Joel 2

1 the trumpet. Or, “the cornet”; employed to summon the people to a solemn fast.

2 darkness . . . gloominess . . . clouds . . . thick darkness. Here, as in i. 4, four nearly synonymous words are used to depict this terrible visitation, the darkness of which shall spread as irresistibly and widely as the morning light does over all the land.

4 as the appearance of horses. Locusts have heads much resembling those of horses, so that they are called by the Italians cavilette, or little horses. So in German, Heupferde.

5. Like the noise of chariots, etc. The loud noise made by locusts, both in flying and in feeding, has been noticed by many travellers.

6 shall gather blackness. Rather, as R.V., “are waxed pale.”

7 they shall not break their ranks. They shall advance in a dense and unbroken phalanx: see Prov. xxx. 27.

8 when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. Rather, as R.V., “And they burst through the weapons, and break not off [their course].” Weapons or missiles are useless to stay their progress.

11 the Lord shall utter His voice, etc. The rolling thunder heightens the terror of the scene: and the mind is led onward to a more fearful day of the Eternal, in prospect of which the exhortation to repent acquires new force. Cp. Mal. iii. 2.

13 rend your heart, and not your garments. Not the outward expression only, but the inward repentance is required.

14 a meat (meal) offering, etc. Removing the visitation which had caused these offerings to cease: see i. 9.

16 elders. The old men.

gather the children, etc. Those who would commonly be excused from appearing in public congregations should now come forth: see Deut. xxiv. 5. Even the infants are to be carried in their parents’ arms.

17 between the porch and the altar. i.e., in the priests’ court, between the altar of burnt offering and the holy place.

18. Then will the Lord, etc. Rather to be read as historical, introducing what follows: “Then the Eternal was jealous for His land, and had compassion upon His people (19). And the Eternal answered and said.”

20 the northern [army]. Coming into Palestine (as locusts sometimes do) from Syria.

the east sea. i.e., the Dead Sea.

the utmost sea. Rather, “the hinder (i.e., the western) sea”; the Mediterranean.

his stink. Referring to the putrid heaps of dead locusts.

he hath done great things. He hath dealt proudly. But God will be exalted over him (21).

21. Fear not, O land. The prophet, in a striking and beautiful climax, calls first on the land, then (22) on the animal creation, and lastly (23) upon men, to welcome the return of blessing.

23. For He hath given you the former rain moderately. Rather, “For He giveth you the former rain in due measure”: see R.V.

in the first [month]. Better “as of old” (so Luther, the French version, and Moffatt, following Septuagint and Vulgate). The “early rain” in the autumn, causing the seed to germinate, and the “latter rain” in the spring, ripening the crop.

25 the years. Generally speaking, an invasion of locusts is for one year only; but the effect of it continues unto the next, the seed having been destroyed with the crops. Cp. ch. i. 4.

28. I will pour out My Spirit. God’s Spirit had been with His Church from the beginning; but His influences were to be extended in the Church itself and beyond it, to Gentiles as well as Jews, to “all flesh.” On this whole passage, see Acts ii. 16-21.

29 upon the servants and upon the handmaids. Male and female slaves. The most despised classes in society shall participate in these Divine influences.

31. The sun shall be turned into darkness, etc. Imagery taken from eclipses. Cp. Matt. xxiv. 29 and Rev. vi. 12.

32 shall be deliverance. Rather, “shall be the escaped”; referring to those who “call upon the name of Jehovah,” and are “saved”; see R.V.