1 Blow a trumpet in Zion;
sound an alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming;
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful people;
their like has never been before,
nor will be again after them
through the years of all generations.
3 Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them.
4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.
5 They leap upon the tops of the mountains, they cry out like a thief in the night.
6 Before them peoples are in anguish;
all faces grow pale.
7 They charge like warriors;
they scale walls like soldiers.
They all march in line,
not swerving from their paths.
8 They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.
9 They leap upon the city, they run upon the walls, they climb up into the houses, they enter through the windows like a thief.
10 The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
11 The Lord utters his voice before his army,
for his camp is exceedingly great;
he who executes his word is powerful.
For the day of the Lord is great and very awesome;
who can endure it?
12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;”
13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain offering and a drink offering
for the Lord your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
consecrate a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord, and make not your heritage a reproach, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’”
18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land
and had pity on his people.
19 The Lord answered and said to his people, “Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.
20 “But I will remove the northerner far from you,
and drive him into a parched and desolate land,
his vanguard into the eastern sea,
and his rear guard into the western sea;
the stench and foul smell of him will rise,
for he has done great things.
21 “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!”
22 Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield.
23 “Be glad, O children of Zion,
and rejoice in the Lord your God,
for he has given the early rain for your vindication;
he has poured down for you abundant rain,
the early and the latter rain, as before.
24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.
26 You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.”
29 Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.”
31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.
32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The True Meaning of Joel 2
The book of Joel was written by the prophet Joel, who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. Joel’s message as one of the Twelve Minor Prophets provides a crucial perspective on the events unfolding in the lives of God’s people. Joel delivers a powerful warning to the people in this chapter, calling them to repentance and a renewed commitment to the Lord. He describes a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land, foreshadowing a more significant judgment to come. Through vivid imagery and a sense of urgency, Joel urges the people to turn back to God before it’s too late.
The chapter also includes a promise of restoration and the outpouring of God’s Spirit, echoing the prophecies found in other books, such as Ezekiel and Isaiah. These promises offer hope to the people, reminding them that even in the midst of judgment, God’s love and mercy are ever-present.
Joel 2:1-11
Joel 2:1-11 reads: “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand— a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was in ancient times nor ever will be in ages to come. Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes. Before them the land is like the garden of Eden, behind them, a desert waste— nothing escapes them. They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry. With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops, like a crackling fire consuming stubble, like a mighty army drawn up for battle. At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale. They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course. They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks. They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows. Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?”
This passage from the book of Joel describes a vivid and terrifying picture of an impending calamity announced by the prophet in Zion. The blowing of the trumpet signifies a call to attention and a warning sign. The reference to “the day of the Lord” is often used in the Bible to describe a time of reckoning and judgment by God upon the nations. The imagery of darkness, gloom, and a mighty army evokes a sense of fear and awe at the power of God’s impending judgment.
The description of the army moving through the land like a destructive force, leaving devastation in its wake, paints a picture of divine punishment for sin and disobedience. This army is depicted as unstoppable, with a relentless advance that terrifies nations and causes even the bravest to pale in fear. The shaking of the earth and the darkening of the sun and moon are signs of the cosmic upheaval that often accompanies the day of the Lord in prophetic literature.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the consequences of turning away from Him. It underscores the importance of repentance and turning back to God to avoid His judgment. Throughout the Bible, there are other references to the day of the Lord, such as in Amos 5:18-20 and Zephaniah 1:14-18, which further highlight the importance of being prepared for the coming day of judgment. Joel’s prophecy ultimately points to the need for repentance, faithfulness, and readiness for the day of the Lord. It serves as a warning to the people to heed God’s call, lest they face the consequences of their actions. The timeless message of this passage resonates with believers today, emphasizing the need to stay vigilant, walk in obedience to God, and be prepared for the ultimate judgment that awaits all nations.
Joel 2:12-17
Several key sections in Joel 2:12-17 provide valuable insights for believers. The passage begins with a call to return to the Lord with all our hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. This emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and humility before God. It’s a reminder that our external actions should be reflections of our internal attitudes towards God. This call to heartfelt repentance resonates throughout the Bible and is emphasized in many other verses, such as James 4:8-10, where believers are urged to draw near to God with a genuine heart.
The text then touches on God’s character – gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This is a profound reminder that despite our shortcomings, God is willing to forgive and restore us when we turn to Him. These attributes of God are consistent themes throughout the Bible, reflecting His unchanging nature. For instance, in Exodus 34:6-7, similar characteristics of God are highlighted when He passes before Moses on Mount Sinai, affirming His forgiving and merciful nature.
Further into the passage, there is a plea for the people to gather collectively to seek God, including the elders, children, and infants. This assembly emphasizes the communal aspect of seeking God and highlights the importance of unity among believers. The unity of God’s people is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in passages like Psalm 133:1, where it speaks of the goodness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity.
The text continues with a powerful depiction of the urgency required in seeking God’s help, where the priests, who serve the Lord, are urged to weep between the temple porch and the altar. This illustration underscores the idea that seeking God’s intervention should be a top priority in our lives, even to the point of interrupting our regular activities. This imagery of the priests weeping and interceding before God’s altar is a potent symbol of humility and dedication in seeking God’s mercy.
