Daniel 7:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why did you, O man, refrain from articulating this verb? It was not directed toward the Jews; rather, God conveyed it privately, ensuring it remained within the prophet's heart. Ultimately, he states, "These words are hidden and sealed until the last time" (Dan. 12:9), expressing a desire for them to remain veiled. This is mirrored in Christ's own method of teaching through parables. Observe how the prophet elevates this kingdom in every conceivable manner, ensuring that nothing is understood in a purely human context. Although humanity may claim dominion over the entire earth, such possession is not everlasting or limitless. Let no one assert that the prophet refers to a brief period. What do the words, "This kingdom shall not be given to another nation" (Dan. 2:44), signify?

He will prohibit the holy ones of the Most High, meaning the priests will restrict the priestly office. He will attempt to alter the seasons and the life along with their laws, specifically their regulations regarding festivals and new moons. They will be handed over to him for a period, a time, and a half a time, which refers to three and a half years.

And against the Most High, he will utter blasphemous words, or as Simmachus renders it, he will speak words akin to those of God, thereby assuming divine authority and adopting terminology characteristic of divine majesty. He will oppress the faithful of the Most High and will attempt to alter sacred times and divine laws. The Antichrist will wage war against the saints and will prevail over them, exhibiting such arrogance that he will intend to change the commandments of God and the practices of worship, exalting himself above all that is considered divine and bringing everything associated with faith under his dominion. The saints shall be handed over to him for a period comprising time, times, and half a time. Here, "time" signifies one year.

Dan. 7:25. He will utter blasphemous words against the Most High and will render the saints of the Most High ineffective. Alternatively, as some translations indicate, he will humble himself and seek to alter the appointed times and the divine law. Driven by intense wrath and fury, he will disregard God Most High, spewing forth arrogant and profane speech, seeking to undermine those who serve Him faithfully and partake in the sacred. He envisions the complete annihilation of true worship and the dismantling of the dedicated way of life associated with it. This is encapsulated in the notion that he will attempt to alter the divine order and its practices of that era. It follows that it will be permitted to him because of God’s Sovereignty.

The reign of the Antichrist will last only three and a half years. This assertion is derived not from uncertain sources but is grounded in the prophecies of Daniel. The term "time" refers to one year, during which he will emerge and consolidate his power. The phrase "times" signifies the subsequent two years of his legitimate rule, culminating in a total of three years, while "half a time" indicates a duration of six months. Furthermore, Daniel reiterates this concept in another instance: "And they shall swear by him that liveth for ever, that it shall be for a time, times, and a half" (Dan. 12:7).