And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.
Ver. 7. And I heard the man.] The man Christ Jesus.
When he held up his right hand and his left hand.] Assuring and assevering the matter with both hands earnestly.
That it shall be for a time, and times and a half,] i.e., For a time most certain with God, and by him determined, but to us uncertain and unknown. Broughton thinketh that this term of "three years and a half" showeth the term of Christ's persecution in the days of his flesh, which was just so many years, But there is more in it than so. See Revelation 6:11, a parallel text, and such, like glasses set one against another, do cast a mutual light.
When he shall have accomplished to scatter the power.] When the Church shall be at the greatest under, when the number of the elect shall be consummated, and they sorely afflicted by the devil and his agents, then shall Christ appear to their relief, as it were, out of an engine. See 2 Thessalonians 2:7,12 1 Timothy 4:1,3 Rev 6:12-17