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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - 4:16
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The word of the Lord
1Th 4:15, 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 emphasize the fact that the reunion of dead and living believers will be accomplished by the Lord in person (αὐτὸς) Ὅτι 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 1Th 4:15. In the details themselves there are traces of certain O.T. theophanies, as Exo 19:11-18; Mic 1:3.
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 Joh 3:13; Joh 6:33, Joh 6:38, Joh 6:41, etc. In Eph 4:9, of his descent by the Spirit in order to endow the church.
With a shout (ἐν κελεύσματι)
N.T.o. Once in lxx, Proverbs 24:62 (English Bib. Pro 30:27). From κελεύειν 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 (ἀρχαγγέλου)
Only here and Jud 1:9. Not in O.T. The Pauline angelology shows traces of Rabbinical teachings in the idea of orders of angels. See Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; Rom 8:38. The archangels appear in the apocryphal literature. In the Book of Enoch (see on Jud 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. Rev 8:2. See also on Jud 1:9, and comp. Dan 12:1.
With the trump of God (ἐν σάλπιγγι θεοῦ)
For the trumpet heralding great manifestations of God, see Exo 19:13, Exo 19:16; Psa 47:5; Isa 27:13; Zec 9:14; Zep 1:16; Joe 2:1; Mat 24:31; 1Co 15:52; Rev 1:10; Rev 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, Rev 15:2; musical instruments of God, 1Ch 16:42. The later Jews believed that God would use a trumpet to raise the dead.