On the Last Day, the old creation will flee away and be renewed into a New Heavens and a New Earth (Rev 20:11, Rev 21:1). The Bible teaches that the creation currently groans for the revealing of the sons of God in glory (Rom 8:18-22). Also, the Bible teaches many symbolic references to the heavens and the earth fleeing away. These include a darkening of the sun, moon and stars, a great earthquake, mountains and islands being moved (shaken), lightning and thunder, judgment on the air and great hail. All of these descriptions of the Last Day are symbolic prophetic references. These are symbolic of the much more cataclysmic and wonderful event of the earth fleeing away and being renewed into a New Heavens and a New Earth.
Below are links to You Tube videos on this topic. Or continue studying below to learn the important symbolic meaning of these descriptions of the Last Day.
The Corruption of the Creation
Heavenly Events – Sun, Moon and Stars
Heavens and Earth Flee Away
First, it is important to understand that there are 3 heavens referred to in the Bible:
- Third heaven (where God dwells)
- I knew a man in Christ … such an one caught up to the third heaven … he was caught up into paradise … (2Co 12:2-4)
- 1st 2 Heavens to Pass away:
- … saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven … (Rev 19:17)
- … and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth … (Rev 6:13)
When the Bible refers to the ‘heavens’ passing away, it is the first two that are in view (i.e., the atmosphere around this world where the birds fly and the heavens where the sun, moon and stars are located).
The following Bible passages teach that the current heavens and earth will flee away on the Last Day:
- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (Rev 21:1)
- No more sea – refers to the end of hades (cast into the Lake of Fire)
- And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Rev 20:11)
- For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (Isa 65:17)
- The heavens shall perish – Ps 102:25-26, Heb 1:10-13, 2 Pet 3:10-13, Is 51:6, Rev 20:11, Rev 21:1, Rev 21:5, Is 66:22, Is 65:17-19, Mat 24:35
- No more witness of the creation (General revelation – Ps 19:1, Ro 10:18, Ps 8:3, Ro 1:19-20, Ps 105:7, Ps 148:3-4, Is 40:22, Jer 10:12, Acts 14:17, Acts 17:24-28)
The Corruption of the Creation
For the purposes of the Last Day, there are two important aspects to understand concerning the creation. First, as a result of sin, the creation became corrupt. Second, the creation (sun, moon, stars, land, mountains, etc.) all contain important symbolic meanings in the Bible. Therefore, at the Last Day, God will make everything new including a New Earth, New Heaven and New Jerusalem. For example, the symbolic meaning of the sun, stars and moon will no longer be required since God’s plan of salvation and judgment will have been completed. Also, the earth and the things in it will replaced by such a wonder dwelling place of God and His people. The former things will no longer come to mind:
- For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. (Isa 65:17)
The following passages testify to the truth of the corruption of the creation:
- … cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field (Gen 3:17-18)
- For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. (Rom 8:19-22)
- Destroy earth – Earth is cursed – Jer 12:4, Ro 8:18-25, Hos 4:3, Gen 7:21-22, Gen 19:24-25, Eze 12:29, Deut 20:16, 1 Sam 15, Jonah 4:11, Gen 3:17-19, Gen 5:29, Psa 127:2, Ecc 1:2-3, Ecc 1:13-14, Ecc 2:11, Ecc 2:17, Isa 24:5-6, Rom 8:20-22, Job 5:6-7, Job 14:1, Job 21:17, Psa 90:7-9, Ecc 2:22-23, Ecc 5:17, Joh 16:33, Jos 23:13, Job 5:5, Job 31:40, Pro 22:5, Pro 24:31, Isa 5:6, Isa 7:23, Isa 32:13, Jer 4:3, Jer 12:13, Mat 13:7, Heb 6:8
- Whole creation fell due to Adam’s Sin – Hos 4:3, Gen 7:21-22, 19:24-25, Ex 12:29, Deut 20:16, 1 Sam 15, Jonah 4:11, Gen 3:17, Jer 12:4
- Earth is cursed – Gen 3:17-19, Jer 12:4, Ro 8:18‑25, Hos 4:3, Gen 7:21‑22, Gen 19:24‑25, Eze 12:29, Deut 20:16, 1 Sam 15, Jonah 4:11
- Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden of Eden – Gen 3:23-24
The creation was made for the habitation of God’s people (Gen 1-3). But, because of the fall of humankind and the sin of every human being, the earth is corrupted. Because of sin, God promised to Abraham to provide a ‘promised land’ (Gen 12:1-7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 17:8, etc.). This’ promised land’ was to be a holy place where God’s people would live. Even though Israel eventually inherited some of the land, the land later became desolated by Babylon as a result of the sin of Israel and Judah (Lev 26:33-34, Jer 4:7, Jer 4:27, Eze 12:19-20). The true ‘promised land’ is the New Earth (Rev 21:1) of which the physical land of Israel / Judah was only a type.
