Joel

The destruction of the day of the Lord could be averted only by genuine national repentance and seeking the Lord's mercy with faith. (On the nature and importance of Joel's call for repentance, see the introduction to Joel.)

The invading army is identified as "the northern army" (literally, "the northerner"). This term would not be appropriate for a locust plague, which came from the south or southeast. The geography of Palestine is such that enemies had to attack either from the north or the south, but typically an enemy is described as coming from the north (Isa. 14:31; 41:25; Jer. 1:13-15; 4:6; 6:1; 10:22; 25:9; Ezek. 38:15; 39:2; Zeph. 2:13; Zech. 2:6-7). On the stench left by this divinely slain army compare Isaiah 34:2-3, which describes an eschatological destruction of God's enemies.

These verses describe a reversal of the devastation brought by the locust plague of 1:2-20. Garrett notes that the command not to fear is characteristic of Isaiah's salvation messages (Isa. 40:9-11; 41:10,13,14; 43:1,5; 44:2-3; 54:4; also Jer. 30:10; 46:27-28). In verse 23 the phrase "autumn rains in righteousness" also may be translated "teacher of/for righteousness" (see Job 36:22; Prov. 5:13; Isa. 30:20). It may be a reference or at least an allusion to the messianic seed of Abraham, the prophet promised in Deuteronomy 18:15, who would bring righteousness to the believing remnant (see Jer. 33:14-17).

These verses in all their fullness describe events associated with Christ's return to remove evil and to rule in righteousness, when all believers will have the privileges and abilities of prophets (see Jer. 31:33-34). But the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 inaugurated Christ's rule in an incipient form. For at that time, God gave His Spirit to all believers as a down payment of more to come (Eph. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5).

At the final day of the Lord, God will destroy all His enemies and deliver and bless all who trust Him. Converted Israel will be gathered into their land, and the other nations will come against them (see Rev. 16:13-16). God will deliver Israel and judge the nations not only for their unbelief but also for the way they have treated God's people (see Ezek. 38-39; Zech. 14). After judging the nations, the Lord will bless His people with His presence, with an abundance of good things, and with perpetual security (see Jer. 23:3-8; 30:7-11; 32:37-44; 33:6-18; 46:27-28; Ezek. 28:24-26; 34:22-31; Hos. 2:14-23).

Theological and Ethical Significance. Ruin and destruction lie ahead for all who do not know and trust the Lord. But all who belong to Him through repentance and faith are promised His indwelling presence, as well as eternal abundance, total satisfaction, and security. Believers feeling outnumbered and bullied by the world should be encouraged to know that all the worldly powers someday will be assembled before the Lord to receive His justice. Believers should consider times of crisis as opportunities for reflection on the character of our lives, especially our relationship with the Lord. For unbelievers these are opportunities to recognize our vulnerability and our need for a relationship with the living God.

Finley, T. J. Joel, Amos, Obadiah. Chicago: Moody, 1990.

Garrett, D. A. Hosea, Joel. New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1997.

Hubbard, David Allan. Joel & Amos: An Introduction and Commentary. TOTC. Leicester: InterVarsity, 1989.

Patterson, R. D. "Joel." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985.