This period of 1260 days is referred to seven times in the books of Daniel and Revelation. As 1260 days it appears in Rev. 11:3; 12:6; as 42 months in Rev. 11:2; 13:5; and as 3 1/2 times in Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:14. For the calculation of this period see on Dan. 7:25. Adventists generally date this period as from A.D. 538 to A.D. 1798. During this period God’s hand was over the church, preserving it from extinction.

 Gr. trephō, “to make to grow,” “to bring up,” “to rear,” “to nourish.” Trephō is rendered “nourished” in v. 14. God cares for His own. Even though the church is persecuted and driven into exile the Lord nourishes it.

The subject is indefinite and doubtless refers to the various agencies God employed to preserve, strengthen, and build up the church during the time when she was severely persecuted.

 This place is referred to in v. 14 as “her place.” The idea is that the protection and sanctuary in obscurity here found by the woman were divinely appointed and prepared.

 Gr. erēmos, “a forsaken, desert, empty place,” “an uninhabited place.” Here erēmos doubtless represents a place of seclusion or obscurity, an area or condition in which the church would be in a place of obscurity, away from the public gaze. See on ch. 17:3.