Dictionary of Bible Themes ” 9000 Last things ” 9200 Judgment ” 9220 day of the LORD
The occasion of God’s final intervention in human affairs to punish sin, restore the faithful of his people and establish his rule over the nations. It is linked with the Messianic hope and will be fulfilled at Jesus Christ’s return. This future consummation is anticipated in historical acts of judgment and, although its time is unknown, it will be heralded and accompanied by signs and by great upheavals in nature.
The day of the LORD as a day of judgment
Of universal judgment
Isaiah 24:21-22 See also Zephaniah 1:14-18
Of judgment on the nations
Isaiah 13:9-11; Jeremiah 46:10 See also Job 20:28-29; Isaiah 13:4-6 God’s judgment on Babylon
God’s judgment on Egypt:
Isaiah 19:16-17; Ezekiel 30:3-4 Isaiah 27:1; Joel 3:12-14; Ob 15 God’s judgment on Edom; Zephaniah 3:8; Romans 2:16; Revelation 6:15-17
Of judgment on faithless Israel
Amos 5:18-20 See also Isaiah 2:12; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:1-2; Matthew 7:22-23; John 12:48; Romans 2:5
The day of the LORD as a day of hope
A day of restoration for God’s people
Jeremiah 30:7-8 See also Joel 2:23-28
God will gather his people
Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 27:12-13; Micah 4:6-7; Matthew 24:30-31 pp Mark 13:26-27
God will save his people
Zephaniah 3:14-20 See also Isaiah 4:5-6; Isaiah 26:1; Joel 2:32; Joel 3:16-18; Ob 17; Zechariah 9:16-17
God will purify his people
Isaiah 4:3-4; Zephaniah 3:11-13; Zechariah 14:20-21; Malachi 4:1-2
God will exalt his people
Ob 21; Micah 4:8; Micah 5:8-9; Revelation 22:5
God will complete his saving work
Philippians 1:6 The “day of Christ Jesus” is the NT equivalent to the “day of the LORD” which refers to Jesus Christ’s second coming. See also Daniel 12:1-2; John 6:40; John 11:24; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; Timothy 4:8
The siege and deliverance of Jerusalem on the day of the LORD
Nations will gather against Jerusalem
Ezekiel 38:14-16; Zechariah 14:2; Luke 21:20; Revelation 20:8-9
The LORD will fight for Jerusalem
Ezekiel 38:18-23; Zechariah 12:2-5; Zechariah 14:3-5-13
The establishment of God’s kingdom on the day of the LORD
God’s kingdom will be universal and everlasting
Zechariah 14:9 See also Daniel 2:44; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 11:15
God will be the object of universal worship
Isaiah 19:19-24; Zephaniah 3:9-10; Zechariah 14:16
God’s rule will be centred on a restored Jerusalem
Isaiah 2:2-4 pp Micah 4:1-3; Zechariah 2:10-12; Revelation 22:3
The fulfilment of Messianic hope on the day of the LORD
Isaiah 4:2 See also Isaiah 11:10; Jeremiah 30:9; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 12:10
Being prepared for the day of the Lord
The day will come unexpectedly
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 See also Matthew 24:43-44 pp Luke 12:39-40; Mark 13:32; 2 Peter 3:10
The need to be ready for the day
1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 See also Ezekiel 13:5; Zephaniah 2:1-3; Malachi 4:5; 2 Peter 3:11-12
Signs heralding the day may be discerned
Matthew 24:33 pp Mark 13:29 pp Luke 21:31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3
The day of the Lord will be accompanied by signs and great upheavals in nature
Acts 2:19-20 See also Joel 2:30-31; Isaiah 13:9-10; Joel 2:10; Luke 21:11-26
Historical events anticipate the day of the LORD
Disaster foreshadows final judgment
Isaiah 5:29-30 Judah invaded by Assyria; Ezekiel 30:10 Egypt defeated by Nebuchadnezzar; Joel 2:2-4 Israel devastated by a locust swarm; Amos 5:27 Israel defeated and exiled by Assyria; Matthew 24:21 pp Mark 13:19 Jerusalem destroyed by the Romans
Return from exile foreshadows final restoration
Isaiah 11:12-14; Haggai 2:23; Zechariah 3:8
See also
1310 God as judge
2230 Messiah, coming of
2233 Son of Man
2565 Christ, second coming
9105 last things
9110 after-life
9115 antichrist, the
9140 last days
9170 signs of times
9210 judgment, God’s
9240 last judgment
9310 resurrection