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Joel 2 meaning explained in AI Summary

Joel chapter 2 can be divided into four main sections:

1. The Devastating Invasion (2:1-11):

  • Joel continues his call to repentance, this time describing a devastating locust plague as a metaphor for the coming Day of the Lord.
  • He paints a vivid picture of the locusts' destructive power, leaving behind a desolate landscape.
  • The imagery evokes fear and urgency, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment.

2. A Call to Repentance (2:12-17):

  • Despite the bleak outlook, Joel offers a glimmer of hope.
  • He urges the people to genuinely repent, to "rend their hearts" and not just their garments.
  • He calls for a national fast and a gathering at the temple to seek God's mercy and forgiveness.

3. God's Promise of Restoration (2:18-27):

  • God responds to their repentance with compassion and promises to drive away the locusts, restoring the land to its former glory.
  • He promises abundant harvests, removing the shame of famine and restoring their fortunes.
  • This section emphasizes God's faithfulness to his covenant and his willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to him.

4. The Outpouring of the Spirit (2:28-32):

  • Joel prophesies a time when God will pour out his Spirit on all people, regardless of age, gender, or social standing.
  • This outpouring will be marked by dreams, visions, and prophecy.
  • He concludes by reiterating that those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved on the Day of the Lord, which will be a time of both judgment and deliverance.

Overall, Joel chapter 2 transitions from a message of judgment to one of hope and restoration. It highlights the importance of repentance and God's willingness to forgive and bless those who seek him.

Joel 2 bible study ai commentary

Joel 2 describes the terrifying arrival of the Day of the LORD, using the imagery of an invading army to depict divine judgment. This stark warning is followed by a heartfelt plea from God for His people to return to Him with genuine, not just ritualistic, repentance. The chapter pivots dramatically as God, in His mercy, responds to their turning. He promises to remove the judgment, restore the land's prosperity, vindicate His name, and ultimately pour out His Spirit on all people, offering salvation to all who call upon His name.

Joel 2 Context

This chapter is set in Judah, likely following a catastrophic locust plague and severe drought. The prophet Joel interprets this natural disaster as a divine judgment and a harbinger of a far greater event: the "Day of the LORD." This day is a major Old Testament theme representing a time of God's direct intervention for judgment and salvation. Joel uses the locusts as a living parable, describing them in apocalyptic, military terms to help his audience grasp the terror of God's impending final judgment. The culture was agrarian, making the loss of crops an existential threat that would command the nation's full attention for Joel's message.

Joel 2:1

Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near.

In-depth-analysis

  • Trumpet (Shofar): A ram's horn used to signal significant events: a call to war (Judg 7:18), a coronation, or a religious assembly. Here, it is an urgent alarm of impending divine judgment.
  • Zion/Holy Mountain: Refers to Jerusalem, the center of Israel's worship and God's symbolic dwelling place on earth. The alarm starts from God's own house, indicating judgment begins with His people.
  • Day of the LORD: This is the central theme. It signifies a decisive, future intervention by God in history for both judgment upon the wicked and deliverance for the righteous. This verse establishes its terrifying imminence.

Bible references

  • Zephaniah 1:14-16: 'The great day of the LORD is near... a day of trumpet blast and battle cry...' (Explicitly links the Day of the LORD with a trumpet alarm).
  • Numbers 10:9: 'And if you go to war in your land against the adversary... then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God...' (Shows the trumpet's role in seeking divine help in crisis).
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16: 'For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.' (Echoes the eschatological trumpet sound at Christ's return).

Cross references

Jer 4:5-6 (Sound a trumpet for invasion), Isa 18:3 (Global trumpet signal), Amos 3:6 (Does disaster come without the LORD's doing?), Matt 24:31 (Eschatological trumpet).

Joel 2:2

... 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.

In-depth-analysis

  • Darkness Imagery: The physical darkness caused by a massive locust swarm is used to symbolize the spiritual despair and divine wrath of the Day of the LORD. This is supernatural, not merely meteorological darkness.
  • A Great and Powerful People: This is the locust swarm described as an invading army. The language is hyperbolic to emphasize its divinely empowered, destructive, and unprecedented nature.
  • Unprecedented Event: Stresses the singular and ultimate nature of this judgment. While locust swarms happen, this one serves as a signifier for the final, unique Day of the LORD.

