The Day of the LORD (Zephaniah 1:14-18)

2022-08-01

The Day of the LORD is a major theme throughout the prophets. What is this “Day”? First, though it is called a “Day,” it is a period of time. As we will see, there is a historical aspect of the Day of the LORD as well as a future fulfillment. In history, Jerusalem did not fall in one day; there was a long siege. The kingdoms that fell to Babylon took time. The insects that destroyed crops in Joel 2 had affects that lasted more than 24 hours. It is also (somewhat) distinct from the Day of Christ, which I discuss elsewhere. The future fulfillment is discussed in detail in the book of Revelation.

For this abridged study, I use Zephaniah 1:14-18 as a starting point to describe this Day, and then fill in with other passages.

The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.  (15)  That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,  (16)  A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.  (17)  And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.  (18)  Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. (Zephaniah 1:14-18)
  1. It is a day of wrath. God will pour out His wrath on the world (Zephaniah 1:15; Zechariah 14:3; cf. Revelation 6:17). It is because of the sin of the world (Isaiah 13:9; Zephaniah 1:17). It is a day of vengeance (Isaiah 34:8; Jeremiah 46:10; Obadiah 1:15). It is called a sacrifice (Zephaniah 1:7-8; Revelation 19:17-18).
  2. It is a day of trouble and distress. It will be a scary time for the world. Mighty men will cry bitterly (Zephaniah 1:14). Great fear will come upon all (Isaiah 13:7-8). Every exalted person shall be made low (Isaiah 2:12). The earth shall be shaken, and people will hide in the rocks (Isaiah 2:21; Revelation 6:15-16).
  3. It is a day of clouds and thick darkness. Such is symbolic of the presence of the Lord (Deuteronomy 4:11; Psalm 97:2; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 2:2; Amos 5:20; Zephaniah 1:15).
  4. It is a day of the trumpet and alarm. The trumpet was used as an alarm. This alarm is against cities and towers, perhaps signifying a siege (Joel 2:1; 3:9; Zephaniah 1:16).
  5. It is a day one cannot avoid. All the money in the world will not save anyone on that day (Zephaniah 1:18). One must be delivered from this Day (see below).
  6. It is a day that will devour all the land. A fiery judgment will go upon the entire earth (Joel 1:15; Zephaniah 1:18).
  7. It is a day that will come suddenly on the unsuspecting. It comes like a thief (Ezekiel 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).
  8. It is a day where the armies of the world will descend upon Israel. This is the “valley of Jehoshaphat” or “valley of decision” (Joel 3:9-16; Zechariah 14:2; Revelation 16:14).
  9. It is a day with a preliminary historical fulfillment. The destruction because of Babylon was considered the day of the Lord (Lamentations 2:22).
  10. It is a day with a future fulfillment. It is yet future in the New Testament (2 Peter 3:10). The day is preceded by the darkening of the sun and moon (Joel 2:31; 3:15; Acts 2:20; Revelation 6:12).
  11. It is a day that should not be desired. “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light” (Amos 5:18).
  12. It is a day from which God’s people will be delivered. This is called the Day of Christ. God’s people should be prepared before this day (Ezekiel 13:5; Zephaniah 2:2). God’s people will be “delivered” or “hid” (Joel 2:32; Zephaniah 2:3).
  13. It is a day preceded by the return of Elijah. This could be Elijah himself or someone who would be in his office, such as John the Baptist (Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:12-13).