Topical Bible: Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity

◄ Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the concept of a "day" often transcends the mere 24-hour period, symbolizing significant events, divine interventions, or periods of judgment. One such interpretation is the "Day of Adversity," a time marked by trials, tribulations, and divine judgment. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's sovereign control over human affairs and His righteous judgment upon sin.

The "Day of Adversity" is frequently associated with God's corrective discipline and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. In Proverbs 24:10, the Berean Standard Bible states, "If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small." This verse underscores the testing of one's faith and character during challenging times, highlighting the importance of spiritual resilience and reliance on God.

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of days of adversity as periods of divine judgment. The prophets often warned Israel and surrounding nations of impending judgment due to their rebellion against God. In Isaiah 37:3 , during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, the people describe their plight as "a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace." This reflects the broader biblical theme that adversity often accompanies divine judgment, intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

The Book of Job offers a profound exploration of personal adversity. Job's trials are described as a time of severe testing, where his faith and righteousness are put to the ultimate test. Job 30:26 captures his lament: "But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness came." Job's experience illustrates that adversity can serve as a crucible for refining faith and character, even when the reasons for such trials are not immediately apparent.

In the New Testament, the concept of a day of adversity is expanded to include eschatological themes. Jesus speaks of a future time of tribulation and judgment, often referred to as the "Day of the Lord." In Matthew 24:21 , Jesus warns, "For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again." This period of adversity is characterized by widespread upheaval and serves as a precursor to the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of adversity in the context of spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:13 , he exhorts believers to "take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground." Here, the "day of evil" signifies times of spiritual adversity, where believers must remain steadfast in their faith, equipped with divine armor to withstand the enemy's attacks.

Throughout Scripture, the "Day of Adversity" serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of divine judgment and the necessity of faithfulness amidst trials. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty, seek His wisdom, and remain steadfast in their commitment to righteousness, even when faced with overwhelming challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 24:10
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Second Day.
... The next day, a notary having again been summoned, the ... not given, there could be
no just penal judgment, nor merit of ... of the gospel received in the time of man ...
/.../disputation of the second day.htm

Importance of the Time of Youth; Difficulties and Dangers that ...
... preparation demands a certain maturity of judgment and a ... to see diminish, from day
to day, the number ... influence, not less preparation, nor less time, nor less ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter i importance of the.htm

Again on the Lord's Prayer, Matt. vi. To the Competentes.
... as to others who in the day of judgment shall repent ... And thus saith the Apostle,
"Redeeming the time, because the ... to believe, and so rejoice day by day in thy ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon viii again on the.htm

Epistle Xl. To Mauricius Augustus.
... that I am smitten incessantly every day by blows. ... out over me the formidable and
terrible judgment of Almighty ... says, Judge nothing before the time, until the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xl to mauricius augustus.htm

The Best Friend
... sudden fear that caused it was removed, for we find John and even Peter following
the Master to the judgment hall, and ... You pass the time of day and perhaps ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the best friend.htm

Chapter ii.
... being lifted up in heart in the time of prosperity ... this present life, and in whose
judgment the article ... pains those who are unsuccessful; while the day is spent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/the works of dionysius/chapter ii.htm

The First Book
... divine censure he gave some scope to judgment and severity ... in itself, yet the observance
of the day made it ... Or the time when two men were contesting with each ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

Eternity in the Heart
... says in another verse, 'Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore
the ... him.' It was happy when we loved; but the day of indifference ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/eternity in the heart.htm

Psalm LXXXVIII.
... as the actual sufferings: both inflicted by God's judgment: but in ... at another in
another, he adds, "all day," signifying the continuation in time, to the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxviii.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... In visions of the great judgment day the inspired messengers of Jehovah ... for that
day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm