by Daniel Burkett | Download PDF | Purchase Hardcopy

There are a number of occasions in the Bible where the term 'Seven Times' appears in connection with key personalities and significant events. No doubt you will recall some of the following examples: the bowing of Jacob to Esau seven times; the sprinkling of blood seven times; the seven times curse of Israel; the fall of the walls of Jericho as the children of Israel marched around them seven times; Elijah's seven times prayer for rain and the deluge that followed; the seven times baptism of Naaman and the seven times heated furnace. ¹ Such repeated and prominent usage of this phrase draws our attention to the study of the 'Seven Times' and provokes the following questions. What does the number 'seven' mean? Why is it linked with the above events and people? Does it have a symbolic meaning with important implications? What is the connection between the occurrences of the number 'seven', and the expression 'Seven Times'?

From these various and seemingly disconnected readings, we can see that we are being directed to a pattern which connects these references in a common symbolic theme. This theme is rich with prophetic 'pictures' of what is to take place in the time of the end and has profound implications for all people in the turbulent times in which we live.

A theme in the Bible is a recurring statement, that with each usage, builds in 'type' and/or 'shadow' the understanding of a truth being conveyed. An example of a prominent biblical theme is that of 'The Rock'. This theme (which points to Christ the Rock) begins in Genesis with the 'rock' or 'stone' that Jacob used for a pillow, and is further referred to by Jacob in reference to the 'Shepherd Stone'. Gen 28:10-22. Gen 49:24. The theme continues with the rock that Moses smote in the wilderness. Num 20:11.

Further development comes in the book of Daniel with the stone that smites Nebuchadnezzar's image in the feet. Dan 2:34-35. The New Testament continues the theme and declares the Rock to be Christ, in whom we participate together as lively stones. 1 Cor 10:4, 1 Pet 2:5. Therefore, it can be seen that this is a consistent theme running through Scripture, developed by many authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit over thousands of years. It is a useful illustration of how God uses themes in His word.

Similarly, symbols like the number 'seven', form prophetic language in the Scriptures. And in turn, this prophetic language develops into a theme. We shall see that this is indeed the case with the 'Seven Times'. It is what we might term a prophetic theme. In this regard, it is somewhat different from what might be commonly expected in scriptural prophecy, for it is not presented in a clear, single prophetic statement.

Why then should we view this theme as prophetic? Our answer is that the 'Seven Times' directs us to some end point, some finale or completion. Further, the seemingly random, yet symbolic occurrences of the phrase 'seven times', do link with clear prophetic statements in Scripture, which together provide us with new and amazing insights.

In exploring the 'Seven Times', it is possible to unveil the overall pattern that is concealed, thus understanding the hidden message contained within it, for:

'It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter'. Prov 25:2 KJV.

The 'Seven Times Prophecy' is a supreme example of one such glorious matter concealed, yet it presents a key of inestimable value. This precious key unlocks the mystery of God's dealings with mankind throughout history. It is truly a benchmark upon which to base much other prophetic understanding. Indeed, the 'Seven Times' prophetic theme integrates a number of prophecies, perhaps previously thought to be separate and unrelated, providing a more precise overall picture.

The Number Seven

An important key to understanding the meaning of the 'Seven Times' is the significance of the number 'seven'.

It is most certainly true, that when it comes to the use of numbers in Scripture, a pattern or consistency of use often emerges. A study of the significance of numbers in the Bible highlights this truth. Without going into detail on this topic here, we can say that some numbers appear to be linked symbolically with specific things. For example, we may associate the number 'three' with the Godhead, the number 'six' with mankind,² and the number 'seventy' with eldership.³ In a similar fashion, God's use of the number 'seven' is consistently linked throughout Scripture with the themes of perfection, fullness or completeness.

The book of Revelation is filled with 'sevens' as it portrays the events that are to take place in the time of the end. This is that period when the plan and purpose of God throughout history is brought to a conclusion. Surely God is drawing something to our attention with this number, and especially so, in the book that declares the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the end times. There, the number 'seven' has to do with the completion or fulfilment of God's plan and purpose - the perfection of the church which is the body of Christ, to be manifested in its fullness on the earth in the last days.

The significance of the number 'seven' in the 'Seven Times' is that this prophetic theme comprehends the complete plan and purpose of God amongst the nations of the earth throughout history. God's initiatives in promoting various nations at different times, serve His purpose and dealings amongst His people. They are instrumental in ultimately bringing forth Jew and Gentile in the one glorious body of Christ. Eph 2:11-16. As such, these initiatives are closely linked with the prophecies of Revelation and Daniel. The books of Daniel and Revelation together bring us amazing insight into end-time events. They shed light on the 'Seven Times' theme, bringing understanding in much the same way as the exciting discovery of a missing piece makes sense of a jigsaw puzzle.

Yes, the number 'seven' does have a meaning in Scripture, and God uses it intentionally in reference to seven times to alert us to things that are important to our understanding.