However, this physical ‘promised land’ on this earth was symbolically ‘destroyed’:
- And the nations were angry, and your wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that you … should destroy them which destroy the earth. (Rev 11:18)
The word destroy in the New Testament is diaphtheiro / diaphthora (12 occurrences). The word literally means to rot thoroughly, or more simply stated, corruption. The promise of God’s salvation in the earthly ‘promised land’ was not destroyed physically, but spiritually as a result of sin. Entering into the ‘promised land’ by works and not by faith has corrupted the land of promise. The Bible teaches that the true ‘promised land’ is for those who are of the faith of Christ:
- For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith … Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. (Rom 4:13,16-18)
- Land symbolically points to ‘promised land’ – Ro 4:13, Eze 34:13, Eze 36:24, Eze 37:21, Is 43:5‑6, Heb 11:9, Heb 11:13‑16, Gen 12:1-7, Gen 13:14-15, Gen 17:8, Jer 27:5, Num 14:8, Mat 28:18, Mat 3:17, Ps 37:29, Heb 3:6-Heb 4:10, etc.
The following passage indicates that eternity with God is the ‘promised land’:
- The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. (Isa 60:19-21)
The Babylonian Captivity and desolation of the land was a type of the ‘Great Tribulation’ and the Last Day of Judgment. This desolation occurred due to the people’s abominations (worshiping other gods and idols):
- For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that none shall pass through. Then shall they know that I am the LORD, when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations which they have committed. (Eze 33:28-29)
- And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him. (Jer 27:6)
The land was desolated by the King of Babylon, who is a type of the Antichrist as powered by Satan (Rev 13:2):
- That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon … How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations … That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? … You shall not be joined with them in burial, because you ruined your land and killed your people … (Isa 14:4,12,17,20)
- Kingdom of Satan – all who are not saved
- Ye are of your father the devil … (Joh 8:44)
- He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother. (1Jn 3:8-10)
Below are following Bible references to destroying the land in prophecy (which points to the corruption of the land (earth) due to sin):
- Destruction of the land of Babylon – Is 13:5, Is 13:9
- King of Babylon destroys the land – Is 14:20
- Assyria planned to destroy land of Judah – Is 36:10
- Assyria destroyed lands – Is 37:11
- Destruction in the land of Israel – Is 60:18
- Destroyer makes land desolate – Jer 4:7
- Destruction – land spoiled – Jer 4:20
- Land perpetual desolation – Jer 25:9
- King of Babylon comes to destroy the land – Jer 36:29
- Destroy land – judgment on Judah – Eze 22:30
- King of Babylon to destroy land of Egypt – Eze 30:11
- Ex 8:24 – Land of Egypt was corrupted by flies
- Land of Judah burned / desolated – Joel 1:2-15, Joel 2:1-5
Rev 11:18 also teaches that there will be a final day of fiery judgment for those who destroy (corrupt) the earth:
- For our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:29)
- … when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2 Thess 1:7-9)
- For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (1 Thess 5:3)
- Body and Soul to be destroyed – Mat 10:28
- Spirit – cast into outer darkness for eternity – Mat 22:13, etc.
