7 I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by him who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
held up his right hand and his left hand and swore by Him who lives forever – as he does also in Rev 10:6. Rev 10 introduces the prophecies of Rev 11-13, that explain the time, times and half a time, when the saints were given into the hands of the beast.
that it shall be for time, times and half a time – the raising of his hands emphasizes that it shall be for “exactly” time, times and half a time, which are 3 and a half years (1+2+1/2). The fulfillment of this prophecy would take place after exactly 1278 days as years (365.25 X 3.5 = 1278).
when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered – see also Psa 11:3, “if the foundations are destroyed, what will the righteous do?” At the end of the time, time and half a time, the kingdom of heaven will become completely corrupted, see Rev 18:2-3.