The Day of Yahweh – Luke 21:5-9

Whenever there is talk about “the end” in Scripture we are in the realm of future events and the coming of God to His world to establish His kingdom.  A common Biblical terminology for this time is “the day of Yahweh” or “the day of the Lord.”  Jesus’ comments about the destruction of the temple brings to the disciples’ minds this Day of Yahweh.

And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”  (Luke 21:5-9 ESV)

The temple was Israel’s pride.  It was destroyed in 586 B.C. to the great consternation of the people, who, despite the divine warnings about this, believed God would never destroy His own temple.  But here Jesus says it is going to happen again.  It was destroyed 37 years later by the Romans and Daniel 9 says it will be destroyed yet again at some future date (it has not been rebuilt yet).

The disciples understand this as such a momentous event that it must signal the Day of the Lord, God’s judgment before the coming of the kingdom.  They want to know the signs to look for.  Jesus first assures them that there will be many, not a few, who claim to be the Christ and be present, but that will not be true (the Son will come with power and great glory, v. 27).

Instead, there will be many tumultuous events, particularly wars, but other events as well, the fulfillment of this time unraveling slowly.  Disciples should not be terrified.  Jesus has planned for all of this.  He is in control.