Bible references

  • Exodus 10:21-22: '...Then Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt...' (The plague of darkness in Egypt serves as a historical type of God's judgment).
  • Amos 5:18: 'Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! Why would you have it? It is darkness, and not light.' (Corrects a popular misunderstanding that the day would only be good for Israel).
  • Matthew 27:45: 'Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.' (The darkness at the crucifixion symbolized the moment God's judgment on sin was borne by Christ).

Cross references

Zeph 1:15 (Day of wrath, distress, darkness), Deut 28:29 (Curse of groping in darkness), Jude 1:6 (Angels kept in eternal gloom).

Joel 2:3-9

Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns... Before them peoples are in anguish; all faces grow pale. They run like mighty men... They march each on his way... They burst through the weapons and are not halted.

In-depth-analysis

  • Military Language: The locusts are depicted with the discipline and terror of an elite, invincible army. They run like warriors, climb walls, march in formation, and cannot be stopped.
  • Metaphorical Description: The "fire" is the complete devastation of vegetation, leaving the land barren as if scorched. "Eden... a desolate wilderness" is a powerful contrast showing the totality of the destruction.
  • Supernatural Character: Their relentless, orderly advance suggests a force driven by divine will. No human defense ("weapons") can stop them. This emphasizes that this is God's judgment, not a random natural event.

Bible references

  • Revelation 9:7-9: 'In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle... the sound of their wings was like the sound of many chariots with horses rushing into battle.' (John uses strikingly similar imagery to describe a demonic army in the end times).
  • Isaiah 5:26-28: 'He will raise a signal for a nation far away... their arrows are sharp, all their bows bent... their roaring is like a lion.' (Describes the Assyrian army with similar terms of divine summons and invincibility).

Cross references

Nah 2:4 (Chariots in streets), Jer 5:17 (Devouring the harvest), Jer 51:14 (Babylonians like locusts).

Joel 2:10-11

The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. 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?

In-depth-analysis

  • Cosmic Collapse: The judgment moves from earthly devastation to cosmic upheaval. The shaking of heaven and earth and darkening of celestial bodies show this is a divine, universe-altering event, not a local disaster. This is classic apocalyptic language.
  • The LORD's Army: God explicitly identifies the invading force as "his army" and Himself as the commanding general, "uttering his voice" before them. This removes any doubt about the source of the devastation.
  • Rhetorical Question: "Who can endure it?" The answer is implied: no one, on their own strength. This is meant to crush human pride and lead to utter dependence on God's mercy.

Bible references

  • Isaiah 13:10, 13: 'For the stars of the heavens... will not give their light... Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken...' (Prophecy against Babylon using identical cosmic imagery for the Day of the LORD).
  • Matthew 24:29: 'Immediately after the tribulation... the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light... and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.' (Jesus uses this same prophetic language to describe events preceding His second coming).
  • Revelation 6:17: 'for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?' (An almost direct parallel to Joel's question in the context of the seal judgments).

Cross references

Nah 1:5-6 (Who can stand before his indignation?), Mal 3:2 (Who can endure the day of his coming?).

Joel 2:12-14

"Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 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... Who knows whether he will not turn and relent...?

In-depth-analysis

  • "Yet even now": The pivot point of the entire book. Despite the certainty and terror of the judgment, a path to mercy remains open. Hope is not extinguished.
  • Rend your Hearts: A powerful command contrasting internal, genuine repentance with external, hypocritical displays of sorrow. God desires a change of disposition, not just ritual.
  • God's Character as the Basis for Repentance: The call to return is founded on God's own self-revelation. The description "gracious and merciful, slow to anger..." is a direct quote/allusion to God's self-declaration to Moses. Repentance is logical because of who God is.
  • Word: Hesed (Steadfast love): This is God's covenant loyalty and faithful love. It's the anchor of hope for a covenant people who have been unfaithful.

Bible references

  • Exodus 34:6: 'The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.' (The foundational Old Testament declaration of God's character, which Joel quotes).
  • Jonah 4:2: '...I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love...' (Jonah complains, quoting the same formula, because God showed this mercy to Nineveh).
  • Hosea 6:1, 6: 'Come, let us return to the LORD... For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.' (Parallel theme of sincere, heartfelt return over empty ritual).

Cross references

Psa 51:17 (A broken heart God will not despise), Deut 30:2-3 (Returning with all your heart), Zech 1:3 (Return to me, and I will return to you).