Finally, Joel calls for a solemn assembly and a time of consecration, urging the people to consecrate a fast, call a sacred assembly, gather the people, and sanctify the congregation. This collective consecration underscores the need for intentional and purposeful devotion to God, both individually and as a community. Throughout the Bible, we see the significance of setting aside dedicated time for seeking God and consecrating ourselves for His purposes, such as in Romans 12:1, where believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Joel 2:12-17 encompasses essential themes of heartfelt repentance, God’s merciful character, communal seeking of God, urgency in prayer, and the importance of consecration. These timeless messages continue to resonate with believers today, emphasizing the vital role of repentance, unity, and devotion in our relationship with God.
Joel 2:18-27
Several key sections in Joel 2:18-27 hold significant meaning in the context of the larger narrative found in the book of Joel.
Starting with verse 18, the Lord’s response to the repentance of the people is crucial. God’s compassion and mercy are evident as He is moved by the genuine repentance of the people. This shows us the character of God as loving and merciful, always willing to respond to sincere repentance with forgiveness and restoration. This theme echoes throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of repentance and God’s willingness to forgive when His people turn back to Him.
Moving on to verse 21, the promise of restoration stands out. The barren land mentioned symbolizes the desolation that had come upon the people due to their disobedience and sin. However, God promises to restore what has been lost. This promise of restoration is a common theme in the Bible, illustrating God’s faithfulness to His people even in the midst of their failures. It also serves as a reminder of the hope that is found in God’s promises, regardless of present circumstances.
Verse 25 contains the promise of restoration and abundance, with God vowing to repay the years that the locusts had eaten. This promise is a powerful declaration of God’s ability to redeem and replenish what has been lost. It is a message of hope and renewal, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and ability to bring about good even in times of devastation. This promise of restoration echoes throughout the Bible, reinforcing the idea that God is able to turn even the most dire situations into opportunities for blessing and growth. God assures His people of His presence among them in verses 26-27. The mention of the Lord being their God and no one else highlights the exclusivity of their relationship with Him. This reiterates the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God alone, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of provision and protection. The emphasis on God’s presence among His people conveys a sense of comfort and security, emphasizing that God will never leave nor forsake those who belong to Him. Joel 2:18-27 encapsulates themes of repentance, restoration, abundance, and the presence of God. These verses serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and sovereignty in the lives of His people. The message of hope and renewal found in these verses is timeless and applicable to believers of all generations, encouraging them to turn to God in repentance, trust in His promises, and find comfort in His abiding presence.
Joel 2:28-32
Several important sections in Joel 2:28-32 are crucial to understanding its message. Let’s break it down:
- “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” (Joel 2:28)
This verse speaks about a future event, a time when God will pour out His Spirit on all people. This passage is often interpreted as a precursor to the New Testament’s Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples. The mention of sons, daughters, old men, and young men signifies that this outpouring is inclusive and not limited by age or gender. It underscores the accessibility of God’s Spirit to all believers, regardless of their demographics. This inclusivity is a timeless message that emphasizes the equality of all before God and the universal availability of His Spirit to guide and empower His people.
- “Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:29)
This verse further emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s outpouring of the Spirit by specifying that it will be poured out on both men and women, including servants. This declaration is revolutionary in a historical context where societal norms often marginalized or devalued certain groups. It highlights God’s impartiality and His desire to empower all believers, regardless of their social status. This message resonates throughout the Bible, reinforcing the idea that God’s grace and Spirit are available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background.
- “I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.” (Joel 2:30)
This verse introduces a theme of divine intervention and supernatural manifestations. The mention of wonders in the heavens and on the earth, along with imagery of blood, fire, and smoke, conveys a sense of awe and dread. These signs are often associated with the Day of the Lord, a recurrent concept in the Old and New Testaments that signifies a time of divine judgment and restoration. The imagery used in this verse serves as a warning of impending judgment and the need for repentance. Throughout the Bible, such signs are often precursors to significant events or shifts in God’s plan, prompting believers to heed His warnings and turn back to Him.
- “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” (Joel 2:31)
This verse continues the theme of cosmic signs preceding the Day of the Lord. The darkening of the sun and the turning of the moon to blood are symbolic events that signal the approaching judgment and restoration that accompany the Day of the Lord. This imagery is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Revelation, where similar celestial phenomena are described in apocalyptic contexts. These signs serve as reminders of the overarching sovereignty of God over creation and His ultimate authority over all things. The reference to the great and dreadful day of the Lord underscores the dual nature of this event—an occasion of both judgment for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous.
- “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.” (Joel 2:32)
This concluding verse offers hope and assurance amidst the foreboding visions of judgment. It proclaims a message of salvation and deliverance for those who call on the name of the Lord. The mention of Mount Zion and Jerusalem carries profound significance in biblical history, as these locations were central to God’s covenant with His people and His promises of redemption. The promise of deliverance for the survivors whom the Lord calls signifies His faithfulness to His chosen ones, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. This verse encapsulates a central theme of the Bible — the offer of salvation and redemption to all who place their trust in God and call upon His name for deliverance. Joel 2:28-32 conveys a powerful message of God’s inclusive grace, impending judgment, and ultimate salvation. It speaks to the accessibility of God’s Spirit, the signs of divine intervention, and the promise of deliverance for those who remain faithful to Him. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and mercy throughout history, offering hope and encouragement to believers as they navigate the challenges of life.
After Joel 2
The people had turned away from God, and the land was in ruin. But the Lord, in His great mercy, promised to restore what had been lost. He would pour out His Spirit on all people, and the day of the Lord would come. Though the path ahead was uncertain, the faithful could take heart, for the Lord would be their strength and their refuge. The reverend knew that the next chapter would reveal the fulfillment of God’s promise and the people’s ultimate redemption as the current chapter drew to a close.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.