Main Reading: Joel 2–3; Zechariah 14; Malachi 3–4; Revelation 20
Theme: God Confronts Evil, Vindicates the Righteous, and Establishes Justice
Messianic Focus: Yeshua Returns as the Righteous Judge and King

🌿 Overview

Throughout the Tanakh, the Day of the LORD (Yom Adonai) is described as a decisive moment in history when God intervenes directly to:

• confront evil,
• destroy wickedness,
• save His people,
• judge the nations,
• establish righteousness,
• usher in the Kingdom.

It is both terrifying and glorious—a day of darkness for the wicked and a day of deliverance for the faithful.

Joel calls it a day of cosmic upheaval and divine intervention.
Zechariah describes the LORD fighting on behalf of Jerusalem and becoming King over all the earth.
Malachi warns of refining fire, separating righteousness from wickedness.
Revelation 20 completes the picture with the final judgment, the defeat of death, and the closing of the age.

This week confronts the sober reality that God is not indifferent to injustice—and that Yeshua Himself will return to judge the living and the dead.

🌿 Key Scriptures

• Joel 2–3 — Day of darkness, Spirit outpouring, judgment of nations
• Zechariah 14 — The LORD comes to fight and reign
• Malachi 3–4 — Refining, righteousness, and the great and dreadful day
• Revelation 20 — Final judgment and the end of death

🌿 Supporting Readings

• Deut. 32:35–43
• Isaiah 13; Isaiah 24–27
• Amos 5:18–24
• Psalm 96; Psalm 98
• Matthew 25:31–46
• Acts 17:30–31
• 2 Peter 3

🌿 Hebrew Notes (Integrated)

1. Yom Adonai — יוֹם יְהוָה — “Day of the LORD”

A decisive intervention of God in human history: judgment + salvation.

2. Mishpat — מִשְׁפָּט — “justice, judgment, righteous decision”

God sets things right and holds humanity accountable.

3. Tzadik — צַדִּיק — “righteous, just”

Those who live faithfully and humbly before God; the Day vindicates them.

4. Saraf — שָׂרַף — “to burn, to refine”

Malachi uses imagery of refining fire to purify God’s people.

🌿 Messianic Connection

1. Yeshua returns as Judge and King

Acts 17:31 — God appointed One Man to judge the world: Yeshua.

2. Yeshua fulfills the prophetic vision of the Day of the LORD

He comes with power and glory (Matt. 24:30), gathers the elect, and confronts evil.

3. Yeshua separates righteousness from wickedness

Matthew 25 — sheep and goats; wise and foolish; wheat and tares.

4. Yeshua’s judgment is righteous and compassionate

He judges with perfect justice, perfect truth, and perfect knowledge of every heart.

5. The Day of the LORD is good news for the oppressed

It means the end of evil, tyranny, violence, corruption, and suffering.

🌿 Moral & Spiritual Application

1. Judgment brings accountability

Your choices matter; nothing is hidden.

2. Live with urgency and hope

The Day is near—Scripture always speaks of it with immediacy.

3. Let the fear of the LORD purify your heart

Malachi’s refining fire removes hypocrisy and apathy.

4. Stand firm in righteousness

The righteous are vindicated, strengthened, and honored.

5. The coming judgment inspires mission

We share the hope of Messiah because the Day is approaching.

🕎 7-Day Devotional

🌿 Discussion Questions

1. What does the Day of the LORD reveal about God’s justice and holiness?
2. How does it comfort you? How does it challenge you?
3. What do Joel and Zechariah show about Messiah’s role in the Day?
4. How does the promise of judgment motivate you toward holiness?
5. How does the reality of judgment shape your mission to others?

🌿 Prayer Focus

Ask God to purify your heart and prepare you for the return of Messiah.
Pray for courage, righteousness, and faithfulness.
Intercede for others to come to repentance before the Day arrives.

🌿 Memory Verse

Joel 2:31

“The great and terrible Day of the LORD is coming.”