Paul likewise observes that deliverance from tribulation in this age arrives when Jesus comes as King and judges the wicked (2 Thess 1:6-7). From one end of the heavens to the other means the whole earth (Mk 13:27; compare Is 11:12; 1 Enoch 57:2).

The figure of the trumpet is appropriate, and is one feature noted by Matthew but missing in Mark, yet earlier cited also by Paul (1 Thess 4:17). Paul refers to the "last trumpet" at the resurrection of the righteous (1 Cor 15:52), when the final enemy, death, is subdued (1 Cor 15:24-26). Most often trumpets assembled God's people for war or alerted them to an attack (as in Num 10:9; Judg 3:27; Is 18:3; Jer 4:19; Ezek 33:3-6; Joel 2:1; Zeph 1:16); such a trumpet blast often came with a shout (Jos. War 3.265; 1 Thess 4:16) and could symbolize the final battle (compare 1QM 8.9-12).

Parables of the Future Kingdom (24:32—25:46)