1 Thessalonians 4:16 — The Voice of the Chief Messenger

16 … with the voice of the Chief Messenger …

When the Lord descends, the voice of the archangel will also sound. Who is this archangel? Scripture knows only one archangel: Michael. It is not without reason that he is called “the chief messenger” in Jude 9. In Daniel, he is presented as the great prince who stands for the people of Israel (Dan. 12:1).

Daniel foretells that Michael will stand up before a time of unprecedented distress begins. Jesus also speaks of this great tribulation (Matt. 24:21). Michael also plays a key role in Revelation 12. As soon as the male son is snatched away to God and His throne (verse 5), war breaks out in heaven. Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, who is then cast out of heaven (verses 7–9).

The dragon then persecutes the woman, who represents Israel. She is protected for “a season, and seasons, and half a season,” or three and a half years (Rev. 12:14). Both Daniel and Revelation therefore connect Michael’s action with the beginning of the great tribulation. Paul’s specific mention of this archangel’s voice when the Lord descends is therefore highly significant. It gives us an important clue to this event’s place in the prophetic timetable. Michael’s voice announces a decisive transition!

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