Isa. 2:1-4; Micah 4:1-5, The Latter Days

The “latter days”

There are some similarities between the “times of the Gentiles” and the “latter days.”  But they are not the same.  The “times of the Gentiles” is the time when the nations rule over Israel or trample Jerusalem underfoot.  These times come to an end when the Davidic King returns to the throne in Zion.  It ends with the onset of the Messianic Kingdom.  The “latter days” include the “times of the Gentiles” but the latter days also include the Messianic Kingdom. 

Another matter to consider is what makes these days “latter” or “last” days?  The very term seems to indicate there is a limit to Israel’s existence.  Or it could refer to the closing days before some significant stage of Israel’s history, such as the Messianic Kingdom.  Think on this as we make a quick trip through Biblical references to this subject.

·       Gen. 49:1,8-12: The “last days” are the subject of Jacob’s deathbed prophecies concerning his sons.  This would include the coming of Shiloh (v10), considered by many to be Messiah, the ultimate “scepter … from Judah.”

·       Num. 24:14-19: Balaam spoke of what Israel would do to Moab in the latter days.  It again speaks of the “Scepter” that rises out of Israel.

·       Deut. 4:25-31: This describes the time of Israel’s idolatry and desolation, and her turning to the LORD.  Deut. 31:29 also speaks of this time.

·       Isa. 2:1-4; Micah 4:1-5: These nearly identical passages from prophets preaching in the same era place the Messianic age temple worship as in the “latter days.”

·       Jer. 48:47; 49:39: Jeremiah says Moab and Elam, after judgment, will be restored in the “latter days,” in the Kingdom age.

·       Ezk. 38:8,14-17: The Gog/Magog war is in the “latter years” and “latter days.” 

·       Dan. 2:28: The events of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream occur in the “latter days.”  This includes the “times of the Gentiles” and the setting up of the Messianic Kingdom.

·       Dan. 10:14: Ch. 10-12 gives a detailed prophecy of events between the Testaments and then speaks briefly of the future resurrection and tribulation period.

·       Hosea 3:5: Hosea speaks of the future turning of Israel to the LORD.

·       2 Peter 3:3: Scoffers will come in the last days, those who ridicule those who hope in the return of Christ.

·       1 Tim. 4:1(-5); 2 Tim. 3:1(-9): These passages describe the extremely sinful times that characterize the latter days.

 Concerning the New Testament passages, one might ask if they speak of the “latter days” of the Church age and not necessarily the latter days of Israel’s history.  While Peter was writing to a Jewish Christian audience, Paul was certainly speaking to Christians and about heresy related to Christianity.

From the beginning of Israel’s history (the time of the Patriarchs) we see there was a concept of “the latter days.”  Those days would be a time of desolation, but then a time of restoration for Israel.  One thing this means is that in Israel there should always be an expectancy with respect to the future.  We have found in our studies that “hope” is fundamental to “faith” in Israel. 

We have one more subject, “the Day of the LORD,” to consider.  It will also speak of times similar to the “times of the Gentiles” and the “latter days.”