Category(ies): Eschatology | Prophets

(Themes: AD70 | definitions | end times | judgment | kingdom | premillennialism | prophecy | prophets)

What is the day of the Lord?

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Defining the day of the Lord is an increasingly important exercise when it comes to eschatological, or ‘end times’, Bible study. Many have hijacked this term or expression and imposed either partial or completely inaccurate definitions to it. For example, those that subscribe to a ‘premillennial’ understanding of Christ’s return will quickly assert that the day of the Lord is not something that applies to God’s people. Rather, it is a ‘special judgment’ reserved only for the wicked and sinful.

Fortunately, God has said much about this special day of His. The Old Testament prophets spoke often about it, and the New Testament writers added their voice as well. Of course, it’s all God’s voice – His words – so let’s allow them to tell us what the day of the Lord is all about…

How Scripture answers "What is the day of the Lord?"

The day of the Lord is any day, or event, or period of time, where God’s justice is delivered – either destruction and death for the wicked^2,3,4,5,7,11, or a day of vindication and salvation for God’s people^{1,2,6,8,9,10,11}. When the prophets speak about the day of the Lord, they often speak of it near-term and long-term^1,3,4,5,7,8. True to their role of being recorders and interpreters of Israelite history⁶, prophets often explained God’s direct role in raising up or defeating a nation in their day^2,3,4,5,7. This ‘near-term’ application of a day of the Lord often blends and/or morphs into one of two ‘long-term’ days of the Lord^{1,3,4,8,9,10,11}…and this is where the New Testament writers pick it up…

…New Testament writers speak about the day of the Lord in one of two ways. First, they give inspired confirmation that events on the day of Pentecost were a type of day of the Lord^12,17. Indeed, it was something long foreshadowed by the prophets that often spoke of “that day”^1,4,8,9,10. Second, they looked forward to the final judgment – the final and ultimate ‘day of the Lord’^{13,14,15,16,18} when all will face judgment.

Answer built on scripture-blocks below

1

Joel 2:31-32

The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.

What does it say?

The sun will become dark and the moon glow red to announce the great and awesome day of the Lord. At that time, all that call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Mount Zion and Jerusalem will be their refuge, as God has said, and those whom He calls will be saved.

What is the context?

Not much is known about the prophet Joel. He was probably one of the earlier prophets (maybe around 8-900 BC). Some believe he was a priest because of his many statements to/about priests. Many believe he lived in Jerusalem and his primary audience was the southern nation of Judah (if he lived during the divided kingdom years).

The book of Joel is poignant given his vision of devastating locusts that completely devour the land. Throughout, he calls the people to repent before this “great and awesome day of the Lord” (vs 31). Significantly, it is Peter in Acts 2 that quotes Joel’s words (2:28-32) and applies them to that day of Pentecost on which Peter and the apostles first proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

Characteristics of “that day” in Joel that match with the New Covenant of Christ instituted in the first century on the day of Pentecost:

Its announcement: “Blow a trumpet in Zion” (2:1)
Like no day before or after (2:2)
“Sun and moon are darkened” (2:10)
A bride and a bridegroom (2:15)
God will “pour out My Spirit on all flesh” (2:28)
Restoration of fortunes for Judah and Jerusalem (3:1)
Peace (3:10)
A “valley of decision” (3:14)
“A fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord” (3:18)

How does it apply here?

The “great and awesome day of the Lord” will be a day of salvation for those that call on God (and whom He calls to Himself).

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Peter quotes and applies this to his day in his sermon on the day of Pentecost¹². There are several allusions to the New Covenant of Christ that was instituted in the first century on the day of Pentecost (see ‘What is the Context?’), including a day announced by the “blow of a trumpet in Zion” (2:1) and a day of “decision” (3:14).

2

Jeremiah 46:10

That day is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge himself on his foes. The sword shall devour and be sated and drink its fill of their blood. For the Lord God of hosts holds a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

What does it say?

That day is the day of the Lord – a day of vengeance against His enemies with the sword that will be complete, amounting to a sacrifice for the Lord in the northern country by the Euphrates river.

What is the context?

We have just concluded several chapters of straight ‘historical reporting’ by Jeremiah (chapters 34-45). This includes the final and ultimate fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians (chapter 39) as well as events occurring with those left behind in Jerusalem, including Jeremiah (chapters 40-44).

