What will happen on earth during the last three and a half years of the tribulation?
During the final three and a half years, the Antichrist comes at the midpoint, defiles the Temple, and turns against the Jew. The earth then endures a horrible period under the wrath of both God and Satan, until the power of the holy people is scattered and all these things are finished.
Les explains that Daniel's prophecy focuses on the last three and a half years, described as a time, times, and half a time. The tribulation is seven years, but the midpoint is when the Antichrist comes in, defiles the Temple, and turns on the Jew. That final three and a half years is a horrible period when the earth comes under the wrath not only of God but also of Satan himself. Daniel is told that when the power of the holy people is scattered, all these things shall be finished. Daniel heard but did not understand, and asked what the end of these things would be. Les notes that the Old Testament prophets got a glimpse of what was coming; Daniel got enough of a glimpse that it scared him down to his shoelaces.
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.