Fire – Destruction
Another description of the heavens and earth passing away on the Last Day is that of fire. Consider the following passages:
- But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (2Pe 3:7)
- But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (2Pe 3:10-13)
- For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. (Mal 4:1)
- And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2Th 1:7-9)
The symbolism of fire is used to emphasize the utter destruction of the creation and the replacement of it with the New Heavens and the New Earth. However, fire is also used as a symbol for God’s judgment on His enemies. For example:
- And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. (Rev 20:9)
- Judgment from heaven ‑ Lk 9:54, Lk 17:29, Gen 19:24, Lev 9:24, Lev 10:1-2, Jud 6:21, 1 Chr 21:26, 2 Chr 7:1, Job 1:16, Deut 29:23, 1 Ki 18:36-38, 2 Ki 1:10-14, Ps 11:6, Ps 18:10‑13, Ps 97:1‑6, Ps 140:10, Ps 11:6, Is 28:2, Rev 8:5, Rev 13:13, 2 Thess 1:7-8
- Christ is the Judge of the world who will come with His angels in flaming fire (2 Th 1:7-8)
- Fire as judgment in Revelation – Rev 1:14, Rev 2:18, Rev 3:18, Rev 4:5, Rev 8:5, Rev 8:7, Rev 8:8, Rev 9:17, Rev 9:18, Rev 10:1, Rev 11:5, Rev 13:13, Rev 14:10, Rev 14:18, Rev 15:2, Rev 16:8, Rev 17:16, Rev 18:8, Rev 19:12, Rev 19:20, Rev 20:9, Rev 20:10, Rev 20:14, Rev 20:15, Rev 21:8
- Lake of Fire – Rev 19:20, Rev 20:10, Rev 20:14-15, Rev 21:8
Heavenly Events – Sun, Moon and Stars
It is very important to understand the symbolic meaning of the sun, moon and stars in order to understand why the Bible teaches us that they will be darkened. Here is the symbolic meaning of the Sun, Moon and Stars in the Bible:
Sun – Symbolizes Jesus Christ bringing the light (salvation) and scorching (judgment)
- Sun represents Christ as Light of the Gospel – Mal 4:2, 2 Pet 1:19, Rev 2:28, Rev 10:1, Rev 22:16, Mat 2:2, Mat 4:16, Num 24:7, Eph 5:14, Lk 1:78, Is 9:1-2, Is 59:8, Ps 19:4-5, Is 60:1-2, Isa 30:26
- Transfiguration – Mk 9:2-5, Mat 17:1-4, Lk 9:28-33 (shined as the sun)
- Christ as rising of the sun ‑ 2 Sam 23:1‑4, Rev 7:2‑3, Is 60:1‑2, Num 24:17, Mal 4:2
- 4th Bowl of wrath – sun scorched people (type of judgment day) – Rev 16:8-9
- Elements dissolve with fervent heat on judgment day – 2 Pet 3:12
- Scorching sun – Rev 7:16, Jonah 4:8
Moon – Symbolizes the Old Testament Ceremonial Law as a veiled symbol of the Gospel
- Moon governed festivals / months – moon has no brightness in itself – it is a picture of types and figures which reflect spiritual truth
- New moons related to law of God (symbols) – Col 2:13-17, Col 2:20-21, Gal 4:8-11
- Moon has its type of glory – 1 Cor 15:41
- Moon (same word as month, appointed for seasons – Ps 104:19 (feasts)
- Moon rules by night – Ps 136:7-9, Gen 1:14-18, Jer 31:35 (given for ordinances), Ps 104:19 (feasts)
- God’s work of creation, ordained – Ps 8:3, Gen 1:14-16
- God feared as long as the moon exists – Ps 72:5
- Abundance of peace as long as the moon shines – Ps 72:7
- Moon a faithful witness – Ps 89:37
- Moon praises God – Ps 148:3
- Christians not ‘under the law’ – Rom 3:19, Rom 6:14, Rom 6:15, 1Co 9:20, 1Co 9:21, Gal 3:23, Gal 4:4, Gal 4:5, Gal 4:21, Gal 5:18.