Polemics

Joel's emphasis on a God who is "gracious and merciful" and who responds to sincere repentance stands in stark contrast to the pagan deities of the Ancient Near East, who were often depicted as capricious, easily angered, and appeased only through specific, often transactional, rituals without regard for the worshiper's inner state. Joel presents YHWH as a relational God, whose defining attributes are mercy and love.

Joel 2:15-17

Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children... Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar...

In-depth-analysis

  • Corporate Repentance: The call to repentance is not just for individuals but for the entire community, from the youngest infant to the oldest elder. Even newlyweds, normally exempt from public duties, must participate. The crisis affects everyone, so the response must be collective.
  • Priestly Intercession: The priests are to lead this national lament, positioned "between the porch and the altar," the very heart of the sacrificial system. They are to intercede on the basis of God's reputation.
  • Appeal to God's Honor: Their plea—"Spare your people... Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’"—is a powerful appeal. They ask God to act not just for their sake, but for His own honor, so that His name is not blasphemed among the nations.

Bible references

  • 1 Kings 8:37-39: 'If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence... whatever plea... is made by any man or by all your people Israel... then hear in heaven...' (Solomon's prayer dedicating the temple anticipates such a national moment of crisis and repentance).
  • Exodus 32:12: 'Why should the Egyptians say, "With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains"... Turn from your burning anger and relent...' (Moses uses a similar appeal to God's reputation to save Israel).
  • Psalm 79:9-10: 'Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name... Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"' (A classic example of appealing to God's honor).

Cross references

2 Chron 20:3-4 (Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast), Ezra 8:21 (Fasting to seek a safe journey), Neh 9:1-2 (Solemn assembly of confession).

Joel 2:18-20

Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people. The LORD answered and said to his people, "Behold, I am sending to you grain, new wine, and oil... I will remove the northern army from you... its stench will go up... for he has done great things."

In-depth-analysis

  • God's Response: This verse marks the turning point. "Then the LORD became jealous..." God's response is emotional and protective. His jealousy is a righteous, covenantal passion for His land and His people.
  • Reversal of Judgment: The promise is a direct reversal of the crisis. He will restore the staples of life—grain, wine, and oil. The "northern army" (the locusts, described directionally) will be driven away and utterly destroyed.
  • He has done Great Things: This phrase is ironic. The enemy (the army/locusts) had done "great things" in destruction (v. 20, some translations read 'The LORD has done great things'), but the following verse clarifies that it is the LORD who will do truly great things in restoration (v. 21).

Bible references

  • Deuteronomy 32:36: 'For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone.' (The principle of God showing compassion when His people are helpless and repentant).
  • Zechariah 1:14: 'Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.' (A post-exilic echo of God's zealous love for His people and city).
  • Exodus 10:19: 'And the LORD turned the wind... and it lifted up the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea...' (The historical precedent for God supernaturally removing a locust plague from Egypt).

Cross references

Psa 102:13 (Time to favor Zion has come), Jer 31:12 (Joy over grain and wine), Ezek 39:25 (Jealousy for my holy name).

Joel 2:21-27

"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things! ... the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit... I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten... You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God... and you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel..."

In-depth-analysis

  • Comprehensive Restoration: The restoration is not partial but complete, affecting the land, animals, and people. It addresses both the physical devastation and the spiritual shame.
  • Restoring the Years: This is a profound promise that goes beyond mere replacement of lost crops. It speaks to God's ability to redeem lost time and opportunities, to make up for the damage in a way that seems impossible. It is a promise of supernatural and abundant blessing.
  • The Ultimate Goal: Knowledge of God: The purpose of this restoration is theological. God blesses them so that "you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other." His actions are meant to confirm His unique presence and power, and vindicate His people from shame.

Bible references

  • Leviticus 26:4-5: '...I will give you your rains in their season... and you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely.' (A classic covenant promise of blessing for obedience, now given in grace).
  • Isaiah 61:7: 'Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion... therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.' (The principle of God restoring more than was lost).
  • John 6:35: 'Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger..."' (Christ fulfills the longing for ultimate satisfaction, which earthly grain only prefigures).

Cross references

Ezek 34:26-27 (Showers of blessing), Psa 23:1, 5 (The LORD is my shepherd; my cup overflows), Rom 8:28 (God works all things for good).

