The phrase the ‘day of the Lord’ is found numerous times in both Old and New Testaments.
The Hebrew for ‘day’ is the same word for ‘time’ which can be either a point on the linear time span or a period of time on that span depending on the context.
The general implication for the phrase the ‘day of the Lord’ involves God’s wrath and judgment. It is a dark time in history when the disobedience of man has run its course and God’s attribute of justice will be unleashed.
Other words describing the day of the Lord include ‘vengeance,’ ‘anger,’ ‘wrath,’ ‘destruction,’ ‘calamity,’ and ‘slaughter.’
Divine vengeance is required of a Just God. His vengeance will be poured out on all who disobey His commands; whether it is His chosen nation Israel, or the nations that mistreat Israel.
Just prior to Israel taking possession of Canaan, God spoke to Moses and foretold of Israel’s future disobedience. He told Moses to record beforehand how they would act, as a witness to them. Then Moses was to read it to them so they would understand that their chastisement was just, inasmuch as they had been forewarned.
“And when many disasters and difficulties come upon them, this song will testify against them because it will not be forgotten by their descendants. I know what they are disposed to do, even before I bring them into the land I promised them…” Deuteronomy 31:21a
When the Israelites disobeyed they would bring on themselves God’s vengeance.
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip…The LORD will judge his people…I will take vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who hate me.” Deuteronomy 32:35a, 36a, 41b
The world is in denial. The day of the Lord will unleash God’s wrath, which will fall not only on Israel, but on all nations that abused His chosen people, or marginalized His word.
Isaiah spoke much of the future day of God’s wrath on the wicked.
“See, the day of the LORD is coming – a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger…” Isaiah 13:9a
The issue of God’s wrath has been experienced by the disobedient throughout history, and His wrath is awaiting all the wicked on that great and mighty day of the LORD at Christ’s return.
Those who are treasuring up God’s wrath for themselves are unrepentant. Their future judgment will be righteous and will be executed according to one’s own deeds.
Isaiah addressed Israel’s sin and inevitable judgment, prior to condemning the nations.
“The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty…They are full of superstitions from the East…The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day…” Isaiah 2:6a, 12, 17
‘Superstitions from the East’ includes the worship of pagan gods and idols, such as Abraham was instructed to forsake when he was told to go to a new land that God would show him. Recall, Ishmael’s sons journeyed to the ‘East.’
Israel was also reminded of their sin of pride, and was told that such pride would be brought down in humility. Only their God was worthy of exaltation.
The following words of God reflect His growing anger toward future Babylon, and, subsequently, to all nations for their pride and lawlessness.
“Wail, for the day of the LORD is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty…I will punish the world for its evil…I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty…” Isaiah 13:6, 11, 13
Unrepentant pride and arrogance is oft times made obvious when a nation’s leader uses the words ‘I will.’
But there is more, especially relative to the nations’ respect and treatment of Israel.
“Come near, you nations, to hear…Let the earth hear, and all that is in it…the indignation of the LORD is against all nations…The year of recompense for the cause of Zion.” Isaiah 34:1-2, 8
The day of the Lord is a sure thing and is approaching quickly. Such prophecy is absolute history written in advance and will certainly affect America.
More to follow.