Only by examining the context of the particular passage that mentions it.Because it has many meanings and applications.“The Day of the Lord” is an expression that must always be studied in context.Ordinary folk would say “Events that are linked to the end of the world” – i.e.The theologians would say “The ultimate eschatological consummation”.Used by God’s prophets to describe historical future events.“The Day of the Lord” is a generic (a broad) phrase.Note: nowhere does the Bible give a Day of the Lord as a time measurement.It could last for hours, days, even weeks etc.Rather “the Day of the Lord”: is a period of time.It is not a single day made up of 24 hours.Although it is called “The Day of the Lord”:.Note: A couple of helpful things to note: (fourth): The apostle Peter mentions it in his second letter.1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 2 & 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 2).(second & third): Apostle Paul mentions it twice in his letters to the Thessalonians:.(first): Peter mentions it in his very first sermon on the day of Pentecost.Is mentioned four times in the New Testament.Are referred to by the term ‘the Day of the Lord’.Many of the most terrifying Old Testament pictures of judgement.It would be a day in which one world was shattered and another was born!.This was often viewed as a terrible day.In between there was the ‘Day of the Lord’.Then there was the age to come which would be the golden age of God.
There was the present age which was wholly and incurably bad.To the Old Testament Jew all time was divided into two ages.Obadiah, Joel, Amos, Isaiah, Zephaniah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Malachi.The expression only occurs in the books of the Prophets.It is mentioned explicitly at least nineteen times in eight Old Testament books.The topic ‘the Day of the Lord’ is a frequent Old Testament teaching.“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the nigh the expression in verse 2: ‘the Day of the Lord’: That you may or may-not be familiar with the meaning behind it.There are many terms and expressions in the Bible.Question: Why I am I giving you this riveting information? Frequently Outwitted By Inanimate Objects.NIMBY – is a favorite of those protesting against a new road, or a mobile phone receiver.Good old BOGOF – beloved of those who love a bargain.IBM – International Business Machines Corporation.Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space.SCUBA – Self-Contained Under water Breathing Apparatus.Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.Tesco is similar named after TES – T.E.Stockwell & Co – Jack Cohen.IKEA- Named after the founder of the company and a place in Sweden.Reading: 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verses 1-12.