Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of a "day of darkness" is often associated with divine judgment and the manifestation of God's wrath upon nations or peoples who have turned away from His commandments. This theme is prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments, where prophetic writings frequently employ the imagery of darkness to symbolize the severity and inescapability of God's judgment.Old Testament References The prophet Joel vividly describes a "day of darkness" in the context of the Day of the Lord, a time when God executes judgment upon the earth. Joel 2:1-2 states, "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness." Here, the darkness signifies the overwhelming and fearsome nature of God's impending judgment, which is portrayed as unavoidable and all-encompassing. Similarly, the prophet Zephaniah warns of a day of divine retribution, emphasizing the darkness that accompanies it. Zephaniah 1:15 declares, "That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness." The repetition of "darkness and gloom" underscores the terror and despair that will befall those who face God's judgment. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the theme of darkness as a symbol of judgment continues, particularly in the eschatological teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself uses the imagery of darkness to describe the fate of those who reject the kingdom of God. In Matthew 8:12 , He warns, "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This "outer darkness" represents separation from God and the anguish of divine judgment. The Apostle Paul also alludes to a time of darkness in his epistles, associating it with the coming of the Lord and the judgment of the wicked. In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 , Paul writes, "For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." The unexpected nature of this day, likened to a thief in the night, highlights the suddenness and inevitability of God's judgment. Theological Implications The recurring motif of a "day of darkness" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and justice. It underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion, and the certainty of His righteous judgment. This theme calls believers to live in a state of readiness and repentance, acknowledging the reality of divine judgment while also trusting in God's mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture, the "day of darkness" is a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as both a warning to the unrepentant and a call to faithfulness for those who seek to walk in the light of God's truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread on the mountains: a great people and a strong; there has not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zephaniah 1:15 Library The Lord's Day God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period. A Day to be Remembered Basil -- the Creation of the World Friday --The Day of Suffering. The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ... The Day of Rejoicing The Investigative Judgment. John Chapter xii. 44-50 The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... Resources What is the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Seventh-day Adventism (SDA), and what do Seventh-day Adventists believe? | GotQuestions.org What is the Lord's day? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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