How does Jude 1:15 connect with Old Testament prophecies about judgment? Setting the Scene • Jude 1:15 is part of Jude’s quotation of Enoch, spotlighting the Lord’s coming judgment. • The verse says He will— – “to execute judgment on everyone…” – “and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act…” – “and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” • Each phrase echoes well-known Old Testament pictures of the Day of the LORD. Shared Vocabulary with the Old Testament • “Execute judgment” – God repeatedly promises this in the prophets. – Isaiah 66:15 “the LORD will come with fire… to execute His anger with fury.” – Malachi 3:5 “I will come near for judgment.” • “Convict all the ungodly” – language of courtroom exposure. – Psalm 50:4 “He summons the heavens… that He may judge His people.” – Daniel 7:10 “Thousands… attended Him; the court was seated, and the books were opened.” • “Harsh words” – God even weighs speech, not just deeds. – Malachi 3:13 “Your words have been harsh against Me, says the LORD.” – Psalm 73:9 “They set their mouths against the heavens.” Prophetic Images Jude Draws On • Hosts of heaven with Him – Deuteronomy 33:2 “the LORD came… with myriads of holy ones.” • Fiery, universal reckoning – Zephaniah 1:15 “a day of wrath… distress and anguish.” • Books opened, every deed exposed – Daniel 7:10 again connects here. Why the Connections Matter • Jude isn’t inventing a new doctrine; he’s reinforcing what the law, psalms, and prophets already declared. • God’s judgment is personal (“against Him”), comprehensive (“everyone”), and specific (deeds and words). • The same holy God who judged Egypt, Babylon, and Israel promises an ultimate, worldwide accounting. Bringing the Threads Together • Jude 1:15 gathers Old Testament strands into one vivid summary: the Lord will come, with His heavenly entourage, to render final verdict on every ungodly act and every rebellious word. • The righteous can rest; the Judge will not overlook injustice. The ungodly are warned; nothing escapes His notice. |
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