Joel 2:28-29 (Hebrew 3:1-2)

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. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

In-depth-analysis

  • Afterward: This signals a shift from the immediate physical restoration to a future, eschatological salvation.
  • Pour out My Spirit: This is one of the most significant prophecies in the Old Testament. In the OT, the Holy Spirit was given selectively to certain individuals (prophets, kings, judges) for specific tasks. Joel foresees a time of universal outpouring.
  • On All Flesh: This is a radical democratization of the Spirit's presence. It breaks down all societal barriers: age ("old men... young men"), gender ("sons... daughters"), and social status ("male and female servants"). This was revolutionary.
  • Word: Ruach (Spirit): The same word for wind or breath, signifying God's life-giving power and presence.

Bible references

  • Acts 2:16-18: 'But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: "...I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh..."' (Peter's sermon at Pentecost directly quotes this passage, identifying its initial and decisive fulfillment in the birth of the Church).
  • Numbers 11:29: 'But Moses said... "Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"' (Joel's prophecy is the ultimate fulfillment of Moses's deep longing).
  • Galatians 3:28: 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (The social implications of Joel's prophecy are realized in the community of Christ).

Cross references

Isa 44:3 (I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring), Ezek 39:29 (I will have poured out my Spirit), Joh 7:39 (What he said about the Spirit).

Joel 2:30-32 (Hebrew 3:3-5)

"And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be a remnant, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls."

In-depth-analysis

  • Return to Apocalyptic Signs: Before the final "Day," cosmic signs will reappear, echoing the warnings from verses 10-11. This frames the era of the Spirit as the time of salvation before the final judgment.
  • The Means of Salvation: Amidst the terrifying signs, a clear and simple path to deliverance is given: "everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Salvation is not based on merit, but on calling out to God in faith.
  • The Remnant: Salvation is universal in its offer ("everyone") but specific in its realization. It will be for the "remnant," the "survivors," those "whom the LORD calls." This highlights the doctrine of divine election alongside human response.
  • Zion as a Place of Escape: Mount Zion and Jerusalem, once the center of the alarm (v. 1), become the symbolic source of deliverance.

Bible references

  • Acts 2:19-21: '...and I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below... and it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' (Peter also quotes this section, connecting the offer of salvation directly to his listeners on Pentecost).
  • Romans 10:13: 'For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."' (Paul uses this verse as a cornerstone of his argument that salvation through faith in Christ is available to both Jew and Gentile).
  • Revelation 6:12: '...the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood.' (The final Day of the LORD in Revelation features the same cosmic signs prophesied by Joel).

Cross references

Obad 1:17 (On Mount Zion there shall be deliverance), Isa 11:11 (The Lord will recover the remnant), Acts 4:12 (No other name by which we must be saved), Rom 11:5 (A remnant chosen by grace).

Joel chapter 2 analysis

  • Typological Progression: Joel 2 operates on multiple levels. The historical locust plague is a type of the coming judgment. The restoration of the land is a type of the spiritual blessings of the new covenant. The deliverance in Jerusalem is a type of the ultimate salvation found in Christ.
  • The Day of the LORD as a Process: The chapter demonstrates that the Day of the LORD is not a single 24-hour event. It has a "near" fulfillment (historical judgment) and a "far" fulfillment (final, cosmic judgment). The era of the Spirit (v. 28) is inaugurated before the final, awesome Day arrives (v. 31), creating a period for salvation.
  • Divine Initiative and Human Response: The chapter holds in perfect tension God's sovereign execution of judgment and promise of restoration (He sends the army, He removes it, He pours out His Spirit) and the necessity of human response (the call to return with all one's heart and call on His name).
  • From Law to Gospel: The first half of the chapter is a terrifying depiction of the consequence of sin under God's law. The second half is a beautiful picture of grace. The pivot is the character of God (v. 13), which makes repentance possible and forms the basis for the promises of restoration and the gift of the Spirit, a core movement of the biblical gospel.

Joel 2 summary

Joel 2 powerfully depicts the Day of the LORD, beginning with a terrifying alarm of imminent, inescapable judgment for sin. It then dramatically shifts, offering a path of hope through a passionate call for sincere corporate repentance, based on God's merciful character. God responds with promises of complete physical and spiritual restoration, culminating in the monumental prophecy that He will pour out His Spirit on all people, creating a new covenant community of salvation for all who call on His name before the final day of judgment.

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Joel chapter 2 kjv

  1. 1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
  2. 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
  3. 3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
  4. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
  5. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
  6. 6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
  7. 7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
  8. 8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
  9. 9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
  10. 10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
  11. 11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
  12. 12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
  13. 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
  14. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
  15. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
  16. 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
  17. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
  18. 18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
  19. 19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
  20. 20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
  21. 21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
  22. 22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
  23. 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
  24. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
  25. 25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
  26. 26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
  27. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
  28. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
  29. 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
  30. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
  31. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
  32. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.

