QUESTION:
WHAT IS THE TRIBULATION?
ANSWER:
The Tribulation is a future, seven-year period of judgment and redemption foretold in Scripture, during which God will deal with the rebellious world and prepare Israel for Christ’s return.
The term “Tribulation” refers to a future period of intense suffering, global upheaval, and divine judgment upon the earth, as foretold in both the Old and New Testaments. It is a key subject in biblical prophecy and a central component of eschatology—the study of end times. Understanding the Tribulation requires careful examination of prophetic Scripture, particularly Daniel 9, the teachings of Jesus, and the visions of Revelation.
1. The Biblical Basis of the Tribulation – The Prophecy in Daniel 9: The Seventy Weeks
The foundation of the Tribulation begins in Daniel 9:24–27, where the angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel a timeline for God’s dealings with Israel:
“Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city… to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity… and to bring in everlasting righteousness…” (Daniel 9:24)
These “weeks” are widely understood by scholars to represent seventy sets of seven years, totaling 490 years. The first 69 “weeks” (483 years) culminated with the coming of the “Messiah the Prince” (v.25), fulfilled in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
But then Daniel prophesies that the Messiah would be “cut off” (a reference to Jesus’ crucifixion), and the prophetic calendar would pause. The final “week”—a seven-year period—remains unfulfilled. This 70th week is what we call the Tribulation, a future period when God resumes His dealings with Israel and judges the world.
2. The Timing of the Tribulation
a. A Future Event
The events described in Daniel 9:27—such as the covenant with many, its breaking at the midpoint, and the abomination of desolation—have not yet occurred in history in their full prophetic sense. Jesus Himself referenced this prophecy:
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet… then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15–16)
Historically, the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 167 BC is seen as a foreshadowing of this abomination. He sacrificed a pig on the altar of the Jewish temple and erected an image of Zeus. However, Jesus referenced this as a still-future event, meaning the final fulfillment would occur during the Tribulation.
b. Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation Views
Bible scholars differ on when the Rapture of the Church (See also: “What is The Rapture?”) will occur in relation to the Tribulation:
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Pre-Tribulation View: Believers are taken up before the Tribulation begins. This view emphasizes that the Church is not appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
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Mid-Tribulation View: The Church will be raptured in the middle of the seven years, after 3½ years of lesser tribulation but before the Great Tribulation.
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Post-Tribulation View: Believers will go through the entire Tribulation and be raptured at Christ’s second coming.
While debate remains, Jesus’ words remind us:
“But of that day and hour no one knows… Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:36, 42)
The key takeaway: Be ready at all times.
3. What Will Happen During the Tribulation?
The seven-year Tribulation is divided into two halves, each 3½ years. The second half is called the “Great Tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) because of the unprecedented suffering.
a. The Rise of the Antichrist
Daniel 9:27 says:
“Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.”
This world leader, referred to as “the man of sin” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) and the “beast” (Revelation 13), will initially appear as a peacemaker but will betray his covenant, demand worship, and persecute those who refuse.
b. The Abomination of Desolation
In the middle of the Tribulation, the Antichrist will desecrate the Jewish temple by placing something detestable in it—likely an image of himself (Revelation 13:15). This act is a direct challenge to God and marks the beginning of the Great Tribulation.
c. Global Judgments and Catastrophes
Revelation 6–18 describes a series of seals, trumpets, and bowl judgments poured out on the earth. These include:
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Widespread war, famine, and death
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Natural disasters like earthquakes and celestial disturbances
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Demonic torment and plagues
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Economic collapse and martyrdom of believers
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Cosmic signs and the poisoning of earth’s resources
“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time…” (Matthew 24:21)
d. The Mark of the Beast: 666
Revelation 13 warns of a global economic system controlled by the Antichrist and his false prophet. People will be required to receive a mark:
“That no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:17)
This mark is identified as 666 (Revelation 13:18). Accepting it is a sign of allegiance to the Antichrist and results in eternal condemnation (Revelation 14:9–11).
e. The Sealing of the 144,000
Revelation 7 and 14 describe the sealing of 144,000 servants of God—12,000 from each tribe of Israel. These are Jewish believers in Jesus, protected and commissioned during the Tribulation:
“These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4)
They are not Jehovah’s Witnesses or a symbolic number, but literal Israelites who proclaim the Gospel during this period. Through their witness and God’s mercy, a great multitude from every nation will be saved (Revelation 7:9–14).
4. The Purpose of the Tribulation
a. To Judge the World’s Rebellion
God will deal justly with the unrepentant world, punishing evil and corruption.
“The great day of the Lord is near… a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress…” (Zephaniah 1:14–15)
b. To Bring Israel to Repentance
The Tribulation is also known as “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7). Through it, God will purify and restore His covenant people.
c. To Usher in Christ’s Kingdom
At the end of the seven years, Jesus Christ will return visibly, defeat the Antichrist, and establish His thousand-year reign (Revelation 19–20).
Final Thought: Will You Be Ready?
The Tribulation is real, dreadful, and imminent. But you don’t have to go through it.
“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things… and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)
If the Rapture were to happen today, would you be caught up with Christ—or left behind to face judgment?
Don’t delay. Today is the day of salvation. Make things right with God while there is still time.
If you’re ready to turn to God and receive His forgiveness, click “How Can I Get Saved?“ and pray with sincerity.