- Old Testament – shadow of the New – Col 2:17, Heb 8:5, Heb 10:1
Stars – Symbolizes the Messengers of the Word of God (angels, whether human or spiritual)
- The angels of the 7 churches (Rev 1:16, 1:20, 3:1) (4 occurrences)
- The angel with the power to open the bottomless pit (Rev 9:1, see also Rev 20:1)
- Woman with crown of 12 stars (represents the church of God) – Rev 12:1
- Dragon cast 1/3 of stars of heaven to the earth (represents fallen angels) – Rev 12:4
- Jesus, the bright and morning Star (Rev 22:16, Rev 2:28, see also Num 24:17, Mat 2:2, Lk 1:78, 2 Pet 1:19)
- The offspring that will come from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (represents Christians in Gal 3:16, 29, Ro 4:13-16, etc) – Gen 15:5, 22:17, 26:4, Ex 32:13, Deut 1:10, Deut 10:22, Deut 28:62, 1 Chr 27:23, Neh 9:23
- The 12 sons of Israel (represents the church of God) – Gen 37:9
- Jesus Christ as the Star of Jacob in Balaam’s parable – Num 24:15-17
- Those who fought against Sisera in the Song of Deborah and Barak – Jud 5:20
- The sons of God (morning stars, i.e., angels) singing – Job 38:7
- Entities that God calls by name – Ps 147:4
- Those who are to praise God – Ps 148:3
So far, we have seen that the Last Day includes the removal of the old heavens and earth in order to establish the New Heavens and New Earth of eternity. God, in the Bible, uses terms such as ‘passing away’ ‘fleeing’ and ‘dissolved with fire’ to describe the end of the existence of the heavens and the earth. The Bible also provides more detail concerning the sun, moon and stars being struck.
On the Last Day, God’s plan of salvation and judgment is completed. Therefore, there is no more need of the sun, moon and stars to represent spiritual truths about the gospel, judgment and the law of God. Therefore, there are many prophetic passages that describe the darkening of the sun, moon and stars. Also there are passages regarding the heavens being rolled up as a scroll (Rev 6:14, Isa 34:4), which point to the fact that at the Last Day, Gods plan of salvation and judgment has been completed. We find these features in the 6th seals of the Book of Revelation (which is a passage that describes the Last Day of Judgment:
- And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (Rev 6:12-14)
Additional verses relating to the Last Day judgment of the sun, moon and stars:
- Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Mat 24:29-31)
- But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. (Mar 13:24-27)
- And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luk 21:25-27)
- Second coming – Joel 2:10, Joel 2:31, Joel 3:15, Acts 2:20, Rev 16:8, Rev 8:12, Jer 4:23-28, Eze 32:7-8, Is 13:10, Is 24:23, Isa 34:4, Is 60:19-20, Zech 14:6 (Judgment Day)
- Darkness is Judgment Day – Zeph 1:15, Amos 5:18-20
Earthly Events
Earthquake
A common symbol in the Bible for God’s judgment is that of an earthquake. An earthquake involves the shaking of things to destruction. Earthquakes are also featured in the Book of Revelation. In the Book of Revelation, there are many parallel passages of the Last Day of Judgment found in that book. There are four of these parallel passages that feature an earthquake on the Last Day:
- And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; (Rev 6:12)
- And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. (Rev 11:13)
- And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever … And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Rev 11:15,19)
- And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (Rev 16:17-18)
The following are other prophetic passages of Judgment Day, which includes the shaking of an earthquake:
- Heb 12:26-28, Lk 21:25, Mat 24:29, Mark 13:25, Rev 6:13, Isa 2:19-21, Isa 13:13, Isa 24:18, Isa 29:6, Joel 2:10, Joel 3:16, Nah 1:5, Zech 14:5, Eze 38:19-20, Joel 3:16, Hag 2:6-7, Hag 2:21-22
Finally, the idea of shaking by an earthquake also reminds us that the Kingdom of God is an unshakeable kingdom where Christians can stand firm and be established with God forever:
- Christians cannot be shaken / moved – Heb 12:26-28, Lk 6:48, 1 Cor 15:58, Rth 1:18; Psa 55:22, Psa 78:8, Psa 78:37, Psa 112:6; Col 1:23, Col 2:5; 1Th 3:3; Heb 3:14; 2Pe 3:17-18
