Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

1 Thessalonians 4:16

The word of the Lord, ver. 15, is apparently not intended to include the specific details which follow. In that word the revelation was to the effect that all believers simultaneously should share the blessings of the advent. The following description of the Lord's descent from heaven is intended to emphasise the fact that the reunion of dead and living believers will be accomplished by the Lord in person [α υ τ ο ς]. %Oti does not indicate the contents of the word of the Lord (that, as A. V.), but means for or because; and the details are meant to strengthen the more general declaration of ver. 15. In the details themselves there are traces of certain O. T. theophanies, as Exodus 19:11-18; Micah 1:3; Micah 1:2; Micah 1:7 Shall descend from heaven. Used nowhere else of Christ's second coming. Frequently in the Fourth Gospel, of Christ's descent to earth as man. See 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1Th 6:33, 38, 41, etc. In Ephesians 4:9, of his descent by the Spirit in order to endow the church.

With a shout [ε ν κ ε λ ε υ σ μ α τ ι]. N. T. o. Once in LXX, Proverbs 24:6; Proverbs 24:2 (English Bib 30:27). From keleuein to summon. Often in Class. Lit. a shout of command, as of a general to his army, an admiral to his oarsmen, or a charioteer to his horses.

Archangel [α ρ χ α γ γ ε λ ο υ]. Only here and Jude 1:9. Not in O. T. The Pauline angelology shows traces of Rabbinical teachings in the idea of orders of angels. See Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16; Romans 8:38. The archangels appear in the apocryphal literature. In the Book of Enoch (see on Jude 1:14) four are named, Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel. Michael is set over the tree which, at the time of the great judgment, will be given over to the righteous and humble, and from the fruit of which life will be given to the elect. In Tob. 12 15, Raphael appears as one of the seven holy angels. Comp. Revelation 8:2. See also on Jude 1:9, and comp. Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:28

With the trump of God [ε ν σ α λ π ι γ γ ι θ ε ο υ]. For the trumpet heralding great manifestations of God, see Exodus 19:13; Exodus 19:16; Psalms 47:5; Isaiah 27:13; Zechariah 9:14; Zephaniah 1:16; Joel 2:1; Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 14:52; Revelation 1:10; Revelation 4:1. Of God does not indicate the size or loudness of the trumpet, but merely that it is used in God's service. Comp. harps of God, Revelation 14:2; musical instruments of God, 1 Chronicles 16:42. The later Jews believed that God would use a trumpet to raise the dead.

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

1 Thessalonians 4:16

Old Testament

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