In relation to what Rosangela posted, the wording of the following wouldn't use the day-year principle for the reason that it is expressed in years rather than in days, months, etc.

The prophecy in Daniel 4:25 mentions "seven times" but it is to be interpreted literally. Nebuchadnezzar did not live for 7 prophetic times.

True, but the word "times" is an unusual way to express "years," and it's used only in apocalyptic books. The point is not that it can never be used to mean literal years (as you pointed out, it's used with that meaning in Dan. 4:16, 23, 25, 32; also in 11:13). The point is that the term is used in day-year prophecies in order that the word "years" may be avoided, since it would be confusing to use it. You will notice that Revelation uses the plain word "years" in the prophecy about the millennium, but it uses the expression "a time, and times, and half a time" for the prophecy about the woman/church in the wilderness (Rev. 12:14), expressing the same time period alternatively with the expression "1260 days" in Rev. 12:6.
So, all these elements combined are, in my opinion, indicators that the period referred to should be understood symbolically and not literally.

Yes. I agree that the DYP should be used for the 2300-day & 1260-day prophecies.

But the answer to the thread's question and #2 in the OP is No.

Why? Why literally?

I believe this is the closest match for the question I have and believe it does apply here. A certain religion takes Daniel 4:25 and interprets it as 7 prophetic years (2520), then applies it in a way which seems disconnected to me.

Without getting into the appropriateness of such application, how can one say the seven times means 7 years, but 3.5 times means 1260 years? As pointed out, Nebuchadnezzar did not live that long, but what keeps the prophecy from having a dual meaning?

I don't believe it does, that it was specific for Nebuchadnezzar, but what is the principle, how does one explain it to others?

kland,

You may be interested in the topic of the "Longest Time Prophecy in Scripture -- 7000 Years" (in the New Light forum). The prophecy regarding Nebuchadnezzar is discussed in full detail within that thread.

As for the specific word "times" as used here, a "time" is a solar period. Most frequently, of course, we think of one year. But one day is also a time, for it is measured by the sun as well.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

The proof is in the fulfillment, isn't it? It was fulfilled within Neb's lifetime. The same can be said of the Jeremiah's 70 year prophecy. Not all prophecies, therefore, require the day-year application or interpretation.

The truth is, this prophecy requires both the day-year (one time being a day) and the day-millennium of 2 Peter 3:8. Read the aforementioned thread for the details.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.