The “day of the Lord” was the anticipated day of God’s judgment upon sinners, which ancient Israelites imagined would be God’s wrath upon their enemies, but which the prophets proclaimed would be God’s severe judgment upon the people of Israel for their own sins. The prophets foresee a day of gloom. But the “day of the Lord” ultimately comes at Calvary, as Christ takes the judgment upon himself, freeing us to live as forgiven people, working for God’s righteousness in the world.