- Christians are steadfast, settled, grounded in Christ – 1 Cor 15:58, 1 Cor 7:37, Col 1:23
- Christians are stable in Christ (firm, confirmed, established) – Rom 4:16, 2Co 1:7, Heb 2:2, Heb 3:6, Heb 3:14, Heb 6:19, Heb 9:17, 2Pe 1:10, 2Pe 1:19, Mar 16:20, Rom 15:8, 1Co 1:6, 1Co 1:8, 2Co 1:21, Col 2:7, Heb 2:3, Heb 13:9, Php 1:7, Heb 6:16, 2Ti 2:19, Heb 5:12, Heb 5:14, 1Pe 5:9, Act 3:7, Act 3:16, Act 16:5, Col 2:5
Mountains / Islands Moved
In prophecy, a related symbol to an earthquake that shakes the earth is that of mountains and islands being moved (Rev 6:12-14, Rev 16:20). The symbolism meaning of a mountain in the Bible is that of a strong kingdom. For example, in Rev 17, Babylon sits on the scarlet beast. The scarlet beast represent Satan and his kingdom. But, we also find that Babylon sits on 7 mountains, which represent 7 kings of the kingdom of Satan:
- And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. (Rev 17:9-10)
Another example of a mountain representing a kingdom can be found in the Great Statue of Daniel 2. By carefully comparing Dan 2:35 with Dan 2:44, it can be seen that the kingdom of God is symbolizes as a great mountain (which is also apparent in Isa 2 and Micah 4):
- Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. (Dan 2:35)
- And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. (Dan 2:44)
- Mountains represents kingdoms / cities – Dan 2:35 with Dan 2:44, Rev 17:9‑10, Is 2:2, Is 13:4, Rev 6:14‑16, Micah 4:1‑8 (especially verse 8), Zech 4:7, Is 2:14, Is 2:2, etc.
The symbolism of islands is also notable. First, an island is a place of wild beasts (Job 22:30, Isa 13:22, Is 34:14, Jer 50:39) and is desolate (Isa 13:22). An island is also a place that has no salvation and is under judgment (Jer 47:4, Isa 20:6, Isa 23:2, Isa 23:6, Isa 41:1, Isa 59:18, Isa 42:15). For example in Isa 42:4-15, islands are a place where one waits expectantly for the Lord. In other words, it is a symbol of the place where believers are in this earth. God’s people are in a remote place in comparison where our true home is. The Gospel goes forth to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8, Ro 10:18, Ps 105:7, Ps 19:4). In Isaiah 51:5, it is the place where God’s people are waiting for deliverance (see also Isa 11:11, Isa 60:9, Rev 1:9, Job 22:30, Jer 31:10, Isa 42:4, Isa 49:1, Isa 51:5, Isa 66:19, Jer 31:10, Zeph 2:11). It is also a place of praise for those who wait patiently (Ps 97:1, Isa 42:10). The symbolic meaning of an island is:
- Where God has extended His arm of grace to save His people
- A place of patiently waiting for deliverance from this world
In prophecy, the Bible teaches that the mountains (kingdoms) and islands (place of Gods people awaiting deliverance) are removed:
- And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (Rev 6:12-14)
- And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done … And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Rev 16:17-20)
As the Bible teaches, on the Last Day the kingdoms will become the kingdoms of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 11:15). Christians will no longer be banished to a spiritual island as John, the Apostle was:
- I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev 1:9)
In summary, the mountains and islands being removed points to the removal of the world’s kingdoms and the promise of deliverance to God’s people to the ends of the world.
- Judgment on the mountains – Is 54:10, Rev 6:12-14, Rev 16:20, Is 2:12-17, Jer 3:23, Jer 4:23-26, Hab 3:6-10
- Mountains melt at second coming ‑ Micah 1:4, Ps 97:5, Nah 1:5
- Babylon ‑ a destroying kingdom ‑ Jer 51:25, burning ‑ Rev 8:8, Rev 51:25
- Moved mountain ‑ judgment day ‑ Rev 16:20, Is 2:12‑17, Is 54:10, Is 64:3, Jer 3:23, Jer 4:23‑26, Hab 3:6-10, Nah 1:5, Eze 38:10
- Move mountain by faith ‑ Mat 17:20, Mat 21:21, Mk 11:23, Lk 3:5, 23:30, 1Cor 13:2
- Judgment on the Islands
- Removed on the Last Day – Rev 6:12-14, Rev 16:20
- A place of wild beasts (Job 22:30, Is 13:22, Is 34:14, Jer 50:39)
- Desolate (Is 13:22). An island is also a place that has no salvation and is under judgment (Jer 47:4, Is 20:6, Is 23:2, Is 23:6, Is 41:1, Is 59:18, Is 42:15).
