This destruction will destroy many of the wealthy in the sense they will cease to be wealthy. Doubtless, there will also be a loss of lives, though the destruction of people is not the primary intent.
“The great day of the LORD is near … the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess [uncertainty and foreboding], a day of clouds [trouble] and thick darkness, a day of the trumpet [symbolic ‘seventh trumpet’] and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers [clamorous and conflicting cries against governments]. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men [groping in uncertainty], because they have sinned against the LORD…. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath [as previously] ... but the whole land shall be devoured by the [symbolic] fire of his jealousy” (Zephaniah 1:14-18; Revelation 11:15-18).
Zephaniah later speaks of this "fire" of anarchy, and shows that it will be followed by a blessing from God for all people. Thus the people are not destroyed. They pass through the ordeal, to be blessed with the "pure" truth of God's Word, and learn to serve God "shoulder to shoulder."Wait ye upon me, saith LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my decision is to gather the nations to draw together the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my fierce anger. For all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my zeal. Yea, then [after the trouble]will I turn unto the people a pure language [the pure Word] that they may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord ['shoulder to shoulder']" (Zephaniah 3:8,9 KJV NAS).
This trouble is already apparent. World Wars I and II were part of the process. When at last the saints are all gathered to be with Christ in glory, then Armageddon will follow. After the trouble has run its course when "every man's sword shall be against his brother" (Ezekiel 38:21), God will end the strife and the world will be taught to serve Him acceptably.
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The Day Of The Lord
SpiritualThe "Day of the LORD" [Jehovah] is the period of time in which God's Kingdom is gradually set up under Christ, and the kingdoms of this world pass away.
