The concept of a "Sign of Judgment" in the Bible refers to various phenomena, events, or symbols that indicate impending divine judgment or serve as a warning of God's forthcoming actions. These signs are often depicted as extraordinary occurrences that capture attention and call for repentance or alertness to God's sovereign will.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Flood: One of the earliest and most significant signs of judgment is the Great Flood in the time of Noah. God warned Noah of the impending judgment due to humanity's wickedness, instructing him to build an ark as a means of salvation for his family and the animals (Genesis 6:13-17). The flood itself served as a cataclysmic sign of God's judgment on a corrupt world.

2. Sodom and Gomorrah: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is another profound example. The cities' rampant sinfulness led to their obliteration by "sulfur and fire from the LORD out of the heavens" (Genesis 19:24). Prior to this, the angels' visit and the blinding of the men of Sodom served as signs of the impending judgment.

3. Plagues of Egypt: The ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt were signs of judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, demonstrating God's power and compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7-12). Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian deities and a sign of God's supremacy.

4. Prophetic Signs: Throughout the Old Testament, prophets were often given signs to accompany their messages of judgment. For instance, Isaiah walked barefoot and naked for three years as a sign against Egypt and Cush (Isaiah 20:3-4), and Jeremiah used a linen belt to symbolize the impending ruin of Judah (Jeremiah 13:1-11).

New Testament Examples

1. The Ministry of Jesus: Jesus Himself spoke of signs of judgment, particularly in relation to the end times. In Matthew 24, He describes wars, famines, earthquakes, and false prophets as "the beginning of birth pains" (Matthew 24:8), indicating the coming judgment and the need for vigilance.

2. The Destruction of Jerusalem: Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem as a sign of judgment upon the nation for its unbelief and rejection of Him (Matthew 24:1-2). This prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Romans destroyed the city.

3. The Book of Revelation: The apocalyptic visions in Revelation are replete with signs of judgment, including the seven seals, trumpets, and bowls, each unleashing various forms of divine wrath upon the earth (Revelation 6-16). These signs serve as both warnings and fulfillments of God's ultimate judgment against sin and rebellion.

Theological Significance

In the biblical narrative, signs of judgment serve multiple purposes. They are divine interventions that reveal God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty. They call people to repentance, urging them to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. Additionally, they affirm the reliability of God's word, as prophetic signs often come to pass as foretold, reinforcing faith in God's promises and warnings.

Practical Implications

For believers, signs of judgment are reminders of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. They encourage a life of holiness, vigilance, and readiness for Christ's return. The awareness of such signs fosters a sense of urgency in evangelism, as believers are called to share the gospel and warn others of the coming judgment, offering the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.