19. How will “Jehovah’s day” break forth?

¹⁹ “Sudden destruction . . . instantly,” says the apostle Paul. God’s prophet Isaiah adds: “Look! Their very heroes have cried out in the street; the very messengers of peace will weep bitterly.” (Isaiah 33:7) In many places, the Bible shows that Jehovah’s execution of judgment upon wicked nations and men will come swiftly, unexpectedly​—truly “as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; Jeremiah 25:32, 33; Zephaniah 1:14-18; 2 Peter 3:10) At a time when the world is loudly proclaiming that it has reached some plateau of peace and security, “Jehovah’s day” will break forth with frightening suddenness. God’s people will have recognized that cry of “Peace and security!” for what it is and will be safe in Jehovah’s provided refuge.​—Psalm 37:39, 40; 46:1, 2; Joel 3:16.

21. (a) What action marks the start of “Jehovah’s day”? (b) To what finale does the “day” next proceed?

²¹ How will “Jehovah’s day” break forth? In this darkest night of human history, it will indeed come “as a thief”! That will be when God maneuvers nations of the UN beast to turn suddenly on false religion. Displaying their underlying hatred for Babylon the Great, they will expose her for what she is and utterly devastate her. So swiftly will this execution come that former political paramours will exclaim: “Too bad, too bad, you great city, Babylon you strong city, because in one hour your judgment has arrived!” But the nations and their armies will also attack God’s people. Then, the King of kings, Jesus Christ, will destroy all those enemies and abyss the arch-opposer, Satan the Devil.​—Revelation 17:16, 17; 18:10; 19:11-21; 20:1-3; compare Ezekiel 38:11, 16, 18-23.