Page images
PDF
EPUB

and 24). And although the Hebrew term here used, is not exactly the same as the expression "seven times" in the later prophets; yet, since constructing the larger chart of this work, I have observed that it is thus considered as a chronological term by one of the speakers in the "Dialogues on Prophecy;" and likewise by a writer in one of the Periodical Magazines: and I consider, from the peculiarity of its phraseology, and standing in this remarkable position, that, although a more obscure term is here used than was subsequently employed, yet notwithstanding it has a direct reference to a determined period.

It was the opinion of the celebrated Mede, who wrote on this subject above two hundred years ago, and whose name is increasing in reputation in the estimation of "students of prophecy," that the three times and a half of Daniel and St. John was but the bisection of a complete number of seven times, which he called the sacred calendar, or the great almanack of prophecy, and to which he thought “all mention of times in the Scripture had reference." He also recognises the captivity of Israel under the four successive Gentile monarchies, as forming this complete period, or great calendar of prophecy; reasoning on the subject à priori, without any reference, that I know of, to any distinct prophecy on the subject. The learned Mr. Faber also recognises this principle,

be ere this "cup of fury" shall be fully poured out?

We have seen that in the two former captivities of the people-those of Egypt and Babylon-a distinct intimation was given of the length of their duration. Is any such intimation to be found in the pages of the inspired records, with regard to this greater and more overwhelming calamity; this long and weary estrangement from their own soil; this captivity which has been attended with such complicated sufferings and trials, such misery, reproach, and shame?

In the book of Daniel, as well as Revelations, the term "time" is used to express an acknowledged chronological period of a determined and unequivocal duration, the meaning of which has already been explained: and to my mind, after very close consideration of the subject, the PERFECTION of calamity which has fallen upon the whole Jewish nation, has a PERFECTION of duration attached to it, in the clear, intelligible, and divinely-accredited term of seven times named in four several places in this important prophecy of the 26th of Leviticus:"If ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins" (verses 27, 28; see also verses 18, 21,

66

and 24). And although the Hebrew term here used, is not exactly the same as the expression seven times" in the later prophets; yet, since constructing the larger chart of this work, I have observed that it is thus considered as a chronological term by one of the speakers in the "Dialogues on Prophecy;" and likewise by a writer in one of the Periodical Magazines: and I consider, from the peculiarity of its phraseology, and standing in this remarkable position, that, although a more obscure term is here used than was subsequently employed, yet notwithstanding it has a direct reference to a determined period.

It was the opinion of the celebrated Mede, who wrote on this subject above two hundred years ago, and whose name is increasing in reputation in the estimation of "students of prophecy," that the three times and a half of Daniel and St. John was but the bisection of a complete number of seven times, which he called the sacred calendar, or the great almanack of prophecy, and to which he thought "all mention of times in the Scripture had reference." He also recognises the captivity of Israel under the four successive Gentile monarchies, as forming this complete period, or great calendar of prophecy; reasoning on the subject à priori, without any reference, that I know of, to any distinct prophecy on the subject. The learned Mr. Faber also recognises this principle,

The second Period indisputably fixed the exact time of Israel's final captivity to have taken place in the year before Christ 677; consequently, by adding to this the present year (1834 after Christ), it will make this captivity to have already lasted 2511 years. Now as "seven times," or 7× 360, is 2520, which gives the number of years this chronological term signifies, it follows that the whole period has only NINE YEARS to run before it will have expired. And as there are such manifest indications of great changes being at hand, and that we are living "in the latter days," the presumption is strong that this expression is in the highest degree significant, and ominous !

3. This probability is greatly increased by the fact, that the great national shocks which preceded, portended, and hastened, Israel's and Judah's fall and captivity, have been correctly answered, or responded to, by corresponding shocks, portending and hastening their deliverance, and the downfall of the nations by which they have been oppressed; calculating "seven times," or 2520 years, as the intervening period.

The events that preceded the final and irretrievable destruction of the Ten Tribes, or the kingdom of Israel, were-first, the calling in of Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, by Ahaz king of Judah, to assist him against the confederate forces of Rezin king of Syria, and Pekah king

as well as in Daniel iv., as having a chronological signification.

1. From its being mentioned in this place in immediate connection with Israel's and Judah's awful punishment;-and it is reasonable to suppose, that, if it were noticed any where, it would be in such a connection. It is frequently named in other places, as seeming to have a reference to something important. The attention, for instance, is drawn to the circumstance of the meeting of Esau and Jacob, when the latter, the representative of the house of Israel, bowed "seven times" before the former, represented as Edom, or as the head of the Gentiles;-by the Israelites encompassing the walls of Jericho "seven times," before God, on the sound of the seventh trumpet, miraculously appeared in their behalf, and gave them possession of the first city in the land of Canaan;-also by Elisha sending his servant "seven times" before he saw a "little cloud," though no bigger than a man's hand, indicative of another miraculous interference in their behalf;-and in other places.

2. There exists a great probability that this "seven times" has has a chronological import,

from the actual time to which the event which it represents has already run, in connection with the signs of the times, and the general expectation of the church.

« PreviousContinue »