Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away . . . , and earth and the works in it will be discovered.—2 Pet. 3:10.
What are “the heavens” and the “earth” mentioned here? When used symbolically in the Bible, the term “heavens” often refers to ruling powers, which are elevated above their subjects. (Isa. 14:13, 14; Rev. 21:1, 2) “The heavens [that] will pass away” represent human rule over ungodly society. The “earth” represents the world of mankind alienated from God. The coming destruction will occur in stages during “the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14) In the first phase of that tribulation, God will move the political rulers of this world to destroy “Babylon the Great,” thus showing his contempt for that religious harlot. (Rev. 17:5, 16; 18:8) Then, in the war of Armageddon, the final phase of the great tribulation, Jehovah himself will wipe out the rest of Satan’s world.—Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:19-21. w10 7/15 1:2-4
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