Joel 2:23

23. Children of Zion In the narrower sense this expression includes only the inhabitants of Jerusalem; here probably all who suffered from the locusts, the inhabitants of Judah. Especially in a religious community the capital might stand for the whole land, for in it the whole life was centered.

In Jehovah In their rejoicing they are to remember that it is the mercy of Jehovah that has caused the transformation.

The former rain moderately R.V., “the former rain in just measure”; margin, “a teacher of righteousness”; or, rendering the first word “former rain,” it translates the second “according to righteousness”; margin R.V., “in (or, for) righteousness.” It has been well said that “from time immemorial there has been a diversity of opinion as to the meaning of these words.” The teacher unto righteousness is a perfectly correct translation; it is the translation and interpretation of ancient Jewish commentators, and is adopted by a few moderns (Merx, Von Orelli, Keil, and others). The expression is explained by passages such as 1 Kings 8:36; 2 Chronicles 6:27, according to which “the answer to prayer for rain must be preceded by divine instruction respecting the good way” (Von Orelli). There is a difference of opinion, however, as to who is this teacher. Some suppose him to be the Messiah, some a future teacher, some the ideal teacher or the collective body of messengers from God, others the prophet Joel himself, and still others the entire procession of teachers culminating in the Messiah. While the possibility of this translation is readily admitted, the rendering embodied in the text is preferable, because (1) the “teacher unto righteousness” would be a spiritual gift, but we do not expect a reference to a spiritual gift here. The blessings announced in this section are purely physical the destruction of the locusts and the restoration of fertility. The announcement of the higher spiritual gifts marks a distinct advance, and these are not expected by the prophet until a more distant future. (2) The word moreh is used again in the last clause of the verse, where it refers undoubtedly to “early rain.” It is at least doubtful that the prophet, anxious to be understood, would use, without explanation, the two words in so close connection with different meanings. On the whole, the rendering “former rain” is more satisfactory.

Moderately Or, in just measure. It is exceedingly doubtful that the word sedhakah is ever used in the physical sense of correctness or correct measure, as is implied in the above rendering. It seems to be used exclusively in an ethical sense; therefore here better, “according to righteousness” (Hosea 10:12), that is, as Jehovah’s righteousness prompts him (Isaiah 42:6; Isaiah 45:13); which means, in abundant measure. This is more satisfactory than the translation of Ewald and others, “rain for justification” the rain which is a sign that they are adopted again into the righteous consideration of God.

Rain Hebrews geshem. General term for abundant rain, but especially the heavy rains beginning, as a rule, toward the close of October and continuing until February.

Former rain The rains at the opening of the rainy season, September-October.

Latter rain The showers of March and April. Since they come just before the dry season sets in, they are of the greatest importance in Palestine.

In the first month The first month would be Nisan, March-April, which is the time for the latter rain, but it could not be connected with the former rain as it seems to be connected in the text. If the Hebrew text is correct it is better translated, with the margin, “at the first,” in contrast with “afterward” (Joel 2:28) when the spiritual gifts are bestowed. Some of the ancient versions, followed by some modern scholars, read “as before,” that is, before the calamity. This gives excellent sense, and requires but a slight emendation of the text. Wellhausen suggests to omit the second “former rain,” since it appears to be a useless repetition. If this suggestion is accepted we have in this text the three principal rains of the season in their regular order; all three are essential for fertility, therefore Jehovah will restore them.