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The Duration of the Seven Last Plagues

How long do the seven last plagues actually take to unfold?

AdventAI

How long do the 7 last plagues take

AdventAI

The seven last plagues are expected to occupy a period of approximately one year. ⏳

Duration and Timing

  • A Prophetic Day: The timeframe for these plagues is identified as a prophetic day, which represents one literal year.

  • The Day of Vengeance: This period is biblically described as the "day of the Lord’s vengeance" and the "year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion" Isaiah 34:8.

  • Babylon's Judgment: The scriptures indicate that Babylon’s plagues, which include death, mourning, and famine, will come in "one day," a term signifying a year, as famine cannot occur in a single literal day Revelation 18:8.

  • The Period of "Quickly": This year-long visitation occurs in the interval between the close of probation—when the eternal destiny of every person is fixed—and the Second Advent of Christ Revelation 22:11-12.

Sequential and Historical Context

  • Following Probation: The plagues begin immediately after Jesus finishes His mediation in the heavenly sanctuary and puts on the "garments of vengeance" Isaiah 59:17.

  • The Seven Vials: During this time, the seven angels pour out the vials of God's unmixed wrath upon those who have rejected the truth and received the mark of the beast Revelation 16:1-2.

  • The Second Advent: This period of judgment concludes with the appearance of Christ in the clouds of heaven to deliver His people Isaiah 25:9.

  • Comparison to Egypt: While the ten plagues of Egypt took approximately ten months to unfold, they serve as a type for the final seven literal plagues that will fall upon the world.

Protection for the Righteous

  • God's Shelter: Although the earth will be in a state of "trouble such as never was," the righteous will be protected from the effects of these judgments Daniel 12:1.

  • No Plague Nigh: By standing firm on the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, the saints are promised that no plague shall come near their dwelling Psalms 91:10.

  • Physical Preparation: Adopting principles of healthful living now is essential to prepare the body to stand through the physical rigors of the time when the air is sick with pestilence.

Sources · 17
  1. ARSH August 14, 1856, page 116.13Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 8Uriah Smith
  2. DAR1909 719.2Daniel and The RevelationUriah Smith
  3. ARSH December 16, 1862, page 20.9Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 21James Springer White
  4. GP 92.3The Gift of Prophecy (The Role of Ellen White in God’s Remnant Church)Ellen Gould White
  5. ExV 19.1A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. WhiteEllen Gould White
  6. Broadside2 January 31, 1849, par. 2To Those who are receiving the seal of the living GodEllen Gould White
  7. BEARF 22.2A Brief Exposition of the Angels of Revelation XIVJames Springer White
  8. JEO 90.1The Judgment. Its Events and Their OrderJohn Nevins Andrews
  9. ARSH March 23, 1852, page 105.15The Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 2The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
  10. EVRR548An Enduring Vision - Revelation RevealedAustin Cooke
  11. MWV2 219.3Miller’s Works, vol. 2. Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ about the YearWilliam Miller
  12. BHOTV2 58.2Bible History Old Testament Vol. 2Alfred Edersheim
  13. DAR1909 322.3Daniel and The RevelationUriah Smith
  14. ARSH September 20, 1853, page 86.4The Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 4The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
  15. ARSH September 30, 1852, page 88.5The Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 3The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald
  16. GCB/GCDB 1893, page 88.7General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 5Alonzo Trevier Jones
  17. GCDB February 21, 1899, page 41.5General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 8General Conference of SDA