The time period of three and one-half years is significant in End Time prophecy. The Lord Jesus foretold the “Abomination of Desolation” standing in the Holy Place (Matthew 24:15), the Apostle Paul described the same thing in Second Thessalonians 2:4, but it was the Prophet Daniel who told us that it would occur at the mid-point of the “last week” or seven-year period. (Daniel 9:27) According to Daniel, this event will occur three and one-half years before the culmination of the End Times.

There are two events described in The Revelation that last for three and one-half years; the ministry of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3) and the flight of Israel to a place prepared for her in the desert. (Revelation 12:6) There is speculation that the special place in the desert is near Bozrah, in Edom. This area is now in the country of Jordan. The reason for this belief is found in Isaiah.

• “ . . . the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea [Edom] . . . For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion.” – Isaiah 34:6-8

• “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed [stained] garments from Bozrah? Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.” – Isaiah 63:1-4

These two passages clearly are describing the Day of the Lord’s Wrath, and many Bible scholars believe they describe the Lord Jesus returning from Bozrah where He will have defended the people of Israel who were led to a place in the desert for protection. (Revelation 12:6)

Doctor Henry Morris in his commentary on Isaiah 63:1 also believes that the answer to the question, “who is this that cometh from Edom” is the Lord Jesus. Brother Morris, however, theorizes that what is being described is the beginning of the Final Battle; the great winepress of God. He believes the battle will start in Bozrah, the capitol of Edom, and will continue through the land of Israel until it reaches the famous mount of Megiddo, or Armageddon.

Brother Morris notes that the distance from Bozrah to Armageddon is about 1600 furlongs. The actual word in Greek is stadion. A stadion is 606.75 feet. The math says 1600 stadion equal 183.9 miles. This is the distance given in the Revelation 14:20 where the blood of the fallen is as high as the bridle of a horse.

Pray for a great revival, that more souls may be saved from the righteous wrath and vengeance of God, Who has been so patient. His name is to be praised forever!