Scripture Queries and Answers: Prophecy

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2. Are the two periods of 42 months and 1260 days in Rev. 11:2, 32But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:2‑3) to be considered as extending over the whole of the above week, or only half of it? If the latter view be taken, how can the three and-a-half days of verse 9, beyond the 1260 days be accounted for?
3. Is it correct to say that the trumpets extend over the first half of the week, the vials over the second half, and the seals over the whole week?
4. Are these events to be considered as wholly prophetical; or do they admit of historical application as well?
- J. T.
A. J. T. is referred to the BIBLE TREASURY (first edition), Vol. 1, pp. 276, 277, and Vol. 2, p. 63 for answers to queries 1 and 2. As to his third question, I think it certain that the seals precede the trumpets, which go down to the introduction of the kingdom in a general way, as the vials go over the latter part of the ground specifically. But the seals do not comprehend the whole week, nor do they go down to the end. I am not disposed to doubt the intention of a general historical application, besides the fulfillment in the great future crisis.