ISB ~ 1 Thessalonians 4 v16 - 17

Paul depicts the coming of Jesus with apocalyptic imagery that was widely used in Jewish literature from this period.

• Several dramatic scenes in the Bible also use this imagery and prepare the way for this final event of history. (1) During the Exodus, the Lord descended upon Sinai with a fiery cloud and a blaring trumpet, and all Israel went forth to meet him (Ex 19:16-20). (2) During the Conquest, Israel joined forces with the angels of the Lord to bring down the walls of Jericho with a blast of seven trumpets and a loud cry from the people (Josh 5:13-14; 6:15-20). (3) In the visions of Daniel, a court sits in judgment as it watches the Messiah riding the clouds into heaven and receiving from God an eternal kingdom that he shares with the saints (Dan 7:10-14, 18, 27).