Many Bible scholars believe as we do that the eleventh chapter of the Book of Revelation portrays the "seventieth week" of Daniel. The concept is that the Kingdom clock stopped ticking when Jesus was crucified, that is, when the sixty-nine weeks had been fulfilled. The clock will resume ticking at the time of the seventh angel.

Our own point of view concerning the events of the seventieth week is that the first half of the seventieth week will be the time of the latter-rain outpouring, the double portion of God's grace that will enable the Gospel of the Kingdom to go forth to every nation for a witness. During this period the power of Divine glory and judgment will be given to the saints so that the fullness of the witness may be borne.

The second half of the week will see God give authority to Antichrist so that wickedness may come to maturity. That which now hinders the full revelation of Antichrist, which is the witnessing power of the Holy Spirit resting on the saints, will be abated.

Until the testimony has been borne to God's satisfaction the saints will be protected by the mightiest of the angels. Those who attempt to harm them will be judged by the Word of God they are preaching. Those who injure them will not die an ordinary death but by Divine judgment.

The saints of the last days will be able to call for droughts, as did Elijah. They will be able to turn waters to blood, as did Moses. They can strike the earth with plagues as often as they like. They will have this power during the days of their prophecy. It is power given to preach the Word of God, not so the believers can be exalted.

One can see from this the need for prolonged training in obedience and humility before human beings will be entrusted with the power to harm other human beings.

It will require enormous catastrophes before the governments and citizens of our proud, pleasure-loving world will listen to the Gospel of the Kingdom.

No doubt there will be a literal fulfillment of these plagues.

There also may be a spiritual fulfillment. Today there is spiritual "revival" accompanying both true and false teaching. Because of this it is difficult to get people to hear the truth. The magicians of Pharoah are able to counterfeit the works of God.

Perhaps the saints will be given the authority to dictate where the rain falls, being able to close up the blessing when the truth of God is not being taught.

Perhaps the waters refer to the current spread of religious and philosophic beliefs, and the turning of them to blood will mean that they no longer seem clear and potable but the corruption in them is revealed for all to see. Both of these powers are needed today if the truth is to prevail.

The literal assuredly is true. The spiritual may also be true.