Joel 2:18-32

PROMISE OF JEHOVAH TO AVERT THE JUDGMENT AND TO BESTOW ABUNDANT BLESSINGS, Joel 2:18 to Joel 3:21.

Though not expressly stated, it is implied that the prophet’s exhortation was heeded; the solemn assembly was held, the people turned to Jehovah in penitence, and as a result Jehovah altered his purpose. Now he promises to remove the locusts and to restore prosperity, such as has not been known before, until all will know that Jehovah himself dwells in the midst of the people (Joel 2:18-27). The manifestation of his mercy will not stop there; to the temporal blessings he will add rich spiritual gifts (Joel 2:28-29). When the day of judgment finally comes, introduced by extraordinary phenomena (Joel 2:30-31), it will not strike the chosen people; they will be spared (Joel 2:32), and those who are still in exile will be brought back to Zion (Joel 3:1); but the enemies of the Jews will be annihilated in a terrible conflict in the valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 2:2-16). Zion will continue in the enjoyment of highest felicity under the direct protection of Jehovah, while her enemies will be turned into desolation and ruin (Joel 2:17-21).

The promises, then, refer, on the one hand, to the immediate future (Joel 2:18-27); on the other, to times more remote (Joel 2:28 ff.).