What is the Old Testament eschatology?
The physical end of the heavens and earth represents a study of theology called eschatology. It is primarily concerned with the study of the last things. Now according to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Electronic Data 1996 Biblesoft), there are two distinct types of eschatological outlooks in the OT. First, Israel as a nation desired to be physically regenerated to a level that surpassed Solomon. The Apostles referred to their destiny when they questioned the Messiah at His ascension (Acts 1:6). To restore Israel to this glorious level would mean the destruction of all Gentile nations that held them in bondage. Secondly, along side this position, is the eschatological destiny of the universe and the human race. Now the Dictionary of the Bible by James Hastings (1963 Scribner ) confirms that initially the Old Testament view of eschatology was primarily concerned with Israel. Generally, the dominant pattern of eschatology revolves around the Day of Yahweh (Jl. 2:1-4). It