There are now several successive “judgments” or oracles made by God on several nations:

chapter 46 – Egypt/Cush
chapter 47 – Philistia (Tyre and Sidon)
chapter 48 – Moab
chapter 49 – Ammon, Edom, Damascus/Syria, Kedar/Hazor, and Elam
chapter 50-51 – Babylon

How does it apply here?

A day of the Lord exacting revenge (destruction) against Egypt.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

While this immediate context is clearly directed at Egypt specifically, a justice delivered through/by Babylon (vs 26), there is a glimpse of a remnant of God’s people that will be saved after “a full end of all the nations” is delivered (vss 27-28).

3

Isaiah 13:6-7

Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; as destruction from the Almighty it will come! Therefore all hands will be feeble, and every human heart will melt.

What does it say?

Weep, for the day of the Lord is near; certain is judgment from God almighty. As a result, all people will be humbled and every human heart will come into subjection.

What is the context?

Isaiah chapters 11-12 serve as a near continuous vision of things/events/signs “in that day”. Chapter 13 shifts to a more imminent (relatively) judgment on Babylon. Relatively, since Isaiah prophesied around 700BC, approximately 100 years before Babylon even rose to power, and about 150 years before they were conquered by the Medo-Persian empire (vs 17).

While this chapter is mainly focused on God’s judgment on Babylon via the Medo-Persian empire, an interesting interlude exists in the middle (vss 6-16). God, through, Isaiah speaks about “the day of the Lord” (vss 6,9) in terms similar to other descriptions of the final judgment of God upon all the earth. For example,

vs 7: “every human heart”,
vs 9: “destroy its sinners from it”,
vs 11: “punish the world for its evil”,
vs 13: “the earth will be shaken out of its place”.

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord is near (e.g. certain) and it will impact all human beings. All will give an account before God, and for some, it will result in “wailing” and “destruction”.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Although this begins as an “oracle concerning Babylon” (vs 1), the destruction will be directed at “sinners” (vs 9) and “the world for its evil” (vs 11).

4

Obadiah 1:15-16

For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been.

What does it say?

For the day of the Lord is nearly upon all wicked nations, when you reap the reward for your deeds. Just as you have drunk on My holy mountain, so shall all nations drink and consume so much, it will be as though you had never existed.

What is the context?

The short vision of Obadiah is in two parts. In the first half (vss 1-14), God through Obadiah, addresses Edom (descendants of Esau) and their mistreatment of His people during the series in invasions and the final conquest of Judah by the Babylonians.

In the second half (vss 15-21), we see the familiar shift from near-term circumstances to a broader and future reality within the context of “the day of the Lord” (vs 15). Some of these indicators:

vs 15: shift to “all the nations” (e.g. all gentiles; xref Is 65-66),
vs 16: “my holy mountain” (xref Is 2, Jo 2),
vs 17: “Mount Zion” (xref Jo 2, Mi 4, He 12).

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord is near (e.g. certain) for “all nations”, and it will be a judgment commensurate with one’s own deeds/works/actions.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

God, though Obadiah, has just proclaimed a judgment that will come upon Edom, but a shift occurs that now includes “all the nations”.

5

Ezekiel 30:1-3

The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Lord God: Wail, Alas for the day! For the day is near, the day of the Lord is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.

What does it say?

God’s word came to me [Ezekiel] telling me to prophesy a great “Woe!” for those on that day. For the day of Lord will most certainly come as a day of great darkness and doom for the nations.

What is the context?

God, speaking through His prophet Ezekiel, makes a series of judgments against other nations (chapters 25-32). This chapter includes several prophecies regarding Egypt (chapters 29-32).

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord will not be a good “day” for some (Egypt specifically, given the context). It will be one of clouds and doom.

6

Ezekiel 13:4-6

Your prophets have been like jackals among ruins, O Israel. You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the Lord. They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, Declares the Lord, when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word.

What does it say?

Israel’s prophets run wild. They have not shored up and protected Israel so that it might withstand the battle on the day of the Lord. Their witness is about false visions and predictions. They say theirs is the word of God and expect it to come to pass when God did not send them.

What is the context?

God, through Ezekiel, begins specific prophecy and judgment against the leaders of Israel – the prophets (chapter 13) and the elders (chapter 14).

How does it apply here?

Withstanding the day of the Lord is connected to hearing and receiving God’s word. This was the job of God’s prophets, yet they had failed at delivering God’s word.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

These false prophets were “saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace” (vs 10). A true prophet of God would be explaining the pending destruction in a call to repent of their deeds and return to God.

