Joel 2:17-27

17 The priests, serving the Lord ¹ between the altar and the entrance of the Temple, must weep and pray: "Have pity on your people, Lord. Do not let other nations despise us and mock us by saying, "Where is your God?' "

18 Then the Lord showed concern for his land; he had mercy on his people.

19 He answered them: "Now I am going to give you grain and wine and olive oil, and you will be satisfied. Other nations will no longer despise you.

20 I will remove the locust army that came from the north and will drive some of them into the desert. Their front ranks will be driven into the Dead Sea, their rear ranks into the Mediterranean. Their dead bodies will stink. I will destroy them because of all they have done to you.

21 "Fields, don't be afraid, but be joyful and glad because of all the Lord has done for you.

22 Animals, don't be afraid. The pastures are green; the trees bear their fruit, and there are plenty of figs and grapes.

23 "Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you. He has given you the right amount of autumn rain; ^[a] he has poured down the winter rain for you and the spring rain as before.

24 The threshing places will be full of grain; the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.

25 I will give you back what you lost in the years when swarms of locusts ate your crops. It was I who sent this army against you.

26 Now you will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied. You will praise the Lord your God, who has done wonderful things for you. My people will never be despised again.

27 Then, Israel, you will know that I am among you and that I, the Lord, am your God and there is no other. My people will never be despised again.

Joel 2:17-27 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOEL 2

In this chapter a further account is given of the judgment of the locusts and caterpillars, or of those who are designed by them, Joe 2:1-11; the people of the Jews are called to repentance, humiliation, and fasting, urged from the grace and goodness of God, his jealousy and pity for his people, and the answer of prayer that might he expected from him upon this, even to the removal of the calamity, Joe 2:12-20; a prophecy of good things, both temporal and spiritual, in the times of the Messiah, is delivered out as matter and occasion of great joy, Joe 2:21-27; and another concerning the effusion of the Spirit, which was fulfilled an the day of Pentecost, Joe 2:28-29; and the chapter is concluded with the judgments and desolations that should come upon the land of Judea after this, for their rejection of Christ, though the remnant according to the election of grace should be delivered and saved from the general destruction, Joe 2:30-32.

Cross References

• 1. +22.171 Maccabees 7.36-38.

Footnotes

• [a]. right amount of autumn rain; [or] autumn rain because he is just.