“[The Gentiles] will trample the holy city for 42 months. And I will commission my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.”

Additionally, as part of a symbolic vision, Revelation 12:6 mentions,

“The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared by God, where she would be nourished for 1,260 days.”

The duration of 1,260 days equates to 42 months or 3 1/2 years. It is believed that this prophecy is yet to come to pass and will occur during the tribulation period of the end times. The 42 months symbolize the rule of the Antichrist, specifically the latter half (3 1/2 years) of the seven-year tribulation. At the onset of this period, the Antichrist will violate his covenant with Israel and establish “the abomination that causes desolation” (Mark 13:14;cf: Daniel 9:27)—an action that draws a parallel between the Antichrist and Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the temple in a similar manner. Subsequently, the Antichrist will focus on the extermination of the Jewish people. Throughout this persecution, Israel (depicted as the woman in Revelation 12) will receive divine protection in the wilderness. Furthermore, during this tumultuous period, God will send two witnesses to perform miracles and proclaim the truth of Christ in opposition to the Antichrist’s deceit (Revelation 11:5-6).

The intricate prophecies found in God’s Word are what distinguish the Bible from other religious texts. Our God can “reveal the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” «declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: », (Isaiah 46:10), and He has disclosed significant future events, specifying the exact days of those time periods.