7

Amos 5:18-20

Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! Why would you have the day of the Lord? It is darkness, and not light, as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall, and a serpent bit him. Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light, and gloom with no brightness in it?

What does it say?

Woe to those that long for the day of the Lord! Why would you do that? For you, it will be darkness and not light. It will be like someone fleeing from a lion only to meet a bear. Or, leaning against something to rest only for a snake to bite him. Such will the day of the Lord be for you.

What is the context?

God spoke, through Amos, during Judah’s king Uzziah and primarily to Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (1:1). During that time, Israel was very wealthy and proud, but it would only be about 20 years later that they are completely destroyed by Assyria.

How does it apply here?

Some were looking forward to God’s judgment, but God says they shouldn’t since for them it will not be good either.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Israel was enjoying a time of great prosperity, and so, they felt God was blessing them. They were looking forward to God’s judgment on “others”.

8

Zephaniah 1:7

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests.

What does it say?

Be silent before God, for the day of the Lord is near. God has prepared a sacrifice and has made His invited guests holy.

What is the context?

Zephaniah prophesied during the time of King Josiah in Judah (1:1). Therefore, Israel had already been led away by Assyria. Judah’s fate of Babylonian captivity has already been decreed by God thanks to the wickedness of the people by prophets that have come before Zephaniah (e.g. Isaiah, Micah, etc.).

Although not quoted by any New Testament writers directly, Zephaniah may be the most “packed” prophet with Messianic language and foreshadowing. God, through Zephaniah, decries the “day of the Lord” throughout.

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord is envisaged by God having prepared a sacrifice and invited guests that He has made holy.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Although no inspired interpretation exists for this statement, it’s rather hard not to connect this ‘day of the Lord’ reference to God’s sacrifice of His only Son and the making of a holy people with His Spirit in the first century.

9

Isaiah 4:2-4

In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.

What does it say?

In that day the Lord’s Branch will sprout glorious in the land, bearing fruit that honors those remaining in Israel/Zion/Jerusalem. They will be holy and recorded [in the book of] life, since the Lord will have washed them of sins through spirits of judgment and fire.

What is the context?

A passage in the midst of a context going through chapters 2-4, all describing what “shall come to pass in the latter days” (vs 2:2). This represents the seventh in a series of “in that day” statements.

How does it apply here?

The Lord’s day constitutes a time when He will flourish with His followers holy and bearing righteous fruit. They will have been cleansed of sin.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

10

Zechariah 14:7-9

And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

What does it say?

God knows a day that is unique [His day] that isn’t defined by day and night, but is always light. On that day, living waters will come from Jerusalem covering the earth and lasting year-round. The Lord will be king over all the earth and will be one with His named.

What is the context?

This is in the midst of a long series of “on that day” prophecies (chapters 8-14). This section contains several New Testament, inspired-writer-confirmed Messianic passages including 11:13 (“thirty pieces of silver”), 12:10 (“him whom they have pierced”), and 13:7 (“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered”).

Additionally, when we collect the descriptors and characteristics of these successive “that day” references, we see what appear to be additional metaphorical descriptions of both the New Covenant period (beginning on the day of Pentecost) and of final judgment day:

God “will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days” (8:11) – new covenant
a “sowing of peace” (8:12) – new covenant
“many peoples and strong nations…seek the Lord” (8:22) – Gentiles added
king coming with “salvation…humble and mounted on a donkey” (9:9) – Jesus
God will “save them, as the flock of his people” (9:16) – Jesus
“From him shall come the cornerstone” (10:10) – Jesus
God “became the shepherd of the flock doomed” (11:4) – Jesus
annul the covenant with wages of “thirty pieces of silver” (11:13) – Jesus
“every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies” (12:4) – prophecy ceases
“feeblest…shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God” (12:8) – joint heirs with Jesus
pour out a “spirit of grace” (12:10)
mourning when “they look on me, on him whom they have pierced” (12:10) – Jesus
a fountain opened “to cleanse them from sin” (13:1) – redemption
“They will call upon my name, and I will answer them.” (13:9) – Joel 2/Acts 2
Lord “king over all the earth” (14:9) – Jesus risen, at right hand of God
Not just the High Priest, but even the horses (unclean animals) have “Holy to the Lord.” inscribed on them. (14:20)

How does it apply here?

