When the countdown begins, only a few will understand its true significance.

For nearly two millennia, the world has existed in a pause—an extended gap between the 69th and 70th week, outlined in Daniel’s remarkable prophecy. But a day is coming when that divine pause ends. A single event will act as the trigger—setting into motion the final seven years of human history of this current age. According to Scripture, this event will not come with grand headlines or global recognition. In fact, most of the world—including many Christians—will miss its significance entirely.

Yet for those familiar with biblical prophecy the moment will be unmistakable: the final “Week” of Daniel has begun, and the end-time timeline is now activated.

What Is the Trigger?
It will come in the form of a disastrous covenant—a binding agreement between Israel and a powerful global leader, supported by a coalition of three nations. This isn’t just another peace deal. Isaiah calls it a “covenant with death” and an agreement with “Sheol” (Isaiah 28:15,18). Once signed, it sets the clock ticking—initiating the exact period of time described in Daniel 9, Matthew 24, the Book of Revelation, and in the writings of several Old Testament prophets.

While the world embraces this alliance as a breakthrough for peace, only those spiritually alert will recognize the true significance: the final countdown has begun.

A Dangerous Pact
Israel, once again, will lean on human strength instead of divine protection. With misplaced trust, the nation will welcome and trust this charismatic leader—one who commands a powerful Aryan/Japhetic coalition—and they will accept his terms for peace. Tragically, this leader is none other than the one Scripture refers to as “the prince who is to come”—the Antichrist.

According to Daniel 9:26–27, he will “make a firm covenant with the many for one week” (seven years). Whether it’s a new treaty or the strengthening of an existing one—such as the Abraham Accords—the result is the same: Israel will make the wrong alliance. Spiritually blind and politically pressured, the nation will unknowingly hand its security to their enemy.

The Calm Before the Storm
For the first 3½ years, this agreement appears to hold. Israel experiences a period of peace—false peace. Deceived by temporary calm and safety, many will say, “calamity will not overtake us” (Amos 9:10). But the prophet Isaiah exposes the lie: “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement… For we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.”
—Isaiah 28:14–15

This spiritual delusion blinds both rulers and people alike.

Midpoint Betrayal
Just as the Bible foretells, at the halfway mark—exactly 3½ years in—everything changes. The Antichrist reveals his true identity. He breaks the covenant, turns on Israel, and becomes her oppressor. What once looked like salvation becomes terror. “From the time that it goes forth it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day and by night; it will be sheer terror to understand what it means” — Isaiah 28:19. 

Great Tribulation and the Final Divide
The final 3½ years, referred to by Jesus as “the great tribulation” (Matthew 24), will be marked by global deception, tyrannical control, and intense persecution of Israel and believers. A time of testing that God allows to separate the wheat from the tares, the faithful from the false.

The Revelation Seals Unleashed
As these years progress, the prophetic Seals from Revelation that began with the trigger of the 70th Week are broken, one by one, and continue with more intensity into this second 3½ years. Then at the 6th Seal, Christ intervenes. Just before God’s wrath falls, He rescues His people from the escalating persecution: “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled…”
—2 Thessalonians 1:6–7. And  “…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials…” —2 Peter 2:9

This moment marks the turning point—from Antichrist’s wrath to God’s wrath.

Hope in the Midst of Judgment
Even in the darkest of prophetic hours, God has a redemptive plan. The tribulation leads to purification. Many Israelites will finally recognize Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. The Church, though tested, will stand victorious:  “But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” —Matthew 24:13–14.

With God, nothing is impossible. Even in the final countdown, His plan is unfolding perfectly—for judgment, redemption, and the return of the King.

With God, nothing is impossible.

Dale Black