Lightning and Thunder
Lightning and Thunder are another earthly symbol of the Last Day (Judgment Day). Lightning and Thunder are closely related. Lightning typically precedes the thunder. Or, in other words, what is seen precedes that which is heard. The Bible teaches that lightning in prophecy represents the quickness of the coming of Jesus Christ as the judge of the world (see below). Thunder represents the voice of God (see below), which is God’s word that judges the unsaved on the Last Day.
The following are Last Day prophetic passages concerning lightning and thunder:
- 7th Trumpet (Last Day):
- And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever … And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Rev 11:15,19)
- 7th Bowl of God’s Wrath (Last Day):
- And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (Rev 16:17-18)
The Bible teaches that the return of Jesus Christ is as lightning:
- For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wherever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. (Mat 24:27-28)
- For as the lightning, that lightens out of the one part under heaven, shines unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. (Luk 17:24)
- And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. (Zec 9:14)
These verses emphasize the speed at which judgment on the Last Day occurs and the universal extent of judgment (i.e., from east to west). Rev 1:7 teaches that every eye will see him.
Thunder often represents the voice of God in Judgment:
- Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled. The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice. And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
- (2Sa 22:13-15)
- The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. (Psa 29:3)
- Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? (Job 40:9)
- The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. (Psa 77:18)
- God’s voice as thunder – Rev 19:6, Rev 14:2, John 12:29, Ps 104:7, Ps 77:18, Ps 29:3, Ps 18:13, Job 40:9, Job 37:4-5, 2 Sam 22:14
Lightning in the Bible
- Flashes of lightning, Peals of thunder ‑ Rev 8:5, Rev 11:19, Rev 16:17‑18, Exo 19:16, 20:18, Ps 18:13‑14, Heb 12:18‑29
- Judgment ‑ Is 29:6, 1 Sam 7:10, Ex 9:23‑34, Ex 19:16, 1 Ki 18:23‑25, 2 Ki 6:17
- Lightning – Quickness of Christ coming in judgment – Lk 17:24, Mat 24:27 (every eye will see Him – see Rev 1:7 notes)
- Lightning on the Last Day (Judgment) – Rev 16:18, Rev 11:19
- Lightning comes from God’s throne – Rev 4:5
- Lightning comes from the angel of God – Rev 8:5
- Lightning results in scattering (judgment) – 2 Sam 22:15, Ps 18:14, Ps 144:6
- God utters His voice – Lightning with rain – Jer 10:13, Jer 51:16, Ps 135:7
- Voice of thunder, the lightning – earth trembles – Ps 77:18
- Living creatures ran as lightning – Eze 1:14
- Vision of a Man – appearance of lightning – Dan 10:6, Mat 28:3 (angel)
- Satan as lightning fell from heaven – Lk 10:18
- God’s judgment – army as lightning – Nah 2:4
- Lord’s arrow goes forth as lightning – Zech 9:14
- Lightning enlightens the world – Ps 97:4
- Way for lightning of the thunder – Job 28:26 , Job 38:25
- Lightning to the ends of the earth – Job 37:3
- Lightning brings light – Job 37:15, Dan 10:6, Ps 77:18
- Angels face as lightning – Mat 28:3
- Associated with rain ‑ Ps 135:7, Jer 10:13, Jer 51:6
- That which scatters ‑ Ps 144:6
- Sword gives off light (flash) like lightning – Eze 21:10, Eze 21:145, Eze 21:28
- Arrows of God ‑ Ps 18:14, Ps 144:6
Thunder in the Bible
- God’s voice as thunder – Rev 19:6, Rev 14:2, John 12:29, Ps 104:7, Ps 77:18, Ps 29:3, Ps 18:13, Job 40:9, Job 37:4-5, 2 Sam 22:14
- Lightning and Thunder often together in Scripture – Rev 4:5, Rev 8:5, Rev 11:19, Rev 16:17-18, Ex 19:16, Ex 20:18, Ps 18:13-14, Ps 68:35, Joel 3:16, Heb 12:18-29
- Out of throne lightning and thunder – Rev 4:6
- Thunder – power – Job 26:14, judgment – Is 29:6, 1 Sam 7:10, Ex 9:23-34, Ex 19:16
- James and John – sons of thunder – Mk 3:17
- Thunder as judgment – Ex 20:18, Rev 16:18, Rev 11:19, Rev 10:3-4, Rev 8:5, Rev 6:1, Rev 4:5, Is 29:6, Ps 81:7, Ps 78:48, Job 38:25, Job 26:14, 1 Sam 7:10
- Judgment / hail on Egypt – Ex 9:23, Ex 9:28-29, Ex 9:33
- Thunder and lightning on Mt Sinai – Ex 19:16, Ex 20:18
- Thunder associated with rain – 1 Sam 12:17-18 (judgment for wanting a king)
Air
It is notable that the last bowl of God’s wrath (on the Last Day) is on the air.