A day of the Lord that’s unique, when “living waters” come from Jerusalem and “the Lord will be king over all the earth”.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Part of a long series of strongly suggestive and in some cases directly quoted statements (see ‘What is the Context?’) pointing to the day of Pentecost and the New Covenant age.

11

Malachi 4:1-3

For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts.

What does it say?

A day is coming with God will act in judgment on the proud and evildoers. It will be like a burning oven for them. They will be consumed with no “root or branch” from which to sprout again. However, for those that obey God, they will experience healing with the “sun of righteousness”. They will leap for joy and be vindicated against the wicked.

What is the context?

Malachi’s prophecy to those that returned from Babylonian/Persian captivity around 450 BC. God, through Malachi, responds to the post-captive priests with a series of “But you say” statements, to which God responds in condemnation summed up in 2:8-9, “But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

How does it apply here?

God through Malachi describes a final judgment day of the Lord. The wicked will be completely burned, but the righteous will be healed and vindicated.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

God further hints that He will send “Elijah the prophet” before “the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (vs 5) so that the people can “turn” and avoid “utter destruction” (vs 6).

12

Acts 2:16-17

But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

What does it say?

This is what the prophet Joel had prophesied about, that in the last days God would pour His Spirit out on all flesh and people would prophesy, see visions and have dreams.

What is the context?

Peter is preaching on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The people had just witnessed a “rushing wind” and “tongues as of fire” resting on them (vss 2,3). What they witnessed, Peter describes as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophesy and quotes directly from

.

How does it apply here?

Peter, an inspired writer, quotes and directly applies Joel’s prophecy¹ to that day (the day of Pentecost) and the New Covenant period.

13

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

What does it say?

Now concerning the timing of the coming of the Lord we need not write further, since you know that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

What is the context?

The closing admonitions of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians that begins back at the beginning of chapter four (“Finally, then, brothers…”). Apparently, they were concerned about some that had died before the final coming of Jesus (4:13). But Paul assures them that “whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (vs 10).

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord will come when nobody expects or knows.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

The day of the Lord in this context is the final coming of Christ (4:15).

15

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

What does it say?

Regarding the return of Jesus Christ and our being gathered together with Him, we [apostles] ask you, brothers [saints at Thessalonica], to not be alarmed or disheartened by any teaching not coming from us – in particular, teaching that the day of the Lord has already come.

What is the context?

Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica sometime before for the First Jewish-Roman War when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. He is assuring them that “the day of the Lord” has not come yet (vs 2), and won’t before two things happen: “the rebellion” and the revealing of the “man of lawlessness” (vs 3). This seems to be an abbreviated explanation since Paul had already told them about “these things” in person (vs 5).

How does it apply here?

The ‘day of the Lord’ had not come yet (Christ’s second coming), but it would involve a “gathering together” with Him.

16

2 Peter 3:10

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

What does it say?

The day of the Lord will come when nobody expects, and then the heavens and heavenly bodies will burn up with a roar, and all man’s deeds will be exposed.

What is the context?

Peter’s letters have been of encouragement to the saints to remain strong during persecution and false prophets. God has not forgotten them or His promises (vs 8); the “day of the Lord” will come as a “thief in the night.” (vs 10)

How does it apply here?

The day of the Lord will come like a thief¹³, but will also involve an exposing of all deeds on earth (e.g. final judgment) and the heavens and heavenly bodies being destroyed with fire.

17

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

What does it say?

So, as we are working together with him [Jesus Christ], we appeal you to not receive the grace of God in vain. God through Isaiah said, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’ Listen! Right now is the favorable time, and now is the day of salvation.

What is the context?

Paul is literally imploring some at the church of Corinth to “be reconciled to God” (5:20) after reminding them that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” (5:10)

He quotes here from Isaiah 49:8, which goes on to speak about God giving His people “a covenant…to establish the land” and that “springs of water will guide them” (vs 10).

How does it apply here?

Paul confirms that the Corinthian Christians were living in the long-promised “day of salvation”¹² from God.

18

Acts 17:30-31

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

What does it say?

God overlooked a time of ignorance in the past, but now He wants everyone to repent since He has appointed a day that He will judge the world according to their righteous acts by a man that He designated, testifying to all by raising Him from the dead.

What is the context?

Paul’s sermon to the Athenians from Mars Hill while he awaited his companions to join him from Macedonia during his second missionary journey.

How does it apply here?

God has a day “fixed” when the world will be judged by Jesus Christ who He raised from the dead.

end of scripture-blocks; go back to the answer

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