Last updated on September 4, 2025
The Year That Changed Everything: 1917 and the Beginning of the End Times
Have you ever wondered when the end times actually began? Not just a general sense that we’re living in “the last days,” but a specific moment in history that officially marked the start of the prophetic countdown to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ? In this post, we’re going to dig deep into the Scriptures and connect them to undeniable historical events. What you’ll discover might just shift your entire understanding of what the Bible meant by “the time of the end.”
The End Times: More Than Just a Feeling
Countless believers today are convinced that we’re living in the last days. Earthquakes, flooding, wars, plagues, famines—many of these signs are happening right before our eyes. However, instead of focusing on the signs themselves, let’s ask a different question: When did the “time of the end” officially begin? Is there a specific event we can identify in world history that marks the prophetic beginning of the final days?
To answer this, we need to consult the Word of God. In the book of Daniel, the prophet receives a vision that the angel Gabriel explicitly connects to “the appointed time of the end.”
Daniel 8:19 — “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end.”
The Vision of the Ram’s Longer Horn and the Rise of Communism
The prophet Daniel describes a vision involving a ram with two horns—one horn longer than the other and rising up later. This imagery isn’t just symbolic; it holds prophetic significance.
Daniel 8:3 — “Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a ram with two horns standing beside the canal. The horns were long, but one was longer than the other, and the longer one grew up later.”
Later in the same chapter, Gabriel identifies this ram as the kings of Media and Persia.
Daniel 8:20 — “The ram which you saw having the two horns—they are the kings of Media and Persia.”
Now here’s the spiritual insight: in previous studies, we’ve identified the two horns of this ram as absolute monarchy and communism—two dominant authoritarian ideologies. The longer horn that grew up later represents communism, which rose to global prominence in the early 20th century.
In 1917, during the Russian Revolution, communism was officially birthed when Russia became the world’s first communist state. That moment wasn’t just political upheaval—it was prophetic fulfillment. The emergence of this longer horn during that year aligns perfectly with Daniel’s vision and signals that the “appointed time of the end” had begun.
A Parallel Fulfillment: The Balfour Declaration
Incredibly, another prophetic milestone happened in that same year—1917. The British government issued the Balfour Declaration, a public statement supporting the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
“The Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the British government in 1917 during the First World War announcing support for the establishment of a ‘national home for the Jewish people’ in Palestine.” — History.com
This event opened the way for the reestablishment of the nation of Israel, which many Bible scholars and theologians regard as the fulfillment of a prophecy given by the prophet Isaiah:
Isaiah 11:12 — “He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”
In 1948, Israel officially became a nation again. But the prophetic foundation was laid in 1917, making that year a double fulfillment of end-time prophecy.
The Backdrop: World War I and the Birth of Modern Warfare
To add even more weight to this moment in history, let’s not forget that 1917 was also during World War I, a global conflict that altered the course of human history. The war not only escalated technological advancement—including the rise of air warfare—but also created the geopolitical chaos necessary for both communism to take root in Russia and the Balfour Declaration to be issued.
“World War I, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria… and lasted until 1918.” — History.com
World War I wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a divine turning point.
Why 1917 Marks the Beginning of the End
So, why do we say 1917 marks the beginning of the end?
Because in one pivotal year:
- Communism arose in Russia, fulfilling Daniel’s vision of the longer horn on the ram.
- The Balfour Declaration was issued, laying the groundwork for creation of the State of Israel.
- Both events occurred amid World War I, a global shaking that transformed nations and ideologies.
When we tie these developments together with the words of the angel in Daniel 8—“it pertains to the appointed time of the end”—we gain a clear biblical and historical perspective. 1917 wasn’t just another year. It was the prophetic launchpad of the final era before the return of Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts and a Call to Watch
My dear friends and fellow believers, this is no time for complacency. The signs are not merely approaching—they’ve been unfolding for over a century. We are deep into the time of the end, and every passing day draws us closer to the return of our King.
So, I urge you: stay alert. Stay prayerful. Stay anchored in the Word. And most importantly, share these truths with others who need to wake up to the times we’re living in.
If you’ve found value in this insight, share this post, leave a comment, and follow along for more prophetic studies rooted in Scripture and truth.
Until next time, may the Lord bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
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