Joel chapter 2 nkjv

  1. 1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the LORD is coming, For it is at hand:
  2. 2 A day of darkness and gloominess, A day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations.
  3. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them, And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them.
  4. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like swift steeds, so they run.
  5. 5 With a noise like chariots Over mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array.
  6. 6 Before them the people writhe in pain; All faces are drained of color.
  7. 7 They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like men of war; Every one marches in formation, And they do not break ranks.
  8. 8 They do not push one another; Every one marches in his own column. Though they lunge between the weapons, They are not cut down.
  9. 9 They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief.
  10. 10 The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness.
  11. 11 The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it?
  12. 12 "Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning."
  13. 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.
  14. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him? A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?
  15. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly;
  16. 16 Gather the people, Sanctify the congregation, Assemble the elders, Gather the children and nursing babes; Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, And the bride from her dressing room.
  17. 17 Let the priests, who minister to the LORD, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O LORD, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' "
  18. 18 Then the LORD will be zealous for His land, And pity His people.
  19. 19 The LORD will answer and say to His people, "Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.
  20. 20 "But I will remove far from you the northern army, And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, With his face toward the eastern sea And his back toward the western sea; His stench will come up, And his foul odor will rise, Because he has done monstrous things."
  21. 21 Fear not, O land; Be glad and rejoice, For the LORD has done marvelous things!
  22. 22 Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; For the open pastures are springing up, And the tree bears its fruit; The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.
  23. 23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you? The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month.
  24. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.
  25. 25 "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.
  26. 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 be put to shame.
  27. 27 Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
  28. 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, Your young men shall see visions.
  29. 29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
  30. 30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
  31. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
  32. 32 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

Joel chapter 2 niv

  1. 1 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?
  2. 2 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.
  3. 3 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.
  4. 4 They have the appearance of horses; they gallop along like cavalry.
  5. 5 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.
  6. 6 At the sight of them, nations are in anguish; every face turns pale.
  7. 7 They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. They all march in line, not swerving from their course.
  8. 8 They do not jostle each other; each marches straight ahead. They plunge through defenses without breaking ranks.
  9. 9 They rush upon the city; they run along the wall. They climb into the houses; like thieves they enter through the windows.
  10. 10 Before them the earth shakes, the heavens tremble, the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars no longer shine.
  11. 11 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?
  12. 12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
  13. 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
  14. 14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing? grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God.
  15. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.
  16. 16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.
  17. 17 Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, LORD. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'?"
  18. 18 Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.
  19. 19 The LORD replied to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.
  20. 20 "I will drive the northern horde far from you, pushing it into a parched and barren land; its eastern ranks will drown in the Dead Sea and its western ranks in the Mediterranean Sea. And its stench will go up; its smell will rise." Surely he has done great things!
  21. 21 Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the LORD has done great things!
  22. 22 Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
  23. 23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
  24. 24 The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
  25. 25 "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten? the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm? my great army that I sent among you.
  26. 26 You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.
  27. 27 Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.
  28. 28 "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.
  29. 29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
  30. 30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
  31. 31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
  32. 32 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 chapter 2 esv

  1. 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; it is near,
  2. 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. 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. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run.
  5. 5 As with the rumbling of chariots, they leap on the tops of the mountains, like the crackling of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, like a powerful army drawn up for battle.
  6. 6 Before them peoples are in anguish; all faces grow pale.
  7. 7 Like warriors they charge; like soldiers they scale the wall. They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths.
  8. 8 They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.
  9. 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. 10 The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
  11. 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. 12 "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
  13. 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. 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. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly;
  16. 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. 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. 18 Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.
  19. 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. 20 "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. 21 "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things!
  22. 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. 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. 24 "The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
  25. 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. 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. 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. 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. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
  30. 30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke.
  31. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.
  32. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.

Joel chapter 2 nlt

  1. 1 Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem !
    Raise the alarm on my holy mountain!
    Let everyone tremble in fear
    because the day of the LORD is upon us.
  2. 2 It is a day of darkness and gloom,
    a day of thick clouds and deep blackness.
    Suddenly, like dawn spreading across the mountains,
    a great and mighty army appears.
    Nothing like it has been seen before
    or will ever be seen again.
  3. 3 Fire burns in front of them,
    and flames follow after them.
    Ahead of them the land lies
    as beautiful as the Garden of Eden.
    Behind them is nothing but desolation;
    not one thing escapes.
  4. 4 They look like horses;
    they charge forward like warhorses.
  5. 5 Look at them as they leap along the mountaintops.
    Listen to the noise they make ? like the rumbling of chariots,
    like the roar of fire sweeping across a field of stubble,
    or like a mighty army moving into battle.
  6. 6 Fear grips all the people;
    every face grows pale with terror.
  7. 7 The attackers march like warriors
    and scale city walls like soldiers.
    Straight forward they march,
    never breaking rank.
  8. 8 They never jostle each other;
    each moves in exactly the right position.
    They break through defenses
    without missing a step.
  9. 9 They swarm over the city
    and run along its walls.
    They enter all the houses,
    climbing like thieves through the windows.
  10. 10 The earth quakes as they advance,
    and the heavens tremble.
    The sun and moon grow dark,
    and the stars no longer shine.
  11. 11 The LORD is at the head of the column.
    He leads them with a shout.
    This is his mighty army,
    and they follow his orders.
    The day of the LORD is an awesome, terrible thing.
    Who can possibly survive?
  12. 12 That is why the LORD says,
    "Turn to me now, while there is time.
    Give me your hearts.
    Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
  13. 13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief,
    but tear your hearts instead."
    Return to the LORD your God,
    for he is merciful and compassionate,
    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
    He is eager to relent and not punish.
  14. 14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve,
    sending you a blessing instead of this curse.
    Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine
    to the LORD your God as before.
  15. 15 Blow the ram's horn in Jerusalem!
    Announce a time of fasting;
    call the people together
    for a solemn meeting.
  16. 16 Gather all the people ?
    the elders, the children, and even the babies.
    Call the bridegroom from his quarters
    and the bride from her private room.
  17. 17 Let the priests, who minister in the LORD's presence,
    stand and weep between the entry room to the Temple and the altar.
    Let them pray, "Spare your people, LORD!
    Don't let your special possession become an object of mockery.
    Don't let them become a joke for unbelieving foreigners who say,
    'Has the God of Israel left them?'"
  18. 18 Then the LORD will pity his people
    and jealously guard the honor of his land.
  19. 19 The LORD will reply,
    "Look! I am sending you grain and new wine and olive oil,
    enough to satisfy your needs.
    You will no longer be an object of mockery
    among the surrounding nations.
  20. 20 I will drive away these armies from the north.
    I will send them into the parched wastelands.
    Those in the front will be driven into the Dead Sea,
    and those at the rear into the Mediterranean.
    The stench of their rotting bodies will rise over the land."
    Surely the LORD has done great things!
  21. 21 Don't be afraid, O land.
    Be glad now and rejoice,
    for the LORD has done great things.
  22. 22 Don't be afraid, you animals of the field,
    for the wilderness pastures will soon be green.
    The trees will again be filled with fruit;
    fig trees and grapevines will be loaded down once more.
  23. 23 Rejoice, you people of Jerusalem!
    Rejoice in the LORD your God!
    For the rain he sends demonstrates his faithfulness.
    Once more the autumn rains will come,
    as well as the rains of spring.
  24. 24 The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain,
    and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.
  25. 25 The LORD says, "I will give you back what you lost
    to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts,
    the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts.
    It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.
  26. 26 Once again you will have all the food you want,
    and you will praise the LORD your God,
    who does these miracles for you.
    Never again will my people be disgraced.
  27. 27 Then you will know that I am among my people Israel,
    that I am the LORD your God, and there is no other.
    Never again will my people be disgraced.
  28. 28 "Then, after doing all those things,
    I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
    Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
    Your old men will dream dreams,
    and your young men will see visions.
  29. 29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
    even on servants ? men and women alike.
  30. 30 And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth ?
    blood and fire and columns of smoke.
  31. 31 The sun will become dark,
    and the moon will turn blood red
    before that great and terrible day of the LORD arrives.
  32. 32 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD
    will be saved,
    for some on Mount Zion in Jerusalem will escape,
    just as the LORD has said.
    These will be among the survivors
    whom the LORD has called.
  1. Bible Book of Joel
  2. 1 An Invasion of Locusts
  3. 2 The Day of the Lord
  4. 3 The Lord Judges the Nations