Brief Overview

It is beyond the scope of this publication to give a detailed study of the 'Seven Times'. However, we can give a brief overview that should put the reader 'in the ballpark', so to speak.

The primary meaning and content of the 'Seven Times Prophecy' is this: throughout human history God has, and will, allow seven specific times of Gentile dominion on earth; that is, seven kingdoms or ruling world orders. These kingdoms are carefully identified in the Scriptures and can be distinguished from all the other kingdoms of history. It is clear that the first six kingdoms are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. The seventh is yet to arise. Some of these kingdoms are mentioned in the book of Daniel, and the overall picture is presented by John in the book of Revelation when he describes 'MYSTERY, BABYLON' riding on a 'beast' with 'seven heads'. Rev 17:5. A further connection is given in the biblical term, 'the times of the Gentiles'. Luke 21:24. This term refers to the 'seven times' the Gentiles are allowed to dominate in the kingdoms of the world.

A further example illustrating this truth is found in the incident where Jacob bowed seven times to Esau. Gen 33:3. Esau can be clearly linked with the seven ungodly kingdoms, and Jacob with the godly nations and peoples who are forced to bow seven times to the oppression brought upon them by those kingdoms. These oppressive, ungodly kingdoms are likened to 'beasts'. They share one thing in common; all govern with the ruling principle of Satan's kingdom, understood as 'Babylon' in Scripture. This accords with God's plan and purpose throughout the ages, as intimated in the following verse:

'I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.' Eccl 3:18 KJV.

A Fresh Approach

It is clear then, that we are approaching the 'Seven Times' in an entirely fresh way. In the past, there have been attempts to apply a prophetic time scale to this theme. This is generally done in an endeavour to understand its meaning, and to see if elements of the prophecy carry a symbolic message that corresponds with the passage of a definable period of time. From that point onwards, the usual approach is to find the starting date of the prophecy by associating it with an historical event. The ultimate intention is then to identify a date of fulfilment or conclusion. This approach has been used by some groups to predict dates for future events, to give validity to dates in the past, or in some cases, to support an ideology. Whilst it is true that in some biblical prophecies a prophetic time scale does apply, the meaning of the 'Seven Times' is primarily the understanding that there are seven specific scriptural occasions of Gentile domination in the earth.

Seven Times shall Pass Over you

God's intention in the 'Seven Times' is to reveal the true nature of man in all of his depravity. This will be revealed in the kingdoms of this world. However, this drastic action is undertaken with the merciful intent of bringing men to the knowledge of God. King Nebuchadnezzar's unusual experience is really a figure of the complete process by which God is humbling the nations. Dan 4:28-37. He reveals their true nature, showing them to be as beasts throughout the entire period of the seven world orders, during which they pursue world domination. The similarities are obvious in the verse below:

'They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen … and seven times shall pass over you, til you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.' Dan 4:32 NKJV.

This was said to King Nebuchadnezzar and was literally fulfilled in his lifetime. The entire episode is a prophetic picture of future events on a much larger scale, having application down through the ages and in relation to the nations of the world. The purpose of God in the 'Seven Times' is declared in this Scripture, both in Nebuchadnezzar's life and in the kingdoms of the earth: '…until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men'.

This has major implications in the time in which we live. The Scriptures and history show clearly that to this point we can identify six of these kingdoms as having already been seen on earth. The seventh kingdom is yet ahead. What will it be like, and when will it arrive? What will be the circumstances through which it arises? How will it affect the nations of the world and people who live under its rule? What will be its duration and how will it end? In short, what does this mean for us and our children? How can we be prepared for it?

Indeed, the time ahead, the seventh time, will be a difficult one. Daniel speaks of a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual for the Hebrew children Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Dan 3:19. This story forms a part of the 'Seven Times' theme, and, like the story of Nebuchadnezzar above, it is also a prophetic picture. It suggests that (within the context of the 'Seven Times' as we understand it) during the seventh and final kingdom, the 'furnace' of affliction for God's people will be heated seven times hotter than it has been in any previous kingdom. This will be a time of great tribulation for the church which is distinct from that time commonly referred to as the great tribulation of the world under the kingdom of Antichrist. It aligns in time with the opening of the seals in the book of Revelation.

As difficult as this time will be, the church will emerge triumphant and glorious from it as evidenced by the following passage of Scripture. 'After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honour and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."' Rev 7:9-17.

The glorious message contained in the 'Seven Times' is one of hope for mankind through the discipline of God in the kingdoms of this world throughout the ages of time.

1. Gen 33:3; Lev 16:14; 26:18,21,14,28; Josh 6:4,15; 1 Kgs 18:43; 2 Kgs 5:10; Dan. 3:19.

2. Created on the sixth day. Rev 13:18 – 666, the number of a man in opposition to God.

3. Ex 24:1; Num 11:16-25; Lk 10:1, 17.

Author: Daniel Burkett | Melbourne Christian Fellowship | MCF
Published by Vision One at Toowoomba Christian Fellowship | TCF
Christian Resources

Download PDF

Purchase Hardcopy