Isaiah 13:9, commentary and pictures

Behold, the day of the Lord comes cruel with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate and to destroy its sinners out of it. The judgment of that day is further portrayed as darkening the heavenly lights, punishing the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity, and laying human pride low. It is a fearful judgment bringing swift destruction upon sinners who reject mercy.

That day is the distress before Christ's appearing associated with the seven last plagues, from which the saints are to escape that trouble and stand before the Son of man. Its prophecy is also applied to the final destruction by fire from heaven outside God's city, at the close of the thousand years, of all who have refused Christ. It is Christ's coming in glory, when the mountains tremble and the Lord shakes both earth and heavens, coming to be glorified in His saints, in those who love His appearing, while the faithful who fled persecution and hid in rocks, dens, and caves are made glad when they hear God's voice.

Its judgment falls especially on those who claim to know God while breaking His covenant, cherishing sin, and trusting that God will neither reward nor punish. Its warning falls also on wicked teachers who deceive God's people and bring confusion into the church, for merely speaking truth does not make them right with God, and their sins will be exposed with greater punishment in the day of fierce anger. The destruction of Sodom illustrates the warning, for those who dismissed the danger perished and the opportunity for the careless wicked to escape ended, while those who heeded the warning were protected and received salvation.

Because the great day is near, every soul and especially God's people are called to awaken from spiritual carelessness, repent, humble themselves, seek God, turn to Him, and prepare for the events soon to come and for the close of probation. The remnant in particular are warned to prepare for the time of trouble by surrendering self, possessions, and all to God and by enduring suffering with Christ in hope of sharing His glory.