Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

LAST DAY(S), LATTER DAYS

A phrase (Heb. hayyôm hāʾaḥărôn, ʾaḥărîṯ hayyāmîm) that connotes a future time that will precede, coincide with, or follow a decisive divine reckoning. Associated terms are “day of the Lord,” “day of judgment,” or simply “the/that day.” The earliest uses of the term in Hebrew refer to military victories and defeats. Used in this sense, the term refers to the judgment of God’s enemies in battle (Num. 24:14; “days to come”). The latter days can be a time of tribulation and exile for Israel (Deut. 4:30; 31:29) or, similarly, a time when Israel will understand the wrath of the Lord (Jer. 23:20; 30:24; cf. Ezek. 38:16). The latter days may also be a time of the restoration of nations that were previously punished (Jer. 48:47; 49:39); of Israel, who will return to seek the Lord (Hos. 3:5); of Jerusalem (Isa. 2:2 = Mic. 4:1); and of justice, when the Redeemer shall stand on the earth (Job 19:25-27).

Jewish apocalyptic and Christian writers typically associate the latter days (or “last times”; Gk. éschatos tṓn hēmerṓn) with cosmic events: the coming tribulation, last judgment, and salvation (4 Ezra 10:59; 6:34; cf. 1 QM 1, 11; 2 Apoc. Bar. 24:1; 51:1). In Daniel the events of the latter days are mysteries to be revealed from heaven (Dan. 2:28; 10:14). In the NT the phrase is associated with the resurrection (by Jesus) at the last judgment (John 6:39-40; 11:24), the Christian era that began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17; cf. Joel 2:28-32[MT 3:1-5]), the tribulation and disbelief before the last judgment (2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Pet. 3:3; Jas. 5:3), the time when salvation will be revealed (1 Pet. 1:5), and the present time characterized by God’s revelation through Christ (Heb. 1:2).

Alexandra R. Brown

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

LAST DAY(S), LATTER DAYS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)