- And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, it is done. (Rev 16:17)
It is important to note that the Greek word for ‘air’ is the word aer. Greek word (G109) only occurs 7 times in the Bible. It should not be confused with the very different word for the ‘air’ where birds fly (Mat 8:20, Mat 13:32, Lk 9:58), which is really the Greek word for heaven (i.e., ouranos). Although there are not many Bible passages that discuss the air, the few we have teach us important spiritual truth. First, the Bible teaches (and science affirms) that communications occur in the air:
- … except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (1Co 14:9)
It is in the air that information, communications, truths and lies occur. Even in today’s world, most communications occur in one way or another over the ‘airwaves’ whether spoken words we hear of anything that is received from cell towers, satellites and other ‘transmission’ networks.
Interestingly, the Bible also teaches that Satan himself is the prince of the power of the air:
- Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience (Eph 2:2)
Satan’s primary means of deception during the Great Tribulation is by communicating blasphemous untrue things about God and His people. In fact, during the Great Tribulation, the Bible teaches us that the releasing of Satan results in great ‘smoke’ which darkens the sun and the air:
- And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. (Rev 9:2)
The above verse points to the mission of Satan through the Antichrist to deceive people to worship the Satanic trinity. Satan has always tried to usurp God’s authority. But, it is also ‘in the air’ where we meet Jesus Christ on the Last Day (1 Thess 4:17), which likely represents the place of Jesus Christ coming as the ultimate truthful communication: the Word of God.
The final 7th bowl judgment of Revelation 16 teaches that God’s judgment extends to Satan and his entire kingdom (e.g., John 8:44, Rev 20:3,7-8) to finally stop the lies and deception that is transmitted through the air.
Hail
In addition to God’s judgment on the air, the Bible teaches that hail is another symbol for the utter destructive power of God’s wrath. Hail, as a symbol is also on display in the 7th Bowl of God’s Wrath and the 7th trumpet of God:
- And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done … And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. (Rev 16:17,21)
- And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever … And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Rev 11:15,19)
Hail is a symbol of God’s judgment by breaking down and destroying. Hail can be seen as a tool of Judgment in the following Old Testament passages:
- OT – Heb: barad (H1259) – also, H1258 – total 34 occurrences
- That which comes from heaven to destroy man’s works ‑ Eze 13:11, Hag 2:17, Is 28:2, Is 28:17, Is 32:19, Is 30:30
- Sweeps away lies ‑ Is 28:17
- From heaven – judgment on the Amorites – Josh 10:11
- 7th plague on Egypt – Exo 9:18, Exo 9:19, Exo 9:22, Exo 9:23, Exo 9:24, Exo 9:25, Exo 9:26, Exo 9:28, Exo 9:29, Exo 9:33, Exo 9:34, Exo 10:5, Exo 10:12, Exo 10:15
- Plagues of Egypt – Ex 9:13-35 (Ps 78:47-48, Ps 105:32)
- Not complete judgment – Ex 10:5, Ex 10:12-15
- No hail in Goshen – Ex 9:26
- Day of battle and distress – Job 38:22-23
- Judgment on Ephraim and Judah – Isa 28:2, Isa 28:17
- Hail against the lies of False Prophets’ wall built with un-tempered mortar – Isa 32:19, Hag 2:17, Jos 10:11, Isa 30:30, Eze 13:11, Eze 13:13, Eze 38:22
- Ps 18:12-13 – Word of God (2-edged sword) – judgment on David’s enemies
- Hail signifies day of battle and distress – Job 38:22-23
- Fire and hail praise the Lord – Ps 148:8