2 Nephi 23 gives some detail on a future period of time referred to as the “Day of the Lord,” a time of vast destruction that will precede the establishment of Zion. There are many scriptural references to the Day of the Lord, both in Isaiah and 2 Nephi as well as in the writings of other prophets. Verses that include the phrase “in that day” generally are referring to the Day of the Lord.

On the one hand, this is not a time to look forward to:

“Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.” (2 Nephi 23:6)

Think of the horror of 9/11 when two buildings collapsed. Multiply that by entire cities with millions of people killed, and you start to get a small feel for what the Day of the Lord will be like. It is a time when God will punish the world for its evil and iniquity.

On the other hand, there is a purpose for the destruction — to destroy the sinners out of the land in preparation for Zion to begin:

“Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” (2 Nephi 23:9)

Since the Day of the Lord means time has run out for sinners, it becomes all the more important for us to share the gospel with our loved ones. Jesus describes the Day of the Lord as a terrifying time when even members of our own households may be taken:

“In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back … I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” (Luke 17:31, 34-36)

The purpose of all the prophecies about the Day of the Lord is not necessarily to scare us but rather to make us aware that a time of destruction will occur so we can ensure we are prepared spiritually and also do our best to prepare others.

The bright side of the Day of the Lord is that it is the dawning of the much-anticipated period of peace known as Zion. One of the Songs of Zion describes Zion as a ship that needs to be set free to sail, and this event will accomplish that. Stay focused on that as the Day of the Lord approaches.

Chorus of Songs of Zion No. 106
Cut her loose, for she’s been tied too long.
Set her free, her destiny – To catch the rising dawn,
And oh, the Mother-land is weeping for the great ship’s safe return,
As cities all across the land catch fire and start to burn.

Dare to Share Verse of the Day

Mosiah 